Excerpt from Creative Slumping Webinar
My favorite thing about glass fusing is its limitless possibilities. Beyond the basics, there are countless ways to work with this medium and get surprisingly unique results every time. There’s always something new to try and learn.
Another thing I love about glass is the three-dimensional aspect. We have the power to change the shape of our art and take it from flat to fabulous. Drop out molds are great props you can use to express your artistic flare in exciting, new creative ways.
What makes drop molds different?
When fused glass is slumped into a typical mold, we retain the original design unchanged but now with a gentle three-dimensional shape. Whereas the process of reshaping glass by allowing it to fall through the hole in a drop out ring changes and adds to the visual features of the design. As the glass drops through the ring the design elements blend and stretch which gives the illusion of movement in the finished project.
Drop Out Vase How-to
Drop-out-mold vases are tricky. Every kiln fires differently. The type of glass used and the way the project is assembled both affect the way the glass falls through the hole. Taking detailed notes is especially important if you want consistent results time-after-time.
Design Tip: As the glass falls through the mold it stretches. Because dropping glass adds detail to the pattern, I’ve found that when it comes to the vase design less is more. Keep the design simple. An overcomplicated pattern makes the vase look clumsy and heavy instead of graceful and light.
To make the glass.
Cut five (5) 7-inch glass circles. Vary the design on the layers. Stack the 5 layers in the kiln on a primed or fiber covered shelf. Wrap the stacked glass with Thin Fire fiber paper and 1/8” thick fiber paper to maintain the desired thickness and shape during the fusing process. Hold the fiber paper ring in place with kiln posts.
Fire to a full fuse temperature using the guide below.
To Make the glass base and riser.
Base: Cut two 4-inch circles, one black glass, one clear dichroic glass. Stack and full fuse.
Riser: Cut two 1 ½ inch circles out of clear glass. Stack and full fuse.
Drop out mold set up.
The round, ceramic drop out mold is 9-inch-wide with a 5-inch-wide hole. Cover the mold top with 1/8-inch thick fiber paper. This keeps the glass from slipping off the mold as it drops. If handled carefully, the fiber paper can be reused over and over.
Support the mold with four, 5-inch-tall kiln posts. Cover the kiln bottom, below the glass with fiber paper.
Heat the glass to drop it through the mold using the drop ring firing guide below.
Kilns fire differently. Test fire these guides. Take notes and make adjustments as needed.
Firing Guide – Full Fuse
Segment Rate Temp/Degrees Hold/ Minutes
1 300 1300 60*
2 300 1465 10
3 9999** 960 40
4 500 800 10
5 Let cool to room temperature
*This hold prevents bubbles from forming between the glass and kiln shelf.
**As fast as possible.
Drop Ring
Segment Rate Temp/Degrees Hold/Minutes
1 500 1200 30
2 200 1300 60***
***Peek at 30 minutes and again at 45 minutes to monitor the drop.
When the glass touches the fiber paper lined kiln bottom go to the next segment.
3 Flash Vent 1000 0
4 9999* 960 40
5 500 800 10
6 Let cool to room temperature.
*9999, As fast as possible.
**These firing guides are for System 96. They work equally as well with other COEs
Cutting the rim.
Cut the rim off with the 2-inch EverRun Sintered Diamond Slitter and Dremel. Grind and polish the rim. Glue the vase on the riser and base with E6000 adhesive.
Supplies & Materials
5 glass circles cut to 7-inch across
9-inch round ceramic drop out ring with a 5 inch hole
5-inch kiln posts
1/8-inch thick fiber paper
Thin Fire fiber paper
Tools & Materials
2-inch EverRun Sintered Diamond Slitter
Available at: His Glassworks www.hisglassworks.com
Variable speed Dremel with flexible shaft
Water source
Holding Tray
Grinder
Excerpt from Creative Slumping Webinar, December 10, 2020
Webinars are a wonderful way to stay connected to other fusers and keep the creative flow strong between hands-on workshops. In this webinar, I show you how to use materials you likely already have in innovative ways to make new and unique shapes. You’ll be amazed at how simple combinations can transform ordinary shapes into sculptural works of art. I hope you’ll join me for this fun and informative live event.
Wherever you are in your artistic journey, you’re doing a great job!
Celebrate you!
Lisa
Follow my blog for more tips and tricks!
Website www.LisaJVogt.com
YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhOifd7wukk
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Instagram @lvogt_originalsinglass
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Upcoming Webinars
Creative Slumping December 10, 2020
Register here: https://www.glasspatterns.com/glass-patterns-quarterly-store/category/208-live-webinar-events.html
I’m back with my popular Webinar, Creative Slumping. In this detailed Webinar, I’ll reshape the way you slump and drape glass. See how thinking outside the box and using readymade molds in new ways offers numerous and exciting opportunities to produce unique forms. You’ll also learn how to make your own graceful, free-form shaped molds from readily available materials with no laborious measuring or messy mixes needed.
But I’m not finished there…
Taking you one step further, I’ll show you how to use these different approaches, in combination, to transform ordinary projects into inspiring, sculptural pieces of art!
Join me December 10, 2020 for fusing, fun and a welcome opportunity to fuse glass with other enthusiastic glass artists around the world.
Fused Glass Sculptures January 14, 2021
Register here: https://www.glasspatterns.com/glass-patterns-quarterly-store/category/208-live-webinar-events.html
Creating striking sculptural fused glass forms is easy when you know the professional tips and tricks!
Join me in this comprehensive webinar and learn how easily you can put tried and true methods to use in unlikely ways, to create extraordinary sculptural art.
Enjoy the thrill of limitless possibilities.
In this in-depth webinar, you’ll learn pro tips and tricks for better glass cutting. See how to mix different fusible materials to make more elaborate designs.
You’ll be amazed how using standard slumping molds in unique ways can drastically improve the shape of your art.
You’ll be inspired by the innovative combination of ordinary techniques I share.
You’ll be confident to fuse glass after seeing how easy it is to load, program and fire a kiln.
Best of all, you’ll have an exclusive technical advantage with the advanced understanding of my dependable firing programs. And you’ll love the stunning three-dimensional results you can achieve by fusing all of these concepts together.
Beginner and advanced students alike will find inspiration, motivation and renewed artistic freedom from seeing the step-by-step construction of more than 5 sculptural projects in this webinar.
After this exciting webinar you’ll have the professional knowledge and increased confidence to incorporate these innovative methods in your new work.
In addition, you’ll have a working knowledge of kiln operation, custom firing guides, and a deeper understanding of sculptural glass fusing fabrication.
You’ll have the burning desire, and the cool self-confidence, to take your passion to greater heights.
Join me January 14, 2021 for fusing, fun and a welcome opportunity to fuse glass with other enthusiastic glass artists around the world.
Are you a lifelong learner?
As a life-long learner myself, I know it sometimes takes a change of scenery, a challenging new educational experience and the encouragement of an experienced instructor to advance my skills and help me grow.
Are you ready to grow?
NEW DATE!
Sculptural Fused Glass, 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop April 27-30, 2021
Register today! 4 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!
Here’s what the students from my recent November 2020 class are saying about the workshop.
“There is a wealth of material, tools and possible projects. Lisa is very motivating, informative, and supportive. The variety of materials is amazing. The number of projects we made in 4 days is beyond what I expected. The classroom set up was very well organized. I felt completely comfortable and safe with plenty of space and sanitizer. This class was beyond my expectations.” -Jane
“My favorite thing was Lisa’s knowledge and wealth of information. I was surprised by how many projects we made. I was very comfortable with the classroom set up and loved everything about this class. I learned so much and it was fun. My least favorite part was Friday at 4:00 pm.” -Liz
“My favorite thing about this class was the variety of glass and other materials. Unlimited dichroic! I was comfortable with the classroom set up; Lisa had lots of little personal touches that made it special. Thanks for the wonderful lunches!” -Gail
Student comments from previous classes.
“My favorite part about the class was the non-stop building and the generous amount of materials available. What surprised me about the class was how full the schedule was. Usually, you do 1 project. We did 5 in 4 days. Thank you so much for your generosity.” -Christine
“My favorite part about the class was the variety of projects we made. What surprised me was the number of projects we completed. Awesome experience – will come again in the future.” -Monica
“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
Introducing Artwear
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Ok! You got me with: In this webinar, I show you how to use materials you likely already have in innovative ways to make new and unique shapes. You’ll be amazed at how simple combinations can transform ordinary shapes into sculptural works of art. I hope you’ll join me for this fun and informative live event….
Great! I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.