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.