I’m sharing this Heart of America pattern with you because I’m inspired by individuals who are speaking up and taking action. They demand we never forget who we are and what we stand for. These individuals relentlessly and tirelessly shine light on the truth, what’s at stake and the American way. Thank you!
Making this piece of art made me feel better. It brought me out of a helpless slump, into my studio and into a place of purpose. Cutting the glass, arranging the ground pieces and firing my kiln gave me focus. It sparked action.
This pattern has a story.
This Heart of America pattern has a story. I drew it at a time of uncertainty back in 2001 after 9/11. I offered the pattern to Spectrum Glass who shared it through their publication called, Score. The pattern and resulting glass artwork was a vehicle for glass artists to connect with each other. Artists found comfort and purpose in making the design. They shared the finished flag to show solidarity. Many donated Heart of America to raise spirits and show support for America and all Americans.
The original Heart of America story inspired me to act. Republishing this notable pattern brings us together. I hope it inspires you too.
How-to
This project is fast, fun and easy to do.
For simplicity’s sake, I divided the pattern into three layers. Layer 1 is one single piece cut out of clear glass. Layer 2 is made up of several pieces including the blue field as well as the red and white stripes. Layer 3 is just the star.
Pick glass with purpose.
I selected streaky glass for the red and white stripes to add movement to the waving flag. The blue field is a solid transparent color for greater impact. The star is cut out of solid white to have high contrast on top of the blue field.
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!
Advanced fusing is a broad term. What does it mean to advance?
Advancing is moving beyond your current skill level. It’s challenging your abilities and developing your talent and learning how you can make exceptional artwork that exceeds everyone’s expectations.
If this sounds like a huge insurmountable task or an unrealistic goal for you, you’re not alone. Compressed into one sentence, the enormity of advancing ones craft can be a daunting motivation crusher. But don’t worry. Once we break down the steps you’ll be primed, ready and truly excited about taking action.
Here are three top tips pros use to break through and make exhibition quality art.
Black Velvet by Lisa Vogt
1 Be a Master of Color
Color plays an important role in the effectiveness of your art. The colors you select convey your message. You, as the artist have the power to swing the viewers mood from tranquil, bright and cheery to thought-provoking, stirring and stormy. When planning a new project, I consider what type of impression I want to leave and then select colors that support that intention. Reds are active and emotional. Blues are soothing, they suggest tranquility. While yellows represent happiness and contentment. Choose your colors carefully and then use them with purpose to draw the viewer into your magical world.
Daisy Dish by Lisa Vogt & Niki
2 Pick a Pattern
Including patterns in your art is an essential way to increase the visual intricacy and attractiveness of your artwork. The whole idea is to capture interest and hold it as long as possible. Patterns add dimension which increases interest. This entices the viewer and engages them longer. Pattern also shows an increase in artistic exploration and creative skill on your part, and that always gets noticed.
Patterns can be simple and geometric or intricate and organic. I decide how to use pattern based on the artistic style I’m going for. For traditional designs, I like to use structured, linear patterns that illustrate organization and planning. While contemporary designs are great places to use free-flowing patterns. In effect they increase the visual movement throughout the artwork. Whatever style you chose, pattern adds drama that increases the visual quality of any piece.
Crystal Garden by Lisa Vogt
3 Go Sculptural
Shape up. The fastest and simplest way to ramp up your artwork and advance to the next level, is to create a unique shape, and go sculptural. Sculptural pieces always have higher visual impact that translates into an increased perceived value. This is the key to taking your work from a craft or a hobby to the threshold of fine art. We are so fortunate to be working with a medium that we can manipulate and shape any way we want. Take advantage of that and you can transform ordinary into the extraordinary.
Try using slumping molds in different ways. I combine molds to build unique shapes no one else has seen. Or I fuse several small pieces and then glue them together to create a freestanding, three dimensional tower. You can do it too. Start small. Then as you gain confidence go bigger and more elaborate.
Lighthouse by Lisa Vogt
The big difference between making ordinary pieces and repeatedly producing one-of-a-kind original art is planning.
When it’s time to make something new and exciting I begin by asking myself, what style do I want to make. Then I consider what mood the art should provoke and select an appropriate color palate. Then I layout a pattern that will reinforce my selected style. My next step is to plan what form the finished artwork will take. I ask myself, how can I manipulate the shape of the glass and display it in a unique and unexpected way that will be amazing? Then I begin the process of construction.
I don’t always have all the answers at the beginning. But I do follow my original plan to its natural end. Often, new directions present themselves during fabrication, but I stay true to my plan. I’ll take notes on the new possibilities and revisit them later with my next new undertaking. Sometimes deviations are inevitable. Like when an idea or technique fails to produce the results I had hoped. Then I go back to the first three tips, regroup and forge ahead.
I hope this insight helps you overcome obstacles so you can make the art of your dreams.
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Big Thanks!
I wanted to take a moment to tell you I appreciate your time and your dedication to your art. If you’re here reading this blog every week you are growing artistically and your participation in our community makes it better for all of us.
Wherever you are in your artistic journey, you’re doing a great job! Keep going. Never settle. You are an amazing talent. Shine on!
Happy Fusing!
Lisa
Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox!
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!
There’s an enormous number of wonderful existing patterns designed for stained glass that can easily be adapted to fusing.
NEW Pattern eBooks by Lisa
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.
Pattern from Tropical Teasers Pattern eBook
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.
Pattern from Garden in Bloom Pattern eBook
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.
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!
Here’s a behind the scenes look at last week’s class.
We had an exciting and productive 4-day workshop in my Glass Studio last week. We jumped in Tuesday morning and had Free Flows assembled by lunch.
These pieces may look like they were thrown together randomly without giving any thought to composition, but that’s not true. The artist has a lot of control over the way the colors mix and the direction of each pattern. These choices are dictated by the artist and how they layout and arrange the glass.
Glass laid diagonally will give the fused glass a totally different look than glass stacked in a vertical or horizontal fashion. I encourage the students to try new and different methods to expand their understanding of the relationship between how the project is built in comparison to the outcome of the fused glass blank.
We covered color theory and the importance of picking a specific color palate and sticking with it. Following this idea results in more dramatic artwork. It shows the artist’s creative maturity, their dedication to the craft and their confidence in their execution.
A great way to elevate your glass art to the next level is to incorporate unique patterns in your projects. The students made unique pattern components to decorate and personalize their free flow projects.
The free flows came out beautifully. This is where the individual student shines. They’re encouraged to follow their own design direction to create art that reflects their personal style. The resulting pieces speak for themselves.
The students repeated similar color palates on several pieces to create a body of work, a collection of art that compliments each other. Working is series like this builds confidence and creative momentum.
The results were impressive and amazing.
The shadow box is another simple project that delivers surprising and inspiring results. Students learn valuable concepts for glass casting that they can later apply to larger projects with confidence. They learn how to create visual depth by stacking design elements. They use a variety of materials to enhance light transmission and ensure the best clarity in thick pieces. Students learn how to contain thick pieces during fusing to maintain the desired thickness, size and shape of the finished art. And they create a lovely sculptural piece that has incredible depth.
All this effort may seem overwhelming. Making gallery quality artwork takes planning, forethought, multiple steps, detail-oriented assembly and an equally dynamic display to get noticed. But if you break it down into manageable steps, like I’ve done here, advancing your craft and skills is a realistic goal within reach.
Students make several large, multi-dimensional pieces of art in this comprehensive workshop. They learn color theory, design concepts for engaging compositions, fabrication tips, and practical kiln operation. Through the in-depth hands-on construction and one-on-one instruction, students gain a renewed perspective on glass fusing. They leave class with inspiration, knowledge and a new, higher level of confidence to go bigger and construct more elaborate works of art.
Advanced Glass Fusing Class February 2025
New class date below.
Happy Fusing!
Lisa
Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox!
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 32 Advanced Glass Fusing Courses!
Good-bye 2024! It’s time to get fired up for a spectacular artistic, creative, and productive 2025!
Over the holidays I enjoyed quality time with family and friends. I took time off to relax and refresh my creative spirit. Now, I’m ready to take on 2025! In this new year you can look forward to exiting new glass art designs and inspiring new videos. You’ll enjoy videos designed to push your boundaries and encourage you to try new techniques.
Each year, before I make my new year resolutions, I like to list my accomplishments from the previous year. This simple exercise puts all the long hours I dedicate to my craft into perspective. It’s tangible proof that my efforts, no matter how small, do make a difference. It’s confirmation that I’m making progress. And that is a powerful motivator for building forward momentum toward achieving new goals.
Your turn.
Take a minute to list and appreciate all the artistic goals you achieved in 2024. Include the time you spent studying new techniques and engaging with and encouraging fellow creatives. Now think about your growth. Stop and enjoy the progress you have made. Recognize that your passion and commitment to your art is a special gift to be cherished. Be proud of your effort and the progress you made.
Moving forward.
How did you achieve your goals last year? What worked for you? What didn’t work for you? Consider what you can do this year to simplify your effort and ensure your success this year?
What do you want to be able to list this time next year? What steps can you start taking right now, today, to guarantee your success at the end of this year?
For me, I’m grateful to my Premium Video Member family who are an inspiring source of inspiration and encouragement. I’m thankful I’m able to provide friendly, helpful, community centric resources for glass artists of all skill levels on my website. And I’m thrilled to have connected with so many established and new glass artists last year.
If improving your glass skills and growing your artistic style are on your 2025 list, I’m here to help you achieve success. It’s a pleasure to share in your progress and a joy to see you develop your own personal flare.
I hope this post sparks your imagination and motivates you to try new designs, use advanced techniques and invest time in your artistic growth in 2025.
Here’s to another creative year!
Happy Fusing!
Lisa
Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox!
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 32 Advanced Glass Fusing Courses!
