Phoenix Rises From the Ashes

The Ethan Fire is currently burning Southwest of the Valley of the Sun. It currently covers 1200 acres and is being fought by Arizona's finest.

This is a photo of the sunset on Thursday, June 26, 2008.

The ash and smoke is so thick in the air that one could look directly at the sun without any problems at all.

This shot was taken at about 6 p.m. looking through the tiny leaves on a Mesquite Tree standing guard in my front yard.

Approaching 200

Looking through my blog posts from the past years I realized that I'm coming up on blog post number 200.

So, of course, I'm designing a special stained glass piece to mark the number.

An Angel for a Friend

A friend, and fellow local artist, of mine requested this stained glass angel to give to another friend in their time of need.

I was honored to make her.

Molten Glass

This stained glass panel is one of my favorites so far.

The glass at the bottom of the panel appears to be melting or dripping off the panel.

Using the cool colors of water -- I crafted this piece after viewing photographs of the vacation we spent in Hawaii. The waterfalls, the streams and the plant life is amazing there.

Available for sale here.

Allie's Shadow

As I've posted before -- the lazy Arizona sun enters the studio doors beginning at about 4:30 in the afternoon.

This afternoon my little calico kitty -- Allie -- decided that she needed to be the model for the day.

Her big fat kitty belly shows nicely in the shadow photo.

A Necklace for your Window

This strand of diamond-shaped beveled glass appears to be a pretty diamond necklace for your window.

As I was staring at the beveled glass pieces as they sit in the studio -- I couldn't think of anything to do with them.

So the creative process took over and I let my imagination go free.

What developed is a strand made of black ribbon holding seven pretty beveled glass pieces.

When exposed to sunlight -- the bevels cast small prisms or rainbows of light throughout the room.

Available for sale here.

Wishing

While in Tucson last weekend visiting my daughter we went out to the reservation to get our monthly dose of authentic Indian Fry Bread -- also known as popovers.

So as we approached the San Xavier Mission we couldn't help but notice the commotion at the chapel.

So, of course, I grab my camera in hopes of capturing something.

The wedding party exits the chapel from the dark, fragrant church into the bright Arizona sun.

The little flower girl seemed to be lost in the shuffle. The bride was coming out. The mothers and mother-in-laws were fussing and the men were trying to get away.

The little girl just kept looking at her bouquet.

One could only wonder what wish she was sending up to the heavens.

Just Another Star

In an ongoing time of military action -- family members of those in the service want to show their support and pride of their loved ones serving in the military both here and abroad.

The blue military star has been an outward show of support for more than 60 years and will continue to be.

Shown above is a slight variation of the stained glass blue military star panel. This particular panel was requested by a woman whose son is currently serving abroad.

Her request is on its way to her via FED EX. I hope she enjoys the panel as much as I enjoyed making it.

Blue Star for a Military Family

I really enjoy creating stained glass panels for military families.

This panel is on it's way back to Ft. Campbell, Kentucky.

A woman who is stationed there contacted me a few days back and requested a 'Blue Star' stained glass panel.

When a family has a loved one serving in the military -- it is customary to display a blue star in the window to show your pride for them. Friends and neighbors will then know that you have a family member serving their country.

When my own brother served in Iraq I proudly displayed my own version of this tradition creating the blue star out of stained glass.

Similar panels available for sale here.

Slices of Agate

A very nice person sent me some slices of rock with simple directions: do what you want with them.

So, there they lay -- on the table in the studio just waiting for inspiration.

They waited and waited but no inspiration came.

Until finally -- I was looking through some pieces of glass that somehow got tucked into the back of the wooden crate which holds the glass panels.

Not only did I find the perfect piece of glass to pair the sliced stone with but the colors in the glass matched the colors in the stone.

I drilled a small hole in the stone and wire wrapped it with copper and attached it to a simple frame made from the glass.

Nothing excites me more...

than a really pretty piece of colored glass.

The sunshine coming into the doors of the studio in the afternoon beginning at about 4:30 is wonderful.

It is the time of the day that I get to see how the glass panels will truly show their colors when exposed to sunlight.

When I get the glass panels from the warehouse -- I'm never quite sure how the sun will react with the colors. The lighting in the warehouse is less than acceptable.

Anyway -- the vivid blue and red glass really comes alive in the afternoon sun.

Stained Glass for Ft. Campbell

I am fortunate enough to have a woman who's husband is stationed at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky who loves stained glass panels.

Apparently she likes the panels so much she likes to share them with fellow military families.

This is my interpretation of the 'Screaming Eagle' which is the mascot for the airborne division based in Ft. Campbell.

Pretty Quail

In addition to working with glass -- I enjoy also enjoy photography.

Looking through the lens to see things differently is an art form in itself.

So a few days ago I was working on a glass order (see previous post) and had to take a quick break.

As I sat on the back patio I could hear what I thought was a Quail summoning the family for the 'all clear' to join him.

So I sneaked into the house, picked up my camera and went out to wait some more.

Sure enough, the little guy was up on the top of my fence. I snapped a few photos from a distance knowing that if I moved any closer he would take off.

My back yard kitty -- Bernie -- decided that no animal, furred or feathered, enters her back yard without permission.

She quickly scared the little guy away.

Al least I got a few snapshots of the pretty guy.

Screaming Eagles Stained Glass Panel

A few additional process shots of the Screaming Eagle stained glass panels being made for the base in Kentucky.

Although it looks like a pile of broken glass -- these pieces will soon form some pretty panels to be hung in windows.

Watch to the days ahead to see the completed panels.

Sliced Rock

Thank you planetjanet.

My friend Janet sent me some very pretty slices of rock. They've been sitting on my studio counter for a few months now not knowing what I wanted to do with them.

Well -- a group of glass artists I belong to has a monthly challenge using glass and glass objects.

This pretty slice of stone will be the base of my entry into the challenge. The theme for the challenge of May is 'nature'

Stay tuned for photos of the completed piece.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to everyone!

Hummingbirds for Mara's Mom

When I was in my early years in grade school -- my best friend in the whole wide world was Mara.

During childhood we spent every day walking to and from school. Weekends were fun, joyful and filled with laughter.

We drifted apart after high school. She moved forward with her life and her family. I moved forward with mine. I thought about her often with fond memories and hoped that one day we would be reconnected.

Chance brought us back together again and the past three decades have melted away.

When she was looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift for her mom -- she need look no further than to me.

I created this hummingbird stained glass panel with Mara's mom on my mind. She loves these cranky, noisy little creatures so now she'll have one for her kitchen window.

Happy Mother's Day to all women who have a positive influence on children everywhere.

Happy Mother's Day to my other really good friend (BDP) who is also a really good mom.

Fort Campbell

Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

I'm sure that is a beautiful base to be station at.

The drawn image above is the pattern of a stained glass panel which I've been making for the families of Service Members stationed at Fort Campbell.

Five panels are currently being created for the newest residents of the base.

Good luck to you all.

Inspiration from BDP

I received a nice note via USPS a day or two ago from my friend, BDP. On the outside of the envelope was a pretty little colored doodle obviously drawn by B.

I took the envelope and sketched out a pattern to be transferred into a stained glass pattern.

Fortunately for me, I had just gone to the glass supply warehouse where I saw a very nice sheet of blue/green streaky glass that I simply had to buy. I didn't realize that by the time I got home, the need for that glass was sitting in my mailbox.

In the first photograph you can see the doodle done by BDP.

The second photograph shows the pattern drawn and glass cut ready to be ground.

The final photograph shows the completed piece all colored with black patina for a nice vintage or antique look.

The finished size of this panel is approximately 8" by 10".

Stained Glass Tulip

This is a little stained glass sun catcher hand-crafted into the shape of a pretty tulip. The wires used in this piece add a bit of whimsy to the flower.

The sunlight which comes through the window in the late afternoon is perfect for photographing the glass. The long shadows and tinted light gives a wonderful effect to the glass.

Goin' to the Show

In order to take a break from the Arizona heat (already) we went to visit some friends in San Diego and took in the Art Walk.

While in the booth where BDP was displaying her paintings my daughter came upon a painting which looked very familiar to her.

Hmmmm. Interesting.

Pretty Butterflies

Pretty butterflies are floating everywhere. Inspired by the flowers which cover my yard during the early months of the year, I love to make these butterflies using orange and yellow glass.

Available for sale here.

Looking at the Shadows from the Afternoon Sun

Every afternoon at about 4:30 -- the afternoon sun shines brightly through the patio doors into my studio.

The glass simply comes alive when exposed to sunlight.

If you look very closely at the paper and glass laying on the studio table, the shadows caused by the lazy afternoon sun makes everything appear alive.

The lavender-colored paper is simply kraft paper used to wrap glass in so it doesn't get broken during shipment.

The clear-colored glass has the shape of a medallion stamped into the reverse side but the sunlight shows off the curves and floral patterns. It almost has the appearance of being a silver-colored glass.

And, last but not least, the lime-green colored wavy glass lights up like a neon light with the ripples and shadows forming perfect lines.

So take a look at the afternoon sun and see how it plays with ordinary things.

Another Studio Shot

I realize that I've posted photos of my studio but I couldn't resist taking a photo today. The sun is shining brightly today and all of the glass is lit up.

You'll notice all the little birds in the far left corner of the photo. Most of these little birdies are going to a small boutique in downtown Phoenix.

Otherwise birds are available for sale here.

Phoenix Bird - Rises from the Ashes

April EGA Monthly Challenge Complete!

The monthly challenge for the month of April 2008 is rebirth.

I took this opportunity to create a Phoenix Bird using various shades of flame-colored glass combined with ashen-colored glass for the bird itself.

Many other EGA artists have their glass pieces posted on flickr. Take a peek:

http://flickr.com/photos/organize/

Rebirth - Rising from the Ashes

The mythological Phoenix Bird re-creating itself and rising from the ashes.

This piece will be my entry into the Etsy Glass Artists (EGA) monthly challenge for April. Re-birth is the theme for this month.

Although not quite complete -- I had to post a photograph of the Phoenix because the colors are coming together so nicely.

When finished this panel will measure nearly 10 by 14 inches.

Panel Three - In A Series

Continuing the three lines and a circle series -- this is the third panel in a series of ten.

This panel was made using aquamarine blue, emerald green, frosted clear, sapphire blue and antique clear glass.

Finished with a dark finish for that antique or vintage look.

Available for sale here.

Three Lines and a Circle Panel Two

To continue the three lines and a circle series -- I've posted the second panel in a series of ten pieces.

Using similar glass but different lines - this pieces captures the texture, design and colors of architectural glass.

Some of the glass appears to have rain drops falling through the glass while other textures looks like medallions have been stamped into warm glass.

Available for sale here.

Three Lines and a Circle

I am currently working on a series of stained glass panels using only three lines and a circle as inspiration.

The piece pictured above is the first in the series which has three lines overlapping to create pockets of yellow color tucked between the orange and whispy white glass.

The second photo is the reflection of the glass as the warm Arizona sun shines through the colors.

Look to the days and weeks ahead for additional colors, textures and designs of stained glass panels using only three lines and a circle.

Fused Glass Plate

This little glass plate was interesting to create.

I was looking for complimentary colors which could come together in the kiln to form a pretty glass plate.

The glass was chosen, cut into shape then fused together in the kiln.

Upon cooling I took the flat plate and placed it over two clear glass rods in the kiln.

The glass was then heated to a tack fuse range and allowed to cool down again overnight.

The result is a pretty glass plate which has gentle curves on the side to hold a necklace, hair ties, clips or anything else you can imagine.

Amber Heart

Although this piece looks like an amber heart surrounded by pretty red glass -- it is more than that.

I was looking for the horizontal and vertical lines to be symmetrical throughout the piece while allowing the curves of the heart to detract from the rigidness of the lines.

The red glass was placed so the natural waves are running horizontal which match the lines of the solder.

Then I laid the amber glass so the natural lines in the glass were running vertical which also are parallel with the lines in the solder.

Although hearts are usually red in color -- I chose to surround the heart-shaped glass in red to offer a bit more contrast against the surrounding pieces.

And -- I absolutely love the reflections of the deep colored glass as the sun shines through it.