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Fossil Vitra Tutorial
Kilnformed glass artists are always looking for new ways to put imagery on glass. Well documented options include painting with enamels (if you have the skill), silk-screening (if you have the equipment), and even “assembling” the picture with frit (if you have the patience).
This tutorial, which first appeared in the Winter 2010 Glass Craftsman magazine, is for a technique I’ve named Fossil Vitra – an alternative to the above methods. Fossil Vitra requires no painting or drawing skills, and no special equipment.
The Fossil Vitra technique is made by layering glass powder directly on leaves (or other organic material) and placing the powder-coated leaves under a sheet of glass. When fired, the organic material burns away and the glass powder is fused to the base sheet of glass. The illustration below shows the layering before and after the glass is fired:
This tutorial will take you step-by-step through the process of creating your own Fossil Vitra fused glass piece.
Next, a list of what you will need for this project.
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fossil vitra firing schedule
Hi Paul,
I am a fairly new fuser and have just joined this forum - so bear with me if I don't get it right on my first try. Your fossil vitra tutorial got my attention immediately and I can't wait to try it. Quick question on the firing schedule: The hold column shows 60 min at 900F but the text refers to a half hour hold. Is a 30 min hold normally sufficient to burn off plant material, hairspray, etc? Thanks so much.
Nancy B
Loved this technique when
Loved this technique when you first taught it at Helios. Thanks for posting the tutorial so I can refresh my memory.
lisa
This was a great tutorial!
This was a great tutorial! I didn't have powder so used frit, and had run out of kiln paper so used wash. No probs with either. Ran the schedule just as written and love the results. Can't wait to do more. Thanks so much!!
any damage to kiln?
I would like to try this technique but wonder if there any damage to the elements or the fire brick from the leaves burning off? Does it put off much smoke?
Carol
Hi Carol, I didn't have a
Hi Carol,
I didn't have a problem with either and I've done several items using this technique since. Works great!! Go for it!!
Fossil Vitra Tutorial
Wow, I have been experimenting for weeks now trying to get leaves to imprint in my glass, I used mica, I used powdered glass, I used all kinds of things, but this is the first technique that seems like it will do what I want to do! I can't wait to try it. Actually, I found this forum thanks to this tutorial :) Yay!
will this method work if you
will this method work if you also put on a clear glass backing?