Holidays, blog & daily life

I took a long break from my last post on this blog.  I had to think, regroup and re-prioritize what's important in my life.

I finished my fall semester with two classes left to graduate with an AA. The final two classes that I need to graduate are never available around my work schedule. (I want/need my job more than the AA degree).
So, I figured out that I will bypass the AA and just go for the bachelors..... eventually :) So, in the meantime I decided to take a couple classes this spring at the new glass studio Roadhouse Arts, to get my glass groove back on and learn something new!

Aaaahh, as far as my little rental spot at Homestead Handcrafts, where I thought I could sell my fused glass plates and pendants, I couldn't even come close to breaking even with the rent. I decided to go garage sale hunting and re-sell those items.  The garage sale items were a a hit ,but it wasn't the type of thing I wanted to do week after week, so I gave my notice and released myself from that little space. I'll re-group and figure out how and where I want to sell my glass pieces.  Right now I am little bored making the same old stuff so I'm looking forward to the classes I'm going to take.

Last but not least, instead of after Christmas sale shopping, I took all of my Christmas money and spent it on my pets, yes my pets! It made me happy and I believe it made them happy as well! Today I spent my day bathing my cats, my dogs and grooming them all! The cats slept all day and my dogs did a happy dance!

 

it's gone to the chickens!

October is behind us, and as November starts rolling in, there is always room for change.

Over the last five months only a few pieces of my pendants, stepping stones and other glass items that I've created have sold in the space I rent at Homestead Handcrafts. (No where near coming close to covering the rent) So instead of keep paying rent for my glass to collect dust I've decided  to sell my finds!

I have always loved hunting for rustic/unique items on my weekends so I decided to go on a hunt, and what I found where chickens! lots and lots of chickens! Pictures, metal, ceramic and wooden chickens galore! I moved out Halloween items and moved in the chickens! I haven't removed all of my fused glass plates and pendants, but I have a feeling the chickens will move much faster. I hope they do so I can continue my hunts and supply my space with unique items. I think I might like this adventure!!!!!

                                Chickens and roosters painted on waved metal and framed in wood
                                                                      28"x 12.5"
                                                                      $10.00
I actually forgot to put this one in the shop, so if your interested let me know, otherwise it ill be in my space next week.

Better late than never!

I'm so glad that I was off of work today, it's the middle of October and I just finished the Halloween pendants this morning and put them up for sale at Homestead Handcrafts.  I am about two weeks behind getting my holiday items together, so the price for each pendant with a cute bat or pumpkin charm on the back are only $5 each!  I think they turned out cute!     Now all I need to do is create some things for Christmas!!!!! (easier said than done!) :)  By the way, if you go out shopping at Homestead Handcrafts at the Thousand Oaks location, and you want to see what I have up for sale, my vendor Number is 1769!

Fall is for craft fairs

Fall is the time for craft fairs!

I have specific craft fairs that I look forward to every and this year was no different for me.  I knew the first weekend of October, the church by my house would have my FAVORITE fair of the year.  I had two special vendors that I would visit every year to buy some of their crafts.  My favorite was an older couple, he would build bird houses and create wind jigs out of soda cans, His wife would delicately paint the bird houses with bluebonnets and create miniature paintings. Every year their booth was located in the same spot outside and I could see the wind jigs spinning as I would pull into the parking lot.   This year their spot was empty. I was so disappointed.  I asked the people who ran the fair and they didn't know why they weren't there.
So I moved on looking for my other favorite vendor, a doll creator. I had bought several dolls from her over the years and even had a custom mermaid doll created for my best friend a few years back. The doll maker was nowhere to be found either......

As disappointed as I was, I went on the hunt to find some other unique artists, which I did.  I found a great artist that paints on gourds. This was the first time I ever saw her work and it was beautiful.  I came home with a bird house gourd. (I guess there is something about me and bird houses:)

Things never stay the same, I will miss my favorite vendors and hope they return next year.

For now I have four bird houses  in my tree and put my two wind jigs out that I bought last year.

Maybe next year I will start to participate in the craft fairs instead of just shopping at them.


  

is it summer?

This morning I woke up to a refreshing breeze.... it actually feels like the first day of summer to me! I turned off the air conditioner, opened the windows and let some fresh air come in house and the studio. Why can't Texas be like this June  through August????  Summer months here are oppressive as hell. I miss New York summers :(

Anyway, enough of my rant.  I was actually productive today and worked on some fun stuff for Halloween. I'll be getting my space at Homestead Handcrafts ready for the fall season this weekend. It seems I'm a month behind from the rest of the vendors, but I don't like when stores (or vendors) put seasonal items out too early, it takes away from the excitement of the holiday.  Really, who wants Halloween in August??? or Christmas in September??? I don't.

Since my kiln is already on, and I didn't take pic of what I'm cookin', I'll just post a picture of how the weather feels like to me today! Pure stick my toes in the sand summer!!!! no humidity and it's not 100! along with a refreshing breeze! :)

"Do-Over"

As an artist, sometimes I create things and I rush myself to complete the project at hand. Not because I just want it done, but because I'm excited to be creating it, and can't wait to get it the person who requested it.
Well, when I do that, things don't always turn out the way they are suppose to.

The contemporary leaded glass was one of those projects. The measurements were slightly off and I felt my craftsmanship wasn't 100%, but I was excited to be "finished" and handed it over(with a slight pit in my stomach) to my friend that commission it from me .  Her husband was suppose to create a frame and they decided not too, so she asked me if I could put "hooks" on it. Of course I agreed, because I really wanted it back so I can make it right!.  As soon as I got it back, I sent her an apology, returned her check, and told her that I would be re-doing the window and to give me until Christmas. I think she was a little disappointed because she was happy with the piece, but she agreed (what could she do since the window was now back in my possession).

I tore it apart, with a loss of  just a few pieces of glass. I decided that I would use the Tiffany technique of copper foil instead of lead. I took my time, I measured, measured again, and kept measuring until I completed it!

I brought it to her on Monday with perfect measurements and NOTHING was off! Merry early Christmas! I was happy, she was happy, and it now hangs in a space where everyone can see it that goes into her home. It was a REQUIRED do-over for me. I feel much better as a person, and as an artist.

Lessons learned:
1. Slow down
2. If I don't feel good about it, do it over before I hand it over!

Fall is in the air

With August flying by, and start of school  around the corner, I couldn't help to think about the Fall season.

Halloween is the first holiday that in my mind represents Fall. So what better way to prepare?
Paint some fun Halloween art!  I did have fun creating these little pieces. I have them up in my space at Homestead Handcrafts.

                                              4- 8" x 10" acrylic paintings

This weekend I finished a couple of projects.

This morning I opened my kiln to a few White Tail  Deer pendants for a friend who commissioned these.  I was pretty happy with the way they turned out and hope she will be too!

The stained glass window I have been working on for the last several weekends is finally finished! A friend of mine has commissioned it for a space in her home.

Overall I think the piece looks nice, however my measurement was a little off once everything was put together.  I have faith my friends husband will be able to create the wooden frame to accommodate my mistake, if not, its back to the drawing board!

  

Contemporary glass art

These past few weeks I've been busy creating small glass items for the space I rent at Homestead Handcrafts, but what I also have been working on is a commission piece for a friends home.  We decided that I could design a contemporary leaded stained glass piece, using water glass that measures 10" x 27".

I designed the piece and cut the glass over a few weekends. The water glass has a very nice texture to it, which obviously can't be seen by the picture.

This weekend I went out and bought the rest of the supplies I needed to finish it..... It's been 10 years since I did a leaded glass piece and I didn't remember it being that difficult or time consuming :). I thought I could whip it together and be done this afternoon.  Not so,  I am almost half way piecing this puzzle together. I can't wait till I finish it so I can look at it with the sun shining through it!!!

Something new added

This weekend my daughter and I finally finished decorating the little space at Homestead Handcrafts.  Not only did I add a few little fused glass birds, but I strayed from glass and added some up-cycled "comfort pillows".  We had fun making them this weekend and I think there a cute addition to my items up for sale.

  

Little birds

I decided to make some fun little fused glass birds. These little guys are from my first test batch, and they will be keeping me company in my studio. I'll be tweaking a few things for the next batch of birds, and  those will be up for sale at my art space.  Happy Wednesday everyone!

My art space

I wish I took a picture of it today!

My daughter and I went to Homestead Handcrafts today, where I rent a small space to sell my art. We decorated the walls, added some more glass art, and moved things around. The space is looking very cute!  

If your in the San Antonio area, I hope you stop by and visit my little space,  I'm vendor 1769 and I'm at the Thousand Oaks location.  There are many arts, crafts, vintage and antique vendors in the store that there is something new everyday.  Is a great place to buy gifts for yourself or someone else!

 Theme of wall paper in my space:

Last week I needed some solitude, to my let mind free from anything around me, so I finished my painting.  It's a representation of a photograph taken by a very talented photographer, Michael Schor. I am blessed that when I asked to paint one of his photos, he allowed me too.  Michael lives in Rockaway Beach, a place  where I spent my childhood summers, eventually living there year around as a young adult.

The ocean is a spiritual place for me that brings me serenity.  Living in San Antonio for the past 20 years, and being far from the coast, I find that peaceful feeling by painting the ocean.

       
                                          40"x30" acrylic

Inspired

I have been looking forward to this weekend after a long, busy week at my 8-5.  It was nice just to wake up and not have anything particular to do, just a list of "want to do".

I started out my morning by working on some glass art that's firing in the kiln right now. Also did some things off of my "want to do" list, and as I was on Facebook looking at friends posts, I was inspired by a photo of little girls practicing ballet with colorful tutus on, so I decided to paint an abstract for my studio. It's nice to do something  just because you want to, for no particular reason except enjoyment.

I also finally got around to taking a picture of the kite mural my daughter painted for me in the studio.  I love kites, and she did a beautiful job creating exactly what I wanted! (next, some glass kites to hang  from the ceiling!)

Open for business!

I set up my little area in Homestead Handcrafts today!

I was so excited this morning when my daughter and I set everything up!  I'll be adding more art every week and decorating the area a little more.

I absolutely love the fact that they are open 7 days a week and I can go by anytime to add more items!

If your in the San Antonio area, and are looking for a unique gift for yourself or someone else come on by!
 Remember, I create everything that I sell!  My vendor number is 1769

Homestead Handcrafts 
4536 Thousand Oaks
San Antonio, TX 78233

Mon-Sat 10-6
Sun 12-5

so what's the plan?

So the studio was finished and my head started to spin.... now what? what do I do? what's the plan?

Well, since art and craft fairs are seasonal and cost money just for a day or two I decided to look for some space where I can pay rent, leave my items, decorate it the way I want to, and restock when necessary for a monthly rent rate of an average craft show.  I'm not sure how it will go for me but I am excited.  I'll be stocking the space with stained glass garden stones, fused glass art and of course pendants.

I put the finishing touches on the new pendants and on the dichro starfish & seahorses.

It's time to get to work!

I started working with glass in the spring of 2001 and over the years I've worked in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, dining room, and in the corner of the garage.  I've had the same dream and desire year after year...my own works space, just for me and my glass, and now I finally got it. 

Today was the first day I was able to go into my studio and create some art. I spent the afternoon listening to music and cutting glass.  I really love all kinds of glass art and decided to make something that I haven't made in over a decade, garden stepping stones. I forgot how much fun they were to create!  I also put something in the kiln too:)     I feel like I'm in my own world when I'm in the studio and time just flies by.  I have a few things that still need to be arranged and rearranged as I settle in, but now I can take my time....

 

Foot Stool

I've been wanting to make a foot stool to go with my new chair for a while now.

When I went treasure hunting a few weeks ago I came upon some really nice upholstery material that I bought for a great deal. So, today my husband and I went out and bought some plywood, 9" wooden legs, wood stain and a foam cushion. I stained the legs while he cut the plywood down to a 14"x14", which is the size of the cushion and by the end of the day we finished the footstool with enough material left over for a couple of pillows!

                                                          I think Tiger likes it!

Continuation of the mid-west.... on to the Gyro Palace!

The trip was filled with places to go and people to see. We weren't on a schedule, our days were just filled with family, friends and food.  Did  mention food?  Lots of food!

Our visit to the Gyro Palace in Glendale, WI was a treat! We didn't order anything specific off the menu directly, our friend who is the Mom of the owner of the restaurant just called out to the cooks to provide a medley of foods!  SO Good! Chicken and beef Souvlaki, calamari, salad, spinach pie , pita bread & yummy ztaztiki!(yogurt, garlic and cucumber sauce)

There were only 3 of us at this feast and there was a lot left over!

I had so much fun with our friend!

I'm back from the Midwest!

Midwest: cold and rainy with some overnight snow. ( I got to make a snowball =) )

I got off the plane in Chicago and took a DEEP breath! The air was crisp and refreshing and the rain didn't bother me. I didn't sneeze or blow my nose the entire time I was there.

I spent the last few days going to places I haven't been to in 30+ years and visited with my childhood best  friend! what a treat!

My journey starts out visiting the Milwaukee Art Museum, and as luck had it, the Art in bloom exhibit was going on! I enjoyed it immensely!

My adventure continued that day with a meal at the Harbor House. Since it was mid afternoon, we ordered from the bar menu, and had a spectacular view of Lake Michigan! The food was so good and I ate so much that I wasn't hungry until the next day at dinner time! If your ever in Milwaukee and love seafood this place is a must!    

I couldn't even finish the best lobster bisque I've ever had!

View of the Museum from Harbor House

I'll continue with with my adventure later, one day at a time.

Found treasures!

I love spring in Texas, it actually feels like summers days I've experienced  in other places that I've lived!

Every spring I go on a hunt for treasures.  Treasures that other people are tired of, or just have no use or room for anymore.  On my journey I also made a new friend. Lu was walking her neighborhood and purchased items she couldn't carry so we got in my car and took the journey together!  What a great way to make a new friend!

I usually look for art in different forms and this year it just so happened to come in the form of plates. It seemed that every house I went to had commemorative art plates.

It was amazing that they came from all different parts of the world, California, Peru, France Italy and . + the mold from England.

 California

Peru

 Set of six from France

 Italy








My all time favorite! Copper chocolate lion mold from England

I really enjoyed the treasure hunt this year!!!

Let there be sunlight!

My hubby and brother have been hard at work today!  My studio has some natural light now!  They not only  got my windows in, they even replaced my old cracked bathroom window.  They finished up for the night exhausted but happy with their accomplishments! I'm pretty happy myself right now!

                                             Great Job Guys!!!!

Meanwhile, I have also been working with some french vanilla glass along with clear dichro.  There are two pieces cooling in the kiln and are blank slates right now.  Hopefully I will have them turned into something beautiful soon.

Say Si

What a wonderful evening at Say Si! Beautiful art, food, live music, a great group of Artists and Patrons for a great youth art program in San Antonio!

The artwork was spectacular and the overall event was great!  Over 200 artists participated and donated their work to be put up for auction. I bid on a piece but I was quickly out bid. To make sure I left with a piece of art tonight I went into the Middle school/High school Gallery and bought a beautiful  piece of art  right off the wall!  When I showed my  youngest son the art, he really liked it so I gave it to him!
I left before the auction closed, but I did notice that my piece had a couple of bids.  I hope who ever wins the glass art I created really enjoys it!  I had fun participating with Say Si this year!

This is the piece of art I purchased tonight created by a high school student.

Just beautiful work!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

A little bird singing outside my window woke me up this morning. What pleasant way to wake up on my 44th birthday!

Yesterday I drove my daughter back to UT Austin after spending spring break week at home. I always enjoy spending time with her and I think she just needed to relax and catch up on her sleep. We had a great week together!

Since I was going to Austin, I decided to check out Helios Glass.   They had open studio yesterday from 4pm-9pm and I thought it would be nice to hang around some creative minds. I've have got to say the owners are the friendliest people!!! They taught me a few simple things that will make my life much easier working my glass, and I thank them very much!  The other artists attending the open studio had BEAUTIFUL glass work that they were working on. I myself, bought a few pieces of glass and spent a couple of hours playing!  I had a fun evening there and look forward to going back! If your ever in Austin, I highly recommend a visit there!

Wishing everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

   

Studio in the works

             I thought by now I would have a fully functioning studio. Well, it's going to take a while since I don't want to work in a box. I need natural light, which in turn means, I need windows to be created and installed. In addition to the "natural light" expense, I still need to get the electrician to wire the studio, so I can use my tools.  I have waited more than a decade to get my own space to work in and it seems that it requires some extra time and whole lot more money than I originally thought.  I hope this "project" can be completed by summer so I can can start working.

             On another note, I found out yesterday that after this semester I will need four more classes to graduate with an associates degree in fine arts with a concentration of drawing and painting.  The funny thing is, they won't let me continue with drawing and painting classes, my requirement is design, go figure. Maybe I'll be able to apply the design classes to my glass work. I know that I really don't need a degree to be an artist, but the accomplishment of completing a degree will  bring me satisfaction.  Hopefully, in the future, I'll be able to take this piece of paper and continue on to something bigger and better.

These are the colors that I have chosen to go on the walls (pale yellow) and ceiling (pale blue). I have also picked a pale green to go in the trimming and some of the work tables.  I want to feel as if I'm outside.

  

Success..... finally!

This week I finally and successfully completed a 10" plate with Blue Himalayan Poppies, that I feel is worthy to donate for auction at Say Si!

If your in the San Antonio area, please check out the Say Si auction "Small Scale Work for a Larger Cause"  for details on dates and ticket prices!  Hope to see you there!

                                         Glass fused 10" plate with Blue Himalayan Poppies.