A Beginner's Guide to Kiln-Formed Glass: Fused * Slumped * Cast Flexibound – September 4, 2012

In this case, you CAN judge a book by its cover--A Beginner's Guide to Kilnformed Glass is a well-illustrated journey through the first year of serious kilnforming. Well-written and thoughtfully organized, it provides clear explanations of the tools, equipment, studio and materials you'll need to get started "fusing" glass. It moves through explaining basic techniques like glasscutting, layup (assembling glass or frit so that it will fuse into your design), firing and coldworking (shaping and polishing the fired piece). Don't be tempted to skip these chapters; I've been working glass for 15 years but even so, I found a few new ideas I could use in the studio. The author is a teacher, production glassmaker and artist who obviously knows her stuff (disclaimer: I've met her at several glassmaking functions so I knew she was good BEFORE I got the book).And then the fun starts. Where many books offer simple beginner's projects that LOOK like simple beginner's projects, the projects in this book produce sophisticated and often beautiful pieces of glass. The techniques required are relatively easy to master even if you don't have much experience with glass, and there's a point to them, i.e., one project helps you understand precision cutting, another what happens when you overfire thin glass, and yet another introduces making components for larger assemblies. There are the usual drapes, plates and potmelts too, but they're well-presented. The author includes templates for each project, but clearly encourages you to use them as a starting point for your own designs. (I'm making a note to myself to try that three-tiered water fountain; it looks cool)I do have a minor, minor quibble: This book is a good in-studio reference, especially while you're working on a project, but it's hard-bound and the pages have trouble staying flat; if there's a second printing a spiral-bound might be useful.

While this is a good starter book with interesting projects, the author's more advance book is much better. The better book from Brenda Griffith is "Kiln-Formed Glass | Beyond the Basics." The second book is a must read if you are serious about glass.

Love the book, the samples, descriptions, tech notes are superb. Its regular binding not spiral bound however... I love spiral bound in the studio. I would have bought the hardcover instead had I known it was a tight bound spine that wont like flat without damaging g the book.

Having done stained glass for years, wanted to try my hand at fused glass. Living in a very rural area makes it difficult (impossible in my case) to access good classroom lessons so must self-teach. Bought the book on recommendation from a fellow fuser and am thrilled. The clearly written instructions provided in logical sequence makes it easy for the newbie to learn the basics. But it doesn't stop there. Brenda takes you to the next level with the same clear, concise approach which makes this book a real gem. She doesn't waste words/time with frivolous verbiage yet maintains a very conversational, friendly tone. Provides plenty of how-to photos not to mention photos of her gorgeous creations which serve not only as eye candy but great inspiration. The projects are varied and go far beyond other "beginner" projects found in similar books yet not so difficult as to scare you off from trying. Worth every penny and a must-have for the fusing enthusiast.

I read the reviews others had written before I bought this book, and I completely agree with the writers of the 4 and 5 star scores. It is so well written, and every question I had was answered in a very straight forward way. I feel like I have every bit of knowledge I need offered to me in these pages, and the pics are very professionally done. I am just a very happy camper. Would highly recommend this book to anyone working with or thinking about working with glass.

This book was everything I expected and more. A great book for any level of glass artist. It is full of tecniques, pictures and a ton of very useful tips and information. I loved this book. It introduced me to many new techniques and products I never heard of before. I have been doing glass fusion for about 2 1/2 years and purchased my own kiln this spring. This book will be a great asset in my fusion library. Great value at such a great price.

Purchased the book a couple of years ago for my wife. It is very informative with good guidance and some neat projects. It helped my wife and myself understand the whole process of using our kiln successfully. A definite read for anyone getting started or expanding their knowledge of kiln formed glass.

An excellent book for beginning fusers. I can't wait to get to the projects in the book. the instructions seem to be well written and clear.

Its ok i suppose, just a bit disappointing . Id far rather have photos illustrating what they are talking about in the book than so many examples of artists work. I found it frustrating that i had to google to try to find illustrations. Id have much preferred a section at the back with a gallery and the main book with more photographs to show what they are talking about. I suppose if you not new to glass its fine, but as a complete beginner there seems to be a shortage of good books with clear simple instruction.It did help me with a few ideas and how to do them, so don't regret buying it, just wish there was more choice at a reasonable price.

I bought this book on the basis of the various reviews I had read. It is a book that will be useful to those with some knowledge as well as those new to working with warm glass. Some of the projects are very advanced and require a decent sized kiln, and sometimes other tools. However, this means that it is a book that you may refer too for many years to come. Some are not to my taste, but the methods can still be used on other projects.There is a beautiful Flame Panel in the book. It inspired me and after blowing up the template on a photocopier, I have successfully made it, even though It meant paying for kiln hire.I think that a complete beginner may find this book daunting, however, for me it was the 2nd glass fusing book that I bought, and the Flame Panel alone has made it a worthwhile investment.Beware, glass fusing is addictive, and will upset your bank balance!!!!

Got everything i need to start fusing glass/taking a course on how to ,and what not to do with glass fusing.loads of info in book plus tips,carnt wait to put into practice.well worth the money,and also amazon kept me informed of delivery.arrived at the exact minute that they promised good work

We all need something to inspire us and aim for, although aiming for glass could have disastrous consequences if you aren't careful. Fortunately, this book provides both inspiration and clear instruction, so the visits to A&E should be minimal.

Excellent book for those new to kiln-formed glass. Great illustrations of glass artwork, showing what can be achieved by those who are no longer beginners! Nice projects to demonstrate the more advanced skills.