Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Finding Inspiration in Unlikely Places



Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy outdoor activities and breath in the beauty of nature. It’s refreshing to be away from my glass studio in environments rich with color, pattern and new scenes. I cherish time cooling off on the water and the exhilaration of hiking in the woods. The outings clear my mind of old design themes, they rejuvenate my spirit and inspire new design ideas. 

I may be off work, but my creative subconscious is on duty collecting tidbits that’ll later be integral parts of my new art. I seek exciting new compositions by studying tiny details like the delicate curled shoots of ferns. I imagine the extreme color combinations studying the broad strokes of a spectacular, cotton candy pink sunset. Even familiar settings, seen with renewed artistic curiosity, offer new appeal.   

Fairy Tale Forest as seen in Painting with Frit Video DVD
Fairy Tale Forest was inspired by a path I frequently walk in the woods. It’s an enchanted place with specked shade, inviting curves that promise adventure and the musical sounds of nature alive in the brush. Tall pines and century old oaks form a canopy overhead. The cathedral like tunnel makes me feel small, at ease and safe. It’s as if the trees are guarding me with the wisdom of their age. It’s such a magical place, I half expect to see a white unicorn trotting around palmetto bushes.

The truth is the path doesn’t really look like my design. I exercised my artistic license. I designed the art to convey the way I feel, the comfort and joy I have when I’m strolling down the leaf blanketed trail. 

I never would have stretched my artistic vision to that extent without the actual experience of walking down that path. 

Paradise Bay
Paradise Bay was inspired by a favorite lagoon on a lake. Again, the artwork loosely represents the landscape. It’s really a representation of good times and fond memories of time spent with my family.   

River Bottom
River Bottom was inspired by the ditch that lines my street. Really. I was walking one morning and noticed the sunlight shining on the water in the retention ditch on my road. The sun pierced through the clear water down to the bottom where it lit up the tiny green leaves of mossy plants. They sparkled like glitter covered light bulbs. It was so captivating I then noticed some lacey tree leaves suspended in time, and the striking shadows of tree trunks stretching across the placid surface of the water. I thought, this is a beautiful scene, how can I render this in glass? 

The project looks simple. You have to see it in person, after hearing the story to really appreciate the true beauty and depth of River Bottom. The take away, the invaluable lesson, is that beauty is all around us. We just have to look for it and then let it inspire us to be creative.  
   
Take it outside!

This summer while you’re exploring beaches, mountains and cities open yourself to discovery. Then, when the artistic spark flares, you’ll have an exciting collection of new ideas to fuel what you fire.  

Happy fusing,
Lisa
Follow my blog for more tips and tricks! 


Upcoming Webinars and Hands-on Class



Fusing for the Adventurous Webinar
July 24, 2018



Make a Fused Glass Sink Webinar
August 2, 2018



Fusing with Frit
September 20, 2018

Now Registering!


Advanced Glass Fusing 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop

November 6-9, 2018

Gain knowledge! Build confidence! Get inspired!
Join me for this in-depth workshop held in my private studio.
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.

Exceed your expectations! In this intense, 4-day workshop you’ll utilize the many advanced techniques today’s successful glass artists are using to elevate their work from craft to fine art. This all-new program is ideal for ambitious glass fusers ready to go bigger and explore more in-depth kiln forming techniques.

 
Reflection as seen in Advanced Glass Fusing Video DVD



Learn at your own pace. Check out my instructional videos here.



Check out my new writer’s blog.
Writer – Instructor – Artist

Relationships fascinate me, and so I have another blog dedicated to the weird and wonderful ways we interact with each other.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Red, White and Blue Spirit How-To




I love having an assortment of seasonal fused glass pieces on hand to decorate my home for different holidays. The themed glass-work adds a nice artistic touch to my counter or coffee table. 

In the spirit of giving, I’m sharing a couple of my favorite American themed pieces with you. Don’t worry. Memorial Day may be right around the corner, but there’s still time. Read on, and you’ll see that these fun pieces are actually fast and easy to make.

This rectangular dish looks simple, but the bold colors and elongated shape make a dramatic statement when this bright beauty is on display. 

American Pride Plate, 7” x 14”

Cut a clear base layer to fit your slumping mold. This dish measures 7” x 14”. 

Cut ½” squares out of clear glass and white glass.

Cut 1” squares out of red glass and blue glass. I used opal glass, but transparent looks terrific too. 

Arrange the squares on the clear base layer. Fire the glass to a full fuse temperature using the firing guide below. Slump the fused glass into a shallow mold using the guide below. Done!



The combination of rich colors along with the soft profile, make this plate a wonderful addition to any holiday collection, and you’ll love how easy it is to make. 

Using the pattern available on my website as a guide, cut a base layer out of clear glass. 

Cut the paper pattern up and use it as a guide to cut the glass pieces that make up the design layer. Grind the cut glass as needed to remove any sharp edges and to improve the shapes. 

Arrange the design layer on the clear base layer. Fire the glass to a full fuse temperature using the firing guide below. Slump the fused glass into a shallow mold using the guide below. 

Just like that you have a wonderful patriotic plate to brighten your home.  

Get your Red, White and Blue plate pattern here.
  
Fusing Guide Project up to 14”
Segment 1: Ramp 300 F/hr to 1300 and hold 30 min.
Segment 2: Ramp 500F/hr to 1465 and hold 10 min.
Segment 3: Ramp 9999(AFAP*) to 960 and hold 40 min.
Segment 4: Cool to room temperature.
*As fast as possible

Slumping Guide
Segment 1: Ramp 300 F/hr to 1265 and hold 10 min.
Segment 2: Ramp 9999(AFAP*) to 960 and hold 40 min.
Segment 3: Cool to room temperature.
*As fast as possible

NOTE: Kilns fire differently. Test fire these guides in your kiln and then make adjustments as needed.

Happy Memorial Day!
Happy fusing,
Lisa
Follow my blog for more tips and tricks! 


Upcoming Webinars and Hands-on Class


Fusing for the Adventurous Webinar
July 24, 2018



Make a Fused Glass Sink Webinar
August 2, 2018

Fusing with Frit
September 20, 2018

Now Registering!

As seen in Advanced Glass Fusing Video DVD

Advanced Glass Fusing 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop
November 6-9, 2018

Gain knowledge! Build confidence! Get inspired!
Join me for this in-depth workshop held in my private studio.
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.


Exceed your expectations! In this intense, 4-day workshop you’ll utilize the many advanced techniques today’s successful glass artists are using to elevate their work from craft to fine art. This all-new program is ideal for ambitious glass fusers ready to go bigger and explore more in-depth kiln forming techniques. 

As seen in Advanced Glass Fusing Video DVD


2 NEW Videos are here!

Fun and Fanciful Fusing with Lisa Vogt New Video DVD. Make new project shapes, design with vibrant colors and get excited about fusing again!

Advanced Glass Fusing with Lisa Vogt New video DVD. Master combing, free flows, pattern bars, creative slumping, extraordinary glass design and crafting unique display stands. 

As seen in Fun & Fanciful Fusing Video DVD






Check out my new writer’s blog. 
Writer – Instructor – Artist

Relationships fascinate me, and so I have another blog dedicated to the weird and wonderful ways we interact with each other.