Dichroic Glass is created in a special kiln with a vacuum chamber. It is called Thin Film Deposition. The glass is heated to a specific temperature, then an electron gun vaporizes a blend of metal oxides and quartz crystal sealing them onto the glass. The proportions of the metal oxides or the number of layers of metal oxides determine the dichroic colors. The special effect of this glass is that it has a transmitted color and a completely different reflected color. Before Fusing, we stack layers of glass….. different dichroic colors , different textures of glass, and different dichroic glass patterns. Next we Fuse them together to marry the blend of glass characteristics. Each piece goes through the kiln process three to five times before they are wire wrapped.

Another way of explaining the Dichroic Glass Process: Metal Oxides are vaporized and deposited on glass with an electron gun in a special chamber.Then multiple sheets of this dichroic glass is strategically stacked together and fused into one piece of glass in a kiln. Designs are then cut out of that sheet. Next the designed pieces are ground to shape with diamond grinders or formed with a torch. Then each piece is wire wrapped by Berta. Berta is the “Master Rapper.”

We call Dichroic glass…..”Precious Silica,” and there is good reason for it. It is costly to make; the equipment is very expensive. But it is so beautiful . . . we fell in love with it the first time we saw a piece. We knew Dichroic glass had to be our primary medium.

Rex & Berta Heisler