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.

Inspiration

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 value of test pieces.

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, freeform 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.

There is more to learn.

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 Tuesday February 1, 2022. I hope to see YOU there!

Happy fusing!
Lisa

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2022 Is Our Year for Fusing!

Upcoming Webinars

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.

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.