Welcome! This page will give you a description of the process for this workshop. After the general steps you'll find detailed instruction about how to use Tinkercad to make 3D shapes.
Overview: In this workshop, you'll make a12” x 16” panel in clear glass, ¼” thick, suitable for hanging or table display.
You will learn:
-How to use Tinkercad to create basic 3D shapes
-Design considerations for a clear glass panel
-Sculpting and texturing glass in a sandbed
The basic steps
1. Create design elements in Tinkercad that can make impressions in sand.
2. Print them as 3D prints.
3. In the studio, learn and practice sculpting and texturing the sand to arrive at your final design.
4. Make your design in the sandbed kiln, and place the glass on it.
5. The glass will be fired to 1400 degrees, and the design in the sand will shape the glass.
About Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a simple browser-based platform that is free to use. Please sign up for your account ASAP at https://www.tinkercad.com/
There are many good tutorials available to help you navigate and use Tinkercad. Start with the ones available on the website:
Pay particular attention to the Scribble tool, which allows you to draw your own lines and shapes.
And of course, YouTube:
Play with Tinkercad before our online session on Saturday. If you’re too busy or impatient for tutorials, just start clicking and dragging to get the feel for it :) You can’t break it!
You can also import SVG files (vector graphics) into Tinkercad and extrude them into 3D. This is one website where free SVGs are available under a Creative Commons License: https://thenounproject.com/
Or create your own vector graphics in Adobe Capture or Inkscape (both are free), or another program.
You can also find free 3D print (STL) files online. Two of my favorite sites:
National Institutes of Health has cool medical scans: https://3dprint.nih.gov/discover
Scan the World has cultural artifacts and statues:
Design considerations
For this workshop, we will be using 3D printed shapes and other objects to make impressions in the sandbed. You can also create depth and texture with scrapers and other tools.
The sandbed has olivine sand mixed with dry plaster, which gives it body and holds the texture. When the glass is fired, it softens and sinks into the sand to conform with your design.
The result is a sculpted relief, which catches the light in its many facets. You can build a scene, make an animal, or do an abstract design. A simple, rhythmic repetition of shapes can be quite pleasing.
Factors to consider when making your shape designs or choosing objects to bring:
Bold, streamlined shapes are easiest to work with.
Objects with smooth finish (glass, glazed ceramic, hard plastics) make the cleanest impressions.
Very thin lines (less than ⅛”) are difficult to get clean impressions from.
Shapes with steep angles cannot be pressed in deeply because the sand will collapse. This is also a consideration if you want to use a face; the nose may be a problem.
The shape or object should be at least ½” / 14mm thick (Z axis), so that you have enough room to grip the shape, press it into the sand, and lift it back up cleanly.
3D prints
Fulton County can print a total of four 3D shapes from participants if they receive the files early enough. If you need this service, please send the file to Lisa@FusedLightStudio.com no later than Tuesday, September 10.
3D printing is possible to do at home, once you own a machine, but the learning curve can be steep. (Just ask me) Although 3D printers are available for as little as $185, I do not recommend that you run out and buy one for this workshop!
Some libraries do 3D printing - ask if yours does.
Maker spaces usually have 3D printers. Contact your local maker space to see if they’ll make a print for you.
If you are a student at Georgia State, you can get prints made at the ExLab for free. Other colleges and universities also have maker spaces with 3D printers.
Local suppliers who will print for you can be found via https://www.makexyz.com
I may be able to print your shape for you. This is not included in the cost of the workshop but typically costs $10 or $15.
Remember: Making 3D prints is not a required step. You can use the shapes and lines that I have already printed, other objects you bring, or objects in the studio.
At the studio
The studio is at 186 Rio Circle, Decatur, in the back of the building behind Southern Sweets. Entry is off the loading dock.
We will start promptly at 1 pm. You’re welcome to come early - there’s lots of interesting glass to see!
The studio is not air-conditioned - and you will probably get dirty :) Dress accordingly.
You must wear closed-toe shoes - no sandals.
Bring a well-fitting N95 mask. Plaster and sand dust are not good for your lungs!
Bring your 3D shapes and any other objects you’d like to use in the sandbed.
Questions?
Ask during the online session, Sept. 7 at 11 am. You'll receive an email with the link.
Or contact Lisa@FusedLightStudio.com / 706-669-9933