Modern fused glass is a direct descendent of the Roman glass-makers who developed the textural variations of blown glass. One technique of great versatility in its applications was fused mosaic work or millefiori , which is an Italian word meaning "1000 flowers". Essentially this technique involves the fusing of colored strips of glass into a rod from which slices can be cut which will present on their sliced surfaces the section-pattern of the fused colors of the rod. These slices of patterned glass were used decoratively as inlays; and they were also fused into the glass matrices of beads and vessels to form overall patterns against a dark ground.

Fused glass pieces are obtained when shapes of compatible glass are quickly melted in a kiln at 750 C ( 1400 F) and very slowly cooled down (annealed), a process taking 2 days. Complicated shapes and designs can be obtained when the glass is re-cut and manipulated between several fusing sessions, or slumped over a mould to give it a shape.

For more info please visit: