FLOWERS FOR LEA

Good evening friends!

Here is the most recent mosaic glass applique' commission that I've completed for Lea. The piece was also done on an antique' window from Galena Territory in Northern Illinois. It was such a happy piece to work on and Lea was just a joy to collaborate with! I love working with fellow artisans.

Her Esty shop is Ohana By Lea http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=101124

I do have some sad news to report....after shipping 58 pieces of stained glass, this was the first report of damage I've had. My heart just sunk. It is so hard to work on a piece for weeks and then have something like this happen. From Illinois to Arizona was quite a distance but I've shipped pieces further. Maybe a bumpy trip??

I did insure the piece through UPS for the purchase value along with the shipping cost.

On the bright side the mosaic itself is fine but the glass on the window had cracks in several places on the back. I do believe that with some Weldbond, it will seal the cracks well enough to display the window as she planned, and Weldbond does dry clear...it just saddened me.

However, 58 perfect shipments isn't a bad record. Of course...THIS is why I insure every piece I ship. You just never know.

Lea has been so incredibly kind about the whole matter. She thanked me for my careful packing and complimented my work. Bless her heart! Above is the link to her store and I'd love for you to hop over there, mark her as a favorite and wish her well! She's been so great to work with. I am hoping she will send me a picture once the window is installed. She said it will be beautiful with the light coming through her room. Oh how I wish I could wrap my pieces in humongous bubbles.....(sigh)

With gratitude, Laurie B.

MY MIND IS IN A TRANSOM STAGE 6

Hi friends! Sorry about the lag time with this post! I've had quite a bit on my plate the past few days. Before I launch into my little ditty about where I'm at with this project, I wanted to mention that tomorrow I will be Guest Author for The Design Guide Blog. Please stop by there and comment on my post. It will feature some wonderful artists.

So, where were we? Here are photos of the soldering process. As you can see the copper foil that lines each piece of glass acts as the contact point which the solder then binds to. You have to FLUX the foil to prep it in order for the solder bead to bind. I have a few pics here to give you an idea but I couldn't hold the camera AND the solder AND the soldering iron all at the same time so you'll have to envision the hot soldering iron tip touching the solder as it is applied (in a bead) to the foil edges. Then I have a couple of pictures of the piece after the soldering is complete. At this stage I have to choose a patina (or just a bright finish) and then frame it. Voila! The finished product will be able to be seen at my store on Etsy! I hope you enjoyed this little stroll though the life of a stained glass artist. It is by no means a detailed directional guide but it does give you a glimpse into what steps go into creating stained glass using the copper foil method.

Next week I'll be sharing several of the mosaic pieces I've created. I've only ever listed one,(The Glass Aplique Antique Window), but I have several tables around the house that were so fun to create! With gratitude, Laurie B.

NEWEST ADDITION TO I CAN SEE CLEARLY

This panel is my newest installment in my I Can See Clearly section. It is made with antique, recycled, textured clear glass as the background with touches of lavender,and green in the leaves and acorn pattern. It is an extremely elegant piece with a simple design that will lend itself well to any sunny window. This glass was from a church in Apple River, IL and I am proud to be using it in my recycled line of glass art. Purchase this beauty now, before April 26th, or its going to the big Recycling Event at our district Arboretum! Going, going, gone in a flash! The panel measures 10 x 17 inches, is finished in zinc channel and comes with a chain for instant hanging! Don't let this beauty pass you by!

DO YOU HAVE A WEDDING GIFT TO BUY??

With spring and summer upon us there are wedding bells in the air! If you have a wedding gift to buy please consider a piece of custom stained glass I can create for you! It makes a one-of-a-kind keepsake that will be passed down in the family for years to come. Here is an example of a piece I did for a dear friend's daughter...it's one of my favorite patterns!

I hear wedding bells! Do you?

DIAMONDS AND DAISIES!

IT'S ETSY BLOGGERS CARNIVAL TIME!

THE THEME FOR APRIL 7th ON ETSY BLOGGERS IS "DIAMONDS AND DAISIES"- the birthstone and flower of April! April is a special month for me because my little sister's birthday is in April! It's also an important month for me because it "usually" means that winter is over and planting my gardens will commence! In honor and submission to the Etsy Blogger Carnival I am posting my Daisy Angel and my "diamond" suncatcher. The suncatcher is made with antique, recycled glass!! If you're interested in purchasing either item please visit my Etsy shop! If you're an Etsian, please join us on Esty bloggers! This group is a hardworking bunch! With Gratitude, Laurie