The Glasshoppa Video Series is intended for novice-to-intermediate glass fusers who want to improve their skills, learn new techniques and greatly increase their success rate. Each project has been made multiple times and includes free downloadable patterns, firing instructions and step-by-step video instruction.
Many of the videos are free to everyone, many more are available to Glasshoppa members who pledge a small amount of money to support their production.
All Glasshoppa projects are public domain — you are free to make as many as you like, sell them, teach them or give them away.
There’s nothing for sale here; the tools, materials and resources I use are those I choose for my own work and from many years of experience and exposure to all facets of art glass. Welcome!
How it Works
Your pledge on my Patreon page unlocks unlimited access to ALL Glasshoppa video tutorials (there are nearly 100 now). Watch as many as you want as often as you want; they never go away.
You are charged your pledge amount monthly on your join date. You may cancel at any time. I have been publishing 8-10 new videos per year.
Click on any video image and you'll go to either YouTube (free videos) or to Patreon, where you'll be prompted to either join the program (newcomers) or to log in (active members).
Patterns & Firing Schedules
Project patterns and firing schedules are provided as downloadable PDF files. On YouTube, the links are below the video window. On Patreon, the links are located below the blog text that accompanies each video.
The Firing Schedules are those I used successfully for the same project in my brick kilns. I use System 96 glass exclusively. Bullseye-compatible products should yield very similar results, with annealing temperatures adjusted to Bullseye’s recommendations.
Project Troubleshooting
Why did my bowl break? What’s this scum on the surface? How should I fire this? Fusing is simple in concept but the complexities of working with glass can seem endless. The Glasshoppa is available to members who want help troubleshooting a project gone wrong, or who have questions about pretty much anything art-glass related. I don't know it all and won't pretend to, but promise to make a solid effort to help out, gratis. Send pictures and your firing schedule!
Jim Matthews
I went to work for Spectrum Glass Company (now Oceanside Glasstile) in 1978 and stayed for 33 years, variously managing sales, marketing, product development and business development. In addition to the myriad of stained glass innovations over the years, I was closely involved in the creation and evolution of the System 96 (now Oceanside Compatible) family of expansion-matched glass products that are today widely used in glass fusing and glass blowing the world over.
In 2016, a few years after my departure, Spectrum cooled its furnaces, yielding to the triple tsunami of economic recession, Chinese glass production, and costly environmental responsibilities.
My home and studio are in Woodinville, WA.
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