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Fused glass refers to glass objects made in a glass kiln. Unlike traditional stained glass, which is worked cold, or blown glass, which is produced at temperatures exceeding 2000 degrees F., fused glass is worked in a middle range. Different layers or specially cut pieces are "full fused" together between 1350-1500 degrees F., allowing them to sink completely into one another. Pieces can be merely attached to each other without blending so completely by "tack fusing" them between 1250-1350 degrees F. In an additional step, the fused glass can then be "slumped" into or "draped" over molds between 1100-1250 degrees F. to make dishes, bowls, plates, vases and the like.
Depending on the different kinds of glass and the desired effects, firing schedules for the kiln can be quite complex, involving different "ramp" speeds (rate of rise or fall in temperature) and different "soak" times (holding at a particular temperature). Firings can last from as short as four hours for small items such as jewelry cabochons to as long as several days for large, thick pieces. It is common to find Lucie checking the result of an all-night firing before having breakfast.
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