Some of my favorite childhood memories include flying kites at the beach in the summer. I wished those long carefree days would last forever. But, eventually we went back to school and back to our usual routine. When it came time to decorate this free flyer, I took a wistful trip down memory lane and included vibrant tropical designs to bring back that fun-loving summer feeling.
You’ll be thrilled at how fast and easy it is to make this kite. You can follow the pattern and use the design elements I’ve included. Or you can think of this kite as your own blank canvas and add special details for a personal touch. Maybe include a sailboat or design a woodland scene or chill out with an ice cream cone image. The possibilities are endless. You’re limited only by your imagination.
The basic kite is made with two layers of glass. Use the pattern as a guide and cut a base glass out of white glass. The white glass hides the wall bracket. If you prefer to hang the kite in a window cut the base out of clear glass.
Cut the second layer out of light blue. Grind the two pieces of glass as needed to improve the fit. Stack the blue on the white.
Next, place the glass for the rolling water on the pattern. Using the pattern as a guide cut as much of the curvy shape as possible by hand. Draw the deep inside cures on the glass with a marker. I use a black marker on light colored glass and a silver marker on dark colors. Coat the maker line with lip balm so it doesn’t wash off when using the saw.
Select glass for the palm leaves. Using the pattern as a guide, cut as much of the shapes as possible by hand. Outline the deep cuts on each leaf with a marker. Coat the marker with lip balm.
To make the bright sun, cut a circle out of the paper pattern. Trace the circle on a piece of flashy dichroic glass and cut the circle to match. For the sun rays, cut a few ¼ inch wide strips of the same glass. Cut the strips into small triangles.
Grind the cut glass pieces as needed to improve the fit.
Carefully cut the palm leaves and rolling wave to match the pattern with a saw. If you don’t have access to a saw the shapes can be made up of pieces. Grind the rolling wave with a small ¼” grinder bit to smooth out the curves.
Clean the cut glass pieces with a mild soap to remove any leftover marker or lip balm. Dry the glass and check the fit.
Using the pattern as a guide, cut three bows for the kite tail out of complimentary glass colors. Grind the bows.
Lay the palm leaves on a sheet of scrap paper. Sift a high contrast color powder frit onto each leaf. Add detail to each leaf by pulling a small, dry paint brush through the frit. Carefully arrange the frit coated palm leaves as well as the rolling waves on the second layer. Arrange the sun and rays on the second layer of glass as well.
It’s the small, added details that make this kite so charming. Cut a narrow strip of clear dichroic glass. Cut the strip into tiny bits. Nip a white and clear twisted cane to size. Arrange the dichroic bits and twisted cane on the rolling wave piece.
The cut glass pieces can be glued to keep them from sliding when the project is moved to the kiln. If you apply glue use the smallest amount of fuser’s glue possible.
Place the assembled project on a primed or fiber paper covered kiln shelf and fire to a full fuse temperature using the guide below.
Place the fused glass kite on a sconce mold. Position the three bows on a kiln shelf or on fiber paper. Fire the glass to a slump temperature using the guide below. Firing the bows gives them a nice shinny edge quality.
To make the metal wall bracket measure across the back side of the kite. Cut the flat ¼” steel bar to fit inside the glass with a chop saw or hack saw. To make the tail, bend three curves into the end of the 18” long, 1/8” round steel rod.
Solder the bar to the rod to make a T. Clean the metal. Paint the metal wall bracket with black spray paint. Let the paint dry overnight.
Cut 2 -1/4” long pieces of clear, soft fish tank type rubber tubing with wire cutters. Slide the cut tubing over the ends of the steel bar. The tubing acts as a cushion between the glass and the metal. Plus, the tubing is flexible and so it has a stronger, longer lasting bond to the glass than the metal alone. Apply E6000 adhesive to the rubber and glue the metal wall bracket to the back of the glass kite at three points. Glue the three glass bows to the tail with E6000. Let the glue dry overnight.
Hang your kite on the wall with a picture hanging hook. Swing the tail to the right or left for a more whimsical installation. Hold the tail in place by pressing a pin or small nail under one of the bows where it won’t be seen.
Now sit back and enjoy the carefree, sun-drenched breezy days of summer all year long.
Breezy Kite as seen in Glass Patterns Quarterly Magazine
Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/FHETBXRs2s4
Fusing Guide
Segment 1: Ramp 300 F/hr to 1300 and hold 30 min.
Segment 2: Ramp 500F/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
Slumping 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 make adjustments as needed.
Happy Fusing!
Lisa
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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.
Sculptural Fused Glass, 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop
November 10-13, 2020
Register today!
Only 2 seat available. Register here
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.
This is the turning-point workshop you’ve been waiting for.
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
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.
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.
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
Watch it NOW! Start fusing today!
Downloadable instructional videos for every skill level.
Check out my eBooks for elegant patterns and detailed fusing instructions.
