Sue Hinkel's glass art is made from fusing and slumping glass in a kiln. First the glass is chosen for its color, compatibility, thickness and shape. Window glass or fusible colored glass are used. The glass to be used is then cut into pairs of blanks. Any additions to the design, such as metal shapes or glass enamel paint are done to the bottom piece of the pair and the other piece of the pair is placed on top. The banks are then arranged on a metal or ceramic mold, which will convey the final shape to the piece.

The mold with the glass is then placed in a kiln and fired at temperatures reaching 1450 degrees F. This is the fusing temperature. Once it is reached, the temperature in the kiln is reduced to 1000 degrees F. This will anneal the piece. Annealing is a process that equalizing the stress in the glass so that the piece will not break under it's own weight. This also toughens the piece and reduces brittleness. Annealing can take hours or even days depending on the thickness of the glass. Once the annealing process is complete, the kiln is turned off and left to cool to room temperature. The kiln is not opened till the process is complete. If the kiln is opened the cool air (compared to the temperatures in the kiln) will ruin or even break the pieces inside. Once the kiln has cooled the art can be taken out and is ready for use.
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