KILN CASTING

Similar to making a bundt cake, kiln casting is the process we use to make a sculptural form by filling a void with hot glass. 

Preparing the Mold & Firing

To begin making the Memory2 Pendant, a layer of small glass particles known as frit are placed into a shallow ceramic mold. Next, the cremation ash is sifted over top of the frit layer. A final layer of glass frit is laid to permanently encase the ash. 

Next, the mold is placed inside of a kiln, which is like a large oven that reaches very hot temperatures. Fired to 1450’F in the kiln, glass begins to move like honey, filling the void of the ceramic mold. The newly formed sculpture will be slowly brought back to room temperature through annealing.

 

FLAMEWORKING 

Just as the term suggests, flameworking relies on a super hot flame to melt the glass. 

Shaping & Sculpting

To begin making the Memory Pendant, the tip of a long glass rod is held in the flame of a torch. Working the glass in temperatures ranging above 2500’F, clear glass glows orange with a consistency of honey. When the tip of the glass rod is molten, the cremated ashes are carefully placed into the glass form.

Next, a second layer of molten glass is laid overtop to permanently encase the ash. The final form of your sculpture is continually heated with the flame while being hand shaped with the help of heat, gravity and metal tools. The newly formed sculpture will be slowly brought back to room temperature through annealing.