Bumble Bee

Bumble bees are very noticeable by their yellow gold and black banded bodies. Their familiar buzzing songs fill the air as we attempt to avoid being stung. These pieces can be used to make fantastic dichroic fused glass jewelry that is sure to make anyone on your gift list a queen bee. You will undeniably be as cute as a honey bee when wearing this adorable design as a pin.

This glass bee does require the use of a glass saw. You can attempt to make a bee using the basic glass bug design. Be sure to bring the piece to a full fuse so that the yellow and black bands blend together giving the appearance on a solid body.

Instructions

1. Sketch the pattern on card stock and cut out the outline.

2. Rest the members on the appropriate shade glass and copy close to the pattern with a permanent marker. The body should be black and the tiny stripes are yellow. Use the clear glass to cut out the wings. Liberally shield the drawing with beeswax or Chap Stick.

3. A glass saw is considered necessary to cut the pattern. Make a point of cutting near the outline to maintain the shape and all the meticulous particulars.

4. Clean with dish soap and rinse in clean water or employ glass cleaner to eliminate any markings and residue. Use a lint free towel to dehydrate the pieces.

5. Assemble the portions on a primed kiln ledge and pose the shelf inside the kiln. Always grip the glass by the side to avoid fingerprints.

6. Shut the lid or door. Turn on the kiln.

7. Monitor the job at almost 1325 degrees Fahrenheit. While glimpsing at your hot glass have on glasses with IR and UV shield.

8. Once the project has your desired look, shut down and disconnect the unit. If the kiln is assembled with dense fire bricks, you can let it cool down by it’s self. On the other hand if it is assembled with ceramic fiber, the unit must remain on and supervised so that it doesn’t cool down more than about 300 degrees Fahrenheit per hour.

9. As soon as the temperature drops below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the kiln may be opened.

10. Once the glass has cooled down to room temperature, add a pin back. Use a two part epoxy to adhere the pin back to the piece.

Wire can be used to add the antenna to the bumble bee. This can be fused along with the pieces, or added after firing by gluing the wire to the glass with a two part epoxy.

Bumble Bee Pattern

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