Students Take Part in FabLab Nightlight Workshop

FabLab staff helped students create one-of-a-kind glass nightlights during an evening workshop held on Wednesday, March 8, at the UTA Central Library. 

The first step in the process was to take an image and create a design using Adobe Illustrator, making a vector file. This vector file would then be taken to a laser cutter and cut into a piece of fiberglass fabric. 

Nicolette Kaylor, a FabLab student assistant, stated that the fabric is used as a stencil once the first steps are completed. Two pieces of glass are placed on top of the stencil before firing it in the kiln. 

“The firing takes about 24 hours because you have to get the glass heated up slowly enough so that it does not crack and melt into all of the holes of the stencil,” Nicolette said. “It then has to cool so it does not crack.” 

Karina Rodriguez, a critical languages and international studies major, came to the glass-making event as a part of a study she is doing about Spain. 

Karina stated the image of the beach she used for the glass is one of the photos she took while visiting the country. She selected the blue glass for the nightlight because it reminded her of the ocean in Spain.  

David Rayo, a broadcast communications major, stated he always wanted to participate in an event like this offered at the FabLab but didn’t have the time to do so before. 

“I think this is an awesome event. I know that the registration fee turns off some students, but I thought it was very reasonable,” David said. “For $15, you are guided through the whole thing, which is amazing.” 

David stated that the design he chose to make for his glass nightlight was a rose as a gift for his wife, Rose. He noted that this event has got him hooked, and he has signed up for two future events. 

For more information about the upcoming events in the FabLab or at UTA Libraries, go to https://libraries.uta.edu.