Quotentials

Shedding Light on Our Progress

2009-08-13T09:03:00.004-05:00

Busy, busy, busy around here. We should be in the house very soon. they are laying floors today, and we will be heading down there with our butcher block countertops this afternoon.

I finally got the first of my 4 kitchen light fixtures to come out just like I wanted. This one goes over the sink. The other 3 will go over the island and are ready to have the hole drilled for the electrical works. That's the scary part! Here is the first completely completed shade!

Waterfall Wire Wrapped Pendant

2009-07-02T17:08:00.005-05:00

I just listed this wire-wrapped pendant in my Etsy shop, Quotentials fused glass jewelry and accessories. I love the way the wire swirls complete the feeling that the swirls of green and yellow glass make in the transparent blue.

Sanding and Priming and Painting...Oh, My!

2009-06-27T07:36:00.010-05:00

Things are getting pretty busy around here! Yesterday was spent putting varnish on the tub and painting 2 wicker and one wooden chest of drawers, and a small night stand. I sanded and primed, and my wonderful husband spent most of the day outside spraying. At over 100°, that's saying a lot about his devotion to me and this beach house project! He is at least as excited as I am to get back into our own house in Crystal Beach. And so many choices to make! Now that we are getting to the interior, it is time to make all of those little flooring, cabinet, paint, faucet, etc. decisions. (Check back often...I may need help in making some of those decisions! ;-) )

Our wonderful friends have given us an open invitation to spend as much time at their house down there as we can stand while the rebuilding progresses. (Let's not even THINK about how much THEY may be able to stand!) Their house sustained quite a bit of damage, but has remained livable, and we love going down there to help them with their numerous repairs and projects. In fact, we look forward to going again this afternoon to spend time with the Village and to check on their bathroom renovation.

Since the outside of the house is close to being completed, we don't expect to see much change when we go back to the peninsula today...just the new concrete slab underneath. But, even that will be exciting! Here is what we left last week.

Big Ike...or...Pass the Bubbles!

2009-06-25T11:31:00.005-05:00

He's just about completed! The cast iron claw foot tub I rescued after Hurricane Ike has been professionally refinished on the inside, and I have completed the decorative painting on the outside. Now, all he needs is a good coat or 2 of polyacrylic varnish. Mmmm....As quickly as our builders are completing the house, Big Ike will be calling my name soon...

Doesn't it look inviting? Now imagine it full of bubble bath...decadent!

Gorgeous Beachy Colors

2009-06-19T17:25:00.006-05:00

My Beach Blanket pendant is featured in a treasury on Etsy along with several other talented Etsy artisans from the Houston area:

Beach Blanket Bingo...Houston

Check it out!

Tub Rescue

2009-06-11T13:15:00.007-05:00

After the hurricane, I discovered an abandoned clawfoot tub among all of the debris.

It was in pretty sad shape, but definitely salvageable.

One we get it in the master bathroom with the pedestal sink, and crisp white beadboard, it is going to be (nearly) the best seat in the new beach house!

Progress!

2009-06-08T12:18:00.007-05:00

We just got back from the beach...What progress those guys are making on the house! We lucked out with the crew we got. They are like whirling dervishes. We could stand on our friend's deck and watch them build. In the few days since they began, they've managed to set pilings, lay stringers (I'm learning a whole new lingo!), frame outside AND inside walls, and deck the roof! The only thing missing so far is the stairs. We had to climb a 15 foot ladder to get in it each evening to explore it. That's a scary thing to do, but they
made it look so natural.

It's going to be a great place, and so far, the view is amazing.........

Kiln-zilla is Here!

2009-06-02T13:28:00.005-05:00

And I am cooking again! I just put my first full fuse piece into the kiln. It will cook all night. Tomorrow morning will be like Christmas again...finally! This sucker is HUGE! I admit I am not very spatially aware. When I read 35" square, it didn't sound so big to me. And, to think, I had wanted a bigger one! My husband spent the better part of the last 2 days setting it up and assembling a pulley system so I can open it. He is the best! This kiln will surely suit my needs for years to come. I can't wait to see what comes out tomorrow morning...

Following the Trends

2009-06-01T11:06:00.005-05:00

I'm not always one to follow the trends...at least until the trend I choose to follow is on its last legs! But, I am detecting a trend at our building site. The last hurrah of our old beach house:

The welcoming woo-hoo of the new one:

See the similarities?????

Seeing Red

2009-05-31T18:38:00.004-05:00

Finally! Now that our house is underway, I can begin to paint and refinish off of the furniture I have bought the past 8 months. My good friend, Jane, and I painted these dining room chairs last week. They are now waiting for their cushions to be reupholstered. Aren't they bright and cheery?! Just like my attitude towards rebuilding. :-)

Life is Good!

2009-05-25T19:14:00.007-05:00

We are finally on our way to rebuilding our beach house. It has been quite a journey since last September when Hurricane Ike saw fit to wash our cottage away. At the time, it seemed impossible that another house could ever replace it. So many fond memories were made in Crystal Beach...family get-togethers, 13th birthdays, slumber parties, fishing with friends... Even though the photos of those special times were washed into the bay or buried under several inches of sand and debris, I still remember them as if I had just thumbed through the picture album. There was the picture of Mommy Dot helping Jason blow out his birthday candles, Jay and Jon stretching out under the tacky fishnet on the wall of our first cabin, Dad leaning back for a nap on the futon, David and Jason finishing the room downstairs, David covered in white paint when we bought the new house...I hope I never forget those and many others that crop up from time to time. But, now it is time to move forward and build new memories.

We started doing just that this weekend. The fishing was only so-so, and some of the lots in our subdivision still look like a war zone, but our little plot is coming along finally. And, it's going to be a TALL sucker! Look at David, who is at least 6 feet tall, leaning against one of the pilings!

Mom has already questioned whether there will be a landing halfway up the steps for her take a rest. And, I can't imagine how her 40 pound dachshund, Nick, will ever make it. He may get up there once, and never go down again. ;-) It won't matter...We'll soon be spending relaxing evenings on the beach with friends and family.

In fact, we've already started. How comfortable do Cheri and David look watching Bill play in the surf with the dogs????

Welcome to 1000 Markets

2009-04-14T12:10:00.010-05:00

I just received notification that my new shop has been approved!

Quotentials at 1000 Markets

1000 Markets has set high standards for their shops and it has the potential to become a thriving marketplace for artists and artisans. Here is what they say about themselves:

"We are a community of marketplaces, large and small, connecting artisan merchants with the people who love their products.

Our merchants are more than just collections of products; they are full of people and stories. They have voices and personalities.

Our merchants are small, independent, artisan businesses built by people who love their craft. They make and sell unique products, based on their own vision, personality, and story. Working together, these artisans create marketplace communities--gathering places where merchants can exchange ideas, and customers can browse and talk.

Our markets are large and small, broad and narrow. Some have themes, like food, crafts, or art. Others cultivate a sense of place around a region. An some exist simply because the people in them share a friendship or common values. Each market fosters its own one-of-a-kind community, always unique and interesting.

Here is one of my first items listed there:

Rite of Spring

I will continue to list items in my Etsy store (Quotentials at Etsy), but it is exciting to be in on the ground floor of a brand new online shopping network. You just never know where opportunity will knock! So, come over and take a look around. I'm sure you'll find something interesting.

Guilty or Not Guilty?

2009-04-07T16:41:00.006-05:00

Well, actually, that isn't the question! I was just invited to participate in a juried art show in the fall, without having to go through the jury process. The letter stated that since the promoter had seen my work, it was not necessary for me to jump through their hoops. In fact, she bought one of my Cookies for Santa platters last year after seeing my photos, even though the scheduling was such that I could not participate in her show.

I've never sent any of my pieces to be juried, but I live in fear of the rejection, so this is great! Not only was my work deemed acceptable to the jury, maybe it means I won't be set up next to an importer who sells Made in China quality glass or other trinkets. I appreciate a show promoter who understand the importance of producing a quality show. So, since I was automatically accepted, is that guilty or not guilty?

Amber in the Coral Sea

2009-04-06T17:52:00.002-05:00

I finished another of my coral bowls. This one positively glows! I wish there was a way to ship these. I'm sure I would have many customers wanting one.

Hi-Ho!

2009-04-05T08:37:00.007-05:00

I took the Which Muppet Are You Quiz online. I guess I have too much time on my hands? Or, maybe it's that I don't want to do the things that need to be done around here, like take pictures?! Whatever...I took it! And, I'm not too disappointed with the results:

You Are Kermit

Lovable and friendly, you get along well with everyone you know. You're a big thinker...and sometimes you overthink life's problems. Don't worry--Everyone knows it's not easy being green. Just remember, time's fun when you're having flies!

So, which Muppet Are You? If you've got too much time on your hands, or just want to avoid work like me, you can take the quiz at: Blogspot

How Sweet It Is!

2009-03-22T11:12:00.011-05:00

The Imperial Sugar Company Charhouse in Sugar Land, Texas
(Note the tiny red square within the sign at the top.)

As a child growing up in Sugar Land, returning home from an out of town trip was not complete without a commonly played game. The object of the game was to scan the landscape, searching for the big red "PURE CANE" sign at the top of the Imperial Sugar Company's red brick building, the closest thing we ever had to a skyscraper. The first person in the car to exclaim, "I see Sugar Land!" was the winner. Over the years, I came to know exactly where on highway 90A, Hwy6, or FM 1960 (the common routes back into town) the tiny red square within the blue Imperial Sugar lettering could be seen. All of the kids in town knew the game and loved to claim the bragging rights of being the first to spot the landmark. Most of my friends had a real race on their hands, since they had siblings who were every bit as eager to win as they were. As an only child, I had it pretty easy. (There's not a lot of competition when you are racing a dad who would do whatever it took to make sure his only daughter won, but the victory is sweet all the same!)

Thanks to some very good friends, Bruce and Jane, who are quite active in the city of Sugar Land, I recently was given a rare and exciting opportunity. My husband, David, and I were allowed to accompany them to the top of the Imperial Sugar Company charhouse to take up-to-date photographs of the surrounding area. Bruce has collected hundreds of historical photographs of Sugar Land from longtime residents of the city. Our job was to frame the new photographs to match the ones from the early to mid 20th century. (Actually it was my husband's job...My job was to carry the notebook. And I did it quite well, I might add!)

Seeing the little red square has meant a lot to me over the years, reminding me of a wonderful childhood spent with loving parents in a caring community . Atop that historic building, for the first time I actually could see Sugar Land. And, oh my, how it has changed over the years, but it is still the place I love to call my hometown.

On the roof with the back of that "tiny" Pure Cane sign behind me.
Isn't it amazing how big things really are when you are up close and personal???

Surprise! Surprise! Glass WILL Break!

2009-03-10T14:54:00.005-05:00

I can't tell you how many times I have dropped some of my jewelry pieces on the cement floor of the garage. My heart always stops as I hear it bounce across the hard surface. Then I am always totally shocked that it is not only still in one piece, it doesn't have a chip or scratch on it. It has happened so often that I frequently assure my customers that their new pendant is not nearly as delicate as it looks. My mom dropped one of my favorite new pieces in her sink the other day. Oh, well...I guess I will need to change my "schpiel." Here's what it used to look like:

Hot Out of the Kiln

2009-03-06T14:03:00.006-06:00

I've been in such a "beachy" mood (That's a good thing!) since we committed to rebuilding our beach house...I still haven't mastered the light shades that I want to make, but in the meantime I have come up with other unique pieces. Here is a bowl I completed recently. I wish I could say it was my original idea, but I must give credit where it is due. Becki on the Stained Glass Source bulletin board provided the inspiration for this one. Hers are absolutely gorgeous!

Sea Dancer

This bowl is only about 5 inches across. I have another, larger one in the kiln finishing its first fusing. Made of amber transparent, it has the potential to look like spun sugar...luscious!

Feed Me, Seymore...

2009-03-01T16:03:00.013-06:00

I so want to make a set of pendant light fixtures for my new beach house. Unfortunately, until now my efforts have been failures. Here is something similar to what I want to make:

These are pricey, but as a glass artist, I thought I could do it. I've made candle holders using the same basic design:

Admittedly, this is a smaller version, but, I mean...How hard can it be???? Well, let me tell you, it's not nearly as easy as I thought it would be. Now I see how the artist who made these can charge so much. There's lots of expertise involved! She deserves every penny she gets.

As I mentioned earlier, my first efforts have been less than successful. I've tried 2 layers, one layer, fast drape, slow drape...so far, no luck. Here is one I have lovingly dubbed "Audrey" after the gigantic plant in Little Shop of Horrors.

The front view...not so bad, right?

Now take a look at the view from the front...

Can you see the resemblance?????

Ready, Set, Go!

2009-02-27T13:33:00.008-06:00

We are firmly committed to our beach house rebuilding. We have tweaked the plans, met with the builders, and signed the papers. Now, all that is left before they can start is getting the building permit. Here is a basic look at what we want to do to the inside:

It's less than 1000 square feet, but it will easily fill our needs. There's still a bit of tweaking to do before they frame the inside, but the outside is planned perfectly. It will be set at least 19 feet above sea level. (That's a whopping 13 foot hike to the front door!) We are adding a landing about a third of the way up the steps for a place to rest and a nice sized sun deck. The draftsman even added a long window to the front where the dining table will be. Since we are situating the house sideways on the lot to face the beach, we will have a great grassy view from the dining room. (It appears that it will be a while before too many houses are rebuilt between ours and the beach.)

While I am waiting, I have decided to begin working on pieces for the inside. I have already begun collecting trash to treasure pieces, but right now they are still trash. One of my first projects will be to install a lighted glass panel in a mirror I picked up for a song! Here is a prototype of what I'd like to do. Fortunately, I ran across some of these nifty stands at the Goodwill store the other day.

LIFE IS GOOD!!!!!

And They're Off!

2009-02-26T10:04:00.004-06:00

I completed the 36 Swish pendants for the new bride. They turned out beautifully, except for the one that threw itself off the kiln shelf in the final firing! (I don't know what kind of party they were having in there, but I'm picturing a mosh pit.) Fortunately, the little buggers didn't know that I had made a couple of extras, and that I would still have enough to cover the order. ;-) I got them in the mail this morning, and they are on their way to their new owners. I sure hope the bride and her guests like them. It's exciting to think that I will have so many people wearing my art...

Swish! Am I an artist now???

2009-02-16T15:45:00.003-06:00

I certainly HOPE I am! And a manufacturer, too! I just made my biggest sale ever. A customer who is getting married in April has asked me to make 36 pendants as gifts for her wedding guests. The name I had selected for it when I listed it on Etsy is "Swish" because of its cute little swoop it has at its base. It looks like a flag flying in the breeze...

Besides the tremendous sale, the good news is that she is also an artist! She appreciates the fact that no two of my pieces are ever exactly alike. Plus, there will be 36 people running around the countryside wearing one of my original pieces. SWEET! Now, comes the hard part...Gotta go cut glass! I definitely want to make this customer happy!

An Exciting New Day

2009-02-05T09:51:00.006-06:00

"Commit yourself to lifelong learning. The most valuable asset you'll ever have is your mind and what you put into it."
--Brian Tracy

Today I will learn something new, and I'm excited! This past Christmas I gave my lifelong friend a gift certificate for a wire-wrapping class. What better way to get myself a gift, as well?! We are going together to take the class today. I look forward to having tons of new designs to add to my jewelry pieces. I'll be sure to post pictures...The beginnings will probably be the bad and the ugly, but I hope it won't be long before I can post the good!

Update: I just got back from the wire-wrapping class. I enjoyed it, but it was not exactly what my friend nor I was looking for. The teacher was very nice and helpful, but apparently I will need to take the next class to get into the wire work that I had hoped to learn...

Rebuilding Bolivar

2009-02-03T17:53:00.007-06:00

“Look at life through the windshield, not the rear-view mirror.”
- Byrd Baggett

All last fall, I looked at life through the rear-view mirror, missing what I had had. The loss of my little cabin at the beach was more than the loss of a building. It was the loss of all of the good times we had shared with new and old friends, the special times spent with family, the closeness David and I had nurtured there, my own little sanctuary where I could get away from everything... But now it is time to move forward. We have been meeting with builders in Crystal Beach who can help us start over. We looked at several different builders, but I feel very strongly about keeping the work close to home and hiring Crystal Beach people to build our next cabin. Fortunately for us, we learned of a pair of builders who will fit the bill, Casa Mare Builders. One of them lives in a nearby community on the mainland, but has a very nice home on a canal across the highway from our neighborhood. His partner grew up coming to Crystal Beach in the summers as a child. The house he spent so much time in, his grandmother's house, was also a casualty of Ike's. We recently had a chance to tour a home they had built right before Hurricane Ike. It withstood the storm just fine. We have met with them several times, and had numerous phone visits. We just feel good about them. And, they are just nice people.

Here is a picture of the house we saw:
If you look closely, you can see a broken window on the front of the house. A man who had been stranded on the peninsula because of the rapidly rising water swam to their deck, and tried to break the window. The window held, and he had to ride the storm out on the deck...That is some strong window. I'm sure he was highly motivated! They are still awaiting its replacement. I feel really secure in their product!

So now, it is time to look through the windshield and let the rear-view mirror start recording new memories!

Bringing the Sun

2009-02-01T14:19:00.003-06:00

"In our lives there is bound to come some pain, surely as there are storms and falling rain; just believe that the one who holds the storms will bring the sun"

I ran across this quote recently while looking for inspiration for some new glass projects. I haven't been able to attribute it to a named source, but it rang so true with what has happened in my life the past 6 months, or so. After suffering the affects of Hurricane Ike and a busy fall preparing and attending art shows, I am finally able to get back to my art. I am just now realizing how much the loss of our precious beach cabin has affected me. But, now we are happily on our way to rebuilding, and I hope to document the whole process here on my blog. In the meantime, I am back at work in my glass studio. Here is a picture of the origami slumped plate that resulted from the inspiration of that quote, a tribute to the knowledge that things are improving after the pain and storms of the fall. The orange, yellow, and red rays of the sun appear to beam across a rain-dripped black sky. He is now bringing back the sun. Now, I can look ahead and see only bright, cheery projects...

True Love

2009-01-23T07:35:00.003-06:00

Having been AWOL for another long time, I think I owe some explanation! Over the past several months, David and I have been working on a waltz routine to Elton John's True Love. Here is a picture of the results of early morning mall practices, Sunday afternoon lessons, extensive wardrobe searches, and 3 pairs of dance shoes...We have now performed at 3 venues, with a couple more on the schedule in February and March. I wish I knew how to transfer a video tape to a disc so I could put it on UTube, but that's yet another thing to learn to do. It's been a blast, but we are ready to move on to another project. Flo Cook, our dance instructor, has suggested a rumba routine. Since we have loved the rumba since she taught us our first basic steps, we jumped at the suggestion. So now, we begin again.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-11-30T16:08:00.003-06:00

I wish that was an acceptable excuse for not being on the blog since summer. It's been an eventful fall. We lost our wonderful beach cottage to Hurricane Ike in September. As we wait for the insurance to settle, we are beginning to make plans to rebuild. It has been amazing to discover just how much that little place meant to me. Someday soon, I hope to share the fond memories I have of it.

In the meantime, I have been busy preparing for and attending 2 fall bazaars and a home jewelry party. They were a rousing success! There's something else for me to share!

But today, I just wanted to get back on track a bit with something new I am listing in my etsy shop: Simplicities. Simplicities Pendant and Earring Sets are designed for someone who just wants a simple splash of color to complete an outfit. So far, I have listed only one pink set, but more will be coming in the next couple of days. And, best of all, they are on sale during the December First Monday Sale! Be watching!

The Village Does Angel Fire!

2008-06-26T12:16:00.005-05:00

From left to right: David, Sheryl (Daryl), Bruce, Jane (Brane), Cheri, Bill (Beri)

Over the past couple of years, my husband and I have become quite close to two other couples. One of the couples, Bruce and Jane, decided to go the route of Brangelina (Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie) and create a unique name for themselves. They became Brane. That was quickly followed by the other two couples. David and Sheryl became Daryl, and Bill and Cheri became Beri. Soon after, came a brainstorming session to create a name for the entire sextet. Because we are all retired and have begun to rely on each other quite a bit, we have decided to call ourselves The Retirement Village People. Last week, The Retirement Village People traveled to a gorgeous log home in Angel Fire, New Mexico for almost a week. The home belongs to the brother of one of the Village's citizens. The owners, John and Beth (Bohn?...Jeth?), were gracious hosts and quickly became naturalized citizens of The Village. What a beautiful place to spend time with cherished friends!

Mint Chocolate Chip

2008-06-17T11:10:00.011-05:00

No, it's not a green-eyed monster! Can't you just see a big scoop of ice cream, or a hot fudge sundae being served in this yummy bowl?

This is the first of a set of 4. Of course, with so many designs running through my head, there is no telling when I'll get the other 3 made! So many ideas...such a little kiln!

Success!!!!!!

2008-06-16T15:48:00.006-05:00

It's about time! I just finished a set of sushi dishes that came out in one piece and look pretty good to boot! Success feels good!

I've decided to name the set Every Which Way because of the way the stripes appear to be woven through the center of the plate going left, right, up, and down. The colors are amazing, and the platter mold I used is very interesting. Just look at that vibrant blue, the bold yellow, the intense red. There is only the slightest curve on each of the sides, giving it just a bit of shape. The matching smaller plates have the same every which way stripes in a much smaller pattern.

Middle-Aged Crazy?????

2008-06-13T11:21:00.008-05:00

What do you think????????? Here I am in my new toy! It's a 2004 40th anniversary Mustang convertible. I had a '65 black Mustang with leather pony interior when I was in high school. I'm reliving my youth! What a ride!

Black Sea Coral

2008-06-13T10:37:00.003-05:00

This bowl gave me fits! It was only the beginning of a series of problems that proved, once again, that glass has a mind of its own and becomes what it wants to be! After problem after problem, it came out of the kiln in 2 very separate pieces. Superglue to the rescue! It may not be functional, but it does look good!

All I Need to Know, I Learned in "Kiln"dergarten!

2008-06-01T09:49:00.013-05:00

I hope I have learned much of what I need to know about kilnformed glass over the past few weeks! Failure after failure has inspired feelings ranging from desperation to depression to determination. Yesterday may well have been the experience that put me over the edge. I had already begun wondering at what point I had invested too much to quit...or, conversely, too much not to! Last night, while tossing and turning, and reliving my frustration, I once again waffled back into determination. I decided that it was time to count my learnings just like I count my blessings. Here is what I have learned:

DON'T peek!
DO ramp up slowly on every subsequent firing...even if it is like counting the days until Christmas.
DO anneal for a lot longer than you think. When a piece is multiple thicknesses, anneal for the thickest part...and then some.
If you have different COEs of glass in your studio, you need to do more than keep them separate. Be sure you remember which one is in the kiln when you set the anneal temp.
DON'T peek!
All Superglues are not alike! Use the cheap stuff. It burns off. The gels do nothing but ruin an otherwise great-looking piece.
DO take good care of your expensive tools.
DON'T peak!
Be patient. Rome wasn't built in a day, and your glass isn't going to do its magic very fast either. It's going to take all day, and some of the next to run through an entire firing and cool down of a sizable piece.
When an element pin falls into your piece while firing face down, pry it out and just hope that it will smooth out on the flip and fire. Don't try to fuse something decorative on the back. Believe me, it could get worse!
Go slowly, VERY slowly from the annealing temp to the strain point.
DON'T peek!
DON'T challenge yourself on BIG projects that take LOTS of expensive glass. Increase the sizes of your pieces and the degree of difficulty gradually. Give yourself time to learn each step of the way. (And, on this point, maybe you should consider not telling your husband how much you're spending!) And...
DON'T expect great things when you've put yourself under a deadline!
Scrub, scrub, scrub anything that was ground or cut on your glass saw.
DON'T learn to cut 12" circles on a $30 piece of fusible glass...or a $28 piece...or even, a $14 piece.
DO measure, and measure, and measure. A 9" circle is not the best size for an 8" slump mold no matter how proud you are of that circle!
DON'T try to cut an 8" circle out of an already cut 9" circle.
DON'T peek!
DON'T expect that crack or break to heal and stay stable through 2 or 3 more firings.
DO check your kiln temps. (I'm doing that right now!)
DO put in a good long bubble squeeze at the proper temperature.
Keep good notes...Okay, I did that, but didn't always trust them! It's bad when you think you're smarter than yourself!
DON'T peek!

Above all, laugh about it, keep your chin up, research, ask questions of your friends at Stained Glass Source (It's really hard not got embarrassed after a while, though.), and whine to your husband...The glass of wine, the hugs, and the words encouragement may make it all worthwhile...That and ending up with a masterpiece!

Finally Back at Glass Work

2008-05-24T10:47:00.005-05:00

After taking my mom and her friend to the beach house for Mother's Day weekend and being sick for the better part of the next week, I am finally back at glass fusing. I have really missed it. When I am involved in projects like I have been recently (getting ready to submit to the gallery show), I wake up thinking about them, go to sleep thinking about them, toss and turn all night thinking about them...They positively consume my thoughts. Now with the deadline for the submission looming, I am finally able to try to put my ideas into action. I have had a few successes, but as usual, the more pressure the more inconsistencies in the work. I know there are lessons to be learned in this process, I just wish I would learn them NOW! (I'm sure patience is one of them...) I hope to be back soon with scads of pictures! (Now I just have to get my camera back from my youngest son. SIGH.)

Dirty Dancing?!

2008-05-13T14:42:00.005-05:00

My husband and I had a dance lesson last night and learned a new rumba step. It involves a cross body lead into a spin out then in, at which point I must cross my left foot over my right, shift my weight, extend my right foot out to my left, spread my arms like an airplane and...DROP! (Of course at this point, there is no gentle way to get down.) Talk about faith in your partner! He must hold his hands right under my arms (which by now are disgustingly sweaty), control the drop, and lift me back up. Upon rising from this graceful position, I must cross my arms take his left hand with my right, spin back out and in. Finally, I plant my hands strongly on his chest, do a backbend and swerve in a giant circle...just like dirty dancing. I am so proud of my 59 year old husband. Never once did he falter, although I faltered plenty. We practiced it quite a bit at our mall/ballroom this morning...Pretty soon, we are going to start drawing a crowd!

A Field Trip and a New Friend

2008-05-13T14:29:00.006-05:00

I had a chance to go to a glass wholesaler here in Houston with a fellow glass artist yesterday. She and I have conversed through bulletin boards and emails for about a year, but only met today. What a dear person. We had a great time talking about glass, families, teaching classes, and much more as she showed me around the Hollander Glass wholesale warehouse. They are mostly a stained glass supplier, but they did have quite a bit of fusible glass, mostly System 96. Because of my recent cutting disasters, I was in need of several large coe90 pieces to replace all that I have wasted. She graciously volunteered to allow me to buy what I needed on her account with just a small upcharge. As usual, I came back with much more than I had intended. At wholesale prices I was able to dip my toe into a bit of Spectrum 96. I now have more to experiment and learn with. My black and white coral bowl went through its fourth firing yesterday. It's in the kiln right now approaching slump temps. Most of the offending haze did seem to be removed by the etching cream. That's a good thing! Once I have it out of the way, I can go onto other pieces I have rumbling about in my head.

So many ideas...so little time!

Fiddle-dee-two-three-four!

2008-05-12T14:41:00.008-05:00

I am now on the fourth firing of the bowl I had so many problems cutting out. As I mentioned in my Fiddle-dee-dee post, I couldn't cut a 12" circle for the life of me! In trying to make lemonade out of lemons, I have cut, fused, cut, ground, fused, ground, etched, ground, fused....on and on and on... Once I decided to use this project as yet another learning experience, I designed a white coral design to fuse on the black base before slumping into my bowl mold. (I'm a sucker for anything to do with the beach!) In order to keep the crisp lines of the coral, I full fused the design face down to do a flip and fire. Since I am kilnwash challenged, I fired it on thinfire. So, now the question is: Is that why it turned out hazy and dull? And what can I do to salvage it? I don't have a sandblaster, so I coated it with etching cream to etch the surface and now I am waiting for kiln time to run it through one more time. At what point do I give up????? I sure hope the next time I mention this project, it is to declare success and post a picture!

Dancing in the Mall

2008-05-07T17:18:00.005-05:00

This week my husband and I began practicing our ballroom dancing at the mall. Our teacher, Flo, has recruited us to demonstrate a waltz routine at some of the local community centers. The routine requires tons of space...space we certainly don't have in our house! We have searched every available place we could think of to practice. We even entertained the thought of joining the local YMCA fitness center and reserving one of their exercise rooms. We took a tour of the facility last week. It's quite nice but, because of liability concerns, they will not allow anyone to use the rooms without an employee in there. We consulted the city community center and were told that we could rent one of their empty rooms for $75 an hour...I THINK NOT! So, one morning it dawned on us. People go to the mall early every morning before the stores open up, and do their daily walk out of the heat , rain, or cold. Why couldn't we just stake a spot in the center where no one walks? Once that decision was made, it was just a matter of organizing music to dance to and mustering up some courage. That's really putting yourself out there! An MP3 player with two sets of headphones-- one wired and one Bluetooth--took care of the music, so all that was left was a self-peptalk to get me out there and dance to music that no one else could hear. The first day we went, I spent the entire time waiting for mall security to come tell us we had to walk or leave. But by today, the third day, we are having people come ask us if we are teaching lessons or who our teacher is. We have even had the 20 year old who works getting the cookie stand ready every morning make a point to tell us how well we're doing. Now we start every morning with dance. What could be better?!

Fiddle-dee-dee!

2008-05-06T18:07:00.008-05:00

Today has been a supremely trying...and expensive...day! I built up my courage and decided to enter a juried show at a local gallery. In August, they will be presenting a show called "For the Table" that will feature Texas and Louisiana artists and their handcrafted work. As the title of the show suggests, every item must be something that belongs on a table...from plates and bowls to candle holders and silverware. Fused glass work will fit right in, and since I have been wanting to branch out from so much jewelry making, this was the perfect catalyst. I have tons of ideas, and the slumping molds to go with them. Unfortunately, I don't have the glass cutting skills. I have spent the DAY trying to cut a 12" circle!

My first effort was near perfect...Off to a GREAT start! Talk about a false sense of security! Sadly, since cutting that first circle, every one of them has split somewhere through the center. AARRRGGGGHHHHHH! (I confess that my New Year's Resolution of cleaning up my language has had a bit of a set-back today.) Not only has the circle cutting been frustrating, I have ruined 3 half sheets of fusible glass. THAT'S NOT CHEAP! But, I have discovered something about myself over the past few months of glass fusing disasters and ballroom dancing challenges: I don't like to admit I can't do something. So, I WILL NOT give up. Right now, I'm relaxing with a glass of wine thinking about tomorrow...To quote Scarlett O'Hara,

"As God is my witness, as God is my witness they're not going to lick me."

Fiddle-dee-dee...Tomorrow is another day!

A Step Back in Time

2008-05-06T06:42:00.004-05:00

My husband and I recently went to Los Angeles to visit our son. While there, we had the most unique evening! We attended the 80th Anniversary Party of the Oviatt Building that has been transformed into a gorgeous 1920's night club. Here is a blurb from its website:

With the grandeur of a classic Hollywood musical from the thirties, famed showman and impresario Maxwell DeMille's Cicada Club is a most unique experience that transports you back in time to the glamorous days of Hollywood's golden age of nightclubs.

And, wow, does it do that! With live music from the 20's performed by a big band, the beautifully art deco decorated interior, and patrons dressed in formal and vintage attire, it is easy to imagine yourself at a 1920's speakeasy. The dance floor was quite crowded, but I did have a chance to teach my handsome son a few foxtrot steps. My husband and our son's girlfriend managed a trip around the floor with the foxtrot and then enjoyed a lively swing. For that evening, they even offered absinthe, a liquor that was commonly served back then. I have to admit that that is where my trek to the past ended. I much preferred my glass of wine!

To learn more about this amazing building visit the Cicada Club site. There are some tremendous pictures and it is regularly updated with upcoming events.

Holding a Cat by the Tail

2008-04-23T08:52:00.015-05:00

It's time to clean out my studio. This is not a chore I look forward to. It inevitably leads to more project ideas, more need for supplies, and more mess. It seems that the cleaner the studio gets, the more I want to work in it...go figure! But, it had to be done, and I discovered I gained more than just a longer list of to-dos and a cleaner workspace. I found a bit of affirmation, as well.

Deep in the back of a cabinet, I found my very first glass piece. Starting this journey about 1 1/2 years ago, I remember how proud I was of this first endeavor. I had researched the Internet, read books, and talked to other fusers before beginning, so I knew the learning curve was steep. To me, this red bowl was a true work of art. I showed it to my family and friends who oohed and ahhhed over it...Bless their hearts! I posted it on fused glass bulletin boards and the members there did little to burst my bubble, thank goodness. Little did I know how much more I would learn over the next year and a half.

"If you hold a cat by the tail, you learn things you cannot learn any other way."

--Mark Twain

HOW TRUE! There have been times during this journey that I have felt like I was holding the tail of a very unhappy cat....the hazy finishes, the gigantic bubbles, the cracked masterpiece... The list is long and I'm sure it will get much longer. The cat still gets upset, but I am beginning to learn how to protect myself when I grab its tail thanks to the many loved ones who have encouraged me, and my new friends in the Creative Glass Guild of Etsy and on the Fused Glass Source bulletin board. Look how far I've come! Three Peas in a Pod
Thank you all and ...Bless your hearts!

My Dog Has Fleas...

2008-04-21T18:25:00.004-05:00

Not really, bless his heart! But I do have a new ukelele thanks to a good friend who just returned from an extended visit to Hawaii to take care of her mother. I have been wanting a ukelele to hang on the wall at our beach house, and she found the cutest one! It is a beautiful honey colored wood with natural colored wood palm tree cutouts on it. As I said, I really planned to display it on the wall, but I couldn't resist taking it out and trying to play it. The first hurdle was to tune it. I dug deep back into my memory banks and remembered that the strings of a ukelele are tuned to the familiar "my dog has fleas" melody. Let's just say, it's been a while since I had to match pitch! I could hum the tune, but for the life of me, I could not tighten or loosen the strings to match what I was humming. There were times I couldn't even tell whether the instrument was sharp or flat...but I could tell it was W-A-Y off! Once I got it reasonably tuned, I did a quick search of the Internet to find a chord chart. I felt like I was well on my way to playing Home on the Range, I've Been Working on the Railroad, or In the Good Ole Summertime...WRONG! Not only had I lost all ability I once had to make my fingers go where I wanted them, I discovered that I would have to cut my nails. That's a deal breaker. So, I guess it's back to plan A. The uke goes on the wall, awaiting a wandering minstrel who may come by for a visit.

Today's a GOOD Day!

2008-04-19T15:32:00.005-05:00

Several years ago, I was diagnosed with a condition called Barrett's Esophagus quite by accident. I had had no symptoms, but while checking the cause of some chest pains I was having, it showed up during an upper endoscopy. Apparently only about 1 in 10 develop the condition and about 10% of those develop esophageal cancer. While those sound like positive odds, just knowing that the threat is there causes a bit of concern every 2 years when I have to have the test run again. Yesterday was the day of my biannual test...Good news! No pre-cancerous changes so I am in the clear for another 2 years.

Now I'm off to a dance tonight to celebrate!

So...THIS is Ridiculous!

2008-04-08T08:55:00.015-05:00

WHY can't I find time to keep this blog up-to-date?! Well, let's see...There's work, glass, traveling, dancing....so much to do, so little time! But, I'm back, at least for today. Maybe, over the next couple of weeks, I can do some catching up. Oh, wait...there's work glass, traveling, dancing...

I finally have something new in the kiln, and I can't wait to see how it came out. I recently started experimenting with 96 coe glass instead of 90. The local glass supplier doesn't carry the 90, and I am tired of having to order small pieces that are affordably shipped. So, here we go. I hope to have a picture to boast about soon.

In the meantime, let's talk about DANCE! A little over a year ago, my husband and I started ballroom dancing. It has become another passion. Like, I needed more addictions in my life! We have started dancing almost once a week, and have discovered quite an underground of people who love big bands and traditional ballroom dancing. It has increased my social circle by leaps and bounds. We have met some wonderful new friends, and introduced lifelong friends to it, as well. Joining a local Lords and Ladies dance club has also increased my formal wardrobe. It is so much fun to dress up and enjoy a sophisticated evening out with friends...so Sinatra-ish! We've become so comfortable with dancing that our teacher is using us to demonstrate at some of the tea dances in our area! Our first one was a combination rumba/tango. VERY PASSIONATE!
And the best part is, my husband is as addicted as I am!

Texas -Sized Sale Coming!

2007-09-18T12:46:00.000-05:00

I am a proud member of ETC...Etsy Texas Crafters. Our next First Monday Sale is going to be as big as all of Texas! It will be combined with a special event at the Etsy Labs in New York City! Several great Texas crafters will be representing those of us who were not fortunate enough to be able to attend.

Etsy Texas Crafters' wagon train pulls into New York City ETC Trunk Show At Etsy Labs, 325 Gold St, Brooklyn September 28-29, 2007. Enjoy the best arts and crafts that Texas has to offer, and visit with some terrific Texans, without even leaving the city! The fun starts Friday, September 28, with the Etsy Labs Last Fridays Trunk Show from 6-8pm EST. Then, because things are bigger from Texas, the show continues on Saturday afternoon from 1-5pm EST. With more than 50 Etsy Texas Crafters represented, you get a taste not only of Texan artists and Texas size art but also of terrific Texas edibles and door prize drawings every half hour throughout both shows (no need to be present to win). And if you're one of the first 25 early birds at Friday night's opening shindig, receive a goodie bag, guaranteed to be Texas sized and Texas Special! One of the goodies included in the bag is a chance to win one of my signature fused glass pendants, "Catch a Falling Star!"

The Etsy Texas Crafters Trunk Show is free and open to the public -- but please rsvp to rsvp@etsy.com so we'll know y'all are coming!

Don't know how to get to Etsy Labs? http://www.etsy.com/labs/visit.html

Can't make it to the show? Attend virtually via Etsy.com workshop (link will be posted prior to shows), shop the sales in the ETC shops at Etsy.com throughout the entire weekend, and participate in an online treasure hunt (with prizes!).

Visit the Etsy Texas Crafters website at http://www.etsytx.org/ or our team shop at http://etsytexascrafters.etsy.com/ for more information and links.

This promises to be a fantastic weekend of great deals! Don't miss it!

Lowcountry Boil and BFFs

2007-09-04T09:55:00.000-05:00

It's a great day at the beach! We finally have a sunny day, and the crowds from Labor Day have gone home. Yesterday was not so great a sale day on Etsy after all, and I am working at staying optimistic about my glass work being able to support itself. But today more than makes up for the disappointments of yesterday! Our golden retriever and I spent the morning down at the beach watching my husband fish for redfish. Last year there was quite a run, and he and several of our friends spent days taking out lines and reelin' 'em in. It was great. The redfish haven't really started running yet, but we're hoping that they find their way here soon. In the meantime, there are plenty of shark. They make a great shis-ka-bob, so that's not so bad.

Our best friends of over 30 years are on their way down, and I am going to make a giant shrimp boil. They have a house right up the street. It's quite convenient. I found this recipe some time back, and it is the easiest and quickest thing to make. Here is the link to the recipe:

http://www.coastalliving.com/coastal/food/entertaining/article/0,14587,609731,00.html

The recipe doesn't have any garlic...I may have to add some. As they say...

Good friends, fine wine, mellow music, and something with garlic...

ETC First Monday Sale

2007-09-03T10:24:00.000-05:00

“One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn't pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.”

Busy, busy, busy...Iam determined to post in my blog today, but I am also involved in a serious promotion in my Etsy shop!

For over 150 years, there has been a gigantic flea market in Canton, Texas on the first Monday of every month. In those years he market has gone through many changes and enormous growth. There are many stories as to how First Monday Trade Days began, from suggestions that the district judge came to town that day to convene his court to an informal gathering time of families and friends in an era of poor communication, among others. No matter how it began, it has evolved into an gigantic opportunity to buy everything from antiques, to crafts, to emu oil. Texas crafters on Etsy have jumped on the First Monday Trade Days with a huge Frist Monday Sale of our own. Check out http://etsytexascrafters.etsy.com/ for a list of stores that are giving discounts on some really unique and interesting items. I will be listing quite a few pieces myself. Here are 2 I have already listed: Color Cues and Southern Comfort

Old Dog...New Tricks...

2007-09-01T13:03:00.000-05:00

Who says, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks?" In the past year I have learned glass fusing, how to blog, how to photograph jewelry, and way too many computer skills to mention! Today, I participated in my first chat room. WHEW! And the sad part is, there is so much more to learn!

In the meantime, I'll practice my fusing skills
and continue to add to my Etsy shop.

Here is something I recently added...

It's called Beyond the Sea. This is the image I posted as my feature photo, but I think it may be too "hot." It was the first time I had used this method of photographing the pendants.

Here is another image that I took my old fashioned way.............
What do you think? Don't you think the calmer version on the left is better?

I haven't been as successful at selling as I need to be, so I thought that my photographs had gotten a bit stale. But, now that I really take a good look at them both, I'm thinking that I'll stick with the lessons I learned first!

Colores del Mar

2007-08-24T17:05:00.000-05:00

"All art is but imitation of nature." --Seneca

I am at the beach, even as I type. I have swept, and vacuumed, and mopped, and cleaned shrimp, and prepared shrimp boil, and washed linens...WHEW! In the midst of all the cleaning and preparation for our guests who are due down this morning, I think it is about time to take a break and go for a walk. A walk along the beach always revitalizes and inspires. The colors, the sounds, the texture of the sand, the movement of the water all come together and give me a sense of my place in the world. It is a wonder to me that people can look at God's handiwork and have any doubt of His existence. No where is it more evident than at the beach. Because we spend so much time here, it has inspired much of my fused glass. In fact, at times it is hard to branch off and allow other sources of inspiration. Here is a recent piece that was inspired by the beautiful colors of the beach...
Colores del Mar

Middle-Aged Groupie

2007-08-07T15:43:00.000-05:00

As a freshman in college, I met and fell in love with, a drummer in a rock and roll band. Much to my mother's dismay, this long-haired guy in wire-rimmed glasses who sported an army green trench coat and bell-bottoms became the focus of my life, and I became a groupie! It was a rare college dance that allowed me to actually dance. I usually just sat beside the stage and waited for the break so I could spend time with him. After 35 years of marriage, we recently began taking ballroom dance lessons, and it has opened up a whole new world for us. It has been such a pleasure, that I even looked forward to his 40 year high school reunion as a chance to enjoy the dance. That is, until I discovered that his old high school band is getting back together for it, and they will be the sole entertainment. It is great to see him so excited about it, but I can see myself again...sitting by the band waiting for a break.

Roll over, Beethoven, and tell Tchaikovsky the news." -- Chuck Berry...

The Guv'nors are makin' a comeback!

It's Been SOOOOO Long

2007-07-27T12:18:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Lora Leigh, a fellow fuser who happened to comment on my last entry, I was drawn back to the blog. I can't believe it's been almost a month since I last wrote...I guess it's been a busy one! I finished the summer sushi set by adding 2 small plates to make it a that would make it great for a picnic for 2!

And I have been busy practicing some of the techniques I learned in my class in San Antonio last month. The way the teacher, Nicole, taught us to layer the dichroic glasses makes these pendants so rich with color, and ever one turns out so different. They look like rainbows and stars rolled into one, so I have used them as a launching point for a new line of pendants... Rainbowfire. I have only gotten one listed in my Etsy store so far...Go take a look.

Chaos:

"The true harvest of my life is intangible--a little stardust caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched."--Thoreau

Starry Night:

Patience and Summer Sushi

2007-07-09T11:08:00.000-05:00

After many mistakes and ruined glass, I finally got a glass piece larger than pendant size to fuse without a bubble, dome, or crater! For an impatient person, fusing is a tad frustrating...especially if the project takes more than one firing like this one did. I fired the flat piece really slowly to avoid the dreaded crater I got in my crab plate, beveled the edges on my grinder, fire polished, and finally slumped. That's 3 long firings... But, I love the results! Doesn't it remind you of a window awning on an old vacation home? Can't you just taste the lemonade and hear the crickets? At the risk of giving away how old I am, I'll admit that I think I can even hear creaky screen doors slamming!

"We would never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world" --Helen Keller

Into Each Life a Little Rain Must Fall

2007-07-06T16:18:00.000-05:00

It's been a couple of weeks since I wrote on my blog. I have been busy with so many things. I did get to go with some friends to San Antonio and Fredericksburg last weekend. What fun we had. I took a fused glass class for the 2 days that we were in San Antonio, and learned quite a bit to keep me going for a while in this newfound passion. In Fredericksburg, we stayed at a beautiful Bed and Breakfast, and went on a rainy winery tour. (I should have seen it coming. It was the first of 14 straight days of rain around here!) We were supposed to have the Big Chill Weekend this weekend, so I have been gearing up for that, but God had other plans. It has rained like cats and dogs for days. At last count it has rained about 13 inches this week. Needless to say, a weekend at the beach with 13 inches of rainwater standing around does not sound pleasant, so we have had to cancel and reschedule.

The rain is depressing! I have been housebound for 3 straight days. Today, I finally got out of my funk and remembered one of my collected quotes:

“Life is like a rainbow. You need both the sun and the rain to make its colors appear.”

So I put on my "happy pants" and decided to get something done! I finally got pictures of the pendants I made to match the sundresses I bought at the thrift store.

Plus, I managed to fuse a blank for an upcoming sushi plate...without a bubble! It appears that the rain may have finally stopped for a while, so maybe there will be a rainbow. Whether there is, or isn't I can at least look back on today as a productive one!

Design Inspiration

2007-06-16T11:33:00.000-05:00

My husband and I recently took up ballroom dancing. It has opened up a whole new world for us. So much so, that I have had to invest in quite a few new frocks for all of the various dances we have attended. (You know, you can't wear the same thing twice...right?!) The strain on my budget has strengthened my bargain shopping abilities.

Yesterday, while scouring the local resale shops for fancy duds, I came across 3 wonderful sundresses that just screamed for some of my fused glass jewelry. I could immediately see the possibilities, and couldn't wait to get up this morning to begin working on the designs. I just love the graphic designs and vibrant colors. These definitely have potential.

My pieces are in the kiln right now. I hope to have them out and ready for a photo-op by tomorrow!

"You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club."--Jack London

Or in my case...a credit card!

Big Chill Weekend Coming Up!

2007-06-13T16:10:00.001-05:00

It's almost here! The Second Annual Big Chill Weekend in Crystal Beach, Texas! Last year I renewed two dear childhood friendships, and the First Annual was born. I must admit that I was stressed over the entertaining aspect of the weekend, but thanks to my friends and their spouses, it was smooth sailing, so we are headed for the second one on July 7-8. Last year we did sandcasting, and it was kind of like Vacation Bible School. Since last summer I have started working with warmglass, and we have all taken ballroom dancing lessons together. This year, I can just see us all dancing to CD's on the cement "dance floor" under the house. Our first annual get together inspired this mosaic picture frame. I am looking forward to getting some inspiration for a warmglass project to commemorate our visit in 2007.

A good friend is a connection to life - a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world. ~Lois Wyse

Christmas in June!

2007-06-12T08:25:00.000-05:00

Whenever I put new pieces in the kiln, one of the hardest things is for me to wait until everything is cooked and cool before opening it up to see what is happening in there! So now I've decided that I must start the cycle about 7:00pm and let it run while I am asleep. (It is not so appealing to troupe out to the garage in my jammies in the middle of the night, so I am forced to leave it alone.) The next morning is like Christmas...usually!

I recently discovered a cool glass shop near here in Pasadena, Texas called Ha r mony Stained Glass . Until then I had had to buy all of my glass over the Internet, sight-unseen. That's a real problem for me when working with something as visual as glass. (I like to fondle it and drool over it a bit while I decide what to do with it.) While there, I discovered the coolest glass, so I immediately came home to experiment. What a great surprise to open my kiln and see these delicious pieces. This time Santa left goodies...not lumps of coal!

"...creativity is not just about succeeding. It is about experimenting and discovering."--Gordon Mackenzie

Not So Crabby After All

2007-06-08T15:11:00.000-05:00

As a novice warmglass artist, I have quickly learned that glass sometimes just becomes what it wants to be! A case in point:

I recently had this inspiration to create a set of small sushi plates using a beach theme. My inspiration came from a mosaic countertop I did at our beach house last summer.

The plan was to fuse the blue crabs (and, red shrimp on other plates in the set) and slump them into a sushi mold to make a set of salad plates. The first step in a project like this is to fuse a layer of the base glass (in this case, white) to a layer of clear. That takes several hours, so while waiting for it to "cook", I meticulously cut all of the small glass pieces to form the crab. Imagine my displeasure when I opened the kiln to discover a gigantic crater in the base. I was thinking that food wouldn't stay too well in a plate with a 2 inch hole in it, so I had to go to Plan B...I just didn't know what Plan B was yet! Now was when I would have to use that creativity I was always hounding my students about. After several days of pondering, I decided that it obviously didn't want to be a plate, so I cleaned up the hole, fused the adorable crab on it, crossed my fingers and put it back in the kiln. My crab sushi plate is now a votive holder. It's not exactly what I wanted, but, hey! It grew up to be what it wanted to be. It turned out to be a happy accident, and now I'm not so crabby anymore!

Quotation + Potential = Quotentials

2007-06-07T14:45:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Quotentials, my first attempt at blogging. My name is Sheryl Lambert.

As a 5 year old, I should have seen my destiny as a visual artist when I took my neighbor's driveway shells, decorated them with crayons, and sold them back to her as "handpainted" home decor. It took nearly 50 years to come to that realization.

After 30 years of encouraging my gifted and talented students to face their fears of failure and meet creativity head-on, I retired. It was time to practice what I had preached for all of those years.

I have always been one to see potential when others may overlook it. For all those years as a teacher, it was in my students. Outside of school, it might have been in a piece of junk I saw beside the road or in a thrift store, or even a house that had seen its better days. "It has potential" became my slogan. At times, that slogan was a little scary to my husband, especially when it was referring to a run down beach "shack" that we have since purchased! That project may have been the turning point for him...He now has a lot of confidence in my ability to see what things can become rather than what they are.

Combining my love of inspirational quotations and my ability to see potential with a desire to paint, Quotentials was born as a decorative painting adventure. As a decorative painter, I have painted murals and quotations to my hearts content. In fact, I just got home from my latest job. I painted the nursery of a friend who is adopting a baby girl from China. What a great time I had doing it. She has been a little stymied over a quotation to add to the mural. She wants to put a Bible verse over the door. Here is a picture of the doorway she wants to embellish. Maybe someone out there can help her with an idea?

Recently I have become enamored with warmglass arts, so more and more of my time is spent in my glass studio (aka my garage). While still enjoying painting and creating unique environments, this rather old "budding artist" is now applying her knowledge of color and design to a new passion, fused glass.