glass forum

Make Glass Molds that are Truly Yours!

2012-02-25T15:30:00.000-08:00

A World Wide Glass Workshop with Petra Kaiser.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Language: English

Day: April 19, 2012 | Time: 7:00 PM (EST)

Or April 26, 2012 | Time: 11:00 AM (EST)

Cost: $ 89

Sign up at Glass Pattern Quarterly:

Topics:

• How to cut and carve strips of Kaiser Lee Board from a 1.5" thick board

• How to assemble those strips to different type molds for dishes, trays, vases and clocks

• All in one Firing schedule for projects

• What is red reactive glass?

• How to use red reactive glass for interesting effects

About the Class

Createglass art with molds that are truly yours! With this set of Kaiser Lee Board strips you will learn how to cut the board, shape it and carve it for variety in shape and texture as well as explaining how to create all the different projects, like dishes, trays, free standing vases and clocks.
Kaiser Lee Board (KLB) is an immediate use mold material that can be used over and over again even in the "2 in 1" firing process - fusing and slumping in one firing.

Working with KLB is liberating, the rules and restrictions are minimal and the mold making process is fast, instant and easy . Therefore we can concentrate on the glass art and the use of "Red Reactive" glass.

Contact Petra via email petra@kaiserlee.com if you have any questions.

Profile

Petra specializes in creating and developing new forms and products; she combines interesting design with high quality standards. You might know her from her popular books “Introduction To Glass Fusing”, “Fuse It” and “Glass Forming with the Mold Block System”. Petra is giving workshops all over the US as well as abroad. She thrives on new ideas and techniques which are mostly initiated by her students’ challenges. To find out more, please visit www.kaiserlee.com

What is a World Wide Glass Workshop - Webinar?

Technology makes it possible – join us for our online glass workshop right from your home. No traveling required. All you need is a computer, a screen, a keyboard and some loudspeakers. You will see Petra, but she won’t see you, so you can even attend unkempt. Via chat you will be able to ask your questions and see the questions of others. Petra will answer them at length with live audio. You’ll see her at work demonstrating her craft via video, hear her describing the process, and watch it close up in a PowerPoint presentation and also download a detailed step-by-step.

We plan for a 2 to 3 hour session - depending on the number of questions being asked. One of the advantages of the WWGW will be the possibility of replaying the work- shop – participants will get an access code and will be able to see a copy of the Webinar for a few weeks right after the seminar. We will teach the same seminar on 2 different days.

If you can’t attend on April 19, 2012, at 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (4 p.m. Pacific) please see if you can make it on April 26 at 2 p.m. Eastern (11 a.m. Pacific) for a re- peat.
Sign up today and enjoy the best that internet has to offer.....No airfare, no gas! We bring the teacher to YOU! https://www.glasspatterns.com/glass-patterns-quarterly-store/expert-glass-web-workshops-no-traveling-required.html

Weekly glass fusing classes in full swing

2012-01-27T08:30:00.000-08:00

Our weekly classes at BIG Arts on Sanibel are in full swing again. We concluded another session of classes yesterday and will start a new session this coming week. Thanks to a sharing community of glass fusing artists there is never a shortage of inspiring projects and techniques, like the one David Alcala shared in his video of "Sand Art". Please visit weekly class schedule for more information.

Can you use Kaiser Lee Board as a kiln shelf?

2011-12-26T08:25:00.000-08:00

Some things are sonormal to me that I don't even think about them any more. And it only occurs tome when people ask me the question that it is not all that common.

Yes Kaiser Lee Boardmakes great long lasting kiln shelves. They are light weight and easy tohandle. They do not need to be elevated from the kiln floor and they are porousso that the air can escape.

Just recently I hada customer buying some glass in our "new glass shop". She had bothwrists bandaged and I was wondering why. She mentioned heavy kiln shelves. WhenI asked her why she would not use Kaiser Lee Board as a kiln shelf she mentionedthe texture of the board and how she did not like it. This puzzled me enough tofinally create the little how to video, below.

If you need anyproducts please visit. http://fuseit.estoreadvanced.biz/index.php?p=home

How to take Perfect Jewelry Pictures

2011-12-17T12:30:00.000-08:00

Taking pictures of jewelry is challenging. Have youmanaged to take good pictures of dichroic glass jewelry? Don't worry you willnot need to buy any equipment and set up of your photo lab will only take 1minute.

All you need is a clear or white food container filledwith water, a camera and some sunshine or other good light source.

Compare the two pictures and see for yourself. This isa little trick I'm using since many years and whenever I remember, I tell mystudents about it. So it might not be new to all of you, but I'm sure it willbe news to some of you.

Glass Fusing is an Ideal Craft to Start a Creative Life

2011-11-21T03:58:00.001-08:00

In January we willstart another session of glass fusing classes at BIG ARTS on Sanibel. We havebeen teaching there for over 12 yearsand most people come to our workshops by word tomouth or better yet show and tell.

I'm always amazedwhen new participants are telling me about their lack of talent or lack ofcreativity. So why do they come to a class that one would think requires both.

My only explanationis, they have seen the finished glass pieces from friends and neighbors, whostarted the class with the same words. So if you feel you would like to makesomething with your hands, give glass fusing and kiln forming a try.

Another good way to get a first look at a new craft is abook. And guess what, I wrote 3 of them - "Introductionto Glass Fusing" and "Fuse It A Continuing Journey in Kiln WorkedGlass" and "Glass Forming with the Mold Block System". All 3 books have gotten many good reviews andfellow instructors are telling me thatthey refer them to their students. Many libraries have at least the first towavailable for their patrons.

But you should alsotry to find a place to do some fusing of your own. I have a tendency to buy howto books ... I own about 5 books aboutthe art of Paper Making and have yet to make some.

Welcome you to the world of glass - it is a fun place to be.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

petra

PS. If you have aminute, please visit our web site www.kaiserlee.com- you will find more interesting information and pictures.

Creative Classes at the Glass Craft and Bead Expo 2012 with Wolfgang and Petra Kaiser

2011-11-19T03:52:00.001-08:00

Here is a list of our classes at the upcoming Glass Craft and Bead Expo 2012 in Las Vegas. In the past years we have developed so many ideas for glass forming and each year we add some more. You will see many of them in our "life show" as well as in our slide show. Participants in the past years were always very fascinated by all the possibilities mold making with KL-board has to offer. Versatility and originality is the name of the game in our classes and you will experience it hands on when signing up for any one of them.

WE-33 - SMASHING SPLASHING TABLE TOP FOUNTAINS Mold making with Kaiser Lee Board for bowls and cascading fountain tops

TH-34 - CREATIVE KILN FORMING! MOLD MAKING WITH KL-BOARD FOR BEGINNERS

FR-21 - A SHELF FULL OF SURPRISES Functional and expressive glass art using the techniques of reversed fusing and kiln carvin

SA-10 - TWO FOR ONE - MOLD MAKING WITH KLB We will prove that due to its versatility it is the most economical material available.

Creative Vacation in Cape Coral FL - Glass Fusing with Petra Kaiser

2011-11-08T06:08:00.000-08:00

Give yourself the gift of creativity!

December 11 to 17, 2011 you can spent a week of creative glass fusing and kiln forming at the Fuse It Studio in beautiful Cape Coral, FL.

Our Fun in the Sun Glass Fusing Workshops are loaded with creative ideas, plenty of information - techniques, designs and marketing, and lots of individual attention in our state of the art glass fusing studio with lots of kilns, sandblasting and some cold working equipment. And most certainly Mold Making with Kaiser Lee Board.

For more information please visit: http://www.kaiserlee.com/page14.html

Fused Glass Mantle Clock

2011-10-29T06:44:00.000-07:00

Kandee Grosman made this beautiful clock in our studio. The day she picked it up we had a cup of coffee on the patio and the clock was standing in front of me with the light coming from the back. Since I'm experimenting with "Uroboros Reactive" glass at the moment I'm very tuned in to reactive lines. But don't get me wrong, Wissmach 90 is not a real reactive glass - it only shows when back lit. Glass never ceases to surprise us. fun fun fun

3 Button Controller Firing Guidlines

2011-10-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

Now we have 4 kilns with 4 Digital Orton Controllers - all 3 button controllers with 8 firing programs. The only problem is - I never know which is which. So finally after using them for - oh no I better won't admit the actual years - I had the glorious idea to organize it. If you would like to organize your 3-button controller as well just send me an email and ask for the Firing Guidelines. To make things easy just copy an paste the following text and email it to Petra Kaiser.

Please send me the 3-button controller firing guidelines. Yes I would like to receive your Fuse It Blurb Newsletter, so please sign me up.

New Kiln and Glass Shelves at the Fuse It Studio!

2011-10-11T05:10:00.000-07:00

Convenience comes to mind when you see the improvements we added to the Fuse It Studio last week. Our new kiln has a flat bed - no more bending down into it to place pieces.

And our new glass shelves and cutting station are very convenient as well. We offer a nice variety of glass in COE 90 and COE 96. They are all color sorted in those new shelves.

Kaiser Lee Board and Primo Primer

2011-10-07T08:57:00.000-07:00

Once in a while even primo primer can stick to glass and some Kaiser Lee Board particles will stick to the primer. One possible prevention is to cure primo primer in the kiln at 500°F (recommended by the producer).

You can also lower your full fusing temperature and increase the hold time. We changed ours from 1490°F to 1420°F and and are holding for 15 minutes instead of 10 minutes. Please experiment to find out what will work for you

But what can you do if it already happened?

Put on your mask and:

sand it even with a sanding block
carve a pattern into this side
use the other side as your kiln shelf
cut a mold into the board.

New link banner!

2011-09-30T04:53:00.000-07:00

This is our new link banner. You will find it on the Glass Craft and Bead Expo site. The classes for 2012 will be up and open for registration, soon. We will offer 2 new classes. One is a fountain/deep bowl class and the other is concentrating on reversed fusing molds and projects. Hope to see you in Las Vegas in 2012.

Jewelry Workshops in Scotland

2011-09-08T03:44:00.000-07:00

We have arrived in beautiful Scotland and thanks to Carol and Ronnie Ford we have landed it Dunoon safely.

Friday, 09/09 we will be at Retro Glass Studio in Alloa, UK for a book signing from 1:00pm until 4:00 pm. Sunday and Monday we will teach our Mold Making Workshop (sorry all slots are sold). But we added some Jewelry workshops to our program.

Saturday, September 10 and Tuesday, September 13, 2011 we will be teaching several glass fusing jewelry classes. Please call Rachel at Retro Glass to see if they have a space available. 01259/272 030.

There are also a few slots available for introduction to fused glass jewelry designs at the Pier on the following weekend, September 16, 17 and 18. I just shot this picture of the Pier Hotel from across the Loch. My little camera has a great tele. And yessss, the sun is shining in Scotland, too. Just another reason to spend a beautiful weekend in this wonderful relaxing area.

The Pier Hotel
Kilmun, Argyll, Dunoon, Argyll PA23 8SB

phone: 01369 840418 ‎ thepieratkilmun.co.uk .

Kiln Forming Glass in Ft. Myers, FL

2011-08-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

Ok, ok I will teach a workshop close to home, too. Please contact Deborah at http://www.dlynnedesigns.com/Home.aspx to make sure to secure your spot in this fun glass forming workshop. See you in October!

Kaiser Lee Board Glass Kiln - Release, Shelf and Firing Questions

2011-07-27T13:49:00.000-07:00

One of our customers who bough this kiln asked the following questions. I think they cover the essence of this all fiber kiln, which runs on 110 Volt and has a nice size firing chamber of 16" x 16" x6".

Do you have to use kiln wash on the base of the kiln?

If you want to kiln wash the base - which doubles as a Kaiser Lee Board kiln shelf, use either Boron Nitride or Primo Primer. But we do not recommend kiln washing for reasons explained below.

In Germany I learned to use only kiln wash in its dry stage rather than mixed with water - just powder it onto the shelf and add more as needed. You have to be careful when placing your glass on it so that you don't get any on top of the glass, but other than that it works fine.

If I do a project where I’m damming glass is it ok to put a small kiln shelf on the base of this kiln?

Yes you can but we recommend working with Kaiser Lee Board shelves and pieces of Kaiser Lee Board for damming - it is very reliable, reusable endless times, you won't have any seepage and almost no bubbles since the air can escape easily.

Can I use no release at all?

Yes you can, glass does not really stick to Kaiser Lee Board. It will pick up some of the particles and will be rough on the back - which could be good in the case of wall mountings like tiles or backsplashes.

Iridescent or dichroic glass does not stick to the board either if you are using the coated sides toward the board.

Will the glass ever stick to the base of the kiln?

The only time I have glass picking up a junk of fiber is when I melt glass to its liquid stage for raking. I'm using a different kiln and a designated Kaiser Lee Board for this process.

Another issue could be, if you treated the shelf with regular wet kiln wash (other than Primo Primer)). This type of kiln wash is known to stick to the glass sometimes and than it will rip fibers from the shelf. So please never treat your kiln floor with regular kiln wash.

Should you use shelf paper?

I use shelf paper if I want a smooth backing or if I do "construction" art work with many pieces.

Do you have any tips on care and maintenance?

Kaiser Lee Board is easy to carve so be careful when you place something into your kiln not to scratch it. If it gets a scratch on the side walls it does not have any influence on the performance of the kiln - just cosmetics. If you scratch the floor of your kiln you will see it in the back of your glass.

If the floor of your kiln is not treated with kiln wash it is easier to smooth the shelf with a knife sharpening or soft sanding block. Use only very little pressure and go over it lightly.

Can you give me some type of idea or typical fusing schedule?

Here are 2 fusing schedules that are typical when using Kaiser Lee Board as your choice of kiln shelf and mold.

Ramp up 600°F per hour to 1000°F and hold for 10 minutes

Ramp up as fast as possible (full = the setting after 0) to 1420°F hold for 10 to 20 minutes or desired result is achieved.

Ramp down full to 960°F and hold for 1 hr
Ramp down 100° F per hour to 750°F hold 1 min.
Let cool to room temperature.

If a piece is already fused and has to be re-fired again I slow the process down by changing the ramp up from 600°F to 300°F per hour.

All you need to adjust now is the target temperature for slumping and draping.

Could you do 2 full fuse projects in a day?

Depending on the firing cycle and the timing you might be able to do 2 firings. One early in the morning and the other one later in the afternoon. If the glass is still a little bit hot I would cover it with fiber blanket. Fire on a piece of Kaiser Lee Board as a kiln shelf - open the kiln around 200 F and put the fiber blanket right on top and take both out of the kiln and place them somewhere safe. But remember it is always safer to let the kiln cool down to room temperature before you remove the glass.

One huge advantage of fusing with Kaiser Lee Board molds is that you can do many projects in one firing - full fusing and slumping in one firing. It also enables you to do certain projects that would otherwise be impossible.

Would a slumping schedule be the same as for conventional kilns?

Yes you can use the schedules you are familiar with. But when you are using fiber products for kiln furniture (molds and shelf) only, then you can change your schedule.

Introduction to fused glass jewelry!

2011-07-26T15:13:00.000-07:00

In addition to our mold making classes we will also teach some introduction to fused glass jewelry design in Scotland this September. They will be held at a gourmet restaurant and after a few hours of creativity you will get to sample their delicious food.

As you can see we will have fun in Scotland and I bet you the sun will shine, too. Hope to see you there!

Fuse It Studio Play Day

2011-07-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

This week we had to deliver the class descriptions for the Glass Craft and Bead Expo, Las Vegas 2012. Ann was so kind to help me with editing. After we finished the two new class descriptions an idea formed in my head. The Fuse It Studio Play Day was born. Besides having a great pot luck lunch we played all day with Kaiser Lee Board scraps and pieces for the reversed fusing technique.The art is really in the form and mold - all you need is a piece of iridescent glass - we used System 96 from Spectrum to create some fun dishes.

Less is more - An Elegant Fused Glass Bowl

2011-06-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

This beautiful fused glass bowl is made by one of our very dedicated students

Jane Saghir.

Glass Fusing Classes in Scotland in September

2011-06-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

Do you need another reason to visit Scotland? We will be there in September and Retro Glass is so kind to host one of our Workshops. While we are there we will also meet with several artists from the Vibrant Arts Movement and might even have another event.

Creative Glass Fusing Students at BIG Arts on Sanibel

2011-06-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

The last season I actually took many pictures of our students work, but I opted for a rather small variety of fused glass objects. Just enough to give you a nice overview of the endless possibilities glass fusing has to offer. Lean back and enjoy!

New Glass Shipment arrived.

2011-05-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

Now in stock - beautiful colors from Wissmach in COE 90.

2011-05-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

KL-Kiln 16/6

16" x 16" x 6" firing chamber

The biggest and most energy efficient kiln running on regular household currency. All you have to do is plug it in and fire your glass.

This kiln is built with Kaiser Lee Board only - the material we have been glass fusing with in the past 15 years. Since Kaiser Lee Board is holding up very well, we started developingglass fusing kilns. With the help of Jen Ken Kiln we have a beautiful product now.

Kaiser Lee Board reflects the heat and does not absorb it. You will be able to touch the board on top of the kiln while it is at full fuse temperature. Since you can fire very close to the edge, you can fit a 15" x 15" piece of glass inside the 16" x 16" x 6" firing chamber. The Orton digital controller is easy to program and we will send you easy to read instructions as well. It fires on 110 Volt and 15 to 20 Amp.You will be able to fire pieces up to 5" high since the KL-board floor doubles as a built in kiln shelf.

The Orton digital controller is easy to program and we will send you easy to read instructions as well. It fires on 110 Volt and 15 to 20 Amp. For only $1,199 you will be getting an all inclusive kiln, a 1 hour free phone consultation (preferable on Skype), my book 'Glass Forming with the Mold Block System' and 1 Year Limited Warranty. Please call 239.540.1137

How long does Kaiser Lee Board last?

2011-03-02T03:20:00.000-08:00

Here is an email request from Mary who wanted to know what the difference is between Kaiser Lee Board and other boards.

Dear Mary,

Thank you for all your questions - I like them so much that I will use them in our blog, too.

1) How does your product differ from generic fiberboard?

It is pre-fired - so all the organic binders are out and you will not have to endure the first firing smell. It is very easy cut and carve and yet sturdy enough to use it as casting mold as well - over and over again.

2) What dimensions and thickness does your boards come in?

The board comes in 3 different thicknesses, 1", 1.5" and 2". The 12" x 12", 8" x 9" can be shipped via UPS bigger sizes have to be crated and shipped by truck.

3) Can the molds made from Kaiser Lee Board, be used repeatedly?

Our kiln shelf is 12 years old now and still working great - our board does not change at all during firing and many of our molds are fired hundreds of times.

4) Do you happen to know what the "lifespan" of a mold is using the Kaiser Lee Board?

Forever!

5) If I wanted to make a "deeper" mold, I read that you can glue the boards together. What kind of glue/adhesive would I use, and do you sell it?

You can just place one board on top of another it won't move - no need to glue.

6) Can you attach a price list?

Please go to our online store http://fuseit.estoreadvanced.biz/ - to get an idea about pricing and you will also find a list of distributors at http://www.kaiserlee.com/.

7) Is fiberboard mold hardener needed for you product?

Not on our molds - I prefer working with out mold hardener this way I can change them any time I want.

8) Does it need to be fired with the hardener first to create a hard shell, before applying kiln wash and glass?

No you don't need any hardener! See, other boards are more like compressed fiber paper blankets while our board is mostly compressed fiber "sand like" particles. It never warps or gets any softer than what you initially purchase. Your initial investment is higher than regular fiber boards but in the long run you will save a lot of money. To us Kaiser Lee Board is all about versatility. The easiest and least expensive way to get acquainted with the board is to buy our Kit http://fuseit.estoreadvanced.biz/index.php?p=product&id=74&parent=15.

Please let me know, if you have any more questions. I hope you will give Kaiser Lee Board a chance and come to love its creative possibilities as much as we do here at the Fuse It Studio.

Keep in touch

petra

Can you believe that this is done in one firing?

2011-02-22T06:39:00.000-08:00

Linda made this bowl in a recent workshop at our Fuse It Studio in Cape Coral. She created a 3 step bowl mold with 2 square feet of Kaiser Lee Board. Than she placed a 12" x 12" piece of amber glass on top of the mold set up and added some red glass. We placed it in the kiln and full fused and slumped it in one firing. You too can make this in a couple of hours in our classes.

Firing a two inch deep glass bowl.

2011-02-21T04:33:00.000-08:00

Question!

My name is Ann and I am a glass'oholic!
The FuseIt Blurb only feeds my addiction. There is no hope for me!

So, I tried to slump my first bowl. Picture attached. I think my kiln just doesn't get to the temperatures these items need. So I have to be brave and go up some more.

Can I just leave this piece in the kiln and simply re-fire it to a higher temperature? I fired to 1300ºF...held 20 min. The plate was just beginning to soften. I turned off that program and re-programmed to go back to 1300º and hold 30 more minutes. Then Full down to 1100ºF Then slow (300ºF hour) to 955ºF. Held 30 min.

Answer! Remember when I said, that I don't like to fire those two inch deep bowls for you? Observing the firing at target temperature can take 2 hours and more? See I did not exaggerate. Please do not go to 1500º F - just wait for up to 2 hours at 1300ºF. If you go up to 1500ºF it will stretch to thin. You need to observe it more often, when it is at least half way down. You should anneal it at 955 for one hour. Just read the Soup Bowl instruction in "Introduction to Glass Fusing" again. See you at our next meeting! petra

Creativity beyond glass

2011-02-16T04:44:00.000-08:00

How do you like our new ad?

Are you wondering why you have not seen a new entry in a while. Blame it on Adobe - yes those people who are making this incredible software. In the past I worked with the first version of Creative Suit and since it is not compatible with Windows 7 I had to get the latest one. And I have to learn a lot a again - what fun. Here is a sample of our new ad for the Glass Craftsman magazine. By the way did you see my article in the Winter issue 2011, Page 10 - "Thinking Outside the Box - Shapes you never thought possible". Actually I think that could make a good workshop title.

Please don't forget to email me some pictures of your work so I could feature them in this blog.

Win a fused glass clock by Petra Kaiser

2011-02-03T06:27:00.000-08:00

at the Kiwanis Annual Spaghetti Dinner on Feb 26, 2011 at the Community on Sanibel Island.

New four week session of glass fusing classes at BIG Arts

2011-01-27T03:21:00.000-08:00

There is still time to sign up. If you happen to be in the area we will be starting another set of 4 weekly classes. If you are only here for 2 weeks, you can sign up for 4 weeks and come to two days per week. Wednesday, February 2nd from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm or Thursday, February 3rd from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
To sign up - just call: (239) 395 0900 and ask for glass fusing classes with Petra and Wolfgang Kaiser.

This flower container is made by Francesca Joyce a regular customer since many years. She is using it for orchids and they seem to love it. In today's class we will be working with strips of glass. It is amazing how many design possibilities they offer. As soon as we have a few pictures I will post them here.

Open House at Edison State College, Ft. Myers

2011-01-10T12:08:00.000-08:00

Edison State College would like to invite you to our Arts Academy open house on January 11^th at 5:30pm in Building S Room 117.

This Fall The Arts Academy will be offering over 65 classes to choose from. Take your pick of courses such as Digital Movie Making For Beginners, Watercolors For Beginners or Jewelry Metalsmithing just to name a few. From Sculpture to print, jewelry making to acting, our instructors bring local, regional, national and world wide experiences into the classrooms at Edison State College.

Media As Well As The Public Are Invited To Attend!!

Meet the instructors dedicated to elevating your understanding of the fine arts. Come on your own, or bring a group of friends and discover the Arts Academy today.

Edison State College, Lee Campus, Building S- (Taeni Hall) Room S-117

Tuesday- January 11^th, 2011

5:30p.m. – 7:00p.m. - Refreshments Provided

If you would like more information or to register for a class please contact Christine Voll at (239) 489-9235 or by email: celee@edison.edu.

Kaiser Lee Board for the Vitrigraph Kiln

2011-01-08T08:18:00.000-08:00

Question:

Can I use Kaiser Lee Board as a board to put my little kiln on to make a vitrigraph set up? Does it function like Fiberboard(Duraboard)because I have a piece of Kaiser Lee Board and I was going to try using it for that purpose.

Answer:

We actually initiated the use of one kiln instead of 3 kilns for the vitrigraph using the Kaiser Lee Board as the bottom shelf with a hole. Later on I saw a class using duraboard instead of KL-board. Duraboard is not sturdy the binders are firing out and it warps - so that set up looked very dangerous. Kaiser Lee Board has not binders in it when you buy it so it keeps it shape even after using it as a vitrigraph for many years. But please make sure you have a Kaiser Lee Board - there are a few dealers who sell Duraboard as Kaiser Lee Board. I will be able to tell you, if you can remember were you bought it. If you happen to own my "Fuse It" book, you will find a vitrigraph lesson in it. If not, it only costs $22.50 and has many more interesting project lessons to offer. http://fuseit.estoreadvanced.biz/index.php?p=catalog&parent=17&pg=1

In the video you see the new cover in red - we still are selling the books with the light color cover but the content is the same.

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Should I take 1 or 2 classes from you at the Glass Craft and Bead Expo in Las Vegas?

2011-01-07T05:36:00.000-08:00

Question:

I will be attending the Glass Craft Expo in Las Vegas for the first time, and I am moderately experienced in glass work. I am very interested in learning how to make molds based on my own designs. I am currently registered for both of the following mold-making classes.

They are:

Ultimate Kiln Forming - Functional and Expressive Glass Art

Two for One - Mold Making with KLB.

My main question is:

Should I attend both of these classes or would it be primarily a "repeat" from one class to the other? If I will be learning different methods, or ways of making molds, that wouldn't be a problem for me.

However, If both classes cover the same general information with only minor differences, I'd appreciate knowing that.

I am looking forward to learning more about KLB board. It is not very well known here in our area and I keep getting referred to "Pottery Experts" whenever I mention making my own molds. I have a lot of ideas that I would like to try out using KLB board, and am enthusiastic about trying it.

Sincerely,

Answer:

Hi A.

thank you for signing up for our classes. Even experienced glass fusing artists told us that they were hesitant at first to sign up for 2 classes but thought it was much better for them. Yes, we will be working with Kaiser Lee Board as our mold material but it is so versatile that we can not cover everything there is to know even in 2 days of classes. The introduction slide show (15 minutes) is the same in each class and the samples that are out will be the same, but each class is different from the other and we are also catering to individual requests. And nothing can beat the “Hands on Experience”. Even after 12 years of working with Kaiser Lee Board I’m still discovering new ways of working with it. This is why we have people coming back to our classes year after year. I promise you, you will love the mold making with Kaiser Lee Board – it will open a wide door of creative glass forming for you, as it did for us.

Looking forward to seeing you in Las Vegas, soon

petra

They are using Kaiser Lee Board for Glass Fusing and Silver Smithing

2011-01-04T05:28:00.000-08:00

Brighton Beads and More

9850 Grand River, Brighton, MI 48116 (map & directions)
Phone: 810-844-0066 (store hours)

Nancy and Paul from Brighton Beads and More happened to be in the area and took the time to stop by our studio. We had a nice chat about their business in Brighton, Michigan. The "More" in their name stays for jewelry making with real silver, PMC and also glass fusing. And they are long time distributors and instructors for our "Kaiser Lee Board".

Nancey loves the Kaiser Lee Board as base for her silver soldering - it makes set up so easy. She promised me to write an article for our blog about it.

By the way, if you have something you would like to share with us in this Blog, please let me know.

Weekly Classes in Ft. Myers, Florida

2011-01-01T06:06:00.000-08:00

It is still time to join one of our weekly classes. We offer them at 3 different places. You can sign up for a series of 4 classes.

You never have to miss a class - we are very flexible - should you have to miss one session you can usually make up for it in one of our classes. Should you plan to be here for only a couple of weeks, you could sign up for one 4 week session and come twice a week to one of our other classes.

BIG ARTS on Sanibel:

Every Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm we are teaching at BIG Arts on Sanibel from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. To sign up - just call: (239) 395 0900 and ask for glass fusing classes with Petra and Wolfgang Kaiser.

EDISON STATE COLLEGE, Ft. Myers, FL
Every Friday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Edison State Collge - please call (239) 489-9235

FUSE IT STUDIO, Cape Coral, FL
Every Tuesday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Fuse It Studio - please call (239) 540-1137

We hope to see you soon and wish you a Happy 2011 - it is going to be a wonderful year!

Kiln Pressed Glass - a new glass fusing technique!

2010-12-22T03:08:00.000-08:00

Paul T. from Helios Glass has developed a new technique called "Kiln Pressed Glass". The best part - he is sharing with all of us glass fusing geeks. Check out his web site. www.FusedGlass.org

Glass Fusing Class at BIG Arts on Sanibel, FL

2010-12-12T10:26:00.000-08:00

Here you have a little peak into our class room at BIG Arts on Sanibel. Wolfgang and I usually have a mix of beginning students and long time attendees. It is a great environment were everyone is creative and helpful. This challenging group of active glass artists is the source for many original ideas.

If you happen to be on Sanibel please join us - we offer weekly classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Please call (239) 395-0900 for more information.

Fuse It Studio is now advertising in a local paper!

2010-12-09T09:58:00.000-08:00

Since this year I'm a board member at the South West Florida Craft Guild and I must say, I'm learning a lot. For instance I did not know how reasonable those beautiful full colored ads in a monthly magazine "Happenings" are. If you happen to be in the area (Lee County, FL) you will find those FREE magazines in many galleries, hotels and restaurants. Look for our ad in it.

CREATIVE STUDIO PARTY - what is that?.

Here we are giving people the opportunity to spend a nice afternoon or evening with some friends - creating beautiful pieces of glass art. Our studio is offering the right ambiance and hospitality to make it a time to remember.

I'm sure you will find a reason to celebrate!

New Glass Art Installation

2010-11-27T14:13:00.001-08:00

Dancing with the Wind

our latest Glass Installation is finished. If you would like to see it in real live, visit the Alliance for the Arts in Ft. Myers, FL.

Art Royal is an annual interactive art event. Visitors are getting involved in the creative process. Not an easy challenge for a glass fusing artist. The theme for the 2010 Art Royal was "It is all Elemental" which intrigued me as a glass artist.

In Florida we have them all - lots of water, strong winds and plenty of sun light. Glass is a great material for the outdoors. The sun light reflections in the glass are changing it constantly especially when the wind makes it dance.

The elements make me think of environment and its need for protection. Glass plays a big role in using the elements for alternative electricity. In our case we are using glass for art and made it environmentally friendly, working with recycled glass.

Dancing with the Wind is the end result of this long thought process. A BIG Thank You to all the patrons of Art Royal 2010 who helped us adding the finishing touches to this "Elemental Glass Installation".

Glass Fusing Mistakes

2010-11-05T14:03:00.001-07:00

Do you have any fused glass mishaps to share. Please mail your picture and question or explanation to petra@kaiserlee.com and we will feature it in this blog.

This is one of my mishaps - yes they happen to me, too. This one happened when I went up to fast. Bummer!