This small fused glass vase is 4 1/2″ high and 4″ in diameter at the top. First, I fused two layers of glass about 4 1/2″ in diameter. Second, I used a drop ring mold, which is a mold with a 3″ hole in the middle. I propped the mold 4″ high, placed the glass on the mold and put it back in the kiln. I had to watch the glass as it dropped through the mold, so it would land nicely on the shelf. If it isn’t watched, all the glass could fall through the mold and create a large pile of glass on the shelf. I know this, because it has happened to me 🙂
Third, I fused two layers of glass for the base of the fused glass vase. Fourth, I tack fused the base to the vase. This gives the vase more stability.
I plan on making a taller fused glass vase with the Cranberry glass, but haven’t gotten around to it yet.
Christine — Glass Artist
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Click here to see more of my Fused Glass Art:
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Masters Glass Art 
May 6, 2010 at 12:38 am
Hi Christine, I love your work. I have a drop mould of this size, but my work turns out with quite a thin stem. I use 2 layers of glass with glass colour squares in between. Is it because the temperature is too high or firing time. How long was your firing time for this vase. I use a kiln with a kiln sitter but no other temperature control. Thanks, Sheila
May 9, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Hi Sheila,
Thanks for your kind words about my glass!!
What size are the glass squares? How far apart are they? Are they spread equally on the glass? Are they tack fused? Perhaps you get a thin stem because the glass squares are pulling it down – just an idea without knowing more about your drop ring vase.
I have a programmable kiln and I fired it to 1325 degrees and held it there for one hour. The firing time to complete this vase doesn’t really matter. The important things are to increase the temp. so you don’t get thermal shock and to anneal the glass properly.
I hope this helps!
Christine
May 22, 2010 at 7:02 pm
I also love what you have done. It appears to me that the smaller you make these vases the more skilled you have to be. I am looking forward to seeing your larger pieces. Keep up the good work.
August 2, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Thanks for your compliment about my vases.
I started out making smaller vases, like this one. When I got a custom order for a 10 inch tall vase, I was a bit overwhelmed. I had to work my way up. I started with a 6 inch vase, then an 8 inch vase, and then a 10 inch vase. I also started experimenting with tack fusing a base to the bottom of the vase.
I just posted a 10 inch vase, I recently made. I hope you like it.
Christine
August 8, 2010 at 11:51 am
Hi Christine – I have enjoyed reading your blogs and love the drop vases you do. I have tried some and am pleased with the result, but would like to add a base to my next one. If you make the vase and base seperately and then tack fuse them together, doesn’t the vase start to slump, before the tack fusing has taken place? I wondered about putting the base in the kiln and letting the vase slump/drop on to it. I would have to be pretty accurate with my siting of the base though, as it could easily be off centre. What did you do?
Cheers Jane
September 4, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Hi Jane,
I tack fuse the base to the vase after the vase is done. I usually glue the base to the vase, so I get it centered. I only go up to 1200 degrees and hold for 15 minutes. This temp. does not cause the vase to slump any further.
Christine
April 21, 2011 at 8:33 pm
I did a search on the internet for “how to make drop vases”. Your site was the best. I hope to start making drop vases. I have a lot to learn. You answered my main question and that was how much glass to use to obtain a certain height – for every 2 inches in height, add another layer of glass.
July 11, 2011 at 12:20 pm
Hi Barbara,
I’m glad I was able to help you with your drop ring vases. I hope they are turning out wonderfully!
Thanks for your comments,
Christine