Pate de Verre is a French term that directly translates to “paste of glass”. This is a technically specific process of glass making developed by the French in the late 19th century offering subtle color gradients and a variety of textures. Pate de Verre is the process of creating a paste like consistency with glass frits and powders mixed with a binding agent. The paste is then carefully packed or layered into the interior walls of a plaster/silica mold. The glass is fired until fused in a kiln, resulting in a thin or thick, solid or hollow form depending on how the glass was applied. Finally, the plaster silica mold is divested or removed from the glass and the glass is cleaned and coldworked by hand to remove rough or sharp areas.  

In this class, students will learn to use Pâte de Verre techniques of packing glass powders and frit into refractory molds to create 4 pieces as time and size allow. The first project will be a low relief tile that is can be made by impressing objects into a clay slab, carving or building-up to create a positive from which a mold can be taken and then filled with glass. Beginning with a small tile allows the exploration of mold making, color placement and texture. The second project will investigate relational space through a cup and saucer pair exposing volume and 3-dimensional qualities. Finally, students will create a small piece of their own design using a hand-cut stencil and sifting tools to layer glass powder into intricate patterns. As a class, we will discuss ideas and results, learn firing schedules and kiln programming, have fun, watch demonstrations, take risks and experiment. There are no prerequisites, but a genuine interest in glass process and a background working with clay or sculpture would be helpful. Please bring a sketchbook and a pencil for notes and ideas.  

What you will need for this class: (all glass, clay, binder, plaster and silica included) 

Sketchbook 

Pencil 

Particulate respirator (N95) and Ziploc bag 

Clear safety glasses 

A black sharpie 

Water bottle 

Exacto knife 

Close toed shoes 

Non-flammable clothing 

Extras may be…. 

A camera/phone to document results, snacks in sealed containers, clay working tools, different sized spoons, soft ruler, black wax pencil, hand sanding pads, music