Tag: writer

Kiln: A high temperature oven, usually electric. Kilns designed for ceramics will work for glass, but special glass-crafting kilns are preferable.

Firing Guide: This is a step-by-step schedule to fire glass of a certain size and thickness to achieve a specific result. 

Full Fuse: To heat glass pieces in a kiln until they melt together into one piece.

Rate: The rate per hour that you set the controller to change temperature in the kiln.

Temperature: This is the temperature the glass will be taken to for a specific look or effect or process.

Hold in Minutes: At certain times during the firing process we hold, also sometimes called soak, the glass at a specific temperature for a designated amount of time to get the desired results. 

Segment: Firing guides are carried out in steps called segments. Larger, thicker projects usually have more conservative firing guides and therefore a greater number of segments. 

96 COE / 90 COE : Designates the type of glass used.

Quick Cool: To open the kiln for the purpose of cooling the hot glass to prevent it from changing further. Always occurs above 1100°F (593°C) because glass is extremely sensitive to rapid temperature change below 1000°F (538°C). Also called “flash vent” or “rapid cool.”

Anneal – Oceanside 96 COE- 950°F (510°C) 90 COE 900°F (482°C): Super heating glass, like we do in a kiln, creates stress in the glass. We alleviate the stress, anneal the glass, by holding it a specific temperature for a designated amount of time. How long is determined by the size and thickness of the project. The larger the project the longer the hold time.

Cool to Room Temperature: Allow the kiln and glass inside to cool before opening the kiln.

Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox! 

If you enjoy reading my blog, I have a feature on my website you’ll like. From the home page click on any page. On the side bar you can read my Top 10 Blog Posts. The list updates every 48 hours so check back often.

Happy Fusing!

Lisa

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Instagram

Are you ready to take control of your artistic future?

Join me in October for my Advanced Glass Fusing workshop and put these career building concepts into immediate use. This is the turning point experience you’ve been waiting for.

JUST OPEN!

1 Seat is Available in my October 22-25, 2024 Advanced Glass Fusing Class.

Due to a change of events 1 seat is now available in my October 22-25, 2024 class. Deadline to register is September 17, 2024!

Upcoming Class!

Advanced Glass Fusing Class

4-Day, Hands-on Class, Wesley Chapel, FL

ONLY 2 SEATS LEFT!

February 4-7, 2025

YOU can make gallery quality fused glass art! You’ll love the personalized instruction in this exciting advanced technique, artistic awakening and skill building workshop. This is the turning point experience you’ve been waiting for.

Someday is here! What are you waiting for? You’re in your prime. You’re at the peak of your interest in glass fusing. Take the next step and raise your artwork to an exciting new level of sophistication.

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

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 and take your glass fusing to the next level!

---

Premium Video Courses by Lisa

---

Cast glass is fascinating.  It’s no wonder the sight of a meticulously executed piece sends your mind racing.  You find yourself pulling up to admire and study it; to marvel at the bulky, sculptural character.  You become captivated by the suspended design and colorful shards floating deep in space.  You’re tempted to slide your finger tips lightly over the silky, smooth surface or to touch the magnified, grainy pattern embedded underneath.   You guess how much it weighs; think about how it was made and calculate how long it took to fire.  

Before long the complex technicalities sink in and become overwhelming, quickly building a road block that brings your run-away inspiration to a screeching halt.  But the ride doesn’t have to stop there! 

Amazing glass castings come in all sizes; by starting small you maximize your success rate.  It enables you to work in multiples and test-drive several different types of techniques all at the same time.   Plus the variety of projects will ramp up the production value and educational worth of the load making the commitment to a prolonged firing more agreeable and satisfying.  Inevitably there will be surprises; some projects will come out far better than expected and others will lack luster.  Good or bad though, there is something to be learned from every project whether the outcome is considered a success or not.

One of the things I like about making cast pieces is that the approach is different from straightforward glass fusing.  The focus of basic fusing is the project and how efficiently it can be made.    Casting is driven by process.  It’s the sequence of multiple, singular steps carefully carried out over a period of time, seamlessly linked together that craft a engaging piece of art.                 

Casting begins with a mold; a form that can hold-up to the high heat inside the kiln while containing glass in a desired shape.  For single use molds, to make one-of-a-kind pieces I recycle damaged ½ inch thick fiber board kiln shelf material.  I determine how tall I want the fired piece to be.  I add 25% to that measurement if I intend to use small material like course frit or mosaic sized glass shards to fill the mold or as much as 40% larger if I plan to use big chunks. The shapes needed are drawn out on an intact portion of the board with a pencil then cut using a straight edge and single edge razor blade.

Drifting Leaf is an enchanting casting with a subtle suspended element floating inside.  A dichroic, leaf shape, nestled in a web of delicately swaying green wisps seemingly hangs in space.  This petite 3”x 3” x 2” size box is a terrific casting project to jump-start your creativity.  It’s fast and easy to build, the floating element is fun to make, it uses a minimal amount of material and it can be fired in a smaller kiln.  Most importantly, it’s good practice.  The experience you gain will pave the way to bigger, more complex work.      

Before filling the mold there are some things to consider.  A mold filled with powder size clear frit will have a minimum amount of shrinkage.  The finished piece will have tiny champagne like bubbles throughout, lack clarity and look milky.   Fill the mold with fine clear frit and the number of bubbles will be reduced and the clarity somewhat improved.  Load up the mold with medium or course clear frit and the bubbles will be fewer still, but larger and the clarity will be greatly improved.  The shrinkage will be considerable.  You can compensate for this by over filling the mold, mounding the glass higher than the side walls in the center.  Casting rocks are another option.  They are random sized chunks of practically bubble free glass formulated for casting.   Using them can reduce the number of bubbles increasing optical clarity.  It’s my common practice to mix mold fillers, catering the materials to the individual project and desired outcome. 

The color used to fill the mold is yet another consideration.  The beauty of cast glass is the transparency; the ability to see through the art. Medium colored shades of glass when piled up increase in density and result in unusually dark pieces.  My advice would be to experiment with color and use it in moderation.   Try a combination of applications like layering it with clear, choose pale shades over dark and use transparent glass as opposed to opal. 

Cold working is the process of grinding and polishing glass to make the surfaces flat, smooth and shinny.  Cast glass often needs some cold work touch up.  If you are not familiar with the equipment a local hot shop will be able to do the polishing for a fee. 

The trick to successfully firing cast glass is patience.  It’s not a bad word!  Here again I pay tribute to the benefit of nesting multiple, small pieces in a single firing.  Greater value usually equals greater self control; usually. 

Rev up your engine, give casting a try.    

Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox! 

If you enjoy reading my blog, I have a feature on my website you’ll like. From the home page click on any page. On the side bar you can read my Top 10 Blog Posts. The list updates every 48 hours so check back often.

Happy Fusing!

Lisa

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Instagram

Are you ready to take control of your artistic future?

Join me in October for my Advanced Glass Fusing workshop and put these career building concepts into immediate use. This is the turning point experience you’ve been waiting for.

JUST OPEN!

1 Seat is Available in my October 22-25, 2024 Advanced Glass Fusing Class.

Due to a change of events 1 seat is now available in my October 22-25, 2024 class. Deadline to register is September 17, 2024!

Upcoming Class!

Advanced Glass Fusing Class

4-Day, Hands-on Class, Wesley Chapel, FL

ONLY 2 SEATS LEFT!

February 4-7, 2025

YOU can make gallery quality fused glass art! You’ll love the personalized instruction in this exciting advanced technique, artistic awakening and skill building workshop. This is the turning point experience you’ve been waiting for.

Someday is here! What are you waiting for? You’re in your prime. You’re at the peak of your interest in glass fusing. Take the next step and raise your artwork to an exciting new level of sophistication.

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

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 and take your glass fusing to the next level!

---

Premium Video Courses by Lisa

---

Fall in Florida is like spring up north in the sense that we’re coming off months spent inside due to extreme temperatures outside. In Florida we were inside to avoid the heat, up north it’s to avoid the cold. As a result, Autumn’s crisp air and colorful foliage inspires renewed creativity and a longing to spend time in my glass studio.

Autumn also marks the upcoming holiday season. It means it’s time to start thinking about making fun seasonal themed fused glass projects to decorate my home and give as gifts. In recent years, I’ve really enjoyed displaying sparkling fused glass lanterns in my home, office, and yard. Lanterns are an easy way to include art glass in my decor to bring a special brightness and cheerful joy to these personal spaces.   

Especially around the holidays, I enjoy having soft accent lights around my home. So, I created a collection of lanterns I could switch out seasonally to add a festive atmosphere to my rooms all year long. And best of all, having a variety of design themes keeps the construction fresh and fun.

In my video Lumin-Essence I show how to make 8 shimmering lanterns. The lanterns range in complexity, but anyone with a flair for fusing can easily make them all. I will tell you though, they will challenge your fabrication skills. But in a good, try something new way that you’ll love. 

Fall Leaf is a quick and easy design to get you fired up and bring a seasonal touch to your home. It’s organic shape and bright, cheery colors make it the perfect complement to your fall decorations. Plus, the compact size makes it the perfect accent in small spaces or in dark areas where a little light would warm up your space.   

The first lantern I designed was inspired by relaxing summer vacations spent on a serene lake. A sailboat glides over calm waters with a picturesque view of mountains and pine trees behind. The custom-made glass base provides a lift and an attractive pedestal to showcase the scenic setting. The front panel of the lantern bows out. The back panel bows in the opposite creating the perfect space for a candle or LED lights.

Weave is an especially fun lantern to make. It looks complicated and fragile, when it’s easy and sturdy once assembled. Plus, it’s a terrific size for adding a touch of light to small or confined spaces. The assembly is simple. You cut a bunch of strips, lay them out in 4 alternating layers and then tack the pieces together in your kiln. The 4 sides are then glued together around a clear glass base. I like to add dichroic glass strips to mine for that super shine that lights up the room. The best part is Weave looks amazingly beautiful when lit. The open construction and rich colors cast a rainbow of colors on the table and surrounding walls.

Winter Wonderland is my favorite lantern. The clear glass backdrop is the perfect complement to the white and dichroic snowflakes. This dazzling lantern requires extra steps as the snowflakes are tacked together and then tacked on the clear front and back panels. Let me tell you, this one is worth your time. Winter Wonderland is a spectacular, glistening addition to any room.

Dogwood reminds me of flower gardening and the rebirth of nature in the spring. I selected a crisp, clean, simple color palate for this lantern. I used clear glass for the lattice because I wanted this lantern to have structure, but also a light, airy feel. The flowers are fun to make. They’re tacked together and then slumped in small bowl molds to give them form. Dogwood is assembled it multiple easy steps. The lantern sides are glued around a clear base. After the glue is dry the flowers are glued on one side at a time. When lit, Dogwood makes a dazzling centerpiece.  

Blue Mountains was inspired by the cool gradient colors of the Great Smoky Mountains. We all enjoy a refreshing trip to the mountains where stunning views and peaceful moments linger in our hearts. With this lantern you can relive those tranquil times every day. This lantern is super easy to make. You just layer several shades of blue. The beauty of Blue Mountains is in its simplicity of design and construction. You’ll love making this restful lantern.    

Red Heart is a darling combination of vivid color and lacy pattern. The great thing about this lantern is the small, fused glass design combined with a ready-made candle shelter, make it quick and easy to construct. You’ll want one of these around come February. This dainty lantern is a perfect personalized gift to show family and friends they hold a special place in your heart.

Purple Heart may be dainty, but it lights up the room with an impressive glow. It’s another quick and easy project that makes a great gift. Just fuse glass strips and then glue them on a ready-made candle shelter. It doesn’t get easier.   

I hope this illuminating collection inspires you to be creative and celebrate family, friends, and all that we are thankful for. 

Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox! 

If you enjoy reading my blog, I have a feature on my website you’ll like. From the home page click on any page. On the side bar you can read my Top 10 Blog Posts. The list updates every 48 hours so check back often.

Happy Fusing!

Lisa

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Instagram

Are you ready to take control of your artistic future?

Join me in October for my Advanced Glass Fusing workshop and put these career building concepts into immediate use. This is the turning point experience you’ve been waiting for.

JUST OPEN!

1 Seat is Available in my October 22-25, 2024 Advanced Glass Fusing Class.

Due to a change of events 1 seat is now available in my October 22-25, 2024 class. Deadline to register is September 17, 2024!

Upcoming Class!

Advanced Glass Fusing Class

4-Day, Hands-on Class, Wesley Chapel, FL

ONLY 2 SEATS LEFT!

February 4-7, 2025

YOU can make gallery quality fused glass art! You’ll love the personalized instruction in this exciting advanced technique, artistic awakening and skill building workshop. This is the turning point experience you’ve been waiting for.

Someday is here! What are you waiting for? You’re in your prime. You’re at the peak of your interest in glass fusing. Take the next step and raise your artwork to an exciting new level of sophistication.

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

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 and take your glass fusing to the next level!

---

Premium Video Courses by Lisa

---

It’s been a great summer. You’ve enjoyed lots of outdoor activities, fun family vacations and eaten an abundance of delicious foods. But it’s over. No more excuses or procrastinating. (You know who you are.)

Take a deep breath, exhale. Great!

It’s time to plan the remainder of your year and buckle down to make sure you achieve your artistic goals. Planning can be as simple as a to-do list or as detailed as a mind-map.

I start by identifying my big picture goals. Then I list the individual tasks that have to be done to accomplish those set goals. I strive to tap and complete a portion of those smaller jobs every week. And before I know it, my work is moving steadily forward, and progress is being made in small, but positive ways.       

Where do you see yourself at the year end? Dream big! Picture yourself there. What’s it going to take to make it happen? Set yourself up for success by allotting time and dedicating energy to making your dreams a reality.  

Here are some encouraging thoughts to motivate and inspire you to get started:

1) Everyone has the potential to improve and grow their creative talent.

The only limitation is you. Get out of your own way and allow yourself the freedom to explore, to fail and eventually to succeed. In my experience, the toughest, most difficult growth spurts I’ve experienced have directly led to the pivotal, ground breaking techniques I use to fabricate my exhibition quality art today.

Wherever you are in your glass journey, whether you’re a beginner or advanced crafter, there’s always more to learn. Artists benefit from instruction at every working level, especially advanced glass fusers. As the success of more complex pieces requires a solid understanding of a wide variety of techniques.

The most effective way to fast-track your creative style is to put yourself in a position to benefit from the expertise of other artists. Read articles, watch how-to videos, attend webinars and take hands-on classes.

Getting involved is inspiring. Plus, exposure to other active creatives puts you in a high energy, positive peer-pressure environment. It’s a nurturing atmosphere where you’re encouraged to challenge boundaries and cheered when you overcome obstacles. And, you’ll benefit from the practical fabrication tips that’ll strengthen your methods of construction, and at the same time further develop your artistic talent.   

2) Trust your instincts and follow your heart.

Take a leap of faith and believe that your creative intuition is vibrant and valuable. Boldly step out of your comfort zone and try new designs ideas, work with unfamiliar materials and experiment with untested techniques. During the discovery phase the magic happens. That’s when unexpected possibilities come to light and spark new opportunities for creativity. Know that most great ideas were once crazy notions an inventor had the courage to try. Be that inventor and enjoy the exhilaration of producing surprising results and amazing glass art.

3) Surround yourself with positive influences and people who have achieved the kind of artistic success you want.

Positivity generates positive results. First, identify what artistic success means to you. For some glass artist it’s selling their work. For others it’s making one-of-a-kind pieces for themselves. For others it’s about the technical process of making glass.  

Social media makes it easier than ever to get to know and feel a connection with well-known artists, experienced instructors and industry leaders. Seek out people and groups with interests and that mirror your future goals.

Study their artistic methods. Soon you’ll see patterns you can identify with. Use that inspiration to develop your own design style and build your own brand. Take advantage of opportunities to meet and learn from the innovators you admire. They’re knowledge, expertise and practical tips will guide you in the direction of the higher level of artist success you crave.      

Are you ready to take control of your artistic future?

Join me in February 2025 for my Advanced Glass Fusing workshop and put these career building concepts into immediate use. This is the turning point experience you’ve been waiting for.

Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox! 

Happy Fusing!

Lisa

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Instagram

Upcoming Class!

Advanced Glass Fusing Class

4-Day, Hands-on Class, Wesley Chapel, FL

ONLY 2 SEATS LEFT!

February 4-7, 2025

YOU can make gallery quality fused glass art! You’ll love the personalized instruction in this exciting advanced technique, artistic awakening and skill building workshop. This is the turning point experience you’ve been waiting for.

Someday is here! What are you waiting for? You’re in your prime. You’re at the peak of your interest in glass fusing. Take the next step and raise your artwork to an exciting new level of sophistication.

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

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 and take your glass fusing to the next level!

---

Premium Video Courses by Lisa

---

Strawberry Farm Plank Bowl, 10 inch x 10 inch

Dish up sweet summer fun with this refreshingly fun wood tone berry bowl.

Breaking free from the ho-hum square is easy when you start thinking beyond the limitations of four straight sides. The fastest and easiest way to jazz up any project is to give it a unique shape. The shape doesn’t have to be super complex to get attention. Just add a little unexpected something to the edge and you’ll have a project that everyone admires.

The bulk of my projects are assembled on a single, solid base layer of clear glass. The second, design layer is usually made up of pieces that create a pattern. The third layer is minimal and made with a few accent pieces. This type of construction is convenient because I can comfortably put the project together on my worktable and then simply carry it to the kiln when it’s ready to be fired. It’s a quick easy way to build strong pieces, but the straightforward perimeter shape can lack originality.

For this project we’re going to break tradition and shake things up with an irregular edge that flatters our sweet strawberries. In this type of construction the base layer and the design layer are both made up of multiple pieces. What makes this project even more unique is that we’ll use the same pattern to make both the base and design layers. We simply cut the base layer out of clear glass and the second layer out of a warm colored streaky glass that mimics aged wood.

Now for the sweet part. The red strawberries and green leaves are cut according to the pattern. They’re ground to improve the rounded shapes. The strawberry’s seeds are detailed by applying black paint with a fine applicator tip. Next, the berries and leaves are arranged on top of the brown glass.

For added color and a nice linear detail I bent yellow stringers in a candle. The stringers represent a wild vine. I bent them and placed them so they would frame the bowl.

Bending stringers is fun and easy. The trick is to hold the stinger in the candle flame and apply a little pressure until the glass bends. Then move the stringer through the flame until you have a shape you like. Keep in mind, the stringer will be hot within an inch of the flame. And, it’s a lot hotter than you think, and a lot longer than you think it should be. I bend a bunch and set them aside so I’m not tempted to pick the bent stringers up before they’re cool to the touch.

The bent stringers are sized by snapping them by hand. The pieces are then arranged decoratively around the berries. The assembled glass is full fused and then slumped in a square mold.

Fuse and slump the project using the firing guides on my website.

Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox! 

Happy Fusing!

Lisa

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Instagram

Upcoming Class!

Advanced Glass Fusing Class

4-Day, Hands-on Class, Wesley Chapel, FL

ONLY 3 SEATS LEFT!

February 4-7, 2025

YOU can make gallery quality fused glass art! You’ll love the personalized instruction in this exciting advanced technique, artistic awakening and skill building workshop. This is the turning point experience you’ve been waiting for.

Someday is here! What are you waiting for? You’re in your prime. You’re at the peak of your interest in glass fusing. Take the next step and raise your artwork to an exciting new level of sophistication.

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

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 and take your glass fusing to the next level!

---

Premium Video Courses by Lisa

---