Frit can be used beautifully to cast uniform cabochons for jewelry as well as other applications. In this project we will be using Little Fritter mold #20 "Mini Ovals", glass separator, bits of dichroic glass, frit, a kiln, silicone and bracelet hardware to create a charming dichroic glass bracelet. 

Step 1.  Treat the LF 20 mold with glass separator of choice according to the glass separator manufacturer's written instructions.

  The glass separator that we used in this project is "Primo Primer". It is a dry material mixed 1:5 with water and brushed onto the mold. The mold is heated to 500 degrees F to cure the Pimo Primer.

Step 2.  Place a small piece of dichroic glass into the oval cavity.

 We used a small piece of COE 96 Clear Dichroic Noodle in this particular bracelet. One can choose to use any piece of dichro, whether on clear glass or black, patterned or unpatterned; as long as the COE of the dichro matches the COE of the frit to be used later. 

Step 3.  Using a plastic spoon, place medium grain frit over the dichro in the cavity. Use enough frit to complete cover the dichro and heap slightly over the top of the cavity.

  We used approximately 1/2 teaspoon of COE 96 Creative Paradise frit TG08 Green Pear per oval.

Any colors or assortment of colors of frit can be used in this project as long as all of the glass used is of the same COE.

Step4.  Using a brush, sweep the stray frit into the oval cavity and create a small heap of frit in the center of the cavity.

Step 5.  Fill each cavity of the mold. To make 12 cabochons it is necessary to fill two LF 20 Mini Oval molds.

Step 6.  Place the molds with the frit in the center of a kiln. Fire the kiln at 500 degrees F per hour to 1480 degrees F. Hold at 1480 degrees F until the glass is fused completely. Typically this will require a hold time of 15 minutes. Allow the kiln to cool naturally to room temperature.

Step 7.  Remove the molds from the kiln.

If your glass is completely fused,

your cabochons

should look something like this from the kiln.

Step 8.  Turn the mold over to de-mold the cabochons. Rinse the cabs in soapy water to remove any glass separator.

Step 9.  Apply a tiny dot of adhesive to the back of each cabochon and apply them to the bracelet hardware.

  We use a clear silicone to apply hardware to glass pieces.

One can also use E6000 or a good two part epoxy.

Step 10.  Allow the adhesive to set according to the manufacturer's written instructions.

All of the items used in this project minus the silicone and a kiln  is available in a handy "Frit Bracelet Kit".

The kit includes 2 x LF 20 molds, 1 oz each of 6 medium grain frit, a bag of clear dichroic bits, Primo Primer, 

6 silver plated bracelet hardware.  All of the elements of the kit can also be purchased separately.

For the best price and service find a distributor near you by clicking here.      

To buy a kit online click here.