How To Make Fused Glass Beads In A Microwave Kiln

January 23, 2024January 23, 2024 by Cindy @ Upcycle Design Lab

If you are a crafter, you have probably made beads at one time or another. They are fun to have around for projects and can be made from many different recycled materials, even glass.

This technique can be tricky to learn, but once mastered, you can use these beads to make pretty bracelets and other jewelry.

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Materials and Supplies

Microwave
Glass (I am using glass from a wine bottle)
Microwave Kiln
Wheeled Glass Cutters
Gloves
Safety Glasses
Heat Resistant Gloves
Fusing/Kiln Paper
Scissors
Sand Paper / Grinding Stone

Please use proper safety precautions when cutting and fusing glass.

Step 1 – Cutting Glass

For each bead, you need two small square-shaped pieces of glass. I cut the squares using my wheeled glass cutters. The pieces don’t have to be perfect, but they should be similar in size and shape.

Step 2 – Fusing Beads

The beads are made by sandwiching a thin strip of fusing paper between the two pieces of glass. The result is a domed bead with a flat bottom.

To set up the kiln, line the bottom with kiln paper and lay out the square pieces. My kiln is large enough to make four beads at a time. Next, lay a strip of kiln paper on top of each piece of glass, making sure that the ends of the kiln paper extend beyond the edges of the glass. Carefully top each one with another piece of glass. Offsetting the corners will result in a rounder finished shape.

To fuse the glass, carefully place the base in the microwave and check to make sure none of the pieces have slipped. Then place the top on the kiln and follow your microwave kiln instructions for fusing.

Note: This technique will result in a bead with a small channel. Check out the video tutorial for a second method to create a bead with a larger hole.

Step 3 – Finishing

Once the kiln has cooled down, you can remove the beads and clean the kiln paper off with soap and water. I use a small piece of wire to clear out the channel. To finish the beads, use sandpaper or a grinding stone to remove any pointed or sharp edges.