Personalised One-on-One Kiln Casting Workshops

 

Option 1 Simple Relief or Open-Faced Molds for Glass Casting

Price: $400.00 USD (Includes materials, tools and firing fees) 

Duration: 4-5 hours total.

 

Session 1: Glass Casting Process Introduction (1 hour)

This workshop will begin with an introduction to the glass casting process, start to finish. Then students will be given small slabs of oil-based clay and sculptors' wax to take home and carve/ sculpt in relief in preparation for the next session. Students will also be given parameters for other objects they may wish to cast in glass.

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Session 2: Silicone Mold and Refractory Mold (1-1.5 hours)

Students return with the clay and wax models and any other object they would like to cast in glass. Types of silicone molds are explained and applied. ​A refractory mold, a firing mold that is able to withstand the heat of the kiln and the expansion/ contraction of the glass, will also be discussed and applied. The silicone mold will cure and the firing mold will be steamed and ready for the kilns.

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Session 3: Pouring Wax, Additional Refractory Molds and Preparing the Glass for Casting (1 hour)

The silicone molds will be opened and cleaned, and wax will be poured to replicate the original clay object. More firing molds will be created on these waxes. The first fired mold will have been cooled and you will be able to see your first glass piece! The other molds will be prep​area for another firing.

 

​Session 4: Opening the Kiln and Finishing Your Glass (1 hour) 

Your last firing molds will be cool and ready to unmold. You will see your final glass sculptures! Finishing will be discussed.​

 

​You will be contacted within 24 hours to schedule your first sessions. Contact us if you have any questions.

 

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Option 2 Two-Part Molds for Glass Casting

Price: $600.00 USD (Includes materials, tools and firing fees) 

Duration: 6-7 hours total.

 

Session 1: Glass Casting Process Introduction (1 hour)

This workshop will also begin with an introduction to the glass casting process, start to finish. Then students will be given small blocks of oil-based clay and sculptors' wax to take home and carve/ sculpt in preparation for the next session. Students will also be given parameters for other objects they may wish to cast in glass. 

 

Session 2: Two-Part Silicone Molds and Refractory Molds (1-1.5 hours)

Students return with the clay and wax models and any other object they would like to cast in glass. Types of silicone molds are explained and applied. ​The first section of the two part silicone mold will be fabricated and allowed to cure.

 

Session 3: Two Part Silicone Molds Continued (1-1.5 hours)

Second section of the two part molds will be completed and once again allowed to cure. 

 

Session 4: Pouring Wax and Refractory Molds (1 hour)

The completed silicone molds will be opened and wax positives will be poured. A refractory mold, a firing mold that is able to withstand the heat of the kiln and the expansion/ contraction of the glass, will be discussed and applied to the waxes.

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Session 5: Steaming the Molds and Loading the Kilns (1 hour)

Once cured, the firing mold will be steamed and ready for the kilns. Kiln preparation, glass types and kiln schedules will be discussed.

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​Session 6: Opening the Kiln and Finishing Your Glass (1 hour) 

​Your last firing molds will be cool and ready to unmold. You will see your final glass sculptures! Finishing will be discussed.​

 

​You will be contacted within 24 hours to schedule your first sessions. Contact us if you have any questions.

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What you will learn:

• Sculpting and model-making: Learn to create a wax or clay model that will become the basis for your final glass sculpture. Or choose any found object to reproduce in glass.

• Silicone mold-making: Pour-on or brush-on silicone molds will be designed and created for whatever object you are casting.

• Refractory molds: Invest your model in a durable, heat-resistant mold material.

• Kiln preparation: Learn how to set up and program a kiln for the proper firing and annealing schedule for your cast piece.

• Glass selection and color: Work with your instructor to select and layer different glass types and frit (crushed glass) for your desired color palette.

• Filling the mold: Carefully prepare your glass and place it into the mold before it goes into the kiln.

• Basic cold working and finishing: Learn about the finishing process for glass casting, such as grinding and polishing, and receive guidance on how to complete the finishing process on your own. 

 

What to expect:

• Customized experience: As the director of your lesson, you can use your time for a specific project, skill-building, or a general question-and-answer session with the instructor.

• Beginner friendly: No prior experience with glass is required. The lesson will be tailored to your skill level. Please note that students will not be handling equipment or any hazardous materials.

• Materials included: Standard glass materials, mold materials, and kiln firing costs are included in the price.

 

What you will gain from the workshop:

1. A reusable silicone mold from a small object, as well as at least one cast glass object. More depending on size and complexity.

2. Access to cast glass in our kilns in the future (for a daily kiln usage fee).

3. A notebook of information about glass-casting, from mold recipes to kiln schedules.

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How to start:

1.  Purchase the workshop. Small group workshops available at a discounted price.

2.  We will reach out within 24 hours of purchase to schedule your sessions based on your availability and our studio schedule.

3.  Prepare for your lesson. Wear comfortable clothes you're willing to get a little dirty. Everything from safety provisions to materials and notes will be provided.

 

Instructor: Melt Glass Charleston founder and glass artist, Austin Norvell

 

Norvell has worked with cast glass for over 20 years in studios throughout the US and Europe. He has recently taught glass casting workshops at the Pittsburgh Glass Center and Pilchuck Glass School in Washington. 

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Location: Austin Norvell Art, LLC studio in Mount Pleasant, SC.

 

Have a question about these workshops?

• Contact us at meltglasscharleston@gmail.com.