Living with Butterflies

In the Butterfly Pavilion at Thanksgiving Point we were living a moment in time with the butterflies. As I was marveling at their fluttering and fragility, I thought of lessons these illusive flying flowers could teach us.

1. Change is always in the air
The caterpillar  does a lot of changing, growing and struggling to emerge as a lovely butterfly. It's not easy work. We see the finished product and marvel at the result. Every worthwhile goal we make takes effort and hard work but in the end it's worth the time because we are smarter, more confident and courageous because of the metamorphosis of our struggle.

Here is where the chrysalis are growing. It's like a butterfly nursery.

2. Letting go
Stepping out of our comfort zone is a difficult thing. Butterflies have to transition, adapt and morph as they transform. We have learned so much from when we were young adults. By learning new techniques and skills we are better glass artists than we were even a few years ago. The great thing is that we can transform many times in our lives, unlike the butterfly. It's never too late to learn from our experiences, let go of unwanted habits and behaviors.

I never got a shot of the blue wings inside but they were magnificent as they flew around our heads.

3. Be approachable as well as mysterious

I saw some children at the pavilion trying to catch the butterflies but were never fast enough. Then once in a while one would land in their hair or on their shirt. If we were very gentle we could coax one to crawl on our finger. They would fly so close we could almost feel a butterfly kiss and then would dart away. When we film our videos we teach so many fun and informative tricks and tips yet there is something about taking a class that is so personal and intimate. 

I loved when they flew and landed together. Sometimes it seemed as though they were dancing.

4. Keep moving forward

The butterfly only lives 2 or 3 weeks after it is an adult, that's not much time for mating, laying eggs and flying around being beautiful. We have so much life within us and are capable of blessing others as we enjoy our sojourn on Earth. Difficult things happen and we find a way to move forward. Spending time in the pavilion reminded me to appreciate the magic and wonder of nature and of each other. There is so much good in the world. When a caterpillar dies, a butterfly is born. When hatred, jealousy and judgement die, love, hope and compassion can live. 

5. It's up to us

The environment of the pavilion was controlled to be the perfect temperature and humidity. If we want creativity to flourish we need to surround ourselves with inspirational people, places and things. If we want to have a better world we need to be kind, show love and forgive ourselves and others. Of all the things I learned from living with the butterflies for a short time my favorite lesson was this, Be gentle, be happy, enjoy the beauty around us and welcome the magic when it lands on our shoulder.

7 Ways Stained Glass is Trending up in 2019

Stained glass art has it's ups and downs. This year I have seen magazines and home design displays with more glass as part of the decor. Here are 7 ways I believe stained glass is trending up in 2019.

1. Pocket doors are in! A stained glass window slides right in between the walls for protection from stray balls and then are suddenly there for the viewing when the doors are closed.

2. Why have a blank wall devoid of color? Don't repaint all your grey walls, just add accent colors in your stained glass and hang them on the wall! It's not just for windows any more.

3. Cabinets in any room can be adorned with glass designs in your choice of Era. From classic French cottage to geometric craftsman, you can make a beautiful statement. You don't even have to have any color at all, only lovely textured glass.

4. Just a touch of glass can add the right amount of elegance to a modern kitchen.

5. A peek a boo window in an otherwise dark hallway can provide the perfect art accent.

6. Adding a piece of stained glass to a distressed frame and hanging it in the window is a eye catcher and conversation starter. Or.. try leaning it against the wall above the mantle or on a dresser. Just the thing to dress up a room.

7. Privacy and a dash of color are benefits of stained glass in the bathroom. You can go subtle or bold to compliment your decor.

If you need a window for any of these great ideas, I am available for consultation and to build you the window of your dreams. You can follow me on Instagram @jeannegomm or Facebook at Gomm Stained Glass. My website is GSG-art.com. I hope to work with you soon.

Stained Glass Art

Take a look around your home at the art that surrounds you. Does it inspire or just cover the nail holes? Is it an original or the photo that came in the frame? Is it meaningful to your family or something you have to put out when relatives come to visit?
The art on our walls effect us more than we know. It should inspire, motivate, teach and please us when we see it.

This painting is  by a friend , Lynde Mott. It's meaningful to us because the models are my Granddaughter, my Daughter and myself. I love that it shows an every day occurrence of curling a child's hair. I love that the Mother's hand is suspended in a movement.

Other works of art on our walls are from friends and artists we admire.

Windows we have created are all symbolic in some way. The windows of 4 of our children hang in the dining room.

I recently interviewed a client when we delivered her cabinet door inserts. Her walls are adorned with many favorite Utah artists work. Please enjoy the video tour of her artwork on one of Wisdom Wednesday Links on our YouTube Channel. Her life is enriched by the art she displays. We are honored that our windows will be a part of her collection.

The art we see around us every day effects our mood, our energy and our enthusiasm. It is more than the paintings on the wall. It could be the quilt on your bed, your tablecloth, the color you have chosen for the wall paint. Even the way you place a grouping of ceramic pieces on your table.

 I have a collection of tiny glass vases in my kitchen window that make me smile every day.

It may not be a basic need but art brings a sense of joy. The music we listen to, the videos we watch, the way we arrange the furniture can effect how we feel about ourselves and our surroundings.

You can join us to make a stained glass window of beauty, meaning and expression. We also have a video on our YouTube channel, Gomm Stained Glass, about stained glass as therapy. It is a calming  and creative way to deal with outside stress and responsibility and forget the world for a while as you create. Then you will return to your regular scheduled life with vigor, confidence, appreciation and a new skill.
 The best reason for having and making art is that it is a joyful experience.