Strawberry Farm Plank Bowl, 10 inch x 10 inch
Dish up sweet summer fun with this refreshingly fun wood tone berry bowl.
Breaking free from the ho-hum square is easy when you start thinking beyond the limitations of four straight sides. The fastest and easiest way to jazz up any project is to give it a unique shape. The shape doesn’t have to be super complex to get attention. Just add a little unexpected something to the edge and you’ll have a project that everyone admires.
The bulk of my projects are assembled on a single, solid base layer of clear glass. The second, design layer is usually made up of pieces that create a pattern. The third layer is minimal and made with a few accent pieces. This type of construction is convenient because I can comfortably put the project together on my worktable and then simply carry it to the kiln when it’s ready to be fired. It’s a quick easy way to build strong pieces, but the straightforward perimeter shape can lack originality.
For this project we’re going to break tradition and shake things up with an irregular edge that flatters our sweet strawberries. In this type of construction the base layer and the design layer are both made up of multiple pieces. What makes this project even more unique is that we’ll use the same pattern to make both the base and design layers. We simply cut the base layer out of clear glass and the second layer out of a warm colored streaky glass that mimics aged wood.
To make this project, the clear base layer is cut and assembled on a primed, or shelf paper lined, kiln shelf. The design layer is cut and then turned 90 degrees, so the glass overlaps the breaks in the base layer. It’s then stacked on top of the base layer.
Now for the sweet part. The red strawberries and green leaves are cut according to the pattern. They’re ground to improve the rounded shapes. The strawberry’s seeds are detailed by applying black paint with a fine applicator tip. Next, the berries and leaves are arranged on top of the brown glass.
For added color and a nice linear detail I bent yellow stringers in a candle. The stringers represent a wild vine. I bent them and placed them so they would frame the bowl.
Bending stringers is fun and easy. The trick is to hold the stinger in the candle flame and apply a little pressure until the glass bends. Then move the stringer through the flame until you have a shape you like. Keep in mind, the stringer will be hot within an inch of the flame. And, it’s a lot hotter than you think, and a lot longer than you think it should be. I bend a bunch and set them aside so I’m not tempted to pick the bent stringers up before they’re cool to the touch.
The bent stringers are sized by snapping them by hand. The pieces are then arranged decoratively around the berries. The assembled glass is full fused and then slumped in a square mold.
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.
