Owner: Kristine Shafer

Helios Fused Glass Studio was born out of a passion for glass as an artist’s medium and kilnforming as their mode. We share glass enthusiasm, knowledge, materials, and equipment with anyone seeking to enliven their creative spirit.

Located in Austin, Texas, since 2007, Helios is a number of things. It is an education center, a source for materials and supplies, and an exceptionally well equipped working studio. It is also a social hub for glass artists. It is a place for both formal and informal information sharing. It is a gathering spot to come, share your latest creation, and see what others are up to.

Firings
Standard kiln firings include: slumping, draping, fire polishing, tack fusing, soft fusing, and full fusing (mostly, anything up to 1525*F that takes less than 24hrs). Prices are determined by space, top processing temperature, and total firing time needed to fire your piece.

Standard firing, tile (less than 6″ x 6″) ………………………………………..$5
Standard firing, quarter shelf (less than 10″ x 10″) ……………………………..$10
Standard firing, half shelf (less than 20″ x 10″) ………………………………..$15
Standard firing, full shelf (less than 24″ x 24″) ………………………………..$20
Standard firing, large kilns (over 24″ x 24″) ……………………………………$25
High Fire (above 1525*F) ……………………………………………………….$50
Drop-out (schedule ahead of time to monitor processing temp during open studio hours) …$50
Vitrograph Pot (small – glass included) ………………………………………….$30
Vitrograph Pot (large – glass included) ………………………………………….$55

Coldworking Studio

If you don’t have space in your own studio, or are just wanting to learn how to use specific tools we’re here for you!

Students must be qualified for cold working machine use, which takes a few minutes with one of our staff. In most cases, you may use any tool that you have used in a Helios class before. Blades, wheels, and belts are provided, are public and shared with students who may still be learning best practices. For best quality, artists are encouraged to bring their own wheels, belts. As always, just ask a staff member, and we’ll aid you!

General ……………………………..$7.50 per quarter hour (15min)
Kiln Club Members……………………..$5 per quarter hour
Unlimited Members……………………..FREE

Our cold working studio includes:
– Sand blaster (ask which grit size it’s loaded with. Grit size can be changed to accommodate different projects)
– MK-101 Professional Tile Saw, 10” thin diamond blade
– 104″ Vertical Wet Belt Sander (60 grit – cork belts)
– 12″ Diamond Flat Grinder (80 grit – cerium disks)
– 30″ Loose Grit Flat Grinder (80 grit to 400 grit)
– Loose Grit (80grit – cerium)
– 3M Diamond Hand Pads (60 grit – 1800 grit)
– Water hose with spray nozzles
– Dark room and equipment for screen printing
– Drill Press with diamond bits (1/16in – 5in)