Tropical flowers, with their vivid colors and striking shapes have always been a favorite subject for my glass art. The bird of paradise flower is especially fun. Thanks to its easily recognizable profile, I can render it in fantasy colors knowing the image will remain familiar and be imprinted with my personal, artistic flare.
When planning this project, I imagined the spiky flower petals having blended colors that would add a rounded quality and fullness to the design. I decided glass frit would give me the bright colors and subtle shading I was looking for. I then decided to use a high contrast, solid color background that would showcase the flower.
Frit and cut sheet glass are a great combination for creating dramatic images.
Frit is a terrific filler material, but it’s difficult to establish a hard edge with frit alone. It leaves a fuzzy or blurred line around the individual design shapes. And so, wherever I want strong line quality and solid color saturation I cut the glass shapes out of sheet glass. The cut glass outlines and contains the frit giving my artwork the professional quality crispness I strive for.
How to make the bird of paradise flower.
This project is made with two layers of glass. The base layer is clear glass.
The second layer is made up of cut pieces and frit. I started the second layer with a narrow border to visually frame the art and add a nice punch of color.
I selected black glass for the background to contrast the colorful flower petals and plant stem. The background is cut with a saw to minimize the number of pieces and to give me a very clean, accurate shape for the flower. The cut pieces of the second layer are glued to the base layer with a small amount of fuser’s glue.
Tip: Let the glue dry before applying the frit. Otherwise, the cut glass pieces move around during assembly which results in a blurry edge.
Select your frit sizes and colors with purpose.
I chose to use fine and medium size frit, in both opal and transparent glasses. I selected bright, eye-popping colors that would contrast the flat black and dance in the light. I apply the frit with a spoon, filling the open spaces to the height of the cut glass surrounding them. Once filled, I grade the frit with a paint brush to blend and soften the colors.
Clean up is key to exceptional quality craftsmanship.
Once I’m satisfied with my frit color mixes and the coverage, I take a small paint brush and clean any overflow off the background glass. I take my time with this step and make sure to remove any excess frit that might distract the viewer from my beautifully detailed flower.
Frit is a fun way to add a painterly quality to fused glass art. I use it to add detail and shading to increase the visual intricacy and attractiveness of my pieces. Applying frit is a fast, easy way to put a personal spin and your artistic touch on your favorite patterns. Go ahead. Give frit a try. The possibilities are endless.
Tips for Fabulous Frit Designs
Use different frit sizes to enhance your design.
Cut glass wherever you want solid color and strong line quality.
Use both transparent and opal glasses.
Create a light source.
Apply light colors first then layer dark colors on top.
Blend your colors.
Use dark, high contrast colors to create shadows.
Pile the frit on. Don’t be skimpy.
Plan your frit application. It shouldn’t be random.
Use stringers and noodles to add linear details.
Be meticulous about your clean up.
Wherever you are in your artistic journey you’re doing great! Keep learning, trying new techniques and seeking the support of community. It only gets better.
This Bird of Paradise pattern is one of 6 graceful designs in my, Painting with Frit video available as a download on my website.
Check out my video.
Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox!
Happy Fusing!
Lisa
Upcoming Class!
Advanced Glass Fusing Class
4-Day, Hands-on Class, Wesley Chapel, FL
February 4-7, 2025
YOU can make gallery quality fused glass art! You’ll love the personalized instruction in this exciting advanced technique, artistic awakening and skill building workshop. This is the turning point experience you’ve been waiting for.
Someday is here! What are you waiting for? You’re in your prime. You’re at the peak of your interest in glass fusing. Take the next step and raise your artwork to an exciting new level of sophistication.
Join me for this intense workshop held in my private studio.
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.
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 and take your glass fusing to the next level!
Premium Video Courses by Lisa
