Nancy Weisser

Nancy Weisser has focused on glass as a medium since 1980. She owns and operates Weisser Glass Studio in Kensington MD. Nancy is known not only as a skilled and distinguished artist but also as an outstanding educator in the field of glass. She has taught countless classes in her studio as well as hosting nationally known instructors. Through her studio and education program she has made a substantial contribution to the dynamic growth of the Washington DC glass community and beyond.

Dream Garden - Volume I: Floral Garden Online Video Class

This highly anticpated Master class can now be learned in the comfort of your home! 

In this video lesson Nancy will reveal her process of creating fantastical gardens in glass. This will be a multi-step and multi-element process that will include many techniques and use of various vitreous materials. Beyond walking you through a floral garden project step by step, firing by firing, the glass forming techniques you learn in this lesson can be applied to a multitude of projects.

Included in this lesson: vitrograph planning and process - if you do not have a vitrograph kiln to create the elements,  AAE is now selling vitrograph stringers for your convenience - working over a torch to create unique fusible elements, planning and crafting part sheets, methods for generating a variety of visual effects using frits, powders and dry enamels. Students also learn how to work with HXtal glue to make a final professional presentation of their project. Nancy will challenge you to think outside the box, and make decisions in an improvisational way, creating art in real time! Nancy also imparts little gems of wisdom gained through working with glass as a medium for nearly 40 years including tips for keeping your workspace tidy, reducing waste, storing elements, safety, and strategies for minimizing coldworking. The ideas and approaches presented in this video are sure to help you gain a better understanding of kiln formed glass in general. All of this plus a beautiful 30-page handout that reviews and highlights important information covered in this online class.

Private Student Facebook Group:  To further your education, you will be allowed entry to a private student group with Nancy and AAE.  Since this group is closed, you must request to join and we cannot add you automatically.  Please allow up to 72 hours to cross check registrations.  Be prepared to provide your order number at the time of request.  The FB group link is here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/462884604176194/

Dream Garden - Volume II: Sea Garden Online Video Class

  In Volume 2 Nancy takes you through all the steps to create a fantasy underwater garden teaming with sea life. In this video lesson students will learn methods of layering imagery through multiple firings and building depth while learning processes for creating elements that will be used to create the imagery. Students will learn new techniques not covered in part one as well as learn new variations of some methods contained in part one. Techniques taught include frit making (how and why), crafting pattern sheets with frit and stringer, creating patterned vitrograph stringer, cane and manipulated elements, enameled bits, making torchworked pieces for adding detail to your design, and strategies for eliminating coldworking and devitrification.  Beyond building a sea garden project the lessons taught will open your eyes to methods and techniques that can be applied to a multitude of kiln projects.  As an added bonus throughout the lessons you will learn the language of artistry, including topics like color selection, contrast and composition without being overwhelmed by these basic concepts. Nancy will encourage you to trust your instincts, use your curiosity and work in an improvisational way leading you to become a more creative maker.

Private Student Facebook Group:  To further your education, you will be allowed entry to a private student group with Nancy and AAE.  Since this group is closed, you must request to join and we cannot add you automatically.  Please allow up to 72 hours to cross check registrations.  Be prepared to provide your order number at the time of request.  The FB group link is here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/462884604176194/

The Flow Factor w/ Nancy Weisser

In this video class Nancy Weisser teaches her methods of creating dynamic design in fused glass using her fabulous Flow Factor techniques.  Beyond learning all the steps to creating a beautifully finished work of art, Nancy's insight on basic studio practice is invaluable.  Her thoughtful approach to teaching addresses  many aspects of studio work and her 40 years of experience working with glass really shines through in this class. There are so many lessons in this video that you can apply to all sorts of kiln formed projects; beyond techniques, tips, tricks, and problem solving, you get a real glimpse into the mind of the artist expressed through her advice and encouragement to students on becoming more creative makers.

Private Student Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1188773154818533/

Pattern Bars 101 w/ Nancy Weisser

In this skill building video class Nancy takes you through the steps to creating visually appealing artworks based in the beauty of pattern bar design. Nancy teaches you how to make six different styles of bars opening up endless design possibilities in your fused glass work. Beyond detailed instruction on constructing the bars themselves Nancy shows you ways to build clean, well constructed and nicely finished glass creations.  You learn all the steps and the short cuts as she demonstrates four different methods of fabrication presenting some of the many ways pattern bar slices can be assembled into final projects. All the steps are covered from cutting, designing, firing, sawing and finishing. Bonus lessons include the basics of preparing shelves and dams, multiple methods and strategies for cutting glass accurately and efficiently, pattern making for the perfect fit and tricks to minimize cold working. Beyond a tile saw no other machinery is required for finishing the work. If you are new to pattern bar making or experienced and would like to refine and simplify your process this video class is for you.  Nancy delivers a ton of information in easy to understand language that can be applied not only to your pattern bar projects but into all areas of your kiln formed glass practice.

Private Student Facebook Group Link Below (you must request to join and enter your order # to gain entry.  Please allow 48 hours to grant access)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/285611152795424/