Tag: writer

Just for fun, I’m sharing a timeless list that celebrates the passionate dedication of all glass artists, no matter what your chosen technique might be.

Are You a Glass Addict?

This list celebrates our diversity and our shared love of creating, art and glass. We artists are so fortunate to work in a field that inspires broad-minded thinking. Take pride in your uniqueness, your originality and your creative flare. Then pass it on.  

You know you’re a glass addict if…

You tell your spouse you have programmed the dishwasher.

You see a spectacular sunset and say, Wissmach 14splp.

You think the perfect score is stripping alone with your glass cutter. 

Your idea of venting involves a kiln.

No crack means you had a great day.

You brag about the size of your glory hole.

You write notes on shelf paper.

You tell friends you got diamonds for your birthday, and you mean a grinder bit.

You describe the texture of hash browns in terms of course frit size.

You buy Band Aids at Sam’s club.

You prefer the company of a Hot Head over anyone else.

You used to park in the garage.

You believe if it doesn’t breathe you can mosaic it.

You’re okay with looking through peep holes.

There aren’t any wheels on your favorite hot rods. 

You’re okay with pulling your hand from your pocket with a piece of glass stuck in your fingertip.

Your idea of getting some fresh air is a trip to the welding supply.

You hate to get up for work but will jump out of bed to check on your kiln.

You think striking is a good thing.

You know that latticcino is not something you order at Starbucks.

You ask your partner to hold you for 5 minutes than ramp you up to 1450 as fast as they can.

Are You a Glass Addict? I’m proud to be one. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season enjoying family and friends and time cozying up to your kiln.

Wishing you a happy, healthy and productive new year.

Cheers!

Lisa & Niki

Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox! 

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NEW Hands-on Class Date for 2025!

Advanced Glass Fusing Class, 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop, April 8 – 11, 2025

Join me and take your glass fusing to the next level!

Join me for this intense workshop held in my private studio. Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited to 4. All class materials re included.

In this class, you’ll push the boundaries art glass imposes. Students will explore innovative approaches to design and combine multiple advanced techniques to construct original art that reflects their own personal style. You’ll enjoy: the one-on-one instruction, making multifaceted projects, the well-equipped classroom, and the intimate class size.

You’ll love the concentrated, in-depth study and creative momentum you’ll gain while actively producing, nonstop for four consecutive days. You’ll leave class with a working knowledge of kiln operation, custom project specific firing guides, and the inspiration you’ve been craving to go bigger and do more elaborate works of fused glass art!

Take your glass fusing to the next level!

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New Year Inspiration is Here!

Art is a universal language. Like music, sports, cooking, horseback riding, or any other concentration you’re passionate about, it brings people together. Those from different backgrounds, socio-economic status and ages find common ground, a reason to interact, talk and share ideas, because of art.  

It is in the interest of sharing art that I write this blog. For in the end, all we have is the human experience; the riches you hold in your heart over those you hold in your hand. 

My Gift to You

Thirteen years ago, I started my first blog post with those words. And though time has passed and much has changed, my vision remains the same.

No matter how technologically advanced we become, there’s one thing we can’t master and that’s time. There are numerous demands on your time and even more ways to spend what leisure time you are able to carve out of your day. You should know, I appreciate the time you spend here.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you a happy & healthy holiday season!

Cheers!

Lisa & Niki

Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox! 

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NEW Hands-on Class Date for 2025!

Advanced Glass Fusing Class, 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop, April 8 – 11, 2025

Join me and take your glass fusing to the next level!

Join me for this intense workshop held in my private studio. Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited to 4. All class materials re included.

In this class, you’ll push the boundaries art glass imposes. Students will explore innovative approaches to design and combine multiple advanced techniques to construct original art that reflects their own personal style. You’ll enjoy: the one-on-one instruction, making multifaceted projects, the well-equipped classroom, and the intimate class size.

You’ll love the concentrated, in-depth study and creative momentum you’ll gain while actively producing, nonstop for four consecutive days. You’ll leave class with a working knowledge of kiln operation, custom project specific firing guides, and the inspiration you’ve been craving to go bigger and do more elaborate works of fused glass art!

Take your glass fusing to the next level!

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Enjoy 31 Premium Video Membership Courses!

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New Year Inspiration is Here!

Christmas is almost here!

If you’re lucky, you have already made or purchased gifts for your family and friends. If not, I’m sure you’re busy preparing for your holiday get togethers. With that in mind, I’m sharing a bright, wintery project to usher your creative spirit into the new year. This way, when the time comes to get back to your studio you’ll have a fun, easy project waiting for you to enjoy.  

Cardinals are a bright, cheerful sight in the peaceful winter months.

This colorful little fellow will bring joy to your home all season long. And you’ll love how fast and easy this delightful project is to make. 

Let’s get started.

Detailed projects like this one are easier to make if you work from a pattern. Preparing the pattern may seem tedious, but the increase in accuracy and fit really improve the overall quality of your finished project. Plus, patterns make more elaborate designs manageable, so even the most intricate design is still fun to build.

Make two copies of the pattern and then number the patterns. (Timesaver Tip: Number the pattern before making the copy. Don’t be like me and forget to do it before heading to the glass studio 🙂

To maintain consistency in the thickness of the finished art, this freeform shaped project is made with two layers of glass. Using the pattern as a guide, cut the base layer out of clear glass. Cut the oval shape first. Then cut clear pieces for the tips of the pine needles that extend outside the oval shape. Cutting these little pieces, and adding this extra step, ensures that the narrow pine needles will keep their shape during firing. Without the clear base, they’ll shrink disproportionality to the rest of the project and be fragile after fusing.

Now that the base is cut, let’s move on to the second layer. Cut blue glass for the sky to the same shape and size as the clear oval base. Grind the cut glass to remove any sharp edges and improve the shape.

Use scissors to cut one paper pattern into the freeform shape. Draw a line around the pattern on a primed kiln shelf, or on a fiber paper lined shelf. Arrange the clear base pieces on the shelf inside the pencil line.

Set the shelf and assembled glass aside.

Here comes the fun part, cutting the pine needles and cardinal. Cut the pattern up. Glue the pine needle pieces on green glass with a glue stick. Cut around the pieces, cutting them as close as possible to the edge without running into the paper. Remove the excess glass with pliers.

Glue the cardinal pattern pieces to red glass. Cut the cardinal out. Grind the cut glass to improve the shape and the fit of the pieces. Remove the wet pattern from the ground glass. Clean and dry the glass with a towel. Arrange the bird and pine needles on the spare pattern and set aside.

For a fun added detail, use a paper punch to make snowflake shaped flurries. Press the snowflakes out of Thinfire fiber paper. Scatter the snowflakes on the clear base. Stack the blue on top sealing the snowflakes between the layers. (FYI: I have not tried this encasing technique with other fiber papers. If you use a different paper your results may vary.)  

Using the paper pattern and pencil line as a guide, stack the pine needles and cardinal on the glass. Hold the pieces in place with a small amount of fuser’s glue. This keeps the pieces from moving when you carry the kiln shelf and glass to the kiln. Spoon white frit on the pine needles to represent snow. Use a small paint brush to clean up the top edge of the snow. Sprinkle a little white frit on the blue sky. For a little sparkle, place white dichroic frit on top of the snow and on the sky.

Fire the assembled glass to a full fuse temperature using the guide available on my website.

I love the crisp, vibrant colors of the finished piece and the extra detail the encased fiber paper gives the sky. The Thinfire shrunk lightly during firing and left a delicate star shaped, snowflake pattern in the background. The sparkly dichroic frit adds a little magic to this winter wonderland. 

This season when you’re feeling the icy chill of cold winter days, create your own warmth. Snuggle up to your kiln and make this cheery Cardinal and Pine Tree.  

This pattern is just one of many seasonal delights you can make in the book Home for the Holidays now available as a download on my website.

Watch the Cardinal in Pine Tree video here.

Happy fusing!

Lisa 

I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season enjoying family and friends and time cozying up to your kiln.

Wishing you a happy & healthy holiday season!

Cheers!

Lisa & Niki

Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox! 

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NEW Hands-on Class Dates for 2025!

Advanced Glass Fusing Class, 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop, March 18 – 21, 2025

OR

Advanced Glass Fusing Class, 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop, April 8 – 11, 2025

Join me and take your glass fusing to the next level!

Join me for this intense workshop held in my private studio. Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited to 4. All class materials re included.

In this class, you’ll push the boundaries art glass imposes. Students will explore innovative approaches to design and combine multiple advanced techniques to construct original art that reflects their own personal style. You’ll enjoy: the one-on-one instruction, making multifaceted projects, the well-equipped classroom, and the intimate class size.

You’ll love the concentrated, in-depth study and creative momentum you’ll gain while actively producing, nonstop for four consecutive days. You’ll leave class with a working knowledge of kiln operation, custom project specific firing guides, and the inspiration you’ve been craving to go bigger and do more elaborate works of fused glass art!

Take your glass fusing to the next level!

---

Enjoy 31 Premium Video Membership Courses!

---

New Year Inspiration is Here!

Cookies for Santa

At this over scheduled time of year, we’re all longing for the peace and tranquility we associate with more studio time. Well here’s your excuse to log in more hours with your glass cutter and kiln. Don’t let these charming projects fool you; these flashy little beauties are fun, fast and easy to make. Plus, they make great gifts for family and friends.   

You’re a Mean One Plate

These darling plates are great for table decorations or for serving sweet treats. The dishes photographed here measure 10-inch by 10-inch. But these smart designs also look terrific in 12-inch or 8-inch sizes. Feel free to adjust the size to fit any slumping mold you may have. 

Star of David

To make these seasonal plates, cut a 10-inch by 10-inch piece of clear fusible glass for the base layer. Select your design and glass colors. Cut the design layer using the specific pattern you selected as a guide. Glue the design layer on top of the base layer with a small amount of fusers glue, or another appropriate adhesive. Set the project aside to let the glue dry. (I like to use a tiny amount of white Elmer’s school glue and apply it with a tooth pick. This glue dries fast and when used in tiny amounts burns off without a trace.) Using the pattern as a guide, cut the accent pieces that make up the design you selected. Grind the cut accent pieces for a nice, clean fit. Clean the glass with water and then dry it with a towel. (I prefer to use water over detergents or other solvents that could leave residue that might burn onto the glass surface during fusing.) Glue the accent pieces to the design layer with fusers glue. Let the glue dry before moving to the next step. 

Christmas Tree

For Cookies for Santa, Star of David and You’re a Mean One, select the appropriate power frit colors. Wearing a dust mask, sift your chosen powder evenly over the glass. Using a small dry paint brush or the tip of a pencil draw your message in the frit like you would draw in the sand. Remove any frit that might have fallen on the surrounding glass pieces with the dry paint brush. 

Snowman

Chill out with this friendly winter visitor. This plate is fast and easy to make no frit needed.

Full fuse and then slump your plates using my firing guides available on my website.

Get FREE Holiday project patterns on my website.

Find More Holiday Ideas Check Out These eBooks!

Cheers!

Happy Fusing!

Lisa

Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox! 

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NEW CLASS DATE FOR 2025!

Advanced Glass Fusing Class, 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop, April 8 – 11, 2025

ONLY 3 Seats Left!

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!

---

Great Gifts for Artists

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The magical thing about glass fusing is you can work with the same materials for years and all it takes to fascinate you again is the introduction of a new component. The round Christmas ornament is far from a unique design. But add a new twist, a little bling and amazingly you have a delightfully fresh version of an old favorite.

At this hectic time of year, we’re all looking for fast and flashy projects that make great gifts. These easy to make ornaments are your ticket to wonderfully productive studio time. What makes these simple pieces so attractive is the paring of traditional holiday colors along with lively patterns.

Making the Ornament Bowl

Begin by cutting a 9-inch circle of clear glass for the ornament base. Cut 2 clear pieces of glass to represent the bail of the ornament. Select your murrine and cut it into 1/8-inch-long bits with mosaic nippers. Choose your holiday colors and cut them into strips. Arrange the strips on the clear base. Separate the cut strips with twisted cane. For added interest, include a strip of murrine.

Then, just for fun, rearrange your materials. Try different combinations until you have a pleasing pattern. I love this spontaneous type of assembly as it always produces a more dynamic design than I originally imagined.

Using a 9-inch round paper pattern as a guide, draw the circle shape on the strips and cane with a marker. Cut the strips and cane to fit neatly on the clear base glass. Cut clear dichroic to represent the bail of the ornament.

Cut narrow strips of dichroic on clear. Arrange the dichroic strips on the wide band of color to make the snowflakes. Be sure the dichroic coating side is down so it won’t scratch when the bowl is used.

Place the assembled glass in the kiln on a primed or shelf paper lined kiln shelf. Stack the 2 clear bails beside the circle. Overlap the white and the clear bails with the dichroic bail to bridge the parts when fused.    

Making the Dichroic Ornaments

I plan to use these little beauties as festive spoon rests in the kitchen. The dichroic coating is fragile and will scratch if not protected by clear glass. When making functional art with dichroic glass, I assemble the projects differently. Unlike the first ornament, which was built on a clear base, the base of these small decorations will be made up of pieces. The pieces will then be capped with a single piece of clear glass to enhance the dichroic colors and protect the coating from getting scratched.  

Begin by cutting 4-inch circles out of clear glass. Cut 2 bails for each of the ornaments out of clear glass. Set the circles and bails aside. Cut a fun assortment of 4-inch squares of dichroic on black into strips. Rearrange the strips to make four unique ornament designs. Add a few twisted canes for a lacy effect. Turn any textured glass strips over. Using the clear circles as a guide, trace the circle shape on the back of the dichroic strips with a silver marker. Cut the glass and cane to match the circle. Turn the cut glass over and rearrange the strips and cane. Cut a bail for each ornament out of dichroic on clear.

Place the dichroic and cane layer in the kiln on a primed or shelf paper lined kiln shelf. Cap the dichroic glass with the 4-inch clear glass circles. Stack the 2 clear bails beside the glass. Overlap the clear cap and the clear bails with the dichroic bail to bridge the parts when fused.  

Full fuse the assembled projects using the guide in my tech docs link below.

If any of the circles are uneven, grind the edges as needed to improve the shapes.

Place the fused glass in slumping molds. Slump using the guide below in my Tech Docs link below.

I love including functional art in everyday life. And the kitchen, being the hub of family activity that it is, is a great place to enjoy personal, hand-made holiday decorations.

Full fuse and then slump your plates using my firing guides available on my website in the FREE FTech Docs section on Firing Guides & Graphs For 96 & 90 COE Fusible Glass

FREE Holiday project patterns on my website.

Happy Fusing!

Lisa

Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox! 

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Great Gifts for Glass Artists