Ceramic fusing molds are great for making your glass bend into three dimensional shapes.
This shaping is done by using a kiln to heat the glass that is placed on a prepared mold.
They are most commonly used to slump into, or slump over and are usually made out of clay, stainless steel, etc.
These forms can be quite expensive to purchase.
A good form can also make the difference between a fantastic piece and a just OK piece.
They come in many shapes and sizes.
From the tiniest jewelry fusing forms for making pendant jewelry to sizes large enough to make platters.
Just like any other tool you purchase for glass fusing, these are a great investment.
Purchase wisely!
Shop around for the best deals, and know the size of your kiln shelf.
Start out by purchasing a few fused glass molds that you would enjoy trying.
Use these a few times.
This will enable you to discover how they are used and improve your possibility of success on your projects.
After you get more familiar with how glass moves and how your kiln heats and cools, venture out and find other items that could be used.
Remember that these items need to withstand the high heat of the kiln, covered with kiln wash and are not shaped in a way that you will not be able to remove your glass.
To determine what size and shape glass you will need for your mold, please click here .
Most of these forms are made out of clay, and since clay contracts less than glass, it makes a great vessel for slumping and glass casting .
There are a vast variety of shapes and sizes to choose from.
Be sure you know the size of your kiln shelf before purchasing.
These can also be expensive to purchase.
There is no sense in making a purchase if you can't use the product.
Some vessels are made out of stainless steel .
Stainless steel will hold up during thousands of firings, but you are limited to what is available.
These are generally used for draping glass over the form.
When using stainless steel vessels, you will also need to apply kiln wash.
For more information on how to apply kiln wash to these metal forms, please click here.
You can even make molds with materials like the Kaiser Lee Board , using a mix (there are numerous types), and drilling holes in unpainted ceramic bisque .
More information on making a fusing form with Kaiser Lee Boards can be found at Make Your Own with Kaiser Lee Boards. .
You can slump glass into these shapes by bring your glass up to the temperature where it just begins to bend and sag.
This is discussed further under Fusing and Slumping .
They have a small hole or two in the bottom to allow air that is trapped to escape as the hot molten glass slumps.
You can also slump over a form, which entails allowing the glass to fall over the outside of the vessel.
Sometimes this is called draping and can have a very lovely effect.
There are many companies that make and sell forms.
You can also make them out of objects made from terra cotta, vitreous clay or stainless steel.
Make sure that these forms have a flat bottom.
Forms need to have a hole in the bottom to allow the air to escape during slumping.
Drill holes in the lowest point, and place on kiln posts to allow air circulation around the form.
Don’t allow the holes to sit directly on the kiln shelf. Remember to use a kiln wash before you use the object.
Once kiln wash is applied you will not need to reapply until the previous application starts to wear off, or shows signs of chipping.
You can make your own kiln wash with just a few ingredients.
If you are having trouble with the kiln wash not sticking to the forms, click here .
For purchases or just to view a few different fantastic molds, I would suggest Slumpy’s .
Their service is fantastic, polite and speedy.
The side of your glass that is in contact with a mold, kiln shelf, or thin fire is going to pick up some surface texture.
You can minimize or maximize the texture by careful preparation.
Some of this texture can be removed by doing some cold work after firing, and then doing a polish fire.
You will not remove all of this texture.
To really add dimension to your piece, check out the Stand Up Forms .
These forms actually allow you to stand up your piece after fusing.