I can’t thank you enough!

You’re Awesome!

I can’t thank you enough for your constant support and encouragement!

Artists truly are the most generous, giving, positive people I know. I’ve been a working professional for more than 30 years. I’m continually impressed by the increasing level of thoughtfulness and support I receive from fellow artists around the world. It’s your kind encouragement that inspires me to try advanced techniques, design new projects and share my processes with you. When you take the time to write me short notes about your trials and successes it may feel like a small gesture to you. But it’s a huge thrill for me to be included in your artistic journey and share in your creative excitement.

I’m so excited to tell you, I reached 5000+ subscribers on my YouTube channel! In some markets that’s a tiny number. For me it’s a huge number! I’m more interested in quality than quantity. For me 5000+ subscribers is confirmation that our art glass community is alive, strong, growing, and hungry for more fun and informative material.

I’m also excited to tell you, I reached 2000+ subscribers on my Art Adventure Blog! Again, for some that’s a tiny number. For me it’s huge! Over 2000 glass artists enjoy getting weekly encouragement in the form of how-to articles, tips for better work practices and regular updates on what’s happening here in my glass studio. I appreciate all the demands on your attention and on your time. In my blog I strive to bring your relevant information you can use to improve all aspects of your artistic life.

Visits to my website have also increased. In response to your growing interest I’m implementing new tools to make your experience on my website more rewarding. In the top banner under the Studio News tab you’ll quickly find current information on my upcoming events, webinars, and classes. Under the new Testimonials tab you can read my students’ class experiences. On the right-hand sidebar, I’ve added a Top Blog Posts category so you can easily access the most popular posts. The list is updated every two days so check back often. If you prefer to read my blogs in chronological order, there’s a Recent Blog Posts list of quick links located on the bottom of the right-hand sidebar. I recently added two new photo categories to the sidebar, Fused Glass Art Gallery and Leaded Glass Doors. I hope you enjoy browsing the vibrant images and comparing the many different design styles.

More exciting news! I’ve added several new, super fun Artwear designs to my website store. I designed these lively T-shirts, Eco-tote bags and sassy mugs with YOU in mind. There’s no shortage of color or pizazz here. There’s something for everyone. As artists, we love to inspire creativity and spread happiness. With these energetic Artwear designs you can spark imaginations outside your studio. Consider yourself an art ambassador. Show and share your passion for glass with the world every day.

My thank-you gift to you for your love and support is this Sparkling Heart tutorial. Happy fusing!

Sparkling Heart how-to.

Stainless steel cookie cutters are great molds for fun, fast and easy fused glass projects. You can find a variety of styles and shapes online. I’m particularly fond of the heart shape because of it’s universal message of hope and love. With a little prep you can make one of these dazzling hearts in just a few minutes.

An important thing to remember when using a stainless steel mold is that during the cooling phase of the firing the stainless steel mold will cool faster than the glass. In effect, the stainless steel with contract sooner than the hot glass. Without proper padding the stainless steel mold will break the fused glass as it cools. It’s easy to prevent breakage by lining the inside of the metal mold with 1/8 in thick fiber paper. This barrier is a cushion that protects the fused glass. I then add a second liner of Thinfire fiber paper. The Thinfire reduces glass dragging and the formation of pointy edges. With the Thinfire you’ll have a beautiful, smooth, round finished looking heart edge.

Let’s get started.

The prep.
Line the inside of the stainless steel cookie cutter with the 1/8 in. thick fiber paper. Cut the paper to size with a scissor. Butt the ends together. Don’t overlap the 1/8 in. thick fiber paper or it will alter the shape of the heart. Line the inside of the 1/8 in thick fiber paper with a strip of Thinfire fiber paper. Cut the Thinfire to size with a scissor. It’s okay to overlap the Thinfire a little. Hold the two fiber paper liners in place with a few strips of clear tape.

Place the lined stainless steel mold on a small, kiln washed, or fiber paper covered kiln shelf.

Fill the mold.

Place a layer of clear mosaic size glass pieces in the bottom of the mold. It’s not necessary to completely cover the bottom with the clear glass. As the glass melts it will fill any holes. Sprinkle a few pinches of Mardi gras confetti glass on top of the clear glass. Add another layer of clear glass. Drop a few pieces of gold pink confetti glass into the mold. Add a few pieces of dichroic glass. Repeat the clear layer, pink layer and dichroic layers until the mold is full to the top of the fiber paper liner.

Full fuse the glass using the guide below. Let the glass and mold cool to room temperature before removing them from the kiln. Grind the tip of the heart flat. Glue the heart on to a glass base with E6000. Enjoy!

Quick tips for bright shinny hearts.

Use more clear glass than color glass to ensure you have adequate transparency that enhances the beauty and thickness of the heart.

Use dichroic glass sparingly. A little sparkle goes a long way. Too much dichroic glass makes the heart dark and muddy.

Don’t overfill the mold past the fiber paper liner or the glass may stick to the stainless steel mold and cause breakage.

Use dark glass colors in moderation or the light won’t shine through the heart.

Allow the fused glass heart to cool completely before removing it from the kiln. The kiln controller may register a low temperature, but the internal temperature of the thick glass is hotter. Be patient. I promise, it’s worth the wait.

Full Fuse Firing Guide for projects smaller than 12 in.
Segment       Rate   Temp Hold
Segment 1    300     1300   45
Segment 2    500     1465   10
Segment 3    500     960     40
Let cool to room temperature.
*Kilns fire differently. Test fire this guide and make adjustments if needed.
**Temperatures are in degrees.
I used Oceanside Compatible COE 96 glass to make this heart.

Materials List
Heart shaped stainless steel cookie cutter 3 ½ in. x 3 ¾ in. x 1 1/8 in.
1/8 in. thick fiber paper strip cut 1 in. wide by 12 in. long
Thinfire fiber paper strip cut 1 in. wide by 12 in. long
Mardi Gras Mini Confetti Glass bits
Gold Pink Confetti Glass bits
Clear glass scrap cut into mosaic size pieces
Dichroic glass on clear scrap
Clear tape
Scissors
2 in. x 2 in. base glass either clear or mirror backed.
E6000 adhesive

Watch the Sparkling Heart video here: https://youtu.be/Ty1kb7ZSl0I

Thank you for spending part of your day here with me talking about the amazing medium we love.

Happy Fusing!

Lisa

Follow my blog for more tips and tricks!

Website www.LisaJVogt.com
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Upcoming Webinar and Class

Make a Fused Glass Sink with Lisa Vogt Webinar July 27, 2021

Register here: https://www.glasspatterns.com/glass-patterns-quarterly-store/product/1565-make-a-fused-glass-sink-with-lisa-vogt-july-27-2021.html

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.

In addition, I’ll demonstrates how to make a glittering dichroic sink. I’ll 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
October 19-22, 2021
Register today! 3 seats available. Register here: https://lisajvogt.com/product/sculptural-fused-glass-4-day-hands-on-workshop-1500-00/
 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!
May 2021 Student Testimonials 

 “My favorite thing about the class was the creative freedom – we were not required to make the same thing the same way. I was surprised by the variety and number items we made and the flexibility we had to go our own way with our projects. The glass studio was very comfortable and very clean with plenty of room.” -Ron

 “My favorite thing about the class was the projects were tailored to our interests with user specific glass choices and design options. This makes the best type of learning environment. I loved the continued technical information that was used in daily discussions. Loved the amount of space we had for working and the use of top-quality tools and the hands-on assistance Lisa gave each one of us. You will hear and see me again. Thank you for your time and talent.” – Donna 

 “My favorite thing about the class was the creativity – putting things together in new ways – using different materials – and how welcome I felt. I was surprised how much we were able to get done and by Lisa’s ability to coach those of us on different levels. My least favorite part was that the class ended. The classroom setup was excellent – well organized. I really feel like Lisa gave me the tools to advance to a new level. It was worth the cost of the workshop, airfare, B&B, animal care and house sitting! Can’t wait to put what I leaned into practice and return for another workshop.” -Sue

 Read more student testimonials on my website.

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.

Check out my eBooks for elegant patterns and detailed fusing instructions.