Tag: Advanced techniques

Artists are the most generous people I know. We love to share our passion. We all want to make a more dramatic and memorable impression with our art. One of the bests ways to accomplish this is to go bigger and make large scale pieces that stand out from the crowd. 

But going bigger can be scary. You have to invest more time and material. And there are more design decisions to make. It’s a huge commitment and you want guarantees that the finished piece will exceed your expectations. Following are some fundamental tips that’ll greatly increase your success with all your fused glass artwork.  

1 Measuring the Slumping Mold

It seems trivial, but this is where most craftsman go wrong. Everyone wants to make the largest fused glass disc possible. They then measure the mold from the outer rim to the outer rim and cut their glass circles accordingly. They wrongly assume the glass that rests on the top rim of the mold will follow the center of the fused glass disc as it slumps into the mold. The problem is the glass on the flat rim drags. 

Therefore, it does not fall into the mold evenly. The result is a bowl with uneven height in the side walls. A lopsided bowl can be avoided simply by measuring across the inside of the mold and then cutting the glass ¼ to ½ inch smaller than that measurement. Yes, the bowl is slightly smaller. No one will notice. They’ll be too busy admiring your beautifully crafted, uniform bowl with even side walls all the way around. 

2 Durability is in the Design

When going larger it’s important to design your art in such a way that the glass thickness is uniform throughout the entire piece of art. If you design the round disc with two glass layers on one side and four glass layers on the opposite side, you’ll have unbalanced mass. This can cause the finished piece of art to break due to the stress of supporting its own weight. Instead, plan your design execution in advance to ensure you have the same number of glass layers across the entire disc. Small accents pieces decorating the top aren’t a concern, provided they’re added in moderation. 

3 Let it Shine

The beauty of glass is its transparency. The attraction of glass fusing is our ability to mix transparent and opal materials, to create various color combinations and an infinite number of intricate patterns. The wonderful thing about going large is the extended size of the creative canvas. With more room, you have more opportunity to expand your design ideas and make a dynamic statement. So rather than fumble through, take time to plan a well thought out design. Consider including pre-tacked or fused glass components for added interest. Mix both transparent and opal glass to increase visible depth. The possibilities are endless.  

4 Do Your Best Work

Don’t cut corners. No excuses. If you think to ask, “Should I recut or redo this?” My answer is, “Yes.” The more time and effort you put into each step will greatly improve the overall quality of your finished pieces. Fabrication and execution are equally as important as design esthetics. If you implement this approach, every piece you produce will be a masterpiece.  

5 Fusing and Slumping

Slow it down. Larger usually also means thicker. You’ll dramatically increase your firing success rate by slowing down both the fusing schedule and the slumping schedule. I fire my large pieces at 300 degrees per hour and hold several times on the way up to 1465 degrees to fuse, and 1220 degrees to slump. I anneal the glass at 960 degrees for 180 minutes, for both fusing and slumping, and then slowly drop the temperature down to room temperature. By being conservative with the firing schedules, I achieve consistently beautiful results every time. You can too! 

Excerpt from my Make a Fused Glass Sink Webinar

Join me for my upcoming webinar for more in-depth information on making large, fused glass bowls and sinks. All my pro tips and tricks will be revealed. Plus, you’ll get my custom firing guides for fusing and slumping large bowls and sinks.  

Let’s get together and make sinks in my Make a Fused Glass Sink webinar Thursday April 21, 2022.

I hope to see you Thursday!

Happy fusing!
Lisa 

Get FREE advanced glass fusing tips and trick in your inbox. Follow my blog for weekly inspiration.

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Gain knowledge! Build confidence! Get inspired!

Make a Fused Glass Sink Webinar

April 21, 2022

You’re invited to join me for this comprehensive sink making webinar. In this LIVE event I’ll guide you step by step through the time-tested processes I use to make large-scale, functional vessels.

You’ll learn safe handling techniques for cutting oversized circles, how to fuse and slump thick pieces to retain consistent bowl height, plus trade-secrets for worry free drilling.

In addition to fabrication know-how, you’ll receive a complete supply list, specifics on kiln requirements, source information for the slumping mold and drill kit, as well as helpful installation tips.

In addition, I’ll demonstrate how to make a glittering dichroic sink. I’ll also show you how to make a cast glass sink from nipped glass pieces, dichroic bits and frit. Plus, you’ll be guided through the various cold-working steps I use to finish the cast glass sink edge to a glamorous, professional, quality polish.

With all the professional tricks revealed, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge needed to make your own dazzling fused glass sink.

NEW DATE!

Make Fire & Ice!

Advanced Glass Fusing 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop May 24 – 27, 2022

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 for this intense workshop held in my private studio.
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.

Artwear Designed for Artists by Artists Tell them how you really feel with bold T-shirts, Eco-conscience tote bags and sassy mugs.

Get it now! Start fusing today!

Downloadable instructional videos for every skill level.

Instructional eBooks for every skill level.

Amazingly, I’ve been teaching enthusiastic students how to work with glass for 36 years! I’ve helped thousands of artists create beautiful, unique pieces of art. Even after all this time I don’t consider myself an expert. I am very experienced, but like you I still have a lot to learn. It’s the glorious anticipation of learning new things that motivates and excites me to keep moving forward.

With my lengthy teaching history, you can imagine I get a lot of questions from students.  I thought I’d share some of them with you. I hope they help you understand different aspects of the craft and improve your fusing results.

Students constantly try to corner me and get absolute, it’s only done this way, fusing advice from me. My honest advice to them is this, there is no always or never in glass fusing. I approach every project with the intention of getting the best results possible. I will use any and all means and combination of materials I have at my disposal to achieve my goals. The following list in intended to be a helpful guide. There are many ways to approach glass fusing. Thankfully, for me anyway, it’s not an absolute science. That would take all the fun out of creating original art.    

Here we go:

Q.  Do you have to re-coat the ceramic kiln shelf with primer every time you use it? 

A. I do re-coat my ceramic shelve with primer every time I use it. I apply three coats of shelf primer on top of used primer. However, if the shelf shows signs of wear, I scrape it down to the bare ceramic with a single edge razor blade. I then re-coat the shelf with 3 fresh coats of primer. Visible signs of wear would include the primer looks thin, the coating has cracks in it or it’s flaking off the shelf.

Q. Why does kiln wash stick to the back of the project?

A.This is usually the result of exhausted kiln wash; the shelf should have been re-primed prior to use. It may also occur when the glass has been fired to too hot a temperature or kept at full fuse too long. Kiln wash can be removed with fine steel wool or a scraping tool. Stubborn spots can be soaked off with a bathroom cleaning product used to remove hard water stains. 

Q. After the project is fused, how close to room temperature does the kiln have to be before opening the kiln lid?

A.How badly do you want the project inside? Room temperature is usually well below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you open the lid prematurely thermal shot can occur; breakage caused by changing temperatures too fast. Just a quick peek in the kiln, done too early can ruin your day. Wait, it will be worth it! 

Q. What causes tiny bubbles and how do I get rid of them?

A.Air becomes trapped between the layers of glass when it is heated. The number and size of the air bubbles can be reduced by heating the glass more slowly between the temperatures of 1000 to 1465 degrees Fahrenheit. This gives the air more time to escape before the glass edges become sealed.

Q. How do I avoid big bubbles?

A.Large dome shaped bubbles sometimes form in the middle of medium to large size projects. This is usually the result of firing too fast on a smooth surface like a ceramic kiln shelf. The outer edges of the project become soft first and form a “seal” like a suction cup on the shelf. Air becomes trapped under the glass. When it expands it lifts the glass and forms an unattractive bubble. This is less likely to happen when using shelf paper or a fiberboard kiln shelf, as the air can escape through the porous material. Best advice is to slow down the firing process. 

Q. Can I Stack kiln shelves?

A.Not recommended. Unlike ceramics, glass is thin and reacts to heat quickly. Stacking shelves causes uneven heating. The outer edges of the project become molten before the center has a chance to react; your firing results may be inconsistent.   

Q. How does the thickness of the glass relate to my target temperature?

A.A project made with two layers of thin fusible glass will usually reach the desired “look” before a project made with two layers of 1/8” glass. When you change project sizes or materials (thin vs. 1/8”) you will want to monitor the first few firings and make any necessary adjustments to your firing schedule.  

Q. Can more than one project be fired in the kiln at one time?

A.Yes, if the projects are similar. They should be made from the same thickness of glass, have the same number of layers and be close in size. Use a firing speed for the largest project. Small projects will not be harmed by firing slowly but the large project will suffer if rushed.

Q. What causes sharp edges on the project?

A.Dragging is usually caused by over firing a project that is resting on fiber paper. As the glass contracts and draws in on itself the paper resists, sharp edges are the result. This edge can be made safe with a file or grinder. After grinding the project can be put back into the kiln and heated until the ground edge is polished.

Q. Why is there debris between the glass layers?

A.Too much glue. Small amounts of glue will burn off leaving no trace. I avoid using glue if possible. When I do use glue, I apply a few pin head size dots on the backside of the glass. If you use an excessive amount of glue, it will burn becoming sealed between the layers, leaving dark blotches. Excess glue can also cause small eruptions that will blow a hole through the glass or cause pieces to jump and move in the kiln.

Q. What is the difference between using a ceramic kiln shelf or fiber paper?

A. Ceramic Shelf:

• Fused glass will take on the texture/pattern of whatever it is fired on. If you fire on a ceramic kiln shelf your project will have a smooth back surface. (great for bowls, plates, fine art pieces; projects where a sleek underside is desired.)
• A Ceramic shelf can be used repeatedly
• A ceramic shelf is dense; it retains heat which allows the glass to pass through the critical stages slowly.
• Ceramic shelves must be primed frequently; this can be time consuming.

  Fiber Paper:

• Shelf paper comes in a variety of thickness and finishes. Generally, the thinner the material the smoother the fusing surface. (Great for coasters, pins, wall art; projects where a textured back side will make it easy to glue accessories on like rubber feet, pin back, etc.)
• The thin material can only be used once. The medium material can sometimes be reused; it leaves a matte finish on the back of the project. The thick material can be used multiple times but the texture on the back of the project will be course.
• The fiber paper is porous. Air can circulate, therefore large air bubbles are less likely to form between the glass and the shelf.
• Shelf paper must be cut to size and can be costly if you are using it every time you fire.

Q. What are the differences between ceramic molds and stainless-steel molds? 

A. Ceramic Molds:

• Ceramic molds come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. They must be primed like the ceramic kiln shelf. The primer tends to last longer on a form than on a shelf because slumping temperatures are lower than fusing temperatures. Slumping occurs at approximately between 1200-1300 degrees.
• Ceramic molds are inexpensive and durable, but they will break if dropped or used un-primed.
• Ceramic molds should be sanded and be re-primed if there are pits or cracks in the primer coating.
• Ceramic molds cool more slowly than the glass. Therefore, most molds are shaped so the glass slumps down into the mold, allowing the glass to contract first.

Stainless-Steel Molds:

• Stainless steel molds come in a variety of shapes and sizes as well. They must be primed also. The slick surface makes priming more difficult. The mold can be sanded, sandblasted, or heated to make the priming process easier.
• Stainless steel molds are extremely durable “forever” molds. But they tend to be several times more expensive than ceramic molds.
• Steel molds should also be sanded and re-primed if there are pits or cracks in the coating,
• Steel cools more quickly than the glass. The metal contracts underneath the glass which gives the room needed to slide the draped piece off the mold.

A bit of advice:

Enjoy the creative process. Don’t rush it. Take your time. Make small test pieces to establish a relationship with your kiln and with fusing materials. Take before and after pictures. Take accurate notes so you can repeat the successful projects and learn how to avoid the failures. Don’t worry that the test pieces won’t be fun. Some of my best work originated as a small sample. Trust that as your confidence and skills grow, so will the size and complexity of your projects.

Wherever you are in your journey you are doing great! This is where you are meant to be in order to get where you want to go. Treasure every minute! 

Happy fusing!
Lisa 

Get FREE advanced glass fusing tips and trick in your inbox. Follow my blog for weekly inspiration.

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Instagram

NEW EVENT!

Make a Fused Glass Sink Webinar

April 21, 2022

You’re invited to join me for this comprehensive sink making webinar. In this LIVE event I’ll guide you step by step through the time-tested processes I use to make large-scale, functional vessels.

You’ll learn safe handling techniques for cutting oversized circles, how to fuse and slump thick pieces to retain consistent bowl height, plus trade-secrets for worry free drilling.

In addition to fabrication know-how, you’ll receive a complete supply list, specifics on kiln requirements, source information for the slumping mold and drill kit, as well as helpful installation tips.

In addition, I’ll demonstrate how to make a glittering dichroic sink. I’ll also show you how to make a cast glass sink from nipped glass pieces, dichroic bits and frit. Plus, you’ll be guided through the various cold-working steps I use to finish the cast glass sink edge to a glamorous, professional, quality polish.

With all the professional tricks revealed, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge needed to make your own dazzling fused glass sink.

NEW DATE!

Make Fire & Ice!

Advanced Glass Fusing 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop May 24 – 27, 2022

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 for this intense workshop held in my private studio.
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.

Artwear Designed for Artists by Artists Tell them how you really feel with bold T-shirts, Eco-conscience tote bags and sassy mugs.

Get it now! Start fusing today!

Downloadable instructional videos for every skill level.

Instructional eBooks for every skill level.

Be a Cut Above

One of the fastest and easiest ways to improve your fused glass art and dramatically expand your design style is to develop your glass cutting skills.

The beauty of working with fusing is the simplicity of the medium. Many people come to the craft with little or no glass cutting experience. Due to the ease of fabrication and wealth of readily available information, they’re successfully producing attractive pieces from the start.

But if you’re now tiring of the simple cut and assemble methods that got you started and longing to move in a more advanced direction, a small dose of technique is the jump start you need.

It may seem like a trivial topic to address, but your project complexity is in direct relation to your cutting confidence. In other words, the better you cut, the more likely you are to venture outside of your comfort zone and take on more challenging projects.

Here are some tips to get you started. 

1 Consistent pressure.

Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t take a heavy hand to make a good score line on glass. What it takes is consistent, medium pressure from the very beginning to the very end of the score. The glass cutter should, “sing” as it rolls over the surface of the glass. It’s a pleasant, consistent sound beginning to end. It’s not a cringing grinding noise. A good score is visible its entire length. But it’s not messy and littered with thin splinters. The grinding noise and splinters are signs you’re applying way too much pressure.

Many beginners start strong but let up the pressure as their hand moves farther away from their body. In this case, breakage tends to occur ¾ of the way down the score line. Beginners believe the score comes solely from the hand. A good score comes from making your wrist, elbow and shoulder one rigid tool. This combined strength and rigidity helps you apply consistent pressure the entire length of the score even at an awkward distance from your body. 

When cutting an unusually long piece, I turn the glass so I can run my score right to left instead of away from my body. This way I can move my body along with my hand and more easily maintain the consistent pressure needed for a successful break.    

2 Cut on the smoothest side of the glass.

In some cases, I prefer the look, color or pattern on the textured side of a sheet of glass. I turn the glass over and cut on the smoother side and then simply turn the glass back over when I assemble my project. The glass cutter wheel will have better, more consistent, contact with the glass the entire length of the score if you cut on the smoothest side. 

3 Beginning and end.

Try to start your score as close to the leading edge of the glass as possible without falling backward off the glass. Apply consistent, medium pressure from the very start. End the score as close to the far edge as possible without falling off the glass. Repeatedly falling off the glass edge will damage the cutter wheel and could possibly cause the glass to shatter.  

4 Use the right tool for the job.

Use a strip cutter or circle cutter when applicable. Accuracy is key for professional quality artwork. These tools give your work consistency. Plus, they save material by reducing waste and breakage.

When cutting strips, I cut a few more than I need and select the best, straightest strips for my project. The extra pieces find their way into smaller projects, pot melts or free flows. Nothing goes to waste.

Whenever possible, I opt to use running pliers over grozing or breaking pliers to break glass away from a sheet. Running pliers give the most reliable results. They work best if the glass being removed is at least as wide as the rubber tipped plier jaw. When breaking narrow or small curved pieces away, I choose grozing plies because the narrow jaw fits in tight places and allows me to get close to the score line.     

5 Use paper patterns.

Don’t hesitate to cut around a paper pattern to include an intricate shape in your work. This is a terrific way to transition away from strictly geometric designs and into pieces with lively organic elements.

Glass wants to break in a straight line. To cut rounded shapes, we make a series or gradual curves and break the excess glass away in steps until we have a glass shape that closely resembles our pattern.  

When cutting around a paper pattern piece, cut as close to the paper as possible without running into it. Beginners tend to cut a wide safety halo around the paper. It just postpones the inevitable. Be brave. Go for it. If the glass is going to break unfavorably the halo, no matter how heavenly, won’t prevent it.

Something to build on.  

The more time and effort you put into each step makes the next step easier and the finished product that much better. Don’t rush a project just to get it in the kiln. Give it the time it needs and produce your best work, every time. If you have to ask, “Is this good enough,” it probably isn’t. Do yourself a favor, re-do that piece or step. You can thank me later when you’re doing the, my piece came out awesome, happy dance.  

Go ahead. Cut it up!

Happy fusing!
Lisa 

Get FREE advanced glass fusing tips and trick in your inbox. Follow my blog for weekly inspiration.

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Instagram

NEW EVENT!

Make a Fused Glass Sink Webinar

April 21, 2022

You’re invited to join me for this comprehensive sink making webinar. In this LIVE event I’ll guide you step by step through the time-tested processes I use to make large-scale, functional vessels.

You’ll learn safe handling techniques for cutting oversized circles, how to fuse and slump thick pieces to retain consistent bowl height, plus trade-secrets for worry free drilling.

In addition to fabrication know-how, you’ll receive a complete supply list, specifics on kiln requirements, source information for the slumping mold and drill kit, as well as helpful installation tips.

In addition, I’ll demonstrate how to make a glittering dichroic sink. I’ll also show you how to make a cast glass sink from nipped glass pieces, dichroic bits and frit. Plus, you’ll be guided through the various cold-working steps I use to finish the cast glass sink edge to a glamorous, professional, quality polish.

With all the professional tricks revealed, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge needed to make your own dazzling fused glass sink.

NEW DATE!

Make Fire & Ice!

Advanced Glass Fusing 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop May 24 – 27, 2022

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 for this intense workshop held in my private studio.
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.

Artwear Designed for Artists by Artists Tell them how you really feel with bold T-shirts, Eco-conscience tote bags and sassy mugs.

Get it now! Start fusing today!

Downloadable instructional videos for every skill level.

Instructional eBooks for every skill level.

Glass fusing is more popular than ever. The originality and quality of work I’m seeing in galleries, on websites and in our fusing groups is amazing. With so many enticing techniques to try it’s tempting to copy other artist’s work.

We all want guarantees that our limited time, hard work and expensive materials will produce dependable, beautiful results every time. And so, we play it safe and continually make the same reliable projects. Or we take the easy route and reproduce other’s work that we find attractive. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can develop your own individual design style. By applying a few simple concepts, your finished work and the time spent creating it will be more rewarding and exciting. 

1. Be Original!

It’s all been done before you argue. How can I be original, you ask? Yes, it’s all been done. But even the simplest techniques seen through your special artist’s lens and executed with your skilled hands can produce all new results.

To advance beyond routine projects begin by examining art that you admire. When you see a piece of art that really speaks to you, study it. Reduce your admiration down to the most basic attribute of the art. What really captures your interest? Is it the color, the shape or the imagery? Take that feature, hold on to it, then put it aside temporarily. Look at another piece of art. Identify the specific characteristic that you find attractive and put that feature aside temporarily. Do this for a third piece of art. Study it until you know exactly what trait appeals to you. Then take those three characteristics and combine them and you’re guaranteed to design your own original art.

2. Shape Up!

One of the fastest and easiest things you can do to make your art stand out is to give it a unique shape.

The most common shape for fused glass projects is the square. Primarily, because it’s economical, there’s no waste. And, because there’s very little cutting, it enables you to get right to the fun stuff, building the design. It’s also popular with beginners and hobbyists with basic cutting skills. By moving away for the square, you immediately increase the visual value of your work.

The rectangle is popular for the same reasons. If you change the shape of your square or rectangle, even slightly, you’re sure to engage the viewer longer.

The circle is traditionally a very pleasing shape. It requires a higher skill level to cut and therefore is more unique. But it also benefits from innovative thinking and a fresh approach to the perimeter shape.

How do you come up with new shapes?

I like to draw quick, no obligation sketches on note book pages. I resist the urge to self-edit or limit the creative flow. The pencil just glides over the paper making a mess of the previously clean white space. The first few sketches usually resemble familiar, safe shapes and designs. But once those are out of my head, suddenly there’s room to be more creative. All new shapes begin to develop.

During these exercises I’m free to draw the impossible.

I then take bits and pieces from the shapes that I find interesting and remix them to create my own new, project profiles. And sometimes, if I’m lucky, I even manage to figure out how to build the impossible ones.

3. Combine Fusible Techniques

Putting it into practice.

The beauty of this approach is the techniques don’t have to be super difficult to have a positive impact on your new work. We all have our favorite, trusted, go-to techniques. Start there.  

Using a complimentary color scheme, make three individual pieces, using three different methods. Cut the pieces up. Reinvent their roles in your art. Move them around. Change the composition a few times. If nothing thrills you, set them aside and let your creative subconscious have a turn.

Don’t force the grouping. I find that once I relieve the pressure to solidify a design, one presents itself. And the new composition is usually one that I otherwise would never have thought of. In cases like this, I believe the physical, ready made pieces guide and influence the discovery of innovative designs. Try it. You’ll be amazed how this abstract assembly opens your mind to fresh ideas.

Trust yourself.    

Design with confidence. Resist the impulse to compare yourself or your work to others. Instead, blaze your own trail and don’t look back. Take pride in your individuality and what you contribute to the craft.

Take risks to further develop your personal design style. Nurture your unique artistic perspective and your creative spirit will flourish.

Happy fusing!
Lisa 

Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent right to your inbox.

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Instagram

NEW DATE!

Make Fire & Ice!

Advanced Glass Fusing 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop May 24 – 27, 2022

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 for this intense workshop held in my private studio.
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.

Artwear Designed for Artists by Artists Tell them how you really feel with bold T-shirts, Eco-conscience tote bags and sassy mugs.

Get it now! Start fusing today!

Downloadable instructional videos for every skill level.

Instructional eBooks for every skill level.

What makes artwork stand out?

Have you noticed that some art glass pieces don’t hold your interest? While others draw you in like a fish on a line and hold you captive. You study the shape, admire the colors, marvel over the pattern. You try to figure out how the pieces were made.

I’ve studied the same pieces with the same level of curiosity. It made me wonder, what’s the secret to making exceptional art? After careful consideration, I’ve concluded there are just 2 features that make artwork memorable.

The two features are unique form and dramatic imagery. Let’s break these down and identify how they impact the visual attraction of artwork.

Unique Form

Shape has a powerful effect on the level of attraction. Giving your work an unusual shape will immediately draw the attention of viewers. The simplest and easiest way to make stand out art is to give geometric shapes an organic profile. Notch the straight edges of a square. And a graceful curve to the straight edges of a rectangle. Scallop a circle to give a floral look.

Then take it a step farther and slump the art over a mold to give it a sculptural flare. Combine different molds together to make shapes all your own. Drape fiber paper or fiber blanket over the molds for more interesting results.

Another easy way to give glass artwork a sculptural presence is to create your own fused glass stand. Artsy bases add lift, they allow light to pass under and around the glass, and they increase the perceived value of the finished artwork. 

Dramatic Imagery

Paintings are usually made on plain rectangular canvases. But what makes famous pieces of art memorable? It’s the picture of course. It doesn’t matter if the subject is abstract or pictorial. It’s the way the artist renders the image that makes it exciting and unforgettable.

Next time you design a piece of fused glass consider including a recognizable image in your work. This anchors the viewers eye and engages them longer than a piece without a focal point. Also, rendering the image in unexpected colors or with pattern increases the visual desirability. 

The secret to fine art reveled.

For exceptional art that’ll have people talking, combine both unique form and dramatic imagery. This more involved approach is what sets real artists apart from hobbyists and it’s what elevates their work from craft to fine art.  

Are you ready to take your artwork to the next level?

Learn how easily you can immediately apply these concepts to your work to take it to the next level. Join me for my upcoming, Fusing for the Adventurous Webinar, Thursday March 3, 2022 for more in-depth fusing tips and tricks that’ll get your work noticed.

Excerpt from Fusing for the Adventurous Webinar

Happy fusing!
Lisa 

Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent right to your inbox.

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Upcoming Webinar

Let’s get together and fuse glass!

Upcoming Webinar

Fusing for the Adventurous Webinar

Breaking the rules is so much fun!

Get ready to push boundaries, challenge trusted techniques and enjoy the thrill of limitless possibilities. Join me in this comprehensive webinar and learn how easily you can put tried and true methods to use in unlikely, innovative ways to create original art. You’ll learn how to successfully employ different techniques to produce dramatic effects and take your work to an exciting, new level of sophistication.

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!

NEW DATE!

Make Fire & Ice!

Advanced Glass Fusing 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop May 24 – 27, 2022

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 for this intense workshop held in my private studio.
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.

Artwear Designed for Artists by Artists Tell them how you really feel with bold T-shirts, Eco-conscience tote bags and sassy mugs.

Get it now! Start fusing today!

Downloadable instructional videos for every skill level.

Instructional eBooks for every skill level.