Studio Enamel Frit Pixie Dust

(please click image for full view)

Title: Studio Enamel Frit Pixie Dust
Artist: AJGlass
Image created by: AJGlass using an Olympus D-340L digital camera and PhotoShop.
Medium: Glass
Type: For use with Soft Glass, 104 Coefficient of Expansion (Moretti/Effetre, Vetrofond, Lausha)
Description: Studio – Piles of Thompson Enamel, Reduction Frit, and Pixie Dust

Details: This is an image I took in my glass studio. You are looking at Brilliant Blue Thompson Enamel (left), Silver Blue Reduction Frit (middle), and Gold Hi-Light Pixie Dust (right) poured into watch glasses. This image shows the physical differences between the three.

Discussion: Both Enamel and Frit are forms of pulverized/shattered glass – Enamel having the consistency of fine sand and Frit the consistency of coarse grains. Pixie Dust, with the consistency of fine dust (like makeup), is finely powdered mica. I roll hot glass into these three powders to give me unique surface effects not already inherent in the glass I am using.

Frit and enamel can be easily used together on the same bead in any combination. Using pixie dust with either frit or enamel I find to be difficult (given pixie dust’s propensity to burn off) so I usually apply it last or, if not last, whatever is applied after pixie dust I usually melt in very slowly with low heat. As with most things glass, I find there to be a lot of trial and error before finding something that works in the flame and also looks appealing when finished

Note: Pixie Dust and Enamel are considered hazardous and the dust if inhaled may cause lung damage. Care must be taken so that the particles do not become airborne. Some hot-glass artists use respirators if they are sifting Pixie Dust or Enamel onto a hot bead.

Legal: Copyright © Aaron J. Greenblatt. All rights reserved. Commercial use prohibited. This image and commentary may not be used for any reason without expressed written consent.

Please click here for more images of my studio including more images of frit, enamel, and pixie dust.

Please click here for images of my glass work.