Are you eager to explore the world of glass casting? If so, this Introductory Glass Casting Workshop is the perfect opportunity for you to dive into the art of casting glass. Over the course of three intensive days, you will embark on a creative journey, learning essential techniques and creating cast glass projects using various methods. Whether you’re a beginner or have some prior experience, this workshop is designed to expand your knowledge and hands-on skills.
Duration: 3 days
Dates: Wednesday to Friday 23rd- 25th July
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Class Size: Limited to 5 students to ensure personalised instruction.
What You Will Learn:
Introduction to Glass Casting: Gain a solid foundation in the art of glass casting, techniques, and contemporary applications.
Modeling in Clay: Learn the basics of clay modeling, an essential step in creating your glass cast moulds.
Open Face Casting: Discover the art of open face casting, a method that allows you to capture intricate details in your glass pieces.
Refractory Mould Making: Master the process of creating refractory moulds.
Glass Selection: Understand the importance of glass selection, including the use of lead crystal and other glass types, depending on your project’s goals.
Preparing Glass: Learn how to prepare glass for casting, ensuring it is in the right form and condition for your creations.
Determining Volumes of Glass: Develop the ability to calculate the precise amount of glass required for your casting projects, minimising waste.
Basic Finishing of Glass: Explore basic glass finishing techniques to give your cast pieces a polished and professional appearance.
Cold Working: Discover cold working methods to refine and shape your glass creations after casting.
Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S): Understand safety protocols and best practices for working with glass and related materials.
Materials: All mould materials are included in the course fee. Students will need to purchase glass, estimated at approximately $120, depending on the size and complexity of their projects.
Please read our terms and conditions about classes before enrolling.
What is glass casting:
Cast glass is a glass-forming technique where molten or softened glass is poured or placed into a mould and then slowly cooled to form a solid shape. This method allows for intricate designs, textures, and three-dimensional forms that wouldn’t be possible with other glassworking techniques like blowing or fusing.
The process involves creating a mould from materials like plaster, silica, or refractory investment, into which glass in various forms—such as billets, frit, or chunks—is placed. The mould is then heated in a kiln to allow the glass to melt and flow into its shape. After cooling slowly in a controlled annealing process to relieve stress, the piece can be removed from the mould and refined through grinding, polishing, or sandblasting.
Class Materials
Please bring the following to class:
• Dust mask • Safety glasses • Suitable working clothing (including closed shoes, long pants and an apron for over shirt) • Pencil and paper • Windex and paper towel • Latex gloves • Digital camera is useful • Bullseye casting glass, available from Blue Dog Glass
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