The Fun Begins

A few more changes to the area and things finally got organized.

This is actually the cube I use to take pictures, but I also used it as the place to snip the glass so it doesn't go flying all over the place.  It works fantastic!

The beginning of my mosaic work.  It is a nice change from the very detailed work I do, but also a challenge as I cannot do the details I normally do and the selection of glass has increased substantially.  What to leave out will come with experience I am sure.



Mosaic Adventures - Setting Up a Work Space

I've been watching mosaic workers for years and have wanted to do this artform, as I think the stained glass is absolutely stunning and the textures are so unique.  I'm not sure where I'm going with this, but I'm sure the journey will be fun!

I've always wondered what to do with this wasted space in my house.

This Christmas I received a few items to get me started and I've been setting up a working area dedicated to doing mosaics. There is a cutting station, a little grouting table and then my working table.  As this room is beside the front room I can still watch tv and visit.  I originally was going to work in the basement, but had a concern about the rug as this type of glass produces very fine debris which is dangerous.  Plus, there isn't a lot of room down there with my sewing, crushed stained glass work, and computer.  Yep, I have a very tiny house.

As with most things, I need to be somewhat organized and had my hubby make me a stand (below) to hold the large pieces of glass.  Once the glass is cut into squares, I have them in the organizers (shown above) and glued on one tile so I can see the color and texture easily.

Next weekend I hope to finish cutting the selected glass into tiles.  I won't cut all the glass up, but a sample piece of each and enough to work for a bit.

Adding Shards

Smash Em

This weekend will be about smashing the glass, but first I will need to sew up some more bags.  Not the most fun smashing the glass, but I haven't found a better way to do it.  I did try using a blender but found the fine dust went everywhere and it did not do as good as a job, so it is the hammer and rock thing.  Very time consuming process - now why doesn't that surprise anyone!

You can view all the steps taken in preparing the glass for the art work at How Its Done at  http://www.loonargifts.ca/.

Also, if you know of any blogs or sites where glass work is done, please let me know as I would like to share them.

Cheryl

Elephant Picture Completed

I finally got my elephant picture completed and I'm quite pleased with it.  As you can see it is like most of my other glass work - simplistic style.

A definite challenge in shading when there is limited colors available to work with; still the mixing of colors does give some variation.

I'm not sure what my next project will be as there are so many things I would like to do.  Sometimes that is the hardest part... trying to figure out what is next because this art work is so labour intensive that I can't do everything I want to do in my lifetime.

Loonar Gifts

Looking Back at 2011 and Plans for 2012

2011 has been one of my most difficult years in every aspect of my life.  Events and situations have made me re-evaluate myself and my life.  What has become more important than my own dreams is my children's dreams; and this means my goals have to change in order to help them.  In one sense it is a sacrifice as I see my dreams being replaced by a job I view as horrible and mundane; but on the other hand I see it as a necessity to see my children happy.  They are much younger than me and if helping them means a lifetime of loving what they do rather than following in my footsteps, then it will be a reward for me.

Well that was uplifting, Not!  LOL

Christmas was very fun!  It is the one day of the year I capture all my family together and they cannot run away.  I love Christmas :).  I opened my secret gift from my hubby and have to admit they were not quite as excited as I was and not so sure how I could be happy about getting a Circle Pro 24, Cutter's Mate Plus, and Strip Pro.  They were very happy for me, but I could tell it is a good thing I did not buy it for any of them.

2012!  A new beginning!  Although my art work is being put on the back burner I am sure I will still have a project on the go.  My main focus this year is to look after my health, help my kids financially, and to learn to draw.  I'm not very enthused about drawing but feel I really need to understand depth, light, and the basics in order to move forward in my art.  I need to expand beyond the method of drawing by squares.  I also need to bring out that creative spirit which lurks inside.  When I figure that out, I'll let you know.

As for everyone else, I wish you all the best for 2012 and hope your dreams come true!

Cheryl
Loonar Gifts

Merry Christmas To Me!

I'm pretty sure most artists can understand the desire to have something they need in order to create their art and with Christmas coming one can only hope they get what they really want, or can they?
This year I decided that I will "influence" my gift.

I went online, ordered it and sent my hubby and email saying my gift will be delivered. You cannot open it or know what it is so one of us is surprised! He laughed; and when the mail came he was true to his words. It is wrapped and waiting for me for Christmas. He has no idea what it is and it really has been fun. Not that I would do that every year, but I can't wait to open it so he can see what I got!

I'm so bad, lol.