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.