Exploring Pattern Bars

This class is designed to expand the student’s foundation in fused glass and go beyond the “6mm rule” of glass to create thick slabs.  Each student will create a finished fused and slumped plate using pattern bar design techniques.  Students will gain experience in pattern bar and plate design, as well as assembly and finishing processes. Students will cut strips, create containment dams, learn about tack and full fusing and slumping.  We will use the diamond table saw, wet belt sander, lap wheel grinder and sandblasting to transform pattern bars into plates.   In the process, students will gain an understanding of preparing and assembling tiles edge to edge and surface finishing.  This is a 3-day class with each 3-hour session building on techniques to create a finished plate using pattern bars. Prerequisites:  Some fusing experience. Coldworking experience is helpful but not required.