Tag: advanced glass fusing

Knowledge – Confidence – Inspiration

The idea of programing your own kiln can be frightening, intimidating and possibly the reason you haven’t fired up your new baby yet. I’m here to help you move past your crippling fears. Let me guide you to the empowering realm of control where you’ll enjoy the thrills of blissful creativity. It’s a magical place where time stands still for you and dichroic unicorns do exist.   

To start, what type of kiln are you using?

Glass kilns come in many shapes and sizes handmade by skilled manufacturers.

But first you have to understand the foundation of glass fusing programs.

A firing guide is a step-by-step schedule to fire glass of a certain size and thickness to achieve a specific result. Firing guides are carried out in steps called segments. Larger, thicker projects have more conservative firing guides with more segments. The rate per hour indicates how quickly the kiln should change temperature in an hour. Temperature is the target temperature the kiln will be taken to for a specific purpose. The hold time indicates how long the kiln will remain at a certain temperature to achieve the desired results.

Kiln controllers.

Note. Not all kiln controllers work the same. This is intended to simplify the overall theory for you. It’s best to refer to your kiln manufacturer’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to operate your kiln.

When programing a kiln you’ll enter several pieces of information in order to write a program. Controllers can hold and retain several programs. Therefore, the first number the kiln will request is the program number. Then it will request the number of segments you want to use. It will then ask for the rate, the temperature increase you want per hour. Next it will request the hold time, how long you want the kiln to stay at that temperature to achieve the desired results.

If you have entered more than one segment you repeat the above steps for every segment in your program.   

The great thing about having a controller is it retains your information to use again in the future. In my studio, I have several kilns of varying sizes. To avoid confusion and mistakes, I hang a list of the programs in each kiln next to the kiln. Then when I fire glass, I can quickly find the appropriate program and access it with confidence.

To help clarify the kiln programing process and steps I’ve included my three most common programs here.

Make no mistake, you’re brave to enter the creative and mysterious world of glass fusing. Therefore, I know you have what it takes to program your own kiln. You got this!

Wherever you are in your journey you’re doing great! Keep learning. Keep sharing. Keep creating beautiful pieces of art.

Happy Fusing!

Lisa

Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox! 

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Instagram

For new videos Subscribe to my Premium Video Subscription Membership!

Fusing for the Adventurous Webinar

March 9, 2023

Get ready to push boundaries, challenge old ideas and enjoy the thrill of limitless possibilities. Join glass me in this comprehensive hands-on webinar, and learn how easy it is to use tried and true methods in unlikely, innovative ways!

With 4 major projects and a few bonus pieces, you’ll get more than you bargained for!

Radiant Ribbons combines dichroic glass and patterned rods into three wavy sections that create beautiful wall art, a dazzling focal point for any living space.

Leaves involves cutting and layering glass surrounded by bits of dichro. Depth is produced by having all of the component parts “floating” in frit and edged in solid color to construct a scene reminiscent of a shadow box.

Fun with Rods gives you the opportunity to fabricate a light and airy project with curvy slumped colored rods.

Plus, you’ll have the fun of kiln casting with murrini creating Hearts on Fire.

All of these techniques will produce dramatic results in your art, and take your work to an exciting new level of sophistication. Beginning and advanced fusers alike will find inspiration, motivation, and a renewed sense of artistic freedom by combining the ideas presented in this webinar.

 And of course you’ll be provided with my custom firing guides.

Armed with your newfound skills, you’ll be incorporating these techniques into your work in no time, while expanding your creative visions. You’ll gain the cool confidence to turn your glass visions into reality. Don’t miss this great opportunity to take your work and inspiration to greater heights!

Tell them how you really feel with sassy mugs, Eco-totes and bold T-shirts!

Downloadable instructional videos for every skill level.

Knowledge – Confidence – Inspiration

Are you ready to add a fun new twist to your fused glass pieces? The simple application of 3-D components can dramatically increase the visual allure of your work. And best of all, this easy technique presents endless possibilities for you to create exciting and flashy new designs.

When making these decorative butterflies I use a single layer of 2mm thick glass. Using thin material produces lightweight delicate looking accent pieces that complement the finished piece of art without overpowering it.

How to make these butterflies.

Download and print the butterfly pattern. Make a second copy of the pattern to cut up. Glue the cut paper pattern pieces on 2mm clear dichroic glass. I used a variety of different dichroic patterns.

The dichroic coating on the glass can go up or face down. I have some butterflies with the coating up and others with the coating down for added interest. I suggest you be consistent and keep the coating orientation the same on each individual butterfly.

Using the pattern as a guide, cut the butterfly wings out of 2mm clear dichroic glass. Cut as close to the pattern as possible to achieve the most accurate shape. Use grozing pliers to remove any excess glass and clean up the edges.

Tip: I try not to grind dichroic glass as it chips the coating around the edge.

Use the pattern as a guide to cut the butterfly bodies out if 2mm dichroic on black glass.

It’s easy to find new uses for these winged beauties once they’re made. I suggest you make more than you plan to use, then great new ideas will definitely come to mind.

Assemble and tack fuse the butterflies.

Lay the butterfly wings out on a primed or fiber paper lined kiln shelf with the wing tips touching. Place the butterfly body on top so it overlaps the wings. Place the individual butterflies about ½ inch apart so they don’t stick to each other. Fire the glass to a tack fuse temperate using the guide provided below.

Tip: Tack Fuse. At this temperature the glass is heated enough to polish the edges and stick together without distorting the shape.

Slump the assembles butterflies.

Carefully center each assembled butterfly in a round 5 inch ceramic slumping mold. You can substitute another mold if needed. Fire the kiln to the slump temperature using the guide provided below.

Tip: Slump. At this temperature the glass is heated enough to conform to the shape of the mold it rests on without shrinking.

Carefully, unload the kiln and enjoy your light and airy butterflies. Glue them on a piece of art with E6000 or other clear adhesive.

Let your imagination run wild, get carried away with fun ways to use these glistening garden friends.  

The story behind the sculpture titled, Flourishing.

A few years ago, I was in my glass studio day and night deep in the creative zone. I was making project after project for new instructional videos. When I’m in a whirl wind of producing I allow myself to wander outside my usual artistic boundaries to explore. On this one occasion my adventures produced a brightly colored, wildly active free flow. The resulting fused glass sheet had energetic movement and quiet chaos. Strangely, the piece spoke to me even though it was made with colors outside my personal color palette. I fell in love with the glass because it was a surprise whose unique radiance felt like home. I imagined the enthusiastic glass represented what my overactive mind would look like if we could take a peek inside.

My first and only self-portrait.

Right away, I knew how to use the glass. I drew a pattern from a photograph of my profile that included my wild hair. It took three wet saws, some grinding, and a lot of patience to cut the intricate outer shape. But I was determined to get it just right.

I then fire polished the cut glass to make the edge uniform and shiny. The custom stand is made from  clear glass with clear glass rods glued to the bottom. The simple stand gives the artwork a lift that allows light to pass through and illuminate the whimsical design. Then I made the butterflies and glued them in place, so they appear to be gracefully floating in space.  

What this artwork means to me.

The vibrant spiraling colors represent the ideas continually flowing through my mind. The butterflies represent the ideas being set free to become new artistic creations.

You can learn how to make your own self portrait in my Sculptural Fused Glass Video.

What’s Free Flow?

Free flow is a technique I developed to make my own sheets of fused glass with custom color mixes.

You can learn how to make your own in my Go with the Flow video.   

For More Firing Guides Check out my FREE Tech Docs

Happy Fusing!

Lisa

Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox! 

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Instagram

For new videos Subscribe to my Premium Video Subscription Membership!

Fusing for the Adventurous Webinar

March 9, 2023

Get ready to push boundaries, challenge old ideas and enjoy the thrill of limitless possibilities. Join glass me in this comprehensive hands-on webinar, and learn how easy it is to use tried and true methods in unlikely, innovative ways!

With 4 major projects and a few bonus pieces, you’ll get more than you bargained for!

Radiant Ribbons combines dichroic glass and patterned rods into three wavy sections that create beautiful wall art, a dazzling focal point for any living space.

Leaves involves cutting and layering glass surrounded by bits of dichro. Depth is produced by having all of the component parts “floating” in frit and edged in solid color to construct a scene reminiscent of a shadow box.

Fun with Rods gives you the opportunity to fabricate a light and airy project with curvy slumped colored rods.

Plus, you’ll have the fun of kiln casting with murrini creating Hearts on Fire.

All of these techniques will produce dramatic results in your art, and take your work to an exciting new level of sophistication. Beginning and advanced fusers alike will find inspiration, motivation, and a renewed sense of artistic freedom by combining the ideas presented in this webinar.

 And of course you’ll be provided with my custom firing guides.

Armed with your newfound skills, you’ll be incorporating these techniques into your work in no time, while expanding your creative visions. You’ll gain the cool confidence to turn your glass visions into reality. Don’t miss this great opportunity to take your work and inspiration to greater heights!

Tell them how you really feel with sassy mugs, Eco-totes and bold T-shirts!

Downloadable instructional videos for every skill level.

Great glass work is the product of a strong foundation and knowledge base.

Wherever you are in your glass fusing journey, newbie or advanced artisan, I believe we can all benefit from revisiting the basic techniques we use to create exceptional glass art.

Here’s why: 

Excited newbies are usually so eager to cut glass that they don’t really hear the guidelines and they lack the experience to realize the importance of these recommendations on their finished project. While advanced artists are absorbed in the creative process and the end result, to the point that they are blind to the practicality of solid construction. 

Then there are those dare devils who’ve stumbled onto glass fusing and are immediately hooked. They dive right in giving little, if any, consideration to protocol. You know who you are. You fire first and ask later. 

No matter how you came to call yourself a glass artist I have practical resources to help you reach your goals and succeed.

FREE Tech Docs

You will find an abundance of useful information on my website including FREE Tech Docs. Here’s a sample of the resources available to you.

Keep in mind, there’s no single right or wrong way to fuse glass. Personal preference, design style and function, should all play a role in helping you decide how to proceed. The objective is to consciously choose your fabrication method based on a solid understanding of the medium, rather than on a whim. 

There are always exceptions to the rules. The minute I make finite rules for myself, I break them. So, I’ve learned not to box myself in. You shouldn’t either. 

Enjoy the journey. The destination will take care of itself.

Happy Fusing!

Lisa

Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox! 

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Instagram

Fusing for the Adventurous Webinar

March 9, 2023

Get ready to push boundaries, challenge old ideas and enjoy the thrill of limitless possibilities. Join glass me in this comprehensive hands-on webinar, and learn how easy it is to use tried and true methods in unlikely, innovative ways!

With 4 major projects and a few bonus pieces, you’ll get more than you bargained for!

Radiant Ribbons combines dichroic glass and patterned rods into three wavy sections that create beautiful wall art, a dazzling focal point for any living space.

Leaves involves cutting and layering glass surrounded by bits of dichro. Depth is produced by having all of the component parts “floating” in frit and edged in solid color to construct a scene reminiscent of a shadow box.

Fun with Rods gives you the opportunity to fabricate a light and airy project with curvy slumped colored rods.

Plus, you’ll have the fun of kiln casting with murrini creating Hearts on Fire.

All of these techniques will produce dramatic results in your art, and take your work to an exciting new level of sophistication. Beginning and advanced fusers alike will find inspiration, motivation, and a renewed sense of artistic freedom by combining the ideas presented in this webinar.

 And of course you’ll be provided with my custom firing guides.

Armed with your newfound skills, you’ll be incorporating these techniques into your work in no time, while expanding your creative visions. You’ll gain the cool confidence to turn your glass visions into reality. Don’t miss this great opportunity to take your work and inspiration to greater heights!

Tell them how you really feel with sassy mugs, Eco-totes and bold T-shirts!

Downloadable instructional videos for every skill level.

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

Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox! 

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Instagram

You’re Invited to Join Me!

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.

You’ve enjoyed success making the usual plates, bowls and vases following practices and guidelines laid out by the experts. But the element of surprise and the thrill of the unexpected success is missing. If you find yourself blindly staring at the glass wishing for inspiration, then it’s time to take your glass art to the next level.

Make art that excites you again.

Sculpture romances the viewer. It pulls them in like a magnet. Give your art unique shape and the viewer will be hooked. With so many fusing materials at your disposal, it’s never been easier to get creative with your art’s profile. The easiest way to get unique shapes is to drape fiber material over an existing slumping mold. Give the fiber paper exaggerated contours by tucking kiln posts or fiber board between the mold and the fiber.

You can also achieve new shapes by combining different ceramic or stainless steel slumping molds together. Some of my most exciting pieces are made this way.

If you’re shy to jump in, build a sample out of clear glass. Make the sample the same shape, size, and thickness as the intended project. Clear is the best choice because it’s the least expensive glass. And you can see through it to see where the glass rests on the mold assembly. Then you’re able to make adjustments to the final piece as needed. Plus, there’s no waste. The clear sample can be smashed and used for casting filler. It’s a win, win.    

The wonderful thing about this technique is every piece of glass you slump has a one-of-a-kind profile. They are your own personalized original. Now that’s exciting! 

Get crazy and combine techniques and you have a showstopper.

The biggest drawback to this in-depth approach is the amount of time necessary to plan an exceptional project. True, not all projects warrant this much effort. But if you work in stages on a few, you’ll find the outcome is extremely rewarding.

How to get started.

Start by studying finished art that you find attractive. Define what it is about the piece that appeals to you. Is it the shape, the colors, the pattern, or the design? Take that element and put it aside temporarily. Maybe loosely sketch it out on paper for quick reference later. Do this for three individual pieces of art.

Small details can have a huge impact on the visual appearance of your art. Don’t underestimate the power of minor changes to customary pieces. When trying to navigate a new territory, you’ll have the greatest success if you take what has worked for you in the past and then expand on it to create something all new and unexpected.

Pattern and shape are two of the simplest elements that can easily be manipulated to dramatically increase the appeal of fused glass art. By adding unique patterns and building new shapes you can draw the viewer in and lock their attention tight. In the end, isn’t that our ultimate goal, to inspire people?

Here’s how.

Anchor the viewer’s eye with an interesting pattern. Unexpected bubbles are usually considered undesirable. But when made into a uniform design, bubbles can add a whole new dimension to the glass art. Designing withbubbles is a terrific way to add decoration and a little sparkle. Light dances inside the tiny dome shapes which increases the appearance of depth and the overall intricacy of the finished piece.

Making small, 2” x 2” test pieces will give you an opportunity to try unusual color combinations. It also builds confidence because you know what to expect when you go bigger. The best part of this technique is the possibilities for imaginative designs are endless. Try it. You’ll be blown away!

Design developer.

Take it a step further and create your own designs. Go back to the three pieces of art you studied earlier. Take the three elements that attracted you and combine them with a unique pattern and a sculptural shape. Now you’re on the threshold of greatness!

These are just a few examples you can employ to expand your artistic range. If you’re ready to rush into your studio, excited about the possibilities, don’t stop here. These techniques have great potential for expansion in so many directions. Take them and run and set your imagination free.   

Are you ready to take your art to the next level? Want personalized instruction and guidance? Join me February 21-24, 2023, for my Sculptural Fused Glass Class.

Wherever you are in your journey you are doing great! Keep creating!

What Students Say

“Outstanding workshop! I loved the organization of class and materials and the individualized instruction. Lisa is able to keep each student with different abilities moving along and creating beautiful pieces. I was surprised how much we accomplished in the class.” – Susan D.

“My favorite thing about the class was everything! Really enjoyed the diversity of the projects and getting to work on so many in one week. I was surprised by how much I learned and how quickly time passed each day. I also enjoyed the personalized instruction.
“Lisa, you did an awesome job of keeping on task during the workshop and also it was very inspiring and relaxing to create in your atmosphere.” – Lisa R.

“My favorite thing about the class was learning how to make sculptures, the different techniques, and all the different aspects of working with the glass. Lisa was very informative and very knowledgeable. She is an excellent teacher, and I will come back for another class.” – Terry G.

Happy Fusing!

Lisa

Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox! 

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Instagram

New Videos!

You’re Invited to Join Me!

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

ONLY 1 SEAT LEFT!

Sculptural Fused Glass, 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop, February 21-24, 2023

Register now. Class is limited to 3 students and held in my private studio in Wesley Chapel, Florida. All class materials are included.

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!

Artwear Designed for Artists by Artists.

Tell them how you really feel with sassy mugs, Eco-totes and bold T-shirts!

Downloadable instructional videos for every skill level.