Showing posts with label dichroic fusing decals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dichroic fusing decals. Show all posts

Monday, November 7, 2011

Stop Using Inferior Glass Fusing Decals Today


AAE GLASS


Hello glass artists.  My name is Mark Veit and I am lucky enough to work with my sister-n-law Tanya Veit, as well as glass artists around the world.  Her glass art speaks for itself and her willingness to help other glass artists speaks even louder.  But this blog post is about me getting something off my chest.


For those who don't know me, I am very analytical and straight forward, I can thank my father for that.  It gets me in trouble sometimes, but more often than not, it gets the job done.  I pride myself on being as efficient and productive as possible.  For whatever reason, I have been inundated with emails and phone calls from glass artists these past few days claiming that our decals have been losing shape and the color has been fading.  Of course I reached out to Tanya for her expertise and after asking the glass artists to send me pictures of the decals they are using, low and behold, NONE of the decals are AAE Glass decals.  I kid you not, ZERO were AAE Glass designs.  Still my phone keeps ringing and my email box keeps filling with these questions. 

Now many companies are trying to"duplicate" AAE Glass designs because we have the best selling designs on the market, not to mention Tanya Veit creates these designs herself.  Our "competition" is trying to produce similar cats and sea life, but with uneven whiskers and goofy bodies, don't get me started on those companies trying to copy the TREE OF LIFE decal that Tanya Veit created from scratch.  You just aren't going to get the same detailed design with the same superior screen printed images anywhere but AAE Glass.  These knock offs are digitally printed and can not hold a candle to any AAE Glass decal.  Sure our decals may cost a few more pennies, but do you want to go through 4 or 5 cheap decals before you get the image you are looking for, when 1 AAE Glass decal will do?  Not to mention AAE Glass offers superior customer service, not just in the glass industry, but business in general.  Where else can you send an email to a company and have the owner of that company, who is also a world renowned glass fuser, personally answer your questions?  This is what AAE Glass is about.  A wise man once told me, if you take care of your customers, your customers will take care of you ten fold.  The old man was right!

Remember, I like to nip things in the bud and that is exactly what I am going to do right now!


If you are using any decal that is fading or losing shape, you are not using an AAE Glass decal.  If you look back to a few posts ago, I explained why AAE Glass decals are the best on the market, BAR NONE!  If you haven't read, please take a look HERE.  I am going to expand on that statement.  I haven't run this past Tanya yet, so please keep it quiet, but here goes...If you are struggling with digitally printed decals of scenes that look like they are being copied, STOP IT!  Send me your inferior decals and I will replace them with AAE Glass decals for nothing more than the shipping cost.  We consider ourselves leaders in the industry and will stand behind our product 100%.  Not only do we provide the best decal on the market, we want to expose you to these decals for FREE.  Even if it costs us a few bucks to replace your inferior decals, we are 100% confident that you will never use anything less than an AAE Glass decal from here on out. 



To trade in your inferior decals for AAE Glass decals simply email me at mark@aaeglass.com and explain to me the problem.  I will get your new decals in the mail immediately and Tanya or I will be here to answer any questions you may have along the way.  We understand that each kiln fires differently and if you have trouble on your first couple, we will figure it out together until you find the sweet spot.  Once you find that sweet spot, your jewelry will take on a professional look that could never be achieved with digitally printed decals. 


Some may call me cocky, some may even call me crazy...Not a problem, I have heard it all...One thing you can't call me, in this instance at least, is wrong.  I have several decals ready to ship out immediately.  Just contact me at mark@aaeglas.com and explain to me the trouble you are having and we will remedy it.  Even if you are having trouble with our decals, WE WILL FIX IT, together.  Once fired properly, you will never use anything but an AAE Glass decal.


Thanks for letting me rant and I look forward to hearing from everyone. 


Mark Veit


AAE Glass

Friday, October 28, 2011

How Will AAE Glass Workshops Make You Money?



AAE GLASS



I am always excited to talk about emerging artists and their businesses.  At AAE Glass we not only supply you with high quality supplies but Tanya Veit takes the time to personally answer your questions and share her unique glass fusing techniques via her workshops.  So back to the question; How will AAE Glass workshops make you money?



First of all, you will learn extreme and very unique fusing techniques that will set your glass art apart from your competition.  Tanya "breaks the rules" when it comes to glass fusing and she does it with flare!  The amount of information you learn in a workshop is worth the price of admission. 


Secondly, you will take home glass pieces that you created in the workshop using these new techniques.  You can keep these pieces for yourself, give them as gifts or sell them for a profit.  Tanya's glass jewelry pieces retail anywhere from $50 to $75 and larger pieces are north of that. 


Finally, if you are a new glass artist, you will be hooked on glass fusing and nothing can stand in your way.  If you are an experienced glass fuser, you will be re-energized with several new techniques to add to your arsenal. 


To sum up an Extreme Glass Fusing Workshop, you will learn techniques that you can use to create new styles of glass art, you will walk away with pieces that you can sell that will just about cover the cost of the class alone and if anyone has met Tanya, you are going to have a great time doing it.  Learning, fun and income add up to you having a new lease on glass fusing and the opportunity to make money while pursuing your passion of glass.

The new AAE Glass studio in Cape Coral, Florida is stocked with the newest kilns, saws, lap grinders, etc.  Like my father always tells me, "Never be cheap with your tools, they are a reflection of you and your work."  This is so true.  If you want to create the best, you need to use the best tools.  That is what AAE Glass can offer you.


There are several dates available for BEGINNER, EXTREME FUSING I and EXTREME FUSING II workshops.  You only need to give 1/2 deposit to reserve your seat.  The other half is due 14 days prior to the workshop.  Be sure to check out the TESTIMONIALS from artists who have taken Tanya's workshops in the past.  We have special rates for lodging at a Holiday Inn available for people coming from out of town and downtown Cape Coral has restaurants, art shops and shopping aplenty. 


The information you receive from these workshops is truly invaluable. 


Mark Veit


AAE Glass

Friday, October 21, 2011

What Sets AAE Glass Decals Apart?




First off, we want to thank all of our loyal glass fusers for their continued support and use of AAE Glass products.  We listen to what you need to expand your businesses and provide high quality products to ensure you are working with the best. 

There are several fusing decals on the market today and we wanted to take the time to point out why our decals are different and superior to other decals commercially available. We receive several e-mails each week from glass fusers asking for our help when the decals they have purchased from other manufacturers turn gray after firing, are not vibrant, look faded or eventually rub off.

It is important to understand the difference between a digitally printed and a screen printed decal. Our glass fusing decals are low fire, enamel and created using an advanced screen printing process. Did you know it takes 5-6 weeks to make ONE design?  Each design contains 8 layers of enamel and requires a drying time of 72 hours between each layer applied in the stencil design. The machine used for this process is a lithograph machine, not a laser computer printer. Did you know you can stretch, manipulate and cut our decals to shape with a craft knife and they will NOT tear?  This shows the durability of our screen printed enamel decals as opposed to other digitally printed decals.

In addition, some companies are trying to pass off ceramic decals as “fusing decals.” Our decals truly are made as “fusing decals” with extra steps taken to make sure they are as durable as possible. Other companies who claim decals are “low to high fire” will not produce the consistent, vibrant results that AAE Glass decals will.

The enamel coloring we use is low fire enamel. When fired to the correct temperature of 1034-1054 degrees, a rich deep color is present after firing. The higher the decal is fired after this range, the color will slowly burn out. This is one reason why “low to high fire” decals come out gray.

Lastly, the artwork is done in house and is original work created by Tanya Veit.  Anyone who has taken Tanya's Extreme Fusing Workshop has learned how durable AAE Glass enamel decals are, as well as many tricks to manipulate these decals and create beautiful glass jewelry (Our decals can be painted as well, see above). 

We feel it is important to educate our customers as much as possible.  We want you to work with the best available tools to ensure you are creating the best, most durable glass jewelry possible.

Thank you.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Color Me Bad Fusing Decals and BluDragonfly Glass





AAE Glass wants to thank Christine Wilson of BluDragonfly for displaying our Color Me Bad decal sheets in such a good light.  These decals can be painted by you! Who doesn't want to add their own touch or flare to their wearable dichroic glass art pieces?  Thanks Christine.

A few years ago I took a fusing glass class at a local studio and fell in love with fusing. After that class I came home and started experimenting with different techniques. I discovered Tanya's website - AAEGlass.com and her decals. After that the direction of my work changed!

All my fused glass jewelry is created in my home studio. All the pieces are started from scratch – I cut out the glass and create the design using dichroic glass and custom-made frit combinations. In some of my pendants I select a decal that best compliments the colors in the pendant. All of the pieces require several firings. Along with fused glass jewelry I also make lampwork (glass) beads and incorporate them into jewelry.

In July 2011 I took Tanya Veit's Extreme Fusing Workshop in Denver. This is the best class that I have ever taken and nothing can compare with the information on fusing that Tanya is willing to share. Recently I have been experimenting with the Color Me Bad decals. They are a lot of fun and allow your imagination to run wild playing with different colors. They look exceptionally dramatic on the dichroic backgrounds. In August 2011 I participated in the 2011 Fairplay Colorado Bead and Fiber Show. My "Pelican" pendant placed 3rd in the juried competition for Jewelry/Wearables.


I will participating in Art Shows this fall in Arvada, Greeley, and Windsor CO. I am a member of the Rocky Mountain Flameworkersorganization which is a group of local glass artists who meet once a month. I am also a Self Representing Artist (SRA #126). I currently have 2 websites for my jewelry ETSY and BLUDRAGONFLY. My work is also available at the Mountain Blown Glass Shop in Estes Park, CO.


I can't thank Tanya and AAE Glass enough for the workshops and the wonderful selection of decals and dichroic glass available on their website. They have added a whole new and exciting dimension to my art.



Christine Wilson

BluDragonfly

www.bludragonfly.etsy.com

Thursday, May 26, 2011

20% Off Single Glass Fusing Decals and Sheets



Memorial Day weekend is here and it is time to kick off the BBQ season.  Open up the swimming pool, get out the lawn darts and crank up the music. 


Take advantage of our 20% off Memorial Day sale and stock up for your summer art and craft shows.


Use coupon code: BBQ to receive this discount on all single decals and decal sheets.


Be sure to enjoy time with your family and friends and be safe.  If anyone has any recipes or grilling techniques they would like to share, we are all ears.  I am lucky enough to be a judge rib cook off on Monday.  MMMMMMM


Mark Veit

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Ft. Lauderdale Florida Extreme Glass Fusing Workshop


St. Augustine and D & L ART GLASS were more than accommodating hosts last weekend.  First off, St. Augustine is a fantastic vacation spot with so much to experience.  I highly recommend this city.  Secondly, Linda has a great studio for all of your glass working needs.  Be sure to visit her studio when you are in the area, it will be well worth it.


The next opening for my Extreme Glass Fusing Workshop is in Ft. Lauderdale Florida at Art Glass Connection on June 4th and 5th.  Joanna Vitale has been working diligently to make sure everything is ready for June.  I held a workshop here back in March and it was a huge success.  We have tweaked a few aspects and we are confident this workshop will be even better.  There are only 4 spots open for June.  This is my last scheduled workshop in Florida until the end of the year.  Please give Joanna a call at the number below to reserve your seat today. I look forward to meeting you.

June 4th & 5th
Art Glass Connection
9500 Griffin Road
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328-3416
(954) 434-7007

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Firsing Instructions for Fused Glass


 
 
Fused Glass Decal Firing Instructions

Application Instructions:

1. Clean the glass surface where the decal will go.

2. Remove any wax paper barrier, if any, from the decal surface.

3. If desired, cut decal to desired shape using xacto knife or scissors.

4. Soak the decal in a shallow pan of warm water until they easily slide off the paper. It is easier to apply decal directly from the paper to the glass piece. Leaving them in water too long will result in them floating off the base paper and it will be difficult to apply.

5. Use a paper towel to blot excess water and gently smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles. If air bubbles are not gently rubbed out, a tiny hole will pop through the decal when fired.

6. Change water frequently after soaking several decals to remove impurities.

7. ALL MOISTURE MUST BE REMOVED PRIOR TO FIRING. OVERNIGHT DRYING IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

8. Decals go on your FINISHED, fire polished piece. DO NOT cap the decals with a top glass layer. Decal firing is the last step to your piece.

Firing Instructions:

Preheating is particularly important in decal work. Materials from the medium on the decal must be burned off gently. Good ventilation allow for a clean final product. Leave the kiln lid open 1-2 inches, plus any peepholes. Preheat slowly to 1000 degrees to prevent pinholes or blisters and then procede with normal ramping. Heat-soak the decals at top temperature for approximately 8-10 minutes. THE FIRING SCHEDULES PROVIDED ARE FOR A REFERENCE POINT ONLY! GET TO KNOW YOUR KILN AND TAKE NOTES!

Need additional assistance? Email us at info@aaeglass.com with any questions you may have. Remember, it is always better to under fire than over fire!


Low-fire schedule

250 DPH to 350 HOLD 20 minutes

500 DPH to 1000 HOLD 10 minutes

AFAP to 1034-1074 soak 8-10 minutes

High-fire schedule

250 DPH to 350 HOLD 20 minutes

500 DPH to 1000 HOLD 10 minutes

AFAP to 1280-1320 soak 8-10 minutes

Friday, November 26, 2010

25% Off Black Friday Only

AAEGlass.com

Our biggest sale yet.  This includes in stock, bails, silver settings and glass fusing decals (not 5 and 12 packs).  This sale is for today only and expires at midnight.  Also, FREE SHIPPING is available on qualified orders.

Your coupon code is:
25BLACK

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

25% Off Friday Only


AAEGlass.com

Be sure to check your inbox first thing on Friday for your 25% coupon code, valid Friday only.  This will include all, in stock, bails, silver settings and decals (5 and 12 packs excluded).

This is our biggest sale ever and is only good for 24 hours on Friday. Don't forget FREE SHIPPING is available for both domestic and international orders.

If you would like to be added to our email list, just visit AAEGlass.com and scroll to the bottom of the home page.

We would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday.

AAE

Sunday, November 14, 2010

New Silver Settings Released


AAEGlass

We continue to release new silver bracelets, earrings and pendants.  We have restocked your old favorites and added 4 new designs, including a matching bracelet/pendant set. 

TWO WAYS to use this silver plated bracelet blank! This adjustable bracelet base has a rectangle center piece with a 25 x 18mm oval inlay for your fused glass cabochon. You can also use the entire center piece to glue your cabochons right to the top of the piece if you prefer!

NEW! Silver plated framed pendant setting with a 25 x 18mm oval inlay for your fused glass or polymer cabochon. The overall piece is 1.35"H. These are a little smaller than our normal sized pendant settings. Matching bracelet blank also available.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Promote Your Holiday Art Shows

AAEGlass.com

The holiday art show season is upon us.  For most glass artists, this is the busiest and most profitable time of year.  We would like to help you get the word out. 

Please feel free to comment on this blog post with the specifics of any upcoming shows you would like to promote.  We have close to 1000 views per week on this blog, so you can be certain people will know where you are going to be.  Just include the name, date, times and location and we will be sure to post your comments for everyone to view.

We want to help you anyway we can.

Have a great day.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Silver Jewelry Settings Restocked


AAEGlass

This announcement is to our blog followers only.  We have restocked our silver jewelry settings and we are giving you, our blog followers, first crack at them.  Pendants, bracelets and earrings all restocked.  There are even a few sets that match.

Don't forget FREE shipping is available for qualifying orders.

If you have any questions, please email us at info@aaeglass.com

Our silver earring settings will be a perfect match for our new earring low fire decal sheet. We have seen some beautiful creations from our artist community.

Have a great day!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Four Fusing Secrets Inside

Yes, you can overlap decals to create some very interesting effects. I like to overlap trees and forest scenes over suns and moons to create the most realistic scenes. THIS REQUIRES SEPARATE FIRINGS! Apply your sun/moon, fire and then add your trees over the suns/moons. If you try it with one firing, you may get blistering of the decals.


 
Use colored frit, enamels or a complete different color of bottom glass to create your horizon line. This will add realism to your pieces and add "balance" to the piece.
Several of our glass decal designs come in both black & white.  You have endless possibilities with this technique.  Use a craft knife or scissors for precision cutting.


 
I am often asked how my decals appear so "black" in some of my pieces. Three factors to this: soak your decals in COLD water if you want more density. Drop your temp 10 degrees and drop your hold time from 10 to 8 minutes. TAKE NOTES! You can always refire our decals and not lose any detail. SO, it is best to underfire and start low! 

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Dichroic Glass Jewelry and Supplies


AAEGlass Jewelry

We want to share some finished dichroic glass jewelry with you.  We have several different collections.  These are all made using our own products and designs.  You will see our silver pendant and bracelet settings as well as our glass fusing decal designs.  We have new settings and fusing decals in the works and will be releasing them shortly. 

With the large variety of decals and settings available, the combination of dichroic jewelry is endless.  We have released several of our popular decals in white for the holiday season.  These white decals are very detailed and shine through on dark glass.  These are sure to sell at both online and at holiday art shows.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know.  We are here to help. info@aaeglass.com

Friday, October 29, 2010

Christmas Jewelry Decals


AAEGlass

You asked for them, we delivered them.  Low fire Christmas fusible glass decals are here (limited supply).  With all the holiday art shows and Christmas itself coming up fast, now is the perfect time to make your Christmas jewelry.  These decals fire so clean and crisp, your dichroic pendants are sure to POP.

Did I mention we have also released an earring decal sheet?  Yes that's right, you can now match your pendants and bracelets to earrings.  Be sure to get our silver jewelry settings while they last. We will be adding never before seen silver settings in the very near future.

If you have any questions, or have any suggestions on what you would like to see next, please email us at info@aaeglass.com.  We love to hear your ideas and experiences with our products.

AAE

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Silver Pendant Settings for Glass Jewelry Restocked

AAEGlass

BE SURE TO STOCK UP FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS RUSH

SILVER TEAR DROP, SILVER BRUSHED SATIN CIRCLE, WAVY AND DROP CIRCLE PENDANT ALL RESTOCKED.
We use 1.2 mm sterling silver plated snake chains with these settings. They look fabulous with these. These can be found on eBay.com and Etsy.com.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

15% Off Entire aaeglass.com Website


AAEGlass.com

15% Off entire aaeglass.com website.  Be sure to get your hands on the few remaining silver settings. Individual glass fusing decals and glass fusing sheets are all included. 

COUPON CODE: 15OFF

Please direct any questions to info@aaeglass.com  We are happy to help.

We have some big plans and new products about to be released.  Be sure to check back frequently.

Free shipping is available: $25 net domestic and $50 net international.

AAE

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Double Fusing Decal Release - Butterfly & Dragonfly

AAEGlass

AAE Glass presents a Butterfly and Dragonfly glass fusing decal sheet. This 4 x4 fusible decal sheet includes the most detailed butterfly and dragonfly images on the market! Mix and match and use the grass to create your own scenes. Also available in white for your dark dichroic glass.

If you have any questions or need help at all, please email us at info@aaeglass.com.

Happy Fusing.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Show and Tell - Bludragonfly



Bludragonflyjewelry.com
Etsy Store

My name is Christine Wilson and the name of my business is BluDragonfly.  I have been making jewelry for over fifteen years.  I collected lampwork beads by other artists for several years and designed my own jewelry.  In 2007 I took a lampworking class and I was hooked on making glass beads.  My “Sneaker Wave” lampwork bracelet was featured in Bead Style magazine (July 2010 issue) in the Reader’s Gallery.  In the past I have also created jewelry in Precious Metal Clay and I also took a silversmithing class.
 
Once bitten by the glass bug I ventured into fusing glass last year.  There are infinite possibilities out there to expand your horizons in the glass world.  I took a fusing class at a local studio and from there I have been experimenting with fused glass pendants.  Recently I discovered AAE Glass and their DECALS.  I immediately fell in love with them and have been making pendants with decals ever since.  I retired in May of this year after having worked in the administrative field for over 35 years.  My husband and I relocated from Denver, CO to Johnstown CO.  Our first priority was getting our glass studio up and running!   am very fortunate to be able to devote more of my time to a hobby that I love. 
 
This fall I have signed up to do six local craft fairs – they will be in Loveland, Greeley, Conifer, and Arvada Colorado.  I am really excited to be able to share my passion for fused glass with the public.  I can’t wait to show off my pendants that I have created with AAE Glass decals.  I look forward to receiving their emails every week telling me of the new decals that are available.  I enjoy the creative process when creating a pendant by using dichroic glass, frits in every color combination and then selecting a decal that best suits the pendant.  Every morning is an adventure when you race down to see what is in the kiln!!
 
Thank you AAE Glass for the opportunity to share my story and for always being there when I have a question related to fused glass and your decals!
 
Christine Wilson

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Sea Life Decal Release

AAEGlass.com

Sea Life, Sand Dollar, Sharks, Dolphins, Seaweed.  Let your imagination run wild. Our latest fusible glass decal sheet. The demand for these images has been great.  We hope you enjoy combing these decals and creating your one of a kind sea life pendants. Due to the popular demand for Sea Life we added it all on one sheet!

As always, if you need any help, send an email to info@aaeglass.com and we will be happy to assist you in a timely manner.  Have a great week.