Fused glass sinks are one of my favorite ways to incorporate functional art into homes. The custom feature is always a dramatic and artistic addition to any style decor. Most of the sinks I make are bold designs that feature a play on color, along with visual texture and striking form.
It’s a real treat to design and build a sink that also incorporates the mood and setting of the home’s unique location. This sailboat sink was designed for a lakeside home where picturesque mountain views and boating on the clear water make your stay special.
How it’s made.
This sink is made with three layers of glass. Using a circle cutter, I cut a large, 17 inch circle base layer out of clear glass. It’s placed on a primed, fiber board kiln shelf. I cut a second 17 inch clear glass circle for the second layer. This additional piece increases the thickness of the finished sink. The added layer makes the finished sink more attractive and more durable. The third layer is the design layer. It’s made up of cut pattern pieces. I cut this layer to a smaller 16 ½ inch size circle. The smaller diameter design layer leaves a decorative clear rim around the perimeter of the sink. This small detail produces a striking clear frame around the blue and green glass.
I cut the design pieces to fit on top of a full size paper pattern. The cut glass was arranged on the second clear layer. I applied frit to add interest to the solid glass colors. The sailboat is positioned off to one side to create a pleasing composition. I then applied white frit below the sailboat and dark blue frit on the water to simulate movement. Wispy white clouds in the blue sky were the finishing touch.
The stacked glass was fired to a full fuse temperature. Due to the thickness and size of the project the firing time was slow and conservative. It took 3 days. The fused glass was then slumped in a custom ceramic mold. At this point the sink was almost done. There was no reason to rush the process. The slumping was also slow and conservative. It took 3 days as well.
When I’m anxious to see any finished project come out of the kiln, I stop to ask myself, “What’s more important to me in two weeks, that the project is successful, OR that I got to see it a little sooner?” Of course, we all know the answer. I wait, not always patiently, but I wait. Fortunately, there’s always more glass to cut and another kiln to fill.
With the right tools and equipment, drilling the drain hole is fast and easy. We use a variable speed drill and special drill bit to grind a hole to accommodate the sink drainpipe. We then countersink the drain hole, so a strainer drain fits flush with the surface of the glass.
For more information watch the Sailboat video here: https://youtu.be/yOW976lhaHk
Are you ready to make your own custom sink? Find step-by-step instructions along with project specific firing schedules and materials lists in my video, Fused Vessel Sinks available on my website at https://lisajvogt.com/product/fused-vessel-sinks-with-lisa-vogt-video-download/
Happy fusing!
Lisa
Special Thanks to: HIS Glass Works & Creator’s Cutter’s Mate Circle Pro
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Sculptural Fused Glass, 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop May 25-28, 2021
Register today! 4 seat available. Register here!
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.
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!
Here’s what students from my February 2021 class are saying about the workshop.
“I feel I got the movement toward developing my own creativity this week. I was surprised that the things I already knew fit into the new knowledge I was getting in this class. Lisa is an excellent teacher who is tuned into what is going on in the class. She puts no pressure on the students when I know she could when we were dragging our feet. I was absolutely comfortable with the classroom set up and cleanliness of the studio. Will see you again soon.” -Judy
Here’s what the students from my November 2020 class are saying about the workshop.
“There is a wealth of material, tools and possible projects. Lisa is very motivating, informative, and supportive. The variety of materials is amazing. The number of projects we made in 4 days is beyond what I expected. The classroom set up was very well organized. I felt completely comfortable and safe with plenty of space and sanitizer. This class was beyond my expectations.” -Jane
“My favorite thing was Lisa’s knowledge and wealth of information. I was surprised by how many projects we made. I was very comfortable with the classroom set up and loved everything about this class. I learned so much and it was fun. My least favorite part was Friday at 4:00 pm.” -Liz
“My favorite thing about this class was the variety of glass and other materials. Unlimited dichroic! I was comfortable with the classroom set up; Lisa had lots of little personal touches that made it special. Thanks for the wonderful lunches!” -Gail
Student comments from previous classes.
“My favorite part about the class was the non-stop building and the generous amount of materials available. What surprised me about the class was how full the schedule was. Usually, you do 1 project. We did 5 in 4 days. Thank you so much for your generosity.” -Christine
“My favorite part about the class was the variety of projects we made. What surprised me was the number of projects we completed. Awesome experience – will come again in the future.” -Monica
“Instruction was clear, help was always available, and Lisa’s explanation of the equipment was great.” -Sherry
“My favorite thing about the class was the friendly atmosphere that encouraged open thoughts and sharing ideas.” -Lyn
“I enjoyed making all the projects, especially the flow piece and the freedom to be creative with our work.” -Joy
“My favorite thing about the class was the ability to see multiple pieces of art that originated from concepts taught.” -Vicki
“Lisa is very professional, knowledgeable and freakishly talented. House, art, mosaic, her work – really fun and beautiful.” -Lorna
“Incredible class. Lisa shared her artistic knowledge of color flow and her technical knowledge of glass.” -Larry
“I had so much fun! Lisa is a great teacher!” -Brenda
NEW Artwear Designed for Artists by Artists Tell them how you really feel with bold T-shirts, Eco-conscience tote bags and sassy mugs.
Watch it NOW! Start fusing today!
Downloadable instructional videos for every skill level.
Check out my eBooks for elegant patterns and detailed fusing instructions.
