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!