Glass Fossils (art + history; art + science)

One means by which fossils are formed is known as“carbonization”. In this process, a plant or animal isburied beneath layers of sediment.Over time, compression and heatturn the sediment to rock andmost of the elements - such ashydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen -are removed from the specimen, leaving just carbonremnants behind. The carbonforms an impression in rock thatrepresents the object in greatdetail. Great examples of ancientfish, insects, leaves and butterflies are found in FlorissantFossil Beds in Colorado.

Fused glass can demonstrate thisprocess in just a few hours.Sandwich plant materialsbetween layers of glass and firerapidly in a glass kiln. The plantburns away and the carbon leaves a silvery-white outline behind.

NOTE: results may vary withorganic materials and kiln used.A test firing is recommended.

Grade Levels 5-12

Preparation

1. Gather samples of smallleaves and flowers. The delicate, thin leaves andpetals of many flowers andferns do not leave a strongimpression. Evergreens workvery well. Look for substance,as well as interesting edges,veining and shapes. Thick samples should bepressed first. When the clear glass is placed ontop, the sample should not raise the glass morethan 1/8", or air pockets will form.

2. Precut clear and colored glass into pieces approximately 2" x 3". Each fossil will need a background glass and a clear glass piece on top.Darker colors will provide the most dramatic

Ash leaf on Kelly Greenglass shown withoptional Glass Stringers

“Baby’s Breath” onAqua glass, shown withoptional wire wrap

Materials

Amaco® COE 96 Fusing Glass, 6" x6" sheets, clear (34101-1606) and col-ors (34101-). Cut to 2" x 3" pieces for6 per sheet, need one clear and onecolor for each fused piece

Amaco® Excel Glass Kiln (30180-)

Amaco® Kiln Wash (32922-0001)

Organic material for carbonization

Optional:

Jewelry Wire (60688-2026)

Amaco® Glass Stringers (34103-)

Amaco® Glass Noodles (34101-)

Amaco® Diamond Pad (33596-1038),for polishing edges

Blick Gallery Wood Frame(17083-2001), Black, 6" x 6", for display

Crescent Matboard (13007-), assortedcolors for mounting

Duco Cement (23823-1003) formounting

Everygreen leaf onClear glass, mounted in optional frame

Preparation , continued

contrast. It's not necessary forthe two glass pieces to lineup exactly, and edges do notneed to be perfectly squaredor straight. Irregular edges willfuse into interesting shapedpieces.

4. Apply three even coats ofAmaco Kiln Wash to kiln shelf.Allow each coat to dry.

Process

1. Arrange the plant samples onthe piece of colored glass andcover with the clear glass.Samples may overlap oneanother. Parts of the plant thathang off the edges will burn away, but shouldbe trimmed if they are long enough to inter-fere with other pieces.

2. Arrange in kiln, allowing 1/4" space betweenthe sides of pieces and at least 4" abovepieces for airflow.

3. Program glass kiln to heat quickly to 800°F,allow it to stay at that temperature for 30minutes to burn off organic matter and giveair bubbles a chance to escape. Continue toheat to 1400°F and hold for 12-15 minutes.Cool to 900°F and hold for 20 minutes, thenallow normal cool.

5. Carefully remove pieces from kiln when completely cool.

4. Most of the glass edges will have fused intosafe, rounded shapes, however pieces shouldbe handled with care in case a sharp edgeremains. Use the Amaco Diamond Pad to gently file away any sharpness. If kiln washadheres to the back, remove with warmwater and a plastic scrubber.

Options:

1. Wire-wrap small fossils to form pendants andbrooches.

2. Mount and display in frames as one would afossil collection.

Copyright © 2007 Dick Blick Art Materials. All rights reserved.

National Standards

Content Standard #4 — Understanding the visualarts in relation to history and cultures

5-8Students analyze, describe, and demonstrate howfactors of time and place (such as climate,resources, ideas, and technology) influence visualcharacteristics that give meaning and value to awork of art

9-12Students describe the function and explore themeaning of specific art objects within varied cul-tures, times, and places

Content Standard #6 — Making connectionsbetween visual arts and other disciplines

5-8Students describe ways in which the principles andsubject matter of other disciplines taught in theschool are interrelated with the visual arts

9-12Students compare characteristics of visual artswithin a particular historical period or style withideas, issues, or themes in the humanities or sciences

Flower buds on blackglass, shown wihoptional wire wrap andjewelry cord

Juniper on Cobalt Blue glass