Author: Alison Foshee

Reactions with Copper Try fusing samples of Reactive Cloud Opal and Reactive Ice Clear with our copper-bearing glasses or copper leaf or silver foil. Their chemistries may react at the interface, resulting in special colors and effects. Reactions range from subtle to dramatic and can prove quite versatile in art and design. Reactions with Sulfur…

Bullseye’s red, orange, and yellow-hued glass styles contain the element, cadmium, which tends to be more sensitive to heatwork than other colorants. This document explores how to work successfully with Bullseye’s cadmium-bearing glass styles. Heatwork within Bullseye’s Tested-Compatible Range Bullseye tests all cadmium-bearing glasses within its fusible (Grade-F) glass styles to guarantee they will withstand…

When properly applied, Invisible Shield Protectant Gel (008799) brings out luster and gives dry, matte surfaces the sealed appearance of a low-temperature firepolish. Unfired, unsealed sandblasted surfaces have a “dry” appearance that can show fingerprints and other oils. Ideal for glass that has been sandblasted or coldworkedwith loose grit, or in cases where firepolishing isn’t…

SilkeMat (008790) & SilkeMat Rigidizer (007792) SilkeMat’s refractory fiber blanket and ridigizer form quite the dynamic duo. They’re easy to work with, versatile, and can be used to make longlasting, custom drop-out molds. Here’s a guide on just one of the many ways you can put them to work. Download the article for visual examples…

When I put it in the kiln, the glass was blue. When I took it out, it was the color of mild steel. When I fire it again, it was blue. What’s going on? On the surface, Bullseye’s Steel Blue Opalescent glass (000146) is a deep teal blue. In transmission, it shows a slight shift…

Accu-Cast Bodygel 880* is an easily mixed alginate that sets in 5–10 minutes. If kept in a sealed container and treated carefully, it can last a few weeks. Mixing Accu-Cast Bodygel 880* The manufacturer recommends mixing it 4 parts water to 1 part Accu-Cast Bodygel* by weight. We have had success mixing it 7 parts…

Ready to make the world a brighter place? With the full range of Bullseye Glass, your palette of colorful possibilities is practically limitless. A Quick Word on Strikers If you’re new to using Bullseye colors for stained glass, we trust you’ll enjoy exploring our unparalleled palette. First, however, it helps to understand what we call…

ThinFire is a ceramic-impregnated shelf paper that provides excellent separation between glass and kiln shelf. Compared to other ceramic fiber materials, ThinFire is lightweight, creates less binder burnout odor, and produces a glossier finish on the shelf side of your project. As an alternative to shelf primer, ThinFire reduces shelf preparation time and improves surface…

Bullseye Vermiculite Board is stronger and more durable than most fiberboard used for making casting molds. Here are some tips for handling it successfully. Download the article to learn about vermiculite box assembly.

You can make permanent marks on your glass projects with these underglaze pencils. Using the Pencil The pencil requires the friction of a rough surface to make a mark. Think of this as equivalent to “tooth” in paper. You can achieve this surface several ways: If extremely precise lines are important, work on the flattest…

Color Line screen paste offers the ability to add high-pigmentation design elements and imagery onto sheet glass with no powdered enamels to mix. Pastes come ready to print, and are available in a wide range of mixable colors. Preparation The working consistency of color line screen paste should be close to that of honey. New…

Milestone decals are printed on water-release backing paper coated with an adhesive made from cornstarch. A layer of wax paper protects vthe decal. For best results, apply decals to prefired glass. We also recommend firing these decals on the surface, not between layers. (For supplemental video instructions, pleasevisit videos.bullseyeglass.com.) Applying the Decal Clean your glass…

Once you know the weight of your piece, use the chart in the article to select the right cleat(s). This article shows specs for 3˝,6˝, and 12˝ cleats. See the video Attaching French Cleats at videos.bullseyeglass.com. In this free lesson, you’ll learn how to design and calculate basic requirements for a French cleat hanging system,…

Like Opaline sheet glass, Opaline frit is a unique translucent style that transmits cool tones or warm fiery effects depending on how the light hits it. Challenge Opaline frit tends to strike/go opaque with extensive heatwork. Solution Kilnforming tests show that Opaline frit begins to develop color at 1400°F (760°C) and remains relatively stable through…

Zyp Boron Nitride Aerosol Lubricoat (008714) is a separator that can be applied to ceramic casting molds as a release between mold and glass. It can be very effective and easy to use—win win! General Directions for Using Zyp on a Ceramic Casting Mold First Firing Subsequent Firings Download the article for information on spray…

Whether you want to avoid reactions, or harness them as exciting design elements, this chart shows which combinations are most likely to react. Bullseye Glass styles are arranged based on their chemical composition—lead, copper, sulfur/selenium-bearing and others that react with silver. In addition, the chart shows styles that do not contain lead, copper or sulfur…

Reusable mold by Colour de Verre, Aralia Leaf (020016) “The design for the Aralia Leaf looks tropical, but the plant actual thrives in the American Pacific Northwest. The mold started as pristine leaf selected from one of these plants. A plaster duplicate was made so the delicate details could be refined. Through a backand-forth of…

Reusable mold by Colour de Verre, Branches (020005), Pinecones and Leaves (020003), Instructions direct from Colour de Verre on how to create your own delicate glass forest.

Reusable mold by Colour de Verre “The cabbage leaf motif is often seen in both modern and antique majolica ware. The Colour de Verre design has an abundance of detail so very realistic cast glass leaves can be created. The integrated slumping surface on the mold’s reverse side adds to the realism by creating plates…

Reusable mold by Colour de Verre, Feather (020017) “Feathers are a design element that appears again and again in both decorative and functional pieces. Colour de Verre’s Feather design has an abundance of detail that helps the artist produce highly crafted finished pieces.” —Colour de Verre

Reusable mold by Colour de Verre “Flaming Heart imagery used to be only seen in religious paintings, drawings, and statuary. However, in recent years, it can be seen everywhere from high fashion runways to hipsters’ tattoos.” —Colour de Verre

Reusable mold by Colour de Verre, Holiday Stars (020011) “Our Holiday Stars are a great way to brighten up the drabness of winter days. They are perfect decorations for a holiday tree, window, or even an office cubical.” —Colour de Verre

Reusable mold by Colour de Verre, (020015) “Kiwi vines are a common sight in Portland gardens. Their big, broad leaves create lush canopies when grown on arbors and pergolas. This mold started as a leaf from a kiwi vine that grows in the front of our studio. The leaves cast from the resulting mold can…

Reusable mold by Colour de Verre, Large Round Box (020002) “There is plenty of room for creativity with this design. Fill the mold with frit, sheet glass, or a combination of the two. The large lid is a great “canvas” for embellishment with cast or precut pieces. The design consists of two molds. One mold,…

Reusable mold by Colour de Verre, Monstera Leaf (020013) “Visit any place tropical and you will see monstera plants climbing up trees so their huge leaves can drink in the sunlight.” —Colour de Verre

Reusable mold by Colour de Verre, Northwoods Maple Leaf (020006) “If you are looking to create a quick house gift for a friend, this design is for you. Create an autumn leaf by filling the mold with mixtures of red, oranges, and yellows or a spring version with greens. Flip the mold to discover a…

Reusable mold by Colour de Verre, Offset Pendants (020008) “The Offset Square Pendants and Offset Round Pendants can be filled in a multitude of ways creating everything from simple, everyday jewelry to dramatic, one-of-a-kind pieces.” —Colour de Verre

Reusable mold by Colour de Verre, Pillow Pendants (020007) “Colour de Verre’s Pillow Pendants leave plenty of room for creativity and customization. Results can be simple and understated or elegant.” —Colour de Verre

Classic, flexible and modular jewelry design pieces, (020009 & 020023) “Our Bead designs are contemporary, fashionable, and practical. They are easy-to make and great-to-give since the recipientcan further customize the piece by adding, removing, and rearranging the beads to create a whole new look.” —Colour de Verre

Reusable mold by Colour de Verre, Snowflakes (020012, 020018, 020019) “Our Snowflakes designs produce light and delicate snowflakes that celebrate the austere beauty of winter. They can be hung most anywhere and make the perfect “little gift” for friends and coworkers. If you want, you can tack fuse them to holiday plates and platters. They…

Advice directly from Colour de Verre on how to be successful and have fun using their molds. Tips include information on using Zyp spray, firing the mold, cleanup, and more.

In depth discussion on casting Colour de Verre box forms with multiple components “This project sheet provides the reader with all the basics – fill weights, schedules, and techniques – for using Colour de Verre’s box base and lid casting molds. The resulting pieces can “stand alone” or can be embellished with other Colour de…

How to use Zyp spray separator with Colour de Verre Molds “ZYP BN Lubricoat Aerosol (formerly MR-97) is a boron nitride (“BN”) spray. When applied to Colour de Verre molds, the results are superior castings, virtually no spurs or sharp edges, and a beautiful, shiny surface. Application is as easy as applying a cooking spray.”…

Take some of the guesswork out of molds with these suggested fill weights from Colour de Verre “These weights are a suggested starting point. You may find that you like a little more or a little less frit depending on the mold and heatwork. We suggest ZYP lubricant to prime these casting molds. Castings created…