The process of fusing glass involves several steps. Glass is first cut and ground to a desired size and shape from large sheets of colored or clear glass. Several pieces of glass are often stacked or layered to mix colors or create the desired design. Sometimes, powdered glass is used to add elements to the design. Metals, such as 14 karat gold, pure silver, copper or palladium are sometimes placed between pieces of glass becoming permanent inclusions. After the design is finalized, the glass is heated to a processing temperature- usually around 1475 degrees. At this temperature, glass fuses or melts together and becomes a flat surface. Sometimes, a lower temperature is used to provide texture to a piece. To change the shape of a fused piece, a second process, called slumping or sagging is done. At this step, the glass is laid over a mold and carefully melted and cooled at precise rates. Sagging and slumping occurs around 1250 degrees. During this stage, bowls, vases and sculpted pieces are formed into their finished shape.
