A creative diversion

Stained glass is my medium of choice. So when I got the opportunity this weekend to try a diversion of creative expression I was intrigued. A friend and I visited St. George, Utah and learned some amazing and fun art. I found that creating in another medium enhanced my own creativity and opened my eyes to different art forms. It was an artist retreat and I highly recommend it.

Here are some of the tools we used to blow out a chicken egg. He has also used duck and ostrich eggs.

One of the activities we  participated in was learning the beautiful art of  Ukrainian Easter eggs. Gary Miner was our talented teacher.

This is where you can order tools for your own adventure.

Working with specified tools, the wax is adhered to the blown egg. There are books with patterns to choose from.

The dyes can last for many years. 

Between each application of wax, the egg is immersed in the dye.

This magnifying glass came in handy.

After numerous dips into various colors the wax is melted off to reveal a glorious work of fragile art.

Here is my egg in progress.

I was impressed with the precision it took to create the lovely patterns.

My lines are a bit wobbly but I had so much fun learning this amazing art. It turned out pretty well for my first one I think.

Stepping out of my comfort zone of stained glass for an afternoon caused me to think about art in another way. Try something new to spice up your way of thinking.

Fused Easter Eggs to brighten your party table

Once in a while you just have to use your talent to have some fun.
 David and I put together some glass Easter eggs to brighten our party table the other night.
 I fused some fun colors on an egg shaped piece of glass and David drilled holes in them so I could string some colored ribbon.

If you try this, be sure to drill while the glass is submerged in water. 

It's a tricky business since there is a chance of breaking your little masterpiece.

David is being very careful.

Here they are hanging in the kitchen before the dinner party. Be careful to use glass of the same COE so you won't have cracking.

They are cute little decorations for your Easter table. We happened to have our party on St. Patrick's Day.

Here is the Easter tree. I found some perfect lilac branches. They had tiny buds which added to the decoration.

Here is a close up of the fused designs.

The table was lovely. Thank you to our friend and decorator, Kathryn S. Allen.

Here is one of the eggs on the napkin. Each guest was invited to take home their cute egg.

The dinner was a success, the rousing game of Pictionary was great fun and the table was amazing. If you would like more ideas of how to use stained glass in your decorating be sure to message me. 

Invite The Light Slideshow

Jeanne had this great brainstorm while talking to a mentor which resulted in a 41 second video that you can see at

https://youtu.be/2wvL-KQycE0

Click On The Picture to go there

I (David) have watched a TV series recently on Netflix that I found interesting. It's called "Find It, Fix It and Flog It" Made in Britain, a couple of guys go looking through rummage sites and find items that have some potential and they take them, fix them up and sell them. I find it interesting to see these folks creative  processes at work.

Light up my Life

Louie, you light up my life! We visited the Museum of Art at BYU this week. Ashlee Whitaker led us in a tour of Louis Comfort Tiffany art glass.

The walls were black which only enhanced the color and texture of the glass.

I'm so grateful for modern tools. It takes me long enough to finish a window without having to cut the copper into strips and heating my iron over the fire.

This Wisteria Lamp!

I love how he layered the glass in the mountains to show perspective.

LCT hired women to design and chose colors. We discussed how maybe he thought a woman's hands could cut and shape the tiny pieces. My fingers get pretty sore after a few days of cutting so I hope they got lots of breaks.

Louis and his team had a way of choosing the perfect glass for the application. I wish this photo showed the delicate textures in the girls blouse and the pages of the book.

Filigree dragonfly wings. Amazing

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and came home inspired. The show will continue through May 5, 2018. If you see Ashlee, tell her we said "Hi".