Happy New Year!

As I look forward to an exciting new year, I want to wish you and your family happiness, health, love, peace and prosperity in 2014.

All the best,
Lisa

I Like Salad

 

With the New Year looming in the near future, I thought I’d get a jump on a few things I’ve been procrastinating. This way, when January 1 rolls around I’ll already be in the habit of doing them.   

Good habits are just as hard to break as bad habits.

Last week I started working out again. Walking is part of my daily routine. But in the past year, I’ve spent more time dusting our weight machine than actually using it. I now have two full weeks under my belt. Surprisingly, I’ve only experienced a little soreness in my abdomen. Not to worry though, the muscles are well protected by a cushy, layer of fluff. Fluff I hope to gradually shed and replace with something more bathing suit worthy. Remember I live in Florida, it is beach season here year round. 

The best part of working out is being done.  

Once I’ve committed to doing something new, and after I’ve and actually accomplished that task, I feel good about myself for the rest of the day. It doesn’t’ matter if I see physical improvement or not. That comes in time. It’s the satisfaction I get from putting forth the effort toward improvement that counts.

This brings me to the title of this post and the other personal challenge I’m tackling. It’s a bit embarrassing to admit considering how much time I spend writing. Here it goes, I’m a wanderer. My fingers are not at home on the home keys. Yup, my fingers knock around the key board like a tap dancing spider. For the sake of speed and accuracy, I’ve been practicing my typing skills. And I like salad. I also like alfalfa, Alaska, dad, flask, as and any other word that can be made while being loyal to the home keys. It’s amazing how much I’ve improved in only 20 minutes a day. There are so many fun, free games to choose from online that practice has become an entertaining mid-day break from routine work.

Take one small step toward your goal every day. Consistency is your friend.

It’s my hope that this inspires you to try something new or to revisit something you’ve been putting off. Why not? You have nothing to lose, except maybe some fluff.

Go for it!

Lisa

Now on YouTube

Lisa Vogt Glass Artist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhOifd7wukk

 

Time flies when you’re having fun.

A good day in the studio.  

 I wanted to write sooner, but instead of sitting in the office at my 

computer I’ve been buzzing around my studio and happily cutting 

glass for several exciting commissions. The projects are in progress, 

so there’s not much to show in the way of photos-yet. I’m looking 

forward to sharing pictures with you when the artwork is a bit 

further along. In the mean time, I’ll fill you in on 

other recent happenings.

Latest completed work: Lighted Theater Sign

  We’re still horsing around.

   I’m happy to share an update on Tardy. His new family 

recently sent a note to let us know that he it right in at their 

barn. He’s being well taken care of and winning hearts as 

well as blue ribbons in western shows with his new little girl.  

On to the next chapter. Meet Rori the newest member of our 

family. He’s a 6 year old, 17.1 hand Oldenburg, by Rosenthal. 

Rori is my daughter’s dream horse. He’s big, fancy and has the 

gentle, loving temperament of a black lab. They’ve been 

training together for about eight weeks and are making 

significant progress with every ride. We’re looking forward to 

showing Rori in the spring. 

Rori

 My oldest daughter is making big strides as well. A senior at USF, 
she just finished a tough fall semester coming through with flying
colors. Her positive attitude and fun, caring nature make it easy to 
forget she is working hard, on a daily basis, to make her 
dreams for her future a reality.  

Can I tell you? I am truly proud of my kids.

 Knowing they’re on track makes preparing for the holidays a little 
easier. So this week I got serious about getting things done. 
Along the way, I learned a few things that you might find helpful.     

Need shipping boxes? Cruise your neighborhood on garbage 

day before the trash is collected. I found more boxes than I 
needed on the curb and was happy to recycle them.

Don’t shop for gifts on the family computer unless you know how to 
delete the search history.  Those of you destined for the naughty list 
anyway might as well have some fun. Look up the really expensive 
stuff you have no intention of buying just to throw the 
snoopy kids off. Hee-hee-hee. 

Enjoy the holiday party. If you’re on the guest list it’s because the 
host thinks you’re fun and interesting. Chances are everyone else
 at the party is fun and interesting too. But mingling can be awkward. 
Here’s my ice breaker. Join a stray couple, after brief 
introductions simply ask, “How do you know the host?” 
Ta-da. Instant conversation.

When momma’s happy, everyone is happy. Go ahead, 
be selfish. Take 20 minutes a day to do something for you.
I like to take a brisk walk. The fresh air and wide open 
space clears my head and gives me renewed energy to 
tackle my increasingly long to-do list.

Smile at strangers. 
When you look happy you are happy. 
Pass it on.

Make it a great day!

Lisa

Now on YouTube

Lisa Vogt Glass Artist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhOifd7wukk

A Funny Story from Porto Rico

My eighty year old mom and I are sitting in the shade (it's 90 degrees and 100% humidity) looking at the "very famous" fort she's come to see when she asked, "Where is the bathroom?" 

I said, "I don't know." 

She makes me  ask a Spanish speaking man selling water on the street corner. He said, "the museum." 

We shuffle across the cobblestone park to the museum and we find it isn't open yet. The nice guard  takes one look at mom hanging on my arm and lets us in anyway. He escorts us up the elevator and unlocks the ladies room. 

Then mom said, "I don't have to go yet."

Fashionably Late

I’ve missed writing, it has been too long. So today I made it a priority to write and share a special story with you.

In my wildest dreams, I never thought I’d own a horse. But my daughter has a gift. She connects deeply with these huge, graceful animals in a way that I can only hope to understand someday.

During her unpredictable middle school years, when friendships ran hot and then went cold for no apparent reason, my daughter could count on one horse to always be there for her, to love her unconditionally. Tardy, a bay quarter horse known in the show arena as Fashionably Late joined our family in 2009.

At the time, I was worried about the unknown responsibilities and inherit risks of horse ownership. I can tell you now that the benefits have far outweighed any of those early concerns. Over the years, pride in ownership has nurtured and grown my daughter’s self esteem like nothing else. It’s my firm belief that her persistent optimism, diehard dedication and positive outlook for a bright future are a direct result of the confidence she gained through this strong bond with her horse.

All those wonderful points aside, the absolute best spin-off for having Tardy is the bridge that he built between my teenage daughter and me. I credit Tardy for bringing us closer together and for keeping us together even when times are tough.  

But with growth comes change. As my daughter’s riding skills improve she’s eager to step up to more advanced shows. In order to compete in the bigger arenas she needs a taller horse. A difficult decision had to be made. At fifty, I learned a lesson about maturity from a sixteen year old when my daughter came to the conclusion that it was time to sell Tardy.

It’s hard for me to say goodbye to a friend who has done so much for us. I’m consoled knowing he’s moving to a good home where he’ll work his magic with a new, very lucky little girl who already adores him.

Here’s to the beginning of a new chapter and to all our animal friends who understand us and love us anyway.  

Happy trails,

Lisa

Fall is for Fusing

Be sure to check out two of my favorite seasonal glass fusing projects. The patterns and directions are now available in the fall 2013 issues of two inspiring publications.

In Glass Patterns Quarterly Magazine you’ll find my Cornucopia Plate design and firing guides on page 57.

www.GlassPatterns.com  

In Fused Glass Projects Magazine, a quarterly downloadable publication dedicated to glass fusing craftsmen, you’ll find my Fall Leaf design and firing guides on page 27.

http://www.fused-glass-projects.com/

Fused Vessel Sinks and More

January 28-31, 2014

4-Day, hands-on workshop

Register online at www.LisaVogt.net

Now on YouTube

Lisa Vogt Glass Artist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhOifd7wukk

Hidden Treasures!

Central Park, NYC

Enjoy!

Lisa

Ready to Relax!

All you need for a great vacation is good company, a bathing suit, and cute sandals.

Cheers!

Lisa

Fused Vessel Sinks and More

January 28-31, 2014

4-Day, hands-on workshop

Register online at www.LisaVogt.net

Now on YouTube

Lisa Vogt Glass Artist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhOifd7wukk

Light and Shadow

Photography has always been a passion of mine. I received my first 35mm camera when I was in high school. Back then, of course, we used film. An unexposed roll was like a locked treasure chest with infinite potential. I’d shoot my pictures carefully, paying close attention to every detail in hopes of producing the perfect photograph. Then, I’d wait an agonizingly long week for them to be developed. During that time, I’d worry. Was the light strong enough? Was my subject in focus? Did I capture the mood? Did I remember to frame the photos to create the absolute best composition possible?

It was a real test of character and endurance. I was always a little disappointed when I looked at the glossy prints for the first time. Knowing if I could do it again, I would do better. You can always do better.

Today, it’s click and share. What a contrast. Sometimes it’s good to look back. It helps us appreciate how far we’ve come.

I still love to take pictures. But now instead of static artistic compositions, I favor moment-in-time shots. Snapshots, that skew what we take for granted. Photos with a comical spin, they remind me not to take life too seriously.

Enjoy a sampling of my silly, sunny, summer pics.

Series title, Pet Smarts  

We don't have to look alike to be friends.



Think outside the stall.



Welcome the unexpected.

One size does not fit all.

 

In the end, we're all friends.

Have fun. Smile. Laugh!

Lisa

Fused Vessel Sinks and More

Sept. 24-27, 2013

4-Day, hands-on workshop

Register online at www.LisaVogt.net

Summer Sale

Time is running out!

Register online for the September class by July 15, 2013

SAVE $100.00 on the class tuition. 

Only two seats left!

Now on YouTube

Lisa Vogt Glass Artist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhOifd7wukk

Happy Independence Day!

Summer Sizzles

I love summer. Everyone has a more relaxed attitude, me included. You can’t take work too seriously when people are constantly going in different directions. It’s inevitable; vacations interrupt flow and blur deadlines. On the flip-side, the extra time gives me a much needed break to create for myself.

This time of year, when the beauty of nature is plentiful, I like to take a more laid-back approach to my crafting. Rather than plan everything out in advance, I let my artwork evolve spontaneously as I go along. The design direction might be driven by any number of things such as nature, the finished artwork’s purpose or the materials I have on-hand.

This back-to-basics frame of mind is wonderful when it comes to making all those fun and funky, yard-art projects that we love. I’m using this approach to make candle shelters for the lanai and mosaic stepping stones for the garden.

Try it for yourself. Glue fused glass elements to terra cotta pots or decorate a wooden birdhouse with a shinny glass mosaic. Colorful, three-dimensional plant stakes are always a big hit. Let your imagination run wild.

Happy crafting,

Lisa

Summer Sale SAVE $100.00!

Fused Vessel Sinks and More

Sept. 24-27, 2013

4-Day, hands-on workshop

Register for the September class by July 15, 2013 and save $100.00! 

Only two seats left!

 Register online at www.LisaVogt.net

Now on YouTube

Lisa Vogt Glass Artist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhOifd7wukk



Spark of Imagination

 

Old Glory

Summer is officially here. The kids are out of school, schedules are more relaxed and back yard barbeques are a nightly treat. No doubt your calendar is quickly filling, like mine, with family get-togethers and vacation plans. With so many social demands and activities it’s difficult to find time to be creative and make cool projects. But don’t worry; I’ve come up with a sure-fire way for you to get quality time in your glass studio. With Independence Day right around the corner, a holiday themed piece is your ticket to freedom. This patriotic plate is quick, easy and fun to make. The project in the photo is 7” x 14”, but the design can easily be adapted to a smaller size rectangle or a square.

Old Glory

Plate 7” x 14”

Base layer: clear

Design layer: red, white, blue and clear

Cut base layer to size. Cut design layer, stack on top of the base layer.

Fire to a full fuse temperature. Slump on shallow mold. 

 

Red, White and Blue

Find more holiday themed projects like this in my book.

FireWorks Fun and Festive Fusing by Lisa Vogt

Available at your local art glass supplier,

from CKE Publications and Amazon

Happy fusing,

Lisa

Now on YouTube

Lisa Vogt Glass Artist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhOifd7wukk

Only two seats left in the September class!

Fused Vessel Sinks and More

4-Day, hands-on workshop

Class size is limited to four.

Register online at www.LisaVogt.net

Sept. 24-27, 2013

Jan. 28-31, 2014

Feb. 18-21, 2014

My Dad

When I was five, my parents bought a wooded acre nestled in the Adirondack Mountains in New York State. The lot was your basic secluded, pine covered tract. What made our lot special was the ten foot wide right-of-way a mile down the road that came with it. That narrow strip of land gave us beach access to the twenty seven mile long lake across the street.

My Dad was a high school Industrial Arts teacher and very handy with tools. That first summer we owned the property we camped in a tent at a nearby camp-ground while my dad, my two older brothers and I built our cabin.

Mom stayed back home in NJ most of that summer to tackle her own projects that were easier done without three kids. Dad kept us busy. My brothers and I only missed Mom at dinner time. Dad was good at a lot of things, but cooking wasn’t one of them. His idea of dinner was Dinty Moore Stew heated in the can on the camp fire grate. And since no one wanted to do dishes, we ate the stew out of the can. Occasionally, Dad would shake it up and serve baked beans instead. It was a small tent for four people. On baked bean nights, it was significantly smaller.  

Working on a shoe-string budget, and out of a Ford Station Wagon meant we had to build the cabin in stages. Building supplies were purchased from discount suppliers a little at a time. We made frequent runs to the lumber yard.

I was only five, yet I vividly remember the day we nailed the plywood subfloor to the beams below; I knelt on the plywood next to Dad. He showed me how to hold a hammer. He showed me how to hold a nail. He showed me how to hit the nail and sink it through the plywood into the beam below. My brothers didn’t think I could do it, but Dad ignored their snide remarks. When I bent the nails, and I bent a lot, he showed me how to use the claw of the hammer to pull them up and then how to hit the crooked nails at the right angle to make them work. Shortly after, he left me alone with the hammer, a chalk line to follow and a paper bag of nails.

You wouldn’t think such a small event would shape a person. But it did. I have my dad to thank for my craftiness, my enthusiasm to try new things and my everlasting optimism.

Here’s to all Dads who give in small ways that make a big difference.

Happy Father’s Day!

Lisa

Nurture Your Creativity

 There’s no time like the present to plan a creative retreat. Let’s face it, when you’re in that inspired zone nothing else matters. You’re stress free, happy. It’s important to set time aside for yourself to invigorate your spirit and revitalize your soul. Though it may seem selfish, it makes you a better person-kinder to yourself and inspiring to others. In the end, everyone benefits.

Hope to see you in September!

Fused Vessel Sink 4-Day Workshop

Instructor Lisa Vogt

September 24-27, 2013

4 Full days, advanced technique, hands-on, all skill levels

Wesley Chapel, Florida

Class meets daily 10:00 – 4:00

4 students

Contact Lisa@LisaVogt.net

“It’s hard core fusing with a casual atmosphere.”

Kiln-formed sinks are the hottest functional art glass topic today!  In this class Lisa will teach you the many advanced techniques used to make these lavish basins.  She’ll cover the many processes used to create large vessels, concepts for design and color selection, plus much more. 

Day 1: You’ll cut glass for a sink or large vessel and load it in a kiln to fuse. 

Day 2:  You’ll play like crazy making projects of your choice. Subjects might include: custom molds, combing, working with dichroic glass, pot melts.  Plus you’ll load the fused glass into the sink slumping mold.

Day 3: Play some more while the sinks cool.

Day 4: We go over all the firing programs used in class in detail.  Drain holes are drilled; finishing techniques are covered, followed by a question and answer session.

Beginner and advanced students alike will gain valuable knowledge that they can apply immediately to push their work to an exciting, new level of sophistication. Each student will leave class with several projects, a large vessel, process outlines and the technical information needed to fire at home.  With the professional tricks and secrets revealed, you will be ready to dive in and take the fused sink plunge!

Change begins with you,  

Lisa

Now on YouTube

Lisa Vogt Glass Artist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhOifd7wukk

Fused Vessel Sinks and More

4-Day, hands-on workshop

Class size is limited to four.

Register online at www.LisaVogt.net

Sept. 24-27, 2013

Jan. 28-31, 2014

Feb. 18-21, 2014

Amazing Art

After years of teaching sink classes you’d think it would get old, but that’s the farthest thing from the truth. The student’s dedication to learning and making stylish, well-designed quality artwork continues to impress me. And this month’s group was no exception. The student’s enthusiasm, creativity and warmth were nothing less than inspiring.  Job well done!

Make your dreams your reality,  

Lisa

Now on YouTube

Lisa Vogt Glass Artist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhOifd7wukk

Fused Vessel Sinks and More

4-Day, hands-on workshop

Class size is limited to four.

Register online at www.LisaVogt.net

Sept. 24-27, 2013

Jan. 28-31, 2014

Feb. 18-21, 2014

It’s The Thought That Counts

Growing up, my mother showed me through example how to be independent, kind and generous. She’d take trips to educational or historical places she wanted to see alone if Dad didn’t care to go. She constantly has a positive attitude and speaks kindly of everyone all the time. According to my mom, large people are just, “big boned.” She always gives her time generously to family and friends. To this day, at eighty years old, mom still mails each one of my ten adult cousins a hand-signed Christmas card with a five dollar bill enclosed. 

Mom’s actions speak louder than words. They have stuck with me into adulthood and are the cornerstone for my own parenting; which is not surprising since mom says, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

Happy Mother’s Day!

Lisa

My Best Work

It seems fitting that I became a mom in May.

Just the other day, I was telling someone that my daughter would be turning twenty-one this month. The perky, twenty-something year old Kindergarten teacher asked, “Does that make you feel really OLD?”

My reply, “Heck no, I can’t wait to party with her.”

Truth is, I don’t really like babies. Don’t get me wrong, I loved mine. And I can’t wait to have grandbabies, when the time is right. But when my daughter was two weeks old I was disappointed. All she did was sleep, cry and, a lot of the time, smell bad. I didn’t get even so much as a smile, unless she had gas.

I wanted a person. Someone I could do fun stuff with like finger paint, go to the zoo, and watch animated movies with, over and over.

One of my favorite family memories is a trip to Busch Gardens. It was the first time our second daughter was tall enough to go on all the rides. We didn’t have to take turns or leave anyone behind. It was great. The whole family rode the Sandstorm together.

In recent years, the girls have expanded their interests. They go places and do things I never did, or haven’t in years. It’s exciting to see them try new things, watch them grow and share in their experiences.  

When I was a young mom, I expected to nurture and teach my kids. What I hadn’t expected was that being their mom, sharing their life, would nurture and teach me.



Rock concert faces!

 My girls are now twenty-one and sixteen and they are super, fun people.

Nurture your dreams,  

Lisa

New Local Class

Join me for a fun filled day!

Painting with Frit

Saturday June 1, 2013

Lecture, Hands-on, 9am – 4pm

All skill levels

THE STAINED GLASS STUDIO OF CLEARWATER

29146 U.S. 19  Clearwater, FL 33761

Please call for availability   Dates subject to change

727-786-7070       www.katglass.com      Email: katglass@aol.com

Now on YouTube

Lisa Vogt Glass Artist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhOifd7wukk

Fused Vessel Sinks and More

4-Day, hands-on workshop

Class size is limited to four.

Register online at www.LisaVogt.net

Sept. 24-27, 2013

Jan. 28-31, 2014

Feb. 18-21, 2014

My Famous Dog House

Tropical Retreat -  4’ x 4’ x 3’

A huge supporter of public art and an animal lover, I jumped at the chance to participate in a local project that would help the Humane Society. Area artists and architects were asked to build full size, functioning dog houses. After a period of public display, the houses would be auctioned to benefit the charity.

Tropical Retreat took over six weeks to construct. We started with a plywood substructure, painted the interior and covered the entire exterior with thousands of cut stained glass pieces and fused glass shapes. It was unveiled to the world on live TV, on a morning news cast. That night, it was showcased at a black tie, cocktail party held at a European car dealership. My doghouse was prominently displayed between two exotic sports cars, a no price tag Maserati and a way too many zeros, Porsche. Later, it was displayed along with the other dog houses at, Tampa International Airport. There it drew considerable attention. I received numerous phone calls and emails from locals and people just passing through. They told me how much they loved my colorful, mosaic dog house.  

A journalist from England heard about the project. He flew into town to interview the artists and take pictures of the unique structures for his news paper. I was asked to bring my dog with me to the interview at the airport. Shadow, my black lab was young and full of energy. I brought Jessie, my middle school age daughter along to help hold her. When it was time to have Shadow’s picture taken inside the dog house, she was more interested in licking the photographer’s camera lens than standing still. Jessie was given the task of running Shadow around the potted palms that decorated the airport restaurant’s outdoor seating area. After several laps, Shadow was happy to cooperate and pose.

When the photo-shoot was over, our group walked through the restaurant’s crowded bar area. Shadow was leading the way, wagging her tail. Jessie was dutifully holding her leash. The photographer and I following close behind. It was one of those moments I’ll never forget. It was such a great feeling to have my artwork recognized. All my hard work and the many hours I’d devoted were appreciated. I was on cloud nine.

 Then we passed a table of four and I heard a woman say, “Look! There goes the famous dog. And the famous dog trainer and the dog trainer’s mother…”  

I had to laugh. I still do.

Dog trainer’s mother is not so bad.

Chase your dreams,  

Lisa

New Local Class

Join me for a fun filled day!

Painting with Frit

Saturday June 1, 2013

Lecture, Hands-on, 9am – 4pm

All skill levels

THE STAINED GLASS STUDIO OF CLEARWATER

29146 U.S. 19  Clearwater, FL 33761

Please call for availability   Dates subject to change

727-786-7070       www.katglass.com      Email: katglass@aol.com

Now on YouTube

Lisa Vogt Glass Artist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhOifd7wukk

Fused Vessel Sinks and More

4-Day, hands-on workshop

Class size is limited to four.

Register online at www.LisaVogt.net

May 14-17, 2013

Sept. 24-27, 2013

Jan. 28-31, 2014

Feb. 18-21, 2014