Notes From My Glass Fusing Journey

During COVID, I was searching for something meaningful to share with my mom—something fun and creative, but also mindful of the circumstances. That’s when I stumbled across a Groupon for a “Sip and Fuse” glass class at a local studio that was doing its best to keep people safe during such an uncertain time. What started out as a spontaneous activity for the two of us quickly grew into more than just a class—it became a creative outlet for me, and a way to explore something I didn’t even know I was missing.

Glass fusing, often called “cold work,” opened up a whole new world. The process is fascinating: you take different forms of glass—frit (which is like sand), mosaics, delicate stringers, even glass paint—and combine them into a design that is then melted together in a kiln at high heat. The final results are always a bit of a surprise, since no two firings turn out exactly the same. Over time, I’ve learned few techniques, discovered how different materials interact, and found joy in creating pieces that are playful, colorful, and unique. What began as a single class has grown into a passion, with each piece reflecting the excitement of an art form that still surprises me.