DIY Pendant Lights

Design, fabrication and installation by Jake and Jessie Battin

I love to watch the dreamy reaction of visitors the first time they visit our home. They look around at my colorful décor like kids in a candy store. Then, wide eyed they say something akin to, “This is definitely an artist’s house.” They tell me they’re amazed how I’ve incorporated artistic details and functional art into our everyday lifestyle. In my opinion, that’s the best way to appreciate art, with daily enjoyment of its beauty and grace.

You can imagine how excited I was when my daughter and son-in-law mentioned they wanted to integrate glass art into their decorating plans for their new house. Of course, they have their own style and color scheme which made the process of designing and fabricating their pendant lights even more fun and fulfilling.

Jessie and Jake have played in my glass studio in the past. But this time was different. They didn’t want us to make the lights for them. Instead, they wanted to design and fabricate the lights themselves. I guided them along the way. We consulted about the size and shape the lights would take. But when it came time to cut the glass and assemble the pieces, they did the actual construction. It was fun to watch them process the cause and affect of the colors they chose and the design style they envisioned. It’s the same thrill I get when I teach hands-on classes and webinars. It’s as inspiring for me as it is for the students. I feed off their positive energy and enthusiasm for creating something that’s both beautiful and functional.

It was especially rewarding to watch them overcome obstacles as they occurred, and then not give up, but stick with the project to the end. Draping glass over a stainless-steel mold often delivers varying results. The size and shape of the glass, as well as the kiln you use all play a role in the outcome. Therefore, I suggested we make a test piece to ensure their glass colors and the finished shape matched their expectations. The test piece proved to be extremely valuable. We all concluded it was ugly, but still very valuable, as learning curves tend to be.

The test piece was even a bit of a surprise for me. I’ve been working with glass for more than 30 years. It continues to amaze me when the finished piece doesn’t resemble my anticipated vision. Then again, that’s one of the traits I love about this medium, it’s versatility, flexibility and promise of something new.

The test piece taught us so much. Jessie and Jake decided to eliminate some glass colors that the felt turned muddy after firing. We adjusted the tack fire schedule to give the accent pieces a softer look. And we also adjusted the drape temperature to ensure the pendant lights would have an organic, free-form shape.

Yes, it took more time, and we used more material making the test piece. But it has a special significance because it paved the way to the pendant lights that turned out as planned.

The take-away here is simple. No matter how experienced you are, there is more to learn. Don’t hesitate to make test pieces and take notes. Take before and after pictures. The information you gain is valuable. It will give you the confidence to try new ideas and make more advanced pieces of art, and that is priceless.

For more detailed information join me for my DIY Pendant Lights Wee Webinar Thursday February 4, 2021. I hope to see YOU there!

Happy fusing!

Lisa

You’re invited to join me this Thursday, February 4, 2021 for my Wee Webinar titled, DIY Pendant Lights Made Easy where I’ll show you step-by-step how to make these brilliant pendant lights.

For more creative ideas and inspiration please visit our new website A Crafty Crew at www.acraftycrew.com

Follow my blog for more tips and tricks!

Artist Website www.LisaVogt.net
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NEW Upcoming Wee Webinar!

DIY Pendant Lights with Lisa Vogt, February 4, 2021

Register here: https://www.glasspatterns.com/glass-patterns-quarterly-store/product/1516-new-wee-webinar-diy-pendant-lights-with-lisa-vogt-february-4-2021.html

Design, fabrication and installation by Jake and Jessie Battin

Custom pendant lights are a wonderful way to add a custom, personalized touch to your family’s hub, the kitchen. In this special event I’ll share treasured fun and creative family time in my glass studio with you. You’ll follow the design and construction of two beautiful pendant lights as my daughter and son-in-law dive deep into the world of glass fusing to create beautiful fixtures to light up the loving center of their new home.

In this concentrated, live event you will learn how to make 2 stylish fused glass pendant lights from start to finish. We will show you step-by-step how to create an attractive design, how to cut large glass circles, and how to create three-D design elements that pop. In addition, I’ll share project specific firing guides I developed to successfully fuse, tack and drape pieces with an intricate free-form shape.

As a bonus, we’ll share images of our ugly, but lovable, test piece. You’ll learn why we didn’t like it and how we adjusted the project assembly and firings to achieve the results we wanted.

Plus, we will show you how easy it is to drill the holes needed to accommodate the light fixtures. And we’ll demonstrate how to assemble and install the lights.

Also included, you’ll receive a tools and materials list that includes detailed information about the draping mold, the glass drill bits and the lighting fixtures we used.

All DIY creative enthusiasts are invited to attend. Enjoy the thrill of renewed inspiration, motivation, and artistic freedom after seeing how easy it is to add your own personal, artistic touch to your home.

April 2021 is SOLD OUT!

NEW DATE!
Sculptural Fused Glass, 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop May 25-28, 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

 NEW Artwear Designed for Artists by Artists Tell them how you really feel with bold T-shirts, Eco-conscience tote bags and sassy mugs.

Watch it NOW! Start fusing today!

Downloadable instructional videos for every skill level.