Bird of Peace Pin

By: Jeanne Baruth for Diamond Tech

This beautiful Bird of Peace Pin from Diamond Tech is a great way to show off your glass making skills. Glass jewelry is easy and fun to make, and makes great gifts when it comes to the holidays. This peaceful bird is a great addition to any wardrobe!

Bird of Peace Pin

Materials:

Fuseworks™ Microwave Kiln
Fuseworks™ Kiln Paper
Fuseworks™ Orange, Red, Yellow, Blue, Aquamarine Sheet Glass
Fuseworks™ Black Stringer
Fuseworks Fuse Art Decal™ Word Art – “Peace”
Fuseworks™ Glass Cutter
Fuseworks™ Running Pliers
Fuseworks™ Wheeled Nippers
Safety Glasses
Microwave
E-6000®
Pin Back

Instructions:

Measure and cut one each of the pattern pieces in the designated colors.
Using wheeled nippers, nip 1/8” a length of black stringer. This will be the eye.
Clean glass using paper towel moistened with water. Completely dry the surface of the glass with a lint free cloth.
Cut a 2” X 2” piece of kiln paper. Remove the lid from the Fuseworks™ Kiln. Place the kiln paper on the kiln base.
Position the aquamarine glass on the center of the kiln paper. Stand the stringer on end, so it is vertical to the sheet glass.
Use the photo and place the remaining pieces on the aquamarine glass.
Carefully set the base with glass inside the microwave and cover with kiln lid. Fuse in a 1200-watt microwave at 50% for 2 minutes; 80% at 1 minute; 30 seconds. If using a microwave with a lower wattage, increase the power percentage but keep time consistent. PLEASE NOTE: All microwave and kiln combinations will have different firing patterns. Be sure to take careful notes and log all fusing times for future use.
After time has expired, open microwave and, using Hot Mitts, carefully lift the lid enough to inspect the fusing process. Glass is fused when the edges are nicely rounded. If necessary, continue to microwave at 15-second increments until desired results are achieved.
Remove kiln from microwave using the Hot Mitts and place on a heat resistant surface. Cool the kiln for at least 30 minutes WITH THE LID ON. CAUTION: Removing the lid or peeking under the lid during the cooling stage may result in your piece cracking. Glass remains hot for a long time handle with great care.
When glass has completely cooled remove from kiln and place on a work surface.
Cut around the Word Art™ “peace” decal and place it in a bowl of water (preferably distilled) for approximately 30 seconds. Slide the backing-paper away from the decal so the decal rests against the glass. The decal should slide off backing-paper easily; if not, let it soak longer. Use a paper towel to pat the moisture from the decal and glass. Should air bubbles appear, push them out with your finger. Allow it to dry completely.
Remove the lid from the Fuseworks™ Kiln and discard used kiln paper. Cut a 2” X 2” piece of kiln paper and place it on the kiln base.
Lay the glass with the decal face up in the center of the kiln paper.
Carefully set the base with glass inside the microwave. Cover base and glass with kiln lid.
If using a 1200-watt microwave, fuse at 50% power for 2 minutes. Heat again, at 80% for 1 minute and 30 seconds. If using a microwave with a lower wattage, increase the time to 2 minutes and 30 seconds. PLEASE NOTE: All microwave and kiln combinations will have different firing patterns. Be sure to take careful notes and log all fusing times for future use.
When time has expired, open microwave and, using Hot Mitts, carefully lift the lid enough to inspect the fusing process. Check your glass, if the decal appears as a white silhouette; continue fusing at 100%, adding an additional 15 seconds to the time until the decal looses the white appearance. When you are able to see the color and definition of the decal, the fusing process is complete. Remove kiln from microwave using the Hot Mitts and place on a heat resistant surface. Cool the kiln on a heat resistant surface for at least 30 to 40 minutes WITH THE LID ON. CAUTION: Removing the lid or peeking under the lid during the cooling will result in your piece cracking. Glass remains hot for a long time handle with great caution. Cool the glass completely.
Once cooled, glue the pin back to the back of the bird and allow it to dry.