When I walk into my studio, the first thing that catches my eye isn’t the tools or the kiln — it’s the shelves of glass in every color imaginable. I’ve always been drawn to bold, vibrant contrasts, and color is one of the most exciting parts of fused glass. But it can also be one of the most confusing for beginners.
1. Start with the Basics of Color Theory
Think about warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows) for energy, and cool colors (blues, greens, purples) for calm. Combining complementary colors (opposites on the color wheel, like blue and orange) creates strong contrast, while analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel, like blue, teal, and green) blend more harmoniously.
2. Opaque vs. Transparent Glass
Opaque glass blocks light and creates solid, bold statements. Transparent glass allows light through, giving a jewel-like glow. Mixing the two can create beautiful depth and are fun to combine and experiment with to create new colors.
3. Watch Out for Chemical Reactions
Glass colors aren’t just pigments — they’re created with minerals that can react with each other. For example:
-
Copper-bearing colors (turquoise, teal) can react with sulfur-bearing colors (ivory, certain ambers) to create a dark line where they meet.
-
Lead-bearing colors can cause subtle but noticeable reaction lines.
These can be used intentionally for effects or avoided if you want a clean look.
4. Test Before You Commit
If you’re unsure how colors will behave, create small test tiles. This will save you from surprises — like unexpected brown lines or muted tones — in a larger piece. This will also save you money from not wasting materials.
5. Embrace the Happy Accidents
Even experienced artists have pieces turn out differently than planned. Sometimes a surprising reaction or color shift becomes the best part of the artwork.
Bottom line: Choosing colors in fused glass is part science, part art. Learn the basics, do small tests, and don’t be afraid to break “rules” once you’ve tried them. The more you experiment, the more your personal style will shine through.