Fused Glass Designs: 2011

Sunday, 16 October 2011

Glass Studio

There has been much debate about whether studio glass should be classified as art or craft. What is the difference between art and craft anyways? This article goes over the history of studio glass briefly and explains why the classification is not that important compared to appreciating it as it is.
Studio glass is defined as unique work handmade by a single artist-maker, as distinguished from factory-made glassware.
France was the center since the 1880s, with famous artists like Emile Galle, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and their contemporaries. Other famous French names are Henry Cros, Albert Dammous, Maurice Marinot, and Francois Decorchemont. Georges Despret, a Belgian, also contributed to the process.
In the 1950s in America, artists began to establish networks, in which they concentrated on kiln-forming - fusing, slumping, enameling, and lampworking. In the 1960s, the small pot kiln developed which could be set up anywhere and was manageable by one artist. Another discovery that fueled the American movement was the availability of glass that melts at low temperatures. Harvey Littleton was an influential figure in this.

Fused Glass Panels

Blown glass has found its way into many homes, hotels and offices as a decorative table-top piece, ornaments, jewelry and many other ways. It is now a fast growing hobby, with innovations and updates making it easy for the workers and small-scale industries.
Materials like limestone, sand, etc are used to heat the raw materials inside the furnace, heating it up to more than 2000 Fahrenheit. Once the glass is formed and is in a molten state, a blowpipe is used to shape it. The blowpipes measure to a length of about five feet and the molten glass is placed at one end to be blown into shape from the other. The shapes may be blown to make a whole item or decorative pieces to be used to make patterns in bigger panels of glass.
Two methods of creating blown glass articles are the most popular ones. One method has the glass-blower place a blob of fused glass on the end of the blowpipe and air is blown. Blowing is done from different angles and directions and the item is shaped by the artist with his hands, tools and molds. Lamp working, the second method, involves the use of a flame from a torch to soften the glass. The artist shapes up this softened portion using his hands, tools and molds.

Stained Glass Windows

In this article, we will be discussing some of the magnetic facets of stained glass windows.
Stained glass windows are the patterns of transparent mosaic that are composed of panels of colored and dyed glass and it is then organized to create an abstract design or pictorial image. As we are aware of the fact that the such windows have gone through the tests of time and some of them have showcased a prominent feeling than others. If you ever across a real antique stained glass window, you should take into consideration various steps to renovate the same as it has a priceless feeling attached to it. With the help of refurbishment of such a window, you can give a fresh look to the stunning window. You will definitely enhance the beauty of your house with its presence. Stained glass windows are the windows that truly have a magnificent effect and certainly make you feel that you are living in another world. When the bright shining sun takes a glimpse at your house, you will get a feeling that air of your house has become kaleidoscopically enchanting.
At times, you view the work of art in antiquated buildings in the old country that is in a state of dilapidation. It would not be wrong to say that it is an art that is slowly and gradually vanishing as people are getting more inclined towards the use of other materials. They are on the verge of discontinuing the expensive glass that was vigorously exploited by medieval artisans.

Stained Glass Supplies

To prepare yourself to make the beautiful stained glass for your windows or personal viewing, finding the appropriate stained glass supplies might be confusing. One may not understand what is involved with creating stained glass, so here is a basic list of tools and supplies you will need to get started.
Your tools will include: Safety glasses, drawing equipment, a whisk broom, push pins or a layout kit, a workboard, soldering iron, lethekin or fid, glass marking pens, glass pattern sheets, a glass grinder, glass pliers and a glass cutter. Materials required are: Solder, flux and an application brush, copper foil take, pattern paper, card or carbon paper, glass cleaner and rags, antique patina, clear glass to practice - 3 feet, and stained glass to create the project. Be sure to reference your pattern as to what you may need.
Some may have never heard of these stained glass supplies, and that's normal - especially for beginners. Be sure to seek them out at a craft or hobby store, as they each have an important role in your strained glass creation. To help you find them easily, here are their definition and purposes.

Stained Glass Patterns

When you embark on designing a stained glass pattern, it is only right that you do a sketch of the patterns that you are going to apply while you are cutting the final pieces of glass for your creation. This same drawing will outline make the outline pieces needed to make the project. Specify the color and texture for each piece of work.
The process of cutting the single glass pieces will require you to have everything done in such a way that the pieces coincide with each other. The benefit of doing this is that after all the pieces are joined together, you will have one beautiful artwork.
You have to determine which shapes of paper you are going to cut into the smaller bits that will determine the shapes of glass pieces you are going to use. Do this by choosing a drawing of something that you like. Make one for yourself by tracing the outline of a photo that you took and printed.
The next step after you have cut all the drawings and sketches is to have the glass cut up. Cut the glass according to the shapes you came up with. Have in mind that at these are the same ones that will be joined together like a jigsaw puzzle.
Today, some companies will offer you a number of patterns for sale. These will also come alongside a select few patterns that are available free.

Fused Glass Coasters

With easily learned skills many people are making fused art glass jewelry at home.
Fused art glass jewelry has increased in popularity over recent years, fusing supplies, tools and classes have rapidly grown as more people have become aware of the beauty of fused glass art.
Fusing is done in an electrical warm glass fusing kiln where pieces of glass are heated until they soften and fuse together as one piece.
Glass is first cut to shape and arranged within the fusing kiln, the fusing temperature is then set and the pieces will fuse together as the kiln goes through its fusing and cooling cycle.
Glass may be simply fused side by side or stacked and fused or fused in other ways. Glass fusing molds can be used to produce lovely finished pieces.
To be able to fuse together and manipulate colored pieces of fusing glass in an electric kiln to your own personal design is extremely satisfying.