There’s an enormous number of wonderful existing patterns designed for stained glass that can easily be adapted to fusing.
What’s the difference?
The big difference is stained glass patterns have more lines because the glass pieces must be cut to fit next to each other like a puzzle. Fused glass patterns can be simpler with fewer lines because we don’t have to fit the pieces together side by side. We have fewer lines because we layer the glass pieces and stack them on top of each other.
When considering using a stained-glass pattern for fusing visually select an area of the design that you find attractive. Maybe it’s a flower, a butterfly or a geometric shape. Focus on that small area and imagine making it with fewer pieces. You’ll preserve the beauty and energy of the subject by fabricating it with a different technique.
Enjoy unlimited artistic and design possibilities. Stretch outside your comfort zone and make striking artwork that reflects your style.
The options are limitless.
The concept of repurposing designs for different mediums is ages old. Traditional compositions have timeless appeal and are joyfully rediscovered again and again in contemporary artists’ interpretations.
You’ll love having the knowledge and know-how to customize existing professionally designed patterns to suit your artistic vision. Learn how easily you can transform classic compositions into new fresh favorites.
There are many ways to enjoy existing patterns that were originally intended for one purpose and use them for a different type of craft. Applying this multi-function approach to your fused glass greatly increases the number and variety of wonderfully rich patterns available to you.
How to resize patterns for fusing.
These guidelines are for MS Word on a PC. I’m sure similar options are available on other operating systems and devices.
TIP: I use several different graphic apps to accomplish what I need to do on a daily basis. There as several ways to approach this task. I’m humbly offering what I hope is an easily accessible method to help you achieve your artistic goal. If you see an easier path, go for it. My goal is to give you options.
1 Double click on the eBook PDF file to open it on your computer. Preferably a computer that’s connected to a printer.
2 Scroll to find the pattern you want to use.
3 Using the magnifying glass tool with the + sign enlarge the area of the pattern you want to use.
4 With the pattern up on your screen, type Snipping Tool in your Search bar on your computer.
5 Take a screen shot. Click + New. Drag the crossbars over the area you want to copy.
6 Click on the square save option in the upper right-hand corner. Tip: It takes a second to appear. Save the image to your computer in a file folder with the eBook.
7 Open MS Word. Open a new blank document.
8 Click Layout > Margins > Narrow to give you a large canvas and large printable area.
9 Click Insert > Text Box > Draw Text Box. Draw a text box that fills the page. Tip: Drawing a text box allows you to move the box to the middle of the page where it’s easy to adjust the size and make changes.
10 Click inside the text box. Click Insert > Pictures > Insert Picture From this device. Browse to find your screen shot picture of the pattern. Click on the picture and click Insert
11 Drag a corner of the picture to fill the text box.
12 Sizing the picture. Click on the Picture Format to select the picture. Click on the dropdown arrow under Crop > Crop to Shape > Click the Circle shape or Rectangle for a rectangle or square pattern shape.
13 Click on Picture Format > Picture Border. Select black to add a border so you can see the size and shape of your pattern.
14 Click on your pattern design to select it. Click on the down arrow under Crop > Aspect Ratio 1:1 This makes the pattern design dimensions symmetrical. This is good for a circle or square.
15 Next to the Crop option is Height and Width options. Select the Height and replace the dimension with 8 for an 8-inch circle. Click Enter to set your selection.
16 Ta Da! You have a usable pattern for your next fused glass project.
17 Print a test pattern on 8.5 x 11 paper on Portrait mode. Measure the printed pattern to check for accuracy. Adjust your settings if needed.
Line quality.
Depending on the line size and quality of the original design your new pattern line quality may be bulky. Don’t worry. It won’t have an impact on the quality of your fused glass art. Just cut the pattern into the smoothest shapes you can. Don’t let a heavy line keep you from enjoying the infinite number of new pattern ideas that are available to inspire your creativity.
More options.
Another way to alter the pattern size is with your printer settings. Play around with this to get the results you want.
Take a photograph of a pattern. Import the image into your computer to adjust.
Scan a printed pattern to capture the essence of the design. Then make changes to make it your own.
Copyright Laws.
Read the design owner’s copyright guidelines before copying a pattern or design. Pattern book authors may allow you to copy and use their designs for personal use. Ask the copyright owner for permission to use their material before getting started.
Excerpt from Tropical Teasers Pattern eBook & Garden in Bloom Pattern eBook.
Happy Fusing!
Lisa
Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox!
NEW DATE!
Advanced Glass Fusing Class, 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop, April 29 – May 2, 2025
Join me and take your glass fusing to the next level!
Join me for this intense workshop held in my private studio. Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited to 4. All class materials re included.
In this class, you’ll 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!
Take your glass fusing to the next level!
Join My Premium Video Membership and Enjoy 33 Advanced Glass Fusing Courses!
Inspiration is Here!
