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. 

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".