WarmGlass.com

Hi:
I'm quite new to the world of glass fusing, so I'm going to ask a very basic question for fusing a small plate:
I have cut two Bullseye circles of clear glass the same size, and I want to add some decorative previously fused frit created shapes to the top. Can I full fuse everything at the same time, or do I have to first fuse the two circles together, then do a second fuse for the decorative elements?

I always play it safe and fuse the two circles first then add elements to the top in a second firing. If the pre-fused elements are very large you may be adding enough extra mass to require a dam to restrict spreading of the circle. If you are just adding something like wafers, damming would not be necessary. The reason I would fuse the base first is so that if it is not successful (bubble) then I haven't ruined the preformed decorative elements and can try again.

Maybe I'm cocky or just impatient, but I fire pieces like that in a single firing.

OTOH, some glasses might be fussy about a second trip through the kiln at fusing temperatures, and you may end up getting results you didn't expect or don't particularly like.

Thank you for your answers. I appreciate your input.
I gave it a shot, played it safe and just used some frit for the designs. Turned out not too bad for starters.

I have another question: I slumped it over a small bowl mold, and when it came out, the inside did not have a glossy finish.
The outside of the bowl did. Is this normal? Or did I slump it wrong?

Yes, that's normal. The surface in contact with the mold or the kiln shelf will take on the texture of that surface.

Jim "The Hobbyist"

Thank goodness!