Students Learn the Art of Making Glass Jewelry

Through step-by-step instruction, students, staff, and faculty learned how to make glass jewelry at the FabLab’s latest workshop on Wednesday, March 22. 

The first step in creating custom glass jewelry was for workshop participants to select the type of item they wanted to create. Some of these items included pendants, necklaces or earrings. 

Once they settled on a design, the FabLab staff helped them select the type of glass. 

Nicolette Kaylor, a FabLab student assistant, stated that workshop participants had two choices in how they used the glass. These choices would give the final product a unique look. 

“You can do a tact fuse where one piece of glass is stacked on top of another. In this process, the glass partially melts, giving a 3D look,” Nicolette said. “Or you can do our full fuse where the glass completely melts into each other forming a solid tie-dye effect. The colors melt together, and you can get more of an abstract look.” 

Staff members then gave directions on how to cut the glass and assemble it before placing it inside the kiln to be fired. After firing the piece, people could pick it up two to three days later. 

 Karina Rodriguez, a critical languages and international studies major, stated that other workshops the FabLab have hosted inspired her to attend the one offered on Wednesday. She noted that she was looking to create a pendant during the workshop. 

Brenda Miller, a UTA staff member, stated going to the art show at the university inspired her to come to the workshop to create something unique. 

“I came on board (with the university) in December of last year, and they had an art show taking place. I saw all the pretty pieces and bought some jewelry,” Brenda said. “I thought it would be kind of fun to see the options to make it.” 

Brenda stated the workshop is not only fun, but you learn a lot in the process. 

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