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 9, 2023. I hope to see YOU there!
Happy Fusing!
Lisa
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DIY Pendant Lights Wee Webinar
February 9, 2023
DIY Pendant Lights Made Easy with Lisa Vogt Wee Webinar
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 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.
Wee Webinar
● One-hour sessions teaching a project from start to finish
● A chance to ask your own questions via live chat
● Instructor handouts that include firing schedules provided
● Link to the recorded version that never expires available after the live event
● Participation in the live event not required to receive the recording
Tell them how you really feel with sassy mugs, Eco-totes and bold T-shirts!
Downloadable instructional videos for every skill level.
