Draping and slumping are two ways to shape fused glass with heat and gravity, and they're easy to mix up. The difference is simple once you picture it: with slumping the glass sinks into a mold; with draping the glass drapes over a form.
| Slumping | Draping | |
|---|---|---|
| Glass goes | Into / down into a mold | Over the outside of a form |
| Result | Bowl, plate, dish (concave) | Draped vessel, folds (convex) |
| Edges | Follow the mold rim | Fall freely, often ruffled |
| Mold | Concave (hollow) | Convex (a hump or shape) |
Both happen at similar low temperatures (roughly 1150–1250°F), gentle enough to soften but not fully melt. Draping usually needs a slightly lighter touch because the edges are unsupported and can distort quickly once the glass softens. Watch a drape closely the first time; the shape can change fast near the top of the range.
As with slumping, your form needs a release coating so glass doesn't stick, and your glass blank should be sized to the form. For draping, remember the glass will spread and fall as it softens, so a slightly smaller blank often gives a more graceful result than an oversized one.
Slumping. It's more forgiving and predictable, and it produces the functional bowls and plates most people want first. Once you're comfortable reading how glass moves near slumping temperatures, draping opens up a whole world of sculptural forms.
Draping taller forms needs kiln depth. Tell me what you want to make and I'll help you pick a kiln that fits. Spencer — (801) 839-5882.
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