Fused Glass

To create fused glass products, pieces of glass are layered, then slowly kiln-fired at varying rates. The degrees of temperature are increased until they fuse into one piece. Then the temperatures and rates of cooling are slowly controlled in a two step process to anneal the glass, which strengthens and hardens the glass, reducing its brittleness. Consequently, although testing this yourself is not recommended, your fused glass piece may not break if it is dropped.

Glass fusing is not a new technique. Fused glass items were produced long before glass blowing became the dominant glass art form around the first century. In the mid to late 1980's the art form experienced a revival. More recently there has been an increased interest in the glass fusing technique as an art form. A line of products has now been specifically created and tested for making fused glass products. This special glass has been used in all Martin's Glass House Functional and Fine Art.

To preserve the beauty and clarity of your glassware, washing it in hot, soapy water is recommended. Although it may be dishwasher cleaned, over time the surface may become scratched and dull due to harsh detergents. Fused glass products are food safe, with the exception of those containing dichroic glass. Please do not use dichroic glass pieces for food purposes.