Fused Glass Bowls and Vases

Fused glass drop-out style bowl

A few weeks ago I purchased Paul Tarlow's newly released ebook entitled, "Creative Fused Glass Drop-Out Vessels".

A drop-out in glass fusing is a technique using a mold with a hole in the center, where the glass is placed on top, heated to slumping temperatures, and allowed to drop through the hole. This technique creates lovely steep-sided vases and bowls that cannot be achieved with typical slumping techniques. A simple design turns more interesting as the glass pulls and stretches during the drop process.

As with Paul's other publications, the ebook contains background information to help you understand what happens to the glass during the drop, complete instructions on making your own mold, cutting and firing the glass, and cold working the dropped piece. There are variations on the original project and enough great information to get the ideas flowing!

"Galaxy" fused glass drop bowl - submitted for jury

In my own studio, inspiration from this book and from a request by a dear high-school friend, has had me at the cutting table designing drop pieces for bowls and vases. I have finished a couple, including the one at the top of this post that uses Paul's technique. I've had one "flop" -- literally -- where the piece fell through the large 10" square drop and flopped onto the bottom of the kiln (back to the cutting table on that one!) There have also been a few successes. One of newer pieces that I am particularly fond of has been submitted to jury for the Logan Fine Art Gallery's Fall Salon.

I have done dropped vases before, but Paul's book provided some additional information on the technique that I'll be able to use in future vases and bowls, as well as other projects. If you are interested in exploring the technique, pick up a copy at Fused Glass Books. While you're there, take a look at Paul's other books. I've taken away useful techniques from all of those I have purchased.

Happy fusing,
Dana