Homeward Stretch

We are on the homeward stretch to the Zion's Bank Art Show on May 18th. We have been building windows to put in the show along with our other projects. We laid them all out on the living room floor to get a feel for the layout. There are a few little additions but for the most part we are ready. We hope to see you there. It will be an awesome show with artists from all over the area on 5 floors. We love to see the artwork and meet the other artists. We invite you to attend and be sure to visit our booth and say "Hi".

Here is a photo of the invitation. 

It looks pretty good spread on the carpet .

"Mother Nature's Sun"

"Jade in the Mist"

"Home of the Bees"

"Evening Song"

"Above the Door"

'"Cherry" and "Flower" mosaics

"Georgia"

"No Problem With Paisleys"

So you have a sneak peek at the line-up. We look forward to seeing you.

A Second Look

Folks keep advising us as artists that we need to tell our message over and over, as many as 7 times to get through. To Jeanne and I, we don't want to run the risk of becoming a boring, repeating record, skipping over and over.

But the advisors do have a point.

I saw The Last Jedi at the theatre with Jeanne and then found that when I viewed it at home, I liked it better. So maybe it's because I gave it a second chance. I found more to the story, I enjoyed the character development more. I watched it with different eyes, a different perspective. I liked it at the theater but I liked it more on the second viewing.

Does this mean that telling the story of how we build stained glass again might peak someone's interest. We showed how we put stained glass together on youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oD3Jh5SWKhQ&t=4s  

We like sharing our love for stained glass, with all it's nuances, we enjoy every project, there's always something to find interesting, Sometimes it's the challenges we encounter, sometimes Jeanne combines a different pallet of colors and creates something unique. So, maybe it remains interesting, even though we've said it before...let us know!

Cleaning for clarity

Getting clear in my business involved clearing out and cleaning up the studio. I should have known this would help because I cook better in a clean kitchen so it makes sense that I would work better in a clean studio. The truth is that I usually work on more than one project at a time and stuff gets messy. Truth number two is that finishing a project feels so incredible and freeing. Today we get to install some bathroom cabinets and I am already giddy about getting two more windows put in their permanent homes. My mantra yesterday while I was scrubbing and sweeping was " Every corner I unveil makes me feel a little bit lighter". It's true. Sure, things get cluttered and the studio will see many more days of three or four windows in various stages of completion. That's just how I roll. But once in a while it will look like this. Scroll down for studio awesomeness. 

I even added some plants for two reasons. 1. They brighten up the place. 2. I wanted the oxygen they provide to compensate for the solder, chemicals and other unwanted gunk in the air. Since it's Spring I can open the doors and welcome in the fresh air.

Every corner I unveil makes me feel a little bit lighter. Just hanging up the brooms and dustpans in this corner was like magic. 

Even Spidey is happy here.

The glass is so much easier to slide out of this corner now. 

You can't even imaging the transformation of the back part of the studio. This is where David builds crates, frames and all stuff wood. I am so excited to see the table tops again. On the back table is our "Book of Life" sculpture. I can't wait to tell you about that too.

I am ready to get some major work done in this beautiful space. 

And it's a wrap.

I have followed this project from inception to completion and now it's a wrap. The idea for this Tree of Life came from Tami Harris who has been a chaplain in the Heritage School residential treatment center since 1989.  . She was careful not to leave any denomination out when she offered me the opportunity to design the window for the center. I enjoyed building this window of beauty and significance.

 Tami explains " When the Heritage Worship Center was to undergo a bit of renovation it was suggested that stained glass would be a wonderful addition. As the Worship Center is for students of all faiths, several ideas for the stained glass were considered. Spirituality being the golden thread in the tapestry of Heritage was a runner up. We pictured a white fabric folded and draped with a golden piece of thin glass moving through the fabric. (I would still like that one done for something.) Another idea was to have many different religious symbols in one piece of art. In the end it was decided that the Tree of Life would be a wonderful addition to the Heritage Worship Center, as it is recognized by people of many faiths. For those who may not appreciate it spiritually, they will still enjoy the beauty of the artwork."

Here the installers are inspecting their work and admiring the finished product. 

The construction included building a new wall and a space for the new stained glass transom.

A frame was built to house the window.

The window started coming together 

After foiling, soldering and cleaning, the "Tree of Life" is ready to install.

It truly looks beautiful. To see a video of the process check our youtube channel. 

I've got your back

I am a stained glass artist and also a yoga instructor. I have found out that one compliments the other. After days of cutting, grinding , soldering and cleaning glass projects my back starts to complain. I have learned a few tricks to feel better that I would like to share with you. My training is from Bodhi Yoga in Utah which has benefited me in many ways since my classes. You are welcome to join any of the classes offered there. I teach on Friday mornings at 8:30 am. After some gentle stretching and meditative flow through yoga positions you will be ready to return to your routine. These positions are also helpful just before bedtime to relax your mind from the stress of the day.

Child's pose feels so good on your lower back

Folding forward is another good stretch. If you can't go all the way to the floor, just go to your edge. 

Hold on to your feet and rock gently back and forth. This is like a massage from the inside out.

Sorry this is fuzzy but you can still see the pose. Forward folds are a great stretch. This is good to do just before you get into bed. 

Twists feel great as you unwind your spine. 

Don't forget a full body twist 

This pose is perfect for letting go of the days stress. You can put your legs up the wall for extra support. If I wake up during the night and can't get back to sleep I relax into this pose and it really helps.

Pulling your legs close feels awesome to your lower back. You will be ready to get back to work after this mindful practice. Don't forget to give yourself some time in Savasana (relaxing with your arms to your sides and your legs outstretched). Just allow your mind to let go of daily thoughts and renew your body, mind and spirit. For more information check out www.gobodhiyoga.com 

Start to finish. Book sculpture and Cherry Blossoms

Some projects in the works 

From start to finish I enjoy building stained glass windows and mosaics. When I start something new I can't stop thinking about it. This is the mosaic that is going in a big book sculpture. It has been a blast putting symbolism into each part of the project. This mosaic is revealed as the book is opened. It is life from the darkness of the womb to the passion and splendor of everyday living. At the end of life we are reminded of the importance of  spirituality, family and our basic values. Then, inevitably, we are drawn to the light and are able to find out what is on the other side of what we know.

I love the border. I can't wait to get it painted to get the full affect, 

The grout changes from black to white. I wasn't sure that was going to work but I like how it turned out.

The cover is a window of Dogwoods. This symbol is all about new life and beginning. 

   

Cherry Blossom Windows

There is a lucky bathroom waiting for these lovely windows.

We have been working on 4 Cherry blossom windows. This is the last one. The finish of one project just means the beginning of another. Du "debut a' la fin.

Wedding glass

Adorning the tables at my beautiful Granddaughter's reception were some wedding glass Moravian stars. The simple lines and clear textured glass added the right blend of class and elegance. They were enhanced by the deep blue tablecloth. The flickering candle was the finishing touch. I was able to have Sammy and Caleb in my heart as I was building each star.

I loved the simple and outdoor feel of the decorations.

Here is an up close look at the star.

Even the refreshments were fresh and simple.

I was honored to be a part of their beautiful and romantic evening.