gRain Ponchos (TM) stained glass feeder covers

Good Afternoon Readers! I'm trying out some different names for my bird feeder covers. I thought gRain Ponchos (TM) is a hoot! What do you think vs. Made In The Shade? Today I'm sharing photos of the beginning stages of the stained glass process as I create a medium size shade. I was contacted by a buyer recently and thought this would be a good example of a custom order request. I thought some of you may enjoy the educational process and/or be a bit curious as to just "how" these babies are made. The photos here include the pattern (which is duplicated six times for this particular cover), the glass that was chosen and the pattern pieces adhered to the glass . Then shown are the beginning stages of cutting each piece to size. From here, each individual piece will be cut to the exact size and then grinding the edges ensues. (NOT my favorite part of the creative process) I'll send updated pictures of that also but for now PLEASE send me a comment about my name idea. I think gRain Ponchos (TM) is such a fun play on words but would really love my readers input! With gratitude, Laurie B.

Made In The Shade (TM) size S

Good morning readers! We had tornados yesterday and today I am outside taking pictures of a bird feeder cover in 20 degree weather and high winds, UGH I can't keep up! At any rate, here is an example of the smallest Made In The Shade (TM) cover that I will be creating. I have over 20 designs and counting and plan to show the different patterns in my next post. I am also waiting for photos of the shades that have already found their new homes (feeders) and am hoping they and birds are as happy as mine! Sometimes people purchase these and just insist on using them as lampshades, which is cool and all, so we shall see if I get photos from some of my buyers. Enjoy and stay warm! With gratitude, Laurie B.

Made In The Shade (TM) stained glass birdfeeder covers

Good morning readers! I am very excited to be working on my newest project, Made In The Shade (TM) bird feeder covers. The photo above shows a lampshade that I had in my garage and through pure necessity put it on my feeder and voila, the idea was born! It sure looks better than the green/black plastic protectors and my birdseed is nice and dry!
I have since created custom ordered lampshades for clients in a smaller size. I have trademarked my concept and am now working on creating several different sizes and designs to add to my inventory on Etsy. As always, I welcome custom requests. I love working one-on-one with people from all around the United States and am very excited about this concept! Pam Hawk from Pass It On Plates and Plate It Forward http://passitonplatesblog.blogspot.com/  has, once again, fueled my imagination and given me incredible support. She pointed out that this will have great potential for the western states (she lives in Oregon) since they have lovely mild winters. These do seem to be very hardy to the winter we've had here in the Midwest thus far but I do think, with her help, people out west will really enjoy these. Sending you warm wishes on this stormy weekend here in the Midwest, with gratitude, Laurie B.
If you have already purchased one of my covers I would be thrilled to have a picture of it attached to your feeder to share here on my blog! Please submit photos to begginfarmhouse@yahoo.com

Is that a lamp hanging in your tree?

How cool is this idea??? We lived in a huge four square Sears home for several years and when we moved to The Olde Farmhouse I had no place for this beautiful stained glass lampshade. It has been sitting around collecting dust and driving me batty! I just couldn't find a place for it and couldn't part with it either. I pride myself in re-use of all things if possible but this just takes the cake! I had this bird feeder which gets wet when it rains and the critters can gain access to it so I strung a wire up through the shade and voila! A critter proof birdfeeder that is beautiful too! I think it's very lovely. I plan to make some stained glass lampshades only a bit smaller and sell them as toppers for feeders such as this. If you would like to custom order one, just say the word! I think this idea rocks! With gratitude, Laurie B.