Watercolor technique. That’s fun to say. It immediately paints a picture in my mind. I see soft color washes detailing the delicate images of a dreamy scene.
For artists familiar with the mechanics of glass fusing creating a painterly quality in glass is an exciting new concept. We’re comfortable with the rigid, linear appearance of our geometric designs. And why not, they’re easy to build and they deliver visually dramatic results.
I’m here to tell you that creating pictorial scenes, decorated with nature themed subjects is equally as rewarding and satisfying to fabricate and display. At first glance, these projects appear tedious to build. But once you see how easy it is to make lush backgrounds and three dimensional florals you’ll be hooked.
Finding inspiration.
I’m always on the lookout for inspiration for new design ideas and new techniques to try. When I’m actively on the hunt for fresh material I silent the conformist and let my muse run free. I look more closely at everyday items and routine scenes to find a hidden perspective I can build off. It’s especially fun when two unrelated items, that are unrelated to glass, merge and solidify a design image in my mind. My Succulent series was born as a result of such an unusual pairing.
I purchased a bowl that I thought would look pretty on my kitchen countertop. When we cut fresh vegetables for dinner, we put the trimmings in the bowl. Later, the contents are dropped in our compost bin in the back yard. I liked the bowl for the edgy floral pattern. The soft cranberry and green colors also attracted me. It inspired the beginning of a design, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted more than just flowers. I wanted to create a sense of space and a feeling of peaceful joy. I found the inspiration I was seeking on the label of a bottle of organic dog shampoo! My daughter bought it for our happily spoiled pups. One day the bottle was sitting on her bathroom counter. The label’s leafy design and earthy colors caught my attention. I liked the green and yellow colors and the shapes of the plant. I thought the vertical design direction would be the perfect complement to round shape of the succulent flowers.
Advanced fusing design.
I took what I liked from each design and merged them together. I believe the spontaneity of the combination is what gives the artwork it’s refreshing appeal. Designing engaging patterns greatly adds to the pleasure of building personalized, original art. This approach to glass fusing is easy to apply once you allow yourself the freedom to reimagine the possible. Once you learn to trust your creative spirit, innovative ideas flood in.
Want to learn more?
I’m excited to announce that I’m presenting a comprehensive Watercolor Technique and Advanced Fusing Design webinar. In this LIVE event I share how to apply my watercolor technique and advanced fusing design concepts in person. I hope you’ll join me for this energetic, inspiring, and educational event Thursday January 13, 2022.
I hope to see YOU Thursday!
Watch the Watercolor Technique and Advanced Fusing Design Webinar YouTube video
Happy fusing!
Lisa
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2022 Is Our Year for Fusing!
Upcoming Webinars
Watercolor Technique and Advanced Fusing Webinar
January 13, 2022
Learn how to make gorgeous, vividly decorated nature themed fused glass designs in this comprehensive webinar.
Master the art of design, pattern, and color.
Join me and see how quickly and easily you can ramp up the visual intricacy of your work in just a few steps. I share my personally developed, “watercolor style,” approach to shading and highlighting glass. Using glass powders and frit, you’ll be able to create the illusion of depth and a subtle imagery that results in a soft, painterly look.
You will love the easy-to-follow instruction and seeing how I create elaborately detailed works of art with a gorgeous three-dimensional flair.
In this webinar you will learn how to use advanced artistic techniques like a pro. Beginner, intermediate and advanced fusers alike will enjoy applying the many simple, yet effective techniques I share in this in-depth, live event.
Plus, as a special bonus I include step-by-step instruction on how to use failed projects. I explain in detail how to solve problems and how to ensure successful projects moving forward.
I also include my custom firing guides, project patterns and materials list in PDF form. You will be fired up and eager to apply these new techniques to enhance the beauty and charm of your work.
DIY Pendant Lights Wee Webinar
February 1, 2022
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 will share treasured fun and creative family time in my glass studio with you. You’ll follow the design and construction of a beautiful pendant light as my daughter and son-in-law dive deep into the world of glass fusing to create beautiful art to light the loving center of their new home.
In this concentrated, live event you will learn how to make a fused glass pendant light from start to finish. I’ll 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’ll show you how easy it is to drill the hole needed to accommodate the light fixture.
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.
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 FOR 2022!
Sculptural Fused Glass, 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop February 22 – 25, 2022
Only 1 seat available
This is the turning-point workshop you’ve been waiting for.
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.
You Asked For It!
It’s time to take your glass fusing to the next level!
NEW DATE!
Fused Vessel Sinks 4-Day Hands-on Workshop
March 8-11, 2022
Make the fused glass sink of your dreams!
Kiln formed sinks are the hottest functional, art glass accent! In this class I’ll show you the many advanced techniques I use to make lavish basins. I’ll cover how to build large bowls, concepts for design, color selection and much more.
Students will learn how to design and cut glass for a sink that reflects their own design style. While the sink is firing, you’ll build several small, projects using a variety of advanced techniques.
You’ll learn how to load the fused glass into the sink slumping mold, how to drill and countersink the drain hole, as well as finishing techniques. In class we’ll go over kiln requirements, my project specific firing guides and helpful installation tips.
Intermediate and advanced students alike will gain valuable knowledge that they can apply immediately to push their work to an exciting, new level of sophistication. Each student will leave class with a sink, several smaller projects, process outlines, and the technical information needed to fire at home. With the professional tricks and secrets revealed, you’ll be ready to dive in and take the fused, sink plunge!
Here’s the class you asked for.
Advanced Glass Fusing 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop March 22 – 25, 2022
In this class, you will push the boundaries art glass imposes. Students will explore innovative approaches to design and combine multiple advanced techniques to construct original art that reflects their own personal style. You’ll enjoy: the one-on-one instruction, making multifaceted projects, the well-equipped classroom, and the intimate class size.
You’ll love the concentrated, in-depth study and creative momentum you’ll gain while actively producing, nonstop for four consecutive days. You’ll leave class with a working knowledge of kiln operation, custom project specific firing guides, and the inspiration you’ve been craving to go bigger and do more elaborate works of fused glass art!
Join me for this intense workshop held in my private studio.
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.
Artwear Designed for Artists by Artists Tell them how you really feel with bold T-shirts, Eco-conscience tote bags and sassy mugs.
Get it now! Start fusing today!
Downloadable instructional videos for every skill level.
Instructional eBooks for every skill level.
