[Photo used for pattern; did not use this piece of glass]
Today someone asked me if I thought my stained glass journey would be where it is today. The answer is "no". I had NO IDEA how much fun it would be, how therapeutic it would be or how much I would enjoy the learning and challenge process.
I went from one small project with minimal work on my part to doing about 15 small pieces of ornaments that required drawing out a pattern (or finding one), cutting glass, grinding, etc. Then I started making flags, strips and flowers. The flags and strips required cutting. I learned how to make jump rings. The flowers have been fun to mix and match colors.
Then I started my big project-- Cliff. I sent off a photo to Kat (Kat Scarlett Patrick) to get my pattern. There are 37 pieces to this project. I printed the pattern on thick paper, then I started cutting out the pattern. I learned about cutting. If you include the lines, your pattern will "grow". Ideally, one cuts just on the inside of the line. I got some Cliff-colored glass and started cutting pieces. I learned that cutting pieces on a bigger sheet of glass required more thought and consideration then cutting smaller patterns out of scrap. I learned to look at the glass to find places in it that showed the colors and patterns from the photo. I learned some techniques on grinding small pieces. I learned some cutting techniques. I learned how to cut out foil on small pieces. I learned how to make eyes by using a small kiln that goes in a microwave and turns small glass pieces into "globs". :)
Another important lesson learned during my stained glass journey so far is that most anything can be fixed. You might need to recut, refoil, grind more, find another way to do things, etc. BUT, there are work arounds. There is a process of letting go, not being too perfectionistic, of becoming comfortable with the product. These have been good lessons. It has also be a helpful spiritual practice in that it helps me focus on the Creator. There is something expansive about creating something from within. It has helped me be more appreciative of the amazing Creation around me from Creator.
I have gotten LOTS of help along the way. I am grateful for a patient teacher at the shop.
I'm not done yet. I have a way to go on Cliff. But I am getting there. Then I will go back to making flowers, some more flags, and a few other projects I have in mind. Oh, and this year's ornaments. But, I won't be sharing photos of those until closer to the holidays.... or even after the holidays. Those will be a surprise. Well, the patterns will be. But, hey family-- guess what gift you are getting from me this year?!?! One of the reasons I am doing ornaments as gifts is that it was so special for me to get an ornament every year from my Godmother/Aunt Carol. I have a collection of special ornaments that are part of the season.
Sometimes trying something new at a dinner and get together can lead to a new hobby, a new practice. That's what happened to me. I tried something new and then later it came back to me to try more. I jumped in and am learning and growing in this creative hobby/practice.
Honestly, I don't consider myself creative. However, I have done photography since I was a kid and enjoy contemplative photography these days. I also write. I have created things throughout the years for sermon handouts, brochures, etc. I have written a few retreats. When I am honest with myself, I am creative. Living into the unique creative juices that are me gives me life.
I encourage us all to try new things. We might just be surprised at the impact it has on us.
Enjoy the adventurous journey.
Deb
Photos of my current project (the pattern, and steps along the way-- NOT in order):
Your coming along and learning something new every time you spend time in the shop! Yeah! It won't be long you'll be showing me the latest & greatest tools available and new techniques
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