FALL IN

I was thinking of the different ways we use the word "Fall"; In the military "Fall In" is to take your place in formation. To fall in love with someone is to have strong feelings of attachment. To fall out is to become detached or to have an argument. It could also be referring to sinking or stumbling. What I am thinking of today is Autumn.. The time of year when leaves dance to the ground dressed in their finest. It's a time of letting go and preparing for family festivities of the season. We love to sit by a cozy fire, smell the change in the air and enjoy the harvest. The colors are truly golden. We get to bring out our sweaters and fuzzy slippers. I feel I should welcome October with chili, apple cider and Halloween decorations.

Lately I have also been making some beautiful fall colored stained glass windows. Here are a few to usher in the season. 

1) Sun-catchers - the small colorful glass projects that can hang in any window regardless of the size. They can usually be finished in just a few hours and can be changed with the holiday.

2. . Mid sized panels with golden and reddish hues of Autumn. My favorite is the pumpkin. We even named the glass we use in that piece Pumpkin Patch.

3. All out Autumn. These windows can be left up all year just to enjoy the warm colors of this beautiful season. Nature inspires us with her artwork that allows us to create in so many mediums.

4. Just for fun I have included our Fall Garden Salsa Recipe. After a full day of cutting, foiling and soldering, have some chips and this yummy salsa. 

Garden Salsa

8 or so large tomatoes, peeled and blended

5 small onions - chopped

jalapenos or other peppers from your garden.- amount depends on how hot the peppers are. Try 1 or 2 to start.

1 Tbs lemon juice

1 Tbs lime juice

1 teas salt or garlic salt

1 clove minced garlic (optional)

1 Tbs sugar

cilantro and cumin to taste

Start a deep pot of water to boil

Cut bad parts of tomatoes, wash and gently place them in boiling water. When skins are loose, remove them to a colander inside an medium bowl. peel the skins. Blend some if you want a smooth salsa, 

Add tomatoes, onions, peppers, sugar, garlic salt, salt, vinegar, lemon juice and lime juice to the stock pot. Add blended tomato. 

For additional texture try adding more chopped onion, banana peppers, chilis, bell pepper or celery. So you see it becomes your own recipe. 

This recipe can be bottled but in our house it still doesn't last very long. 

Enjoy the season

Friends in the Community

As an artist I am always looking for ways to relate with my audience. It's a challenge to get in front of clients and collectors. One way is to enter shows. I try to have a piece or two in a show all the time. If art lovers can't find me, they will never know if they want to own some of my work.

 Another way to rub shoulders with potential buyers is to make friends with gallery owners. I say make friends with them because I think the relationship between artist and gallery owner is a close connection. 

The relationship I would like to focus on in this blog is the partnership with a store owner.  After visiting different  boutiques, shops and other retail establishments you get the feel of where your work would be most likely to sell.  I admit I pay attention to the look of the store and the personality of the clientele. If I think they are a good fit I strike up a conversation. It's important to feel comfortable with the manager so you know it will be fun to work together. After this initial meeting you can get down to business. 

I have found two places recently that I hope to work with for a long time. Brambles and Blossoms and Rustica Hardware. We have been discussing Christmas decor and how I can be a part of their seasonal look. Following are some photos that they are considering. As Christmas approaches in earnest they will be using more stars in their decoration and we will work together to benefit both of us. These managers have already become friends and I know we will enjoy our relationships together.

September. My Birthday Month.

I wanted o do something special for my birthday month. It's fun to celebrate all month long. My idea was to design a stained glass window for each day. Little did I know it was more work then I had anticipated just to come up with all the designs. I'm going to show you the fist few days I have so far. I am also adding some fun September surprises.

Labor Day

VJ Day

Autumn Colors

Grapes

Book Day

Together in Love

I know I have many days ahead. This is just a taste. Check out Etsy at Gommstudios to order a pattern for yourself.

These Thy Gifts

This window is going to the Spiritual and Religious show for judging at the end of the month.

Rahab.

Also going to the same show.

Possibilities

 is going to the Certain Women Show in Salt lake this month. More information to come about that in our newsletter. Have a Happy September.