Courtesy of Bullseye Glass
These beautiful cabochons were made from square pieces of glass.
You can create nicely rounded cabochons from stacks of 0.75" (20 x 20 mm) squares, thanks to heat, gravity, and the 6 Millimeter Rule. But be careful...they’re addictive!
Some Design Layer Possibilities
- Blue/Vanilla part sheet: Scatter Steel Blue Opalescent coarse frit (000146-0003) onto a base of 3-mm Clear sheet glass, then sift a heavy layer of French Vanilla powder (000137-0008) over the top to cover. Fire to a full fuse. Maximize depth by arranging the Clear side toward the top of the stack.
- River Rock Reaction (See Quick Tip: River Rock Reaction)
- Pieces of Citronelle Opalescent (000221-0030) and
- Turquoise Blue Opalescent (000116-0030).
The Stack
Top (6 mm): A “lensing” layer of Clear. This layer will stretch considerably.
Middle (3-4 mm): This “design” layer will stretch and be visible through the top layer. Use part sheets or pieces of 3-mm sheet glass.
Bottom (6 mm): Typically not visible from the front. This layer will stretch the least.
Tips
- 6-mm Tekta Clear is a natural for this project. It’s more efficient, with fewer pieces to cut, clean and assemble!
- Measure and score a grid of 0.75" squares, then run them using the Rule of Halves. Two layers of 3 mm will also work.
- A dab of GlasTac Gel will keep the stack together before firing.
- The stacks flow out to about 1.25" (32 mm) in diameter, so give them room.
- For the cleanest release, we recommend firing on ThinFire.
Cabochon Firing Schedule
Rate Temperature Hold
1 400°F (222°C) 1225°F (662°C) :30
2 600°F (333°C) 1525°F (829°C) :30
3 AFAP 900°F (482°C) 1:00
4 100°F (56°C) 700°F (371°C) :00
5 AFAP 70°F (21°C) :00
Note: This heatwork goes beyond what the glass is tested for. Some styles
may opalize and/or shift in compatibility. Test before making multiples.
