i splurged and bought a kiln!

I really should have known better!

I recently found out about this great glass supply store in Toronto that offers several courses and seminars and stocks a lot of glass (for stained glass and for glass fusing) and all kinds of tools and accessories. Essentially everything and anything you need when working with glass. I checked out their website last night and found out that the store is in west end fairly close to where we live. I decided to go by today and just 'take a look around.' I walked out with multiple sheets of glass, cutting tools and a totally kick ass kiln!

Initially I was considering a smaller kiln but Alex was with me and talked me into getting the bigger one. His reasoning was that I might outgrow the smaller one. This model allows for bigger projects, higher temperature firing and is digital and programmable. I probably should have bought a used kiln to start with but I was overwhelmed with excitement and project ideas as I roamed the store and Alex was pretty encouraging so I decided to get the kiln RIGHT THEN.


This is a Coneart kiln. 14.5" interior diameter, 6.5" high. Kanthal A-1 elements in the lid. The walls are 2 ½" of premium firebrick. The jacket and fittings are all corrosion resistant stainless steel. The box in the front is a Bartlett 3 button controller - suppose to ensures precise control for heating and cooling. It has software for 4 user programs, which will be very useful when I start slumping glass (for bowls and plates) instead of just making fused pendants.

The glass I bought: I really love the swirly sheets. I think I'll save those for slumping.


I also bought some broken bits and treated myself to these cool beads.


I'm usually not this impulsive and tend to be fairly 'frugul' in terms of what I'll spend on myself so I'm still trying to reconcile this purchase. It's not exactly buyer's remore that I'm experiencing but a fair dose of guilt that the money could have been better spent. That being said, I'm pretty darn excited to get started! I'm hoping to fire my first batch tomorrow after Alex installs a seperate power outlet for the kiln (he's so safety conscious!).

I already have a list of other supplies I want to get - this is going to be one expensive hobby. Stay tuned!