Mid-summer is here and things are heating up in the glass studio! In Florida we’re enjoying daytime temperatures in the 90s!
Studio Time
When I’m not in front of the camera filming a video in my studio I’m in the lightest clothes I own. I spend my days moving projects from table to table making every effort to be in the cooling breeze of 3 big fans. My studio has AC but I like the natural light that floods my studio when the overhead door is open. Plus, I enjoy seeing the baby turkeys when they trot by, soon they’ll be joined by spotted fawns.
This time of year is full of welcome distractions like BBQ s, family vacations and day trips to the beach. I cherish having a more relaxed schedule, but I also really enjoy spending uninterrupted creative time in my glass studio.
Niki and I are busy in my studio making new YouTube videos, Vlogs and inspiring Premium Membership Video projects with you in mind. We’re excited about sharing projects you will LOVE! But, on these hot summer days, to keep my energy level high, I indulge myself and make art just for fun.
The free style approach of making a small, fun, fast and easy piece fuels my artistic spirit. It will fuel your spirit too!
Here’s your ticket to fun in your studio.
This adorable mosaic style heart has the perfect balance of design, technique and presentation to satisfy your craving for creativity.
How it’s made.
Cut clear fusible glass to 6 inch x 4.5 inch for the base of the mosaic heart. Place the clear glass on the pattern provided. Cut 1/2 inch wide strips of black glass. Nip the black glass strips into pieces with mosaic nippers.
Arrange the black glass on the clear base leaving the heart shape open. Leave a narrow gap between the pieces. Glue the black glass down with fusers glue so it doesn’t move when you apply the frit. Let the glue dry.
Use a spoon to apply fine size frit on top of the black glass. Spread the frit and work it into the crevices with a small dry paint brush. Apply a little frit at a time. You can always add more. Clean the excess frit off the black glass. Carefully, load the assembled glass in your kiln.
Cut two pieces of clear glass for the base. Stack the two pieces of clear glass. Fire the glass to the full fuse temperature using the guide provided.
Slump the Mosaic Heart piece over a stainless steel S mold or whatever shape mold you have available. Glue the Mosaic Heart to the clear base with E6000 adhesive.
Pro Tips for Making this Mosaic Heart.
Use black or another dark color for the mosaic portion for a high contrast design. Select fine size, transparent frit for your gradient color. This size is easy to move around and the transparent colors glows beautifully when backlit. Apply the frit with purpose and in a specific direction. It makes your artwork stronger. The Mosaic Heart is glued to the clear base with E6000 adhesive. If you have success with a different adhesive, use it.
I hope you enjoy making this bright and beautiful Mosaic Heart. Stay Cool!
Watch the Make a Mosaic Heart Vlog here.
New Apron GIVEAWAY!
We’re so sure you will love these new aprons we’re giving one away!
How to win!
Vote for your favorite artist apron design for a chance to win a Happy Fuser apron!
Watch my new How to Fit Glass Like a Pro video on YouTube.
Place your vote in the comment section of my YouTube video by 11:59 pm 6/22/2023.
One (1) winner will be picked at random. Must be 18 or older and live in the US. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.
Good luck!
2 New FREE Patterns Just Added to my Website
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Happy Fusing!
Lisa
Fire & Ice Webinar
July 11, 2023
Get fired up for advanced design techniques that invigorate your artistic spirit. You’ve loved making all the simple projects. Now experience the thrill of breaking away from familiar shapes to create striking free form fused glass designs.
It’s easy! In this comprehensive webinar, I’ll guide you step-by-step from beginning to end. I’ll share my methods of glass selection, show how to lay out organic shaped projects for success and offer fabrication tips for professional quality results. I’ll also demonstrate how to display your sculptural artwork beautifully and safely.
Join me and I’ll show you how to create free form projects that ramp up the visual elegance of your work. You’ll love my easy-to-follow instruction and seeing how I create intricately detailed designs in just a few steps. You’ll be amazed by the shortcuts and construction tips I offer that result in polished works of art with a gorgeous three-dimensional flair.
Beginner, intermediate and advanced fusers alike will enjoy applying the many simple, yet effective techniques I share in this in-depth, live event.
I include my custom firing guides, project patterns and materials list in PDF form.
Get excited about your glass work again! Attend this inspiring event and you will leave with the burning excitement and the cool confidence to create your own striking pieces of art. You’ll be eager to break out of your comfort zone and reinvent the possibilities while taking your glass art in a new and exciting advanced design direction.
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