Beautiful art and good food have a lot in common. Art is memorable when it exceeds a purely visual purpose. Extraordinary art engages the viewer, stirs their emotions, and frees their sense of wonder. Skilled artists create art that draws attention visually and then stimulates a personal connection with the viewer for a mind and body experience. Likewise, gourmet chefs know presentation is everything. They pair foods with complementary flavors and pleasing colors to appeal to all the senses. Top cooks know a truly delicious meal experience begins with the anticipation of the first savory bite.
When designing new pieces of art, I apply these multifaceted concepts from the beginning. I select a pleasing shape that enhances my design idea. Then I pair a complementary color palate with an engaging subject matter.
Before I drew the design, I imagined this vivid lemon tray brightening up my dark kitchen counter. I felt the cluster of yellow lemons and bright green leaves arranged on the royal blue background embodied the essence of lighthearted cheer. I believed the giving fruit would bring the joy and comfort that we enjoy during family meals to the hard-surfaces.
You can make art that lifts the mood in your home too. Here’s how to make the Lemon Tray.
This tray is 7 in. x 14in. It’s made with two layers of glass plus accents.
Tip: Clean the sheet glass prior to cutting. I wash the glass with plain water and dry it with cotton towels.
Base Layer: Cut a 7 inch by 14 inch rectangle out of clear glass for the base layer.
Design Layer: Cut 4 – ½ wide strips of opal orange or yellow glass for the outer border. Cut the strips to size. Cut the blue background glass to 6 inch by 13 inch.
Arrange the yellow border and blue background on the clear base. Glue the pieces in place with fuser’s glue. The glue keeps the glass from sliding when you load the assembled project in the kiln. Set the glass aside and let the glue dry.
Accent Layer: Draw the lemons and leaf pattern on paper. Cut the pattern up with scissors. Use a glue stick to affix the cut paper pattern pieces to the appropriate glass. Use opal yellow glass for the lemons and opal green glass for the leaves. Grind the cut glass to remove any sharp edges and improve the glass fit. Clean the ground glass with water. Dry the glass with a towel.
Arrange the cut lemon and leaf pieces on the blue background. Glue them in place with fuser’s glue.
Tip: Use the smallest amount of glue possible so it burns off without leaving any residue behind.
This is your opportunity to be the artist.
Decorate the background with fusible materials that you have on hand. Cut squares. Use stingers or noodles. Don’t worry about duplicating my design exactly. Instead, have fun with it. For best results, I recommend using high contrast colors and opal glass for maximum visibility and impact.
Here’s how I decorated the background. Cut twisted cane to size. Arrange the cane on the background. Snip murrine into pieces with mosaic nippers. Place the murrine on the blue field to create dots. Cut a narrow strip of white glass into squares. Arrange them between the cane. Glue the decorations in place so they don’t roll when you carry the assembled project to the kiln. Sprinkle clear, medium size frit on the lemons. This gives the flat yellow glass the illusion of texture.
Fire the assembled project to a full fuse temperature using the guide below. Slump the fused glass into a mold using the guide below.
When making your next piece of art dig deeper than the obvious. Great art is more than eye candy. Consider what you want your art to convey beyond being pretty. It can stimulate good moods, add a refreshing airiness to your space and bring positive energy to your life.
Full Fuse Guide
Segment 1: Ramp 300 F/hr to 1300 and hold 30 min.
Segment 2: Ramp 500 F/hr to 1465 and hold 10 min.
Segment 3: Ramp 9999(AFAP*) to 960 and hold 40 min.
Segment 4: Cool to room temperature.
*As fast as possible
Slump Guide
Segment 1: Ramp 300 F/hr to 1265 and hold 10 min.
Segment 2: Ramp 9999(AFAP*) to 960 and hold 40 min.
Segment 3: Cool to room temperature.
*As fast as possible
NOTE: Kilns fire differently. Test fire these guides in your kiln and then adjust as needed.
Lemon Tray as seen in my Artful Home Video available on my website.
Watch the Lemon Tray video here: https://youtu.be/Kl9OGUwgfYU
Happy creating!
Lisa
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Website www.LisaJVogt.com
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Make a Fused Glass Sink Webinar
August 27, 2020
Creating a stunning dichroic glass sink is easy when you know how!
In this comprehensive Webinar, I’ll guide you step by step through the time-tested processes I use to make large-scale, functional vessels.
You’ll learn safe handling techniques for cutting oversized circles, how to fuse and slump thick pieces to retain consistent bowl height, plus trade-secrets for worry free drilling.
In addition to fabrication know-how, you’ll receive a complete supply list, specifics on kiln requirements, source information for the slumping mold and drill kit, as well as helpful installation tips.
With all the professional tricks revealed, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge needed to make your own dazzling beauty.
Wait…there’s more!
In addition, I’ll demonstrate how to make a glittering dichroic sink. I’ll also show you how to make a cast glass sink from nipped glass pieces, dichroic bits and frit. Plus, you’ll be guided through the various cold-working steps I use to finish the cast glass sink edge to a glamorous, professional, quality polish.
New Date!
Sculptural Fused Glass, 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop
November 10-13, 2020
Register today!
Only 1 seat available.
Register www.lisavogt.net
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.
It’s hard to describe what it’s like when I’m feeling the creative flow. Time flies. Hours pass in what I thought were minutes. My naturally distracted mind is focused on what my hands are doing, and nothing else. I get lost in my own world. When I return to reality, I feel rejuvenated and spiritually uplifted. That’s why I like sharing my studio space with others. I try to give them that experience and hope they feel the same inspiration and fulfillment I do. -Lisa
Join me and I’ll show you all the pro tips and tricks I use to make stunning 3-dimnesional art. You’ll learn how to combine advanced techniques in new ways to create extraordinary sculptural pieces of art.
You’ll leave class with several completed glass sculptures, my custom firing guides and a deeper understanding of sculptural fused glass fabrication. You’ll have the knowledge, confidence and inspiration you’ve been craving to take your artwork to the next level.
Materials are included, that’s a $150.00 value! Plus, a professional photo shoot of your artwork is also included.
This is the turning-point workshop you’ve been waiting for.
Here’s what the students are saying about the workshop.
“Instruction was clear, help was always available, and Lisa’s explanation of the equipment was great.” -Sherry
“My favorite thing about the class was the friendly atmosphere that encouraged open thoughts and sharing ideas.” -Lyn
“I enjoyed making all the projects, especially the flow piece and the freedom to be creative with our work.” -Joy
“My favorite thing about the class was the ability to see multiple pieces of art that originated from concepts taught.” -Vicki
“Lisa is very professional, knowledgeable and freakishly talented. House, art, mosaic, her work – really fun and beautiful.” -Lorna
“Incredible class. Lisa shared her artistic knowledge of color flow and her technical knowledge of glass.” -Larry
“I had so much fun! Lisa is a great teacher!” -Brenda
Things that surprised the students about the class.
“I was surprised by the photo booth demo-it was very helpful.” -Joy
“I was surprised by the limitless glass we had access to, for our projects.” -Lyn
“The valuable education on glass art photography surprised me.” -Sherry
“I was surprised by the hominess of your hospitality!” -Vicki
This class is for you! Any skill level can attend. Beginner, intermediate and advanced students alike will learn how to advance their glass fusing skills and expand their artistic style.
Watch it NOW! Start fusing today!
Downloadable instructional videos for every skill level.
Check out my eBooks for elegant patterns and detailed fusing instructions.
