Things I have learned...

Over the last few weeks, while I have been playing about with glass fusing, here are some of the things I have learned:

1. Don't sandwich frit between two layers of glass unless you want unsightly bubbles
2. Ditto for "craft leaves" because they simply disappear and leave a bubble, even when you think you've left a gap for the air to escape
3. Don't use copper inclusions near a join of two bits of glass because the glass shrinks away and leaves a hole
4. Don't balance a piece of glass near the edge of a piece where it might slide off onto your shelf
5. Don't leave a jar of curry sauce next to the cereal bowl when you're reaching for the milk

OTOH, I have had quite a few successes as well This is one of my series of coasters inspired by Lake District scenery.

Thanks for that BeadMoon. Number 5 is very informative, spanks -x-

That's fabulous. Great colours and depth. I don't think I will be doing any glass fusing in the near future, so 1 to 4 don't really apply to me, but I will certainly heed your warning in 5!

I have a real fear of picking up the nail polish remover instead of the eye make up remover. Can you imagine how awful that would be?! I now always put the nail polish remover in a cupboard and leave the eye make up remover out on the basin.

Going to add another one to your list Elaine..........baking powder mixed into a paste and put too close to edges with also cause the glass to draw back and leave a hole but you do get nice bubbles.

Love the coaster - painting with glass - brill

Very informative Elaine. I love your understated comments. You gave as much info with what you left unsaid as you did with what you wrote. Thinking particularly of tip 4 as I imagine you've had quite a job removing the melted glass from the bottom of your kiln
Your coaster is gorgeous. You've picked up this glass fusing bug very quickly

That coaster is lovely Elaine! And what a great record for future, good idea

Thank you for the lovely comments on my coaster and Lynne's handy tip - I haven't tried that yet.

Gillian, Luckily I only had to chip glass off the shelf. It didn't get as far as the bottom of the kiln.