Starting something new is exciting, but it can also be intimidating—especially when working with a material like glass! If you’ve ever felt nervous about diving into fused glass, you’re not alone. Many beginners share the same fears, but the good news is that every fear has a solution. Let’s break down some common worries and how you can move past them with confidence.
Fear #1: Breaking the Glass (Or Hurting Yourself!)
Handling and cutting glass can feel a little scary at first. The thought of sharp edges and potential cuts might make you hesitant to even get started.
How to Overcome It:
- Start with safety basics: wear safety glasses, use proper glass-cutting tools, and handle glass with care.
- Work on a stable surface and sweep/vacuum glass shards frequently.
- Remember that glass cutting is a skill—your first few cuts might not be perfect, and that’s okay! With practice, you’ll gain control and confidence.
Fear #2: Using the Kiln Wrong
What if you program it incorrectly? What if the glass melts into a giant blob? The kiln can feel like a mystery box, especially when you’re first learning.
How to Overcome It:
- Follow a firing schedule designed for beginners. There’s no need to guess!
- Start with simple projects before attempting advanced techniques.
- Keep a kiln log to track your firings—this helps you learn what works (and what doesn’t).
- Remember, your kiln is just a tool! The more you use it, the more comfortable you’ll become.
Fear #3: Wasting Expensive Glass
Fused glass materials aren’t cheap, so it’s natural to worry about making mistakes and wasting supplies.
How to Overcome It:
- Use scrap glass to practice techniques before working on a bigger project.
- Start with small, simple pieces like pendants or coasters.
- Accept that mistakes are part of the learning process! Even experienced glass artists make pieces that don’t turn out as expected.
- Remember that glass can be re-fired in the kiln, so be sure to save your "mistakes" and re-fire them in the kiln to create something new!
Fear #4: The Glass Will Crack or Break in the Kiln
There’s nothing more frustrating than pulling a project out of the kiln and seeing cracks.
How to Overcome It:
- Learn about proper firing schedules, including heating and cooling rates.
- Use compatible glass to avoid stress fractures.
- Make sure your glass is clean and free of dirt or oils before fusing.
- If a piece does crack, don’t panic! Some cracks can be repaired with additional firing or coldworking techniques.
Fear #5: Not Being “Good Enough”
Many beginners worry that they won’t be able to create beautiful pieces or that they’ll never reach a professional level.
How to Overcome It:
- Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s years of experience.
- Focus on progress, not perfection. Each piece you create teaches you something new.
- Join a fused glass community or take a class for support and encouragement.
- Most importantly—have fun! Art is about exploration and creativity, not perfection.
Final Thoughts
Every artist starts somewhere, and it’s completely normal to feel nervous in the beginning. The key is to keep going, learn from your mistakes, and enjoy the process. Fused glass is an exciting and rewarding art form, and the more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.
What’s your biggest fused glass fear? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to help you overcome it!