Loonar Gifts

Smash Em

2012-01-12T03:36:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-10T03:19:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-31T07:58:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-12-03T02:18:00.000-08:00

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.

Creating Plaques for Art

2011-11-27T11:47:00.000-08:00

My mother never told me that working with plaster of paris was horrible and hard work. Still I had an idea, and like always the creative juices takes over my sanity. I wanted to make plaques that look like rocks but hang on the wall. To begin with I needed a hanger. I found the wire attached to a wire mesh to be the most secure.

Now for the not so fun part. I added dirt to a few containers and placed a light plast sheet over them to create the rustic design I was looking for. Mixing is a dirty job but I couldn't get anyone else to do it. The plaster of paris gets everywhere and if you don't do it properly you have a big clump which is good for nothing.

Cleanup is worse - make sure you do not pour it down a drain; although I think sanding may be running a tie on ugliness. Even using the electric sander there is dust everywhere!

Finally, time to add the base coat. Trial and error taught me to do the back and put my varnish on it otherwise the paint chips from being handled when working with the front.

Finally, starting to have some fun; but still very messy work. I ended up with paint all the way to the elbows... try to get that from under your nails.

Yippee, the plaques are all ready for me to do some art work on them.

What am I creating? Stay tuned to see my latest and greatest!

New Series

2011-11-27T11:25:00.000-08:00

I'm adding two series to my store. The first are the Mix & Match Pillow Covers so individuals can easily change their decor. I'll be using material from long ago, embroidery and applique work for the holidays, and also a few other techniques as I explore the world of Fabric Art.
The second is the Man Cave Series where I'm focusing on items which will appeal to men. There will be a variety of items including painting and mosaics.

Of course I will continue to make the Crystal Imagery (crushed stained glass) work as I truly love the final product.

I would love to hear from you and welcome you to visit my Facebook Page!

Website
Facebook

Busy, Busy, Busy

2011-11-27T11:17:00.000-08:00

After a year of trying to deal with life, I finally found that place in my life where I can begin to work on my art and crafts again.
There is always so much work behind the scenes when creating crafts, websites, stores, taking pictures, packaging, labelling, administration and shipping that it is easy to fall behind. I'm all caught up and even changed my website design. It is a lot simplier to manage and still meets my needs. Make sure you check it out, along with my new store and items.

Website
My Store

Pillow Fun!

2011-11-13T06:42:00.000-08:00

I've started to work on a Mix & Match Pillow Case Series. Using material (new and vintage), embroidery, ribbons, and many other techniques I am making 14 x 14, 18 x 18, and 20 x 20 pillow case covers.

I do like to sew and have always wanted to explore the world of fabric art, so I decided to start with making some basic covers out of very different material. Every pillow case has a zipper for removal and washing.

It is a great way for me to learn, and a lot of fun for individuals to easily change their decor and a low cost.

Current Project - Elephant Picture

2010-09-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

I was going to do this entire picture just using black, grey and white but decided a little dark green for the grass added that extra color to bring out the elephant a little more. I'm still going to add an African tree, probably all done just in black so it will still be a while before it is finished. Plus, having to do a small project for the local library art show on September 17th, will delay the work a little longer but I'm hoping to have it finished by Christmas.

As you can see I'm playing with shading rather than detail on this image as the black/grey allows for this.

Loonar Gifts

Mosaic End Tables

2010-08-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

Patio Furniture end tables are not that easy to find, so I did the next best thing. I found two metal planters which would be the correct height and width if turned upside down and did a mosaic with stained glass on them.

Both end tables are the same design, except I had one cut at the very bottom so the hose would pass through and inside the endtable my propane bottle for the firepit sits. It is hidden from view and doesn't take up any more space.

Wedding Glasses

2010-07-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

When my son and his girlfriend announced their engagement I wanted to do something special for them, so created their initials on wedding glasses as a special gift. Their wedding colors are baby blue and white, so staying within their plans I created the following for them.

The monogram design is a little hard to see, as my usual picture taking skills are present, but the "S" and "T" are done in baby blue and the flowers in white. There is a light brushing of resign over the design to protect the glass work.

It's a Miracle!!

2010-04-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the teapot! It has been my biggest nightmare ever, but I also learned a few things.

Working around curves takes twice as long and a lot more frustrating than on a flat surface because it is so easy for the tiny shards of glass to fall before it gets to the glue.
It started as a full teapot and with only 1/8 of it left to do and after 4 months of painstaking work - it got broken. This isn't the first time something broke after spending months working on it, but it made it very difficult to find the motivation to work on my glass work. After many tears and loud noises I decided that I will no longer throw out anything I've spent so long on - I'll incorporate it into a different type of art.

A different type of art also presents new problems - how? I didn't want any sharp edges of the teapot showing and I have nothing blue in my house. I decided to put it in molding clay and paint it with browns/golds/copper, yet leave those options open to changing the color should I ever change my house colors.

I'm just glad this is over and will finish off some jewelry pieces I'm working on, then my momma and baby elephant!!!!!

To see how it is done, and what other pieces of art I have completed - visit Loonar Gifts.

Getting Back on Track

2010-02-12T17:18:00.000-08:00

If you’ve ever hit a period where you just don’t feel like creating or afraid to try something, then you’re not alone. Many of us go through times where life problems, insecurities, disappointment, economy, and even the weather can create a lack of motivation and fear.

Recently I went through a period where I lost my drive to do any art, and even questioned whether I should continue along my course of selling it. I’m still not where I was and am struggling through this time, but I have come to realize a few things which may be of help to others.

If you did enjoy doing your art, then no matter what else is going on in your life you do deserve to have those moments of pleasure again. It may be difficult to get started with so many other things happening, but once you decide it is something you want your half way there. Get up and do something… you don’t need to be inspired to do things. I certainly don’t need inspiration to do my chores but I do them, so I’ve been making a point of pushing myself to do 15 minutes of glasswork at a time and the joy is returning. It’s like anything else in life, what grows is what you feed.

Remember the story of the two wolves…

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, “My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil – it is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is Good – it is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

Which wolf will you feed? The one where life is good, where there is hope, joy, and love? Just do it! Take back your power!

Loonar Gifts

Happy New Year

2010-01-08T19:02:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year everyone - may it be a wonderful year full of joy!

With Christmas over and the making of all the gifts plus taking some time to rest I'm getting ready to get back into my glasswork. I've created another painting - my 11th painting but my first attempt at a realistic image (see below). It is done with acrylic paints and I'm not sure it is totally finished. Sometimes I think something is but after looking at it later I can change my mind.

I do enjoy painting and would like to spend a little more time than I do so I can learn how to paint. Maybe this year.

Loonar Gifts

Painting With Glass

2009-12-16T05:08:00.000-08:00

Its been mentioned numerous times why I don't just pour the glass in as it would be so much faster, so I thought I'd address this here.

Laying each piece of glass one-by-one with a tweezer (Crystal Imagery) allows for the detailed work such as feathers and blending of colors which cannot be obtained by pouring the glass. The following picture is a good example of Crystal Imagery and what can be accomplished with it.

However, always one to experiment and invent new things I did try pouring glass onto a painting to see what the results would be and discovered an entirely different affect. I think the jury is still out on this as there are some negatives which I don't care for.

I was surprised that the sparkle I obtain in Crystal Imagery just isn't there when the glass is poured, but I also found it to be quite dangerous to the touch. With Crystal Imagery I can run my hands over the image without fear of bleeding to death, but with the poured method I discovered a package of bandaids was my best friend.

As you can see in the painting below it did add to the overall affect I was trying to achieve and I believe would also add to snow scenes in its own unique way, but it is a completely distinct method and result from Crystal Imagery.

I'm afraid the only way to get the sparkle, detailed work, and blending of colors is to place each shard of glass one-by-one with tweezers. This isn't such a bad thing either as it really does mean there will be a limited number of pieces in the world and a totally unique piece of art.

Loonar Gifts

Teapot

2009-12-05T08:09:00.001-08:00

Started working on the Teapot at the shows as a demonstration. I'm not sure where I'm going with it, but I'll continue to create the design until I feel done. Part of me would like to cover it, but I'm not sure if this is what I'll do. I think I'd like to use it as a candle holder once it is done.

It will take a while to do with Christmas coming and needing to get going on all the gifts, but I'll finish it as soon as I can as I'm eager to get working on the elephant picture I have started.

Loonar Gifts

Back from the Shows

2009-11-30T15:39:00.000-08:00

I have indeed learned a lot about shows and myself. The first show I had to run out and buy lights - lots of lights. It was so dark you would not have known we were there. Plus it is much better if people can handle items, and be close to see how I am doing the work so they can interact with me. There were other things we learned but it will have to wait until another time to do.

Getting feedback and letting people know what I did was the most important goal I had and I could not have been more pleased on how much the people loved the look of the art. It really did make all my efforts worthwhile. I do understand that I have a small clientele as it is time intensive, but that is okay because its not like I could mass produce it anyway so having demand equal availability is a good thing.

I also learned that custom work is the direction I want to go. Doing people's animals, wedding glasses, company logos, etc. is my biggest goal and I will market this in the future.

I discovered I am not a fan of large shows as there is just too much for people to try and cover that it looses it personal affect, and the days are too long. It was good experience and I loved visiting with other crafters/artists - such wonderful people. But in the future my husband and I will produce lower end crafts to do small shows for the fun, and I will demonstrate my art at these with emphasis on custom work.

Overall, I would say it was successful because what I learned could not be more valuable to me.

Loonar Gifts

Off to the Shows!

2009-11-17T05:04:00.000-08:00

All packed and ready for my two upcoming shows in Calgary:

Art Market - Booth 19

2nd Level of Calgary Telus Convention Center

136 - 8 Avenue S.E., Calgary

November 19 - 22

Festival of Crafts - Booth 934

BMO Centre (Formerly Roundup Center), Stampede Park, Calgary

November 26 - 29

I've never done a show before and find it all exciting and overwhelming at the same time. There has been a ton of work involved and long days ahead but I believe it will be worth it to make contacts and show my work. After this - planning for the next ones!

Loonar Gifts

Dragon Fly Completed

2009-11-15T06:01:00.001-08:00

Mirror is all done! The framed size is approximately 24" x 20 1/2".

The dragon fly symbolizes happiness, new beginnings, hope, change and love which is hoped to pass to the individual as it joins their reflection.

I don't mind telling you that I am always so relieved once I get a picture into a frame, especially if it takes a long time to create. I have broken a couple of pieces that were almost completed and it is very heart breaking especially when they take so long to do.

Loonar Gifts

New Store

2009-11-14T10:25:00.001-08:00

After reviewing my different options I decided to have my NEW STORE with Art Fire. I had a small store a year ago with them along with a couple of others but found them to be more suitable for my items.

Although my intent is to do shows a few times a year, it is nice for individuals to see what is new and be able to purchase it at any time as opposed to waiting until I get to a show.

Loonar Gifts

Dragon Fly Comming Along

2009-11-12T14:29:00.000-08:00

The dragon fly is coming along - should be done in another day or two. Doing it in purple, pink, blue and green as these colors remind me of the meaning of the dragon fly (happiness, new beginnings, hope, change and love). I'll use a black frame for it.

Doing it on a mirror is so that the power of the dragon fly will reflect onto the individual.

This item is being created with crushed stained glass placed onto a mirror one-by-one using tweezers and a magnifying glass. It will have a light coat of Polymer Coating to protect it during cleaning. To see the process visit my website at Loonar Gifts.

Dragonfly Mirror - Beginning

2009-11-10T17:42:00.000-08:00

My current project is a dragonfly on a mirror. The image expands 4" x 5" approximately and I'll be using blue for the body. Not sure what other colors I'll be using as I usually pick as I'm progressing. Not very often I have the entire vision of the item as past experience has taught me I normally change direction half way through.

The drawing is a rough sketch which I use as a guide and that too can change slightly, but I like the simplicity of this one so I don't imagine too much of a difference.

I'm hoping to get this done by the end of the week as I'd like to take it to the upcoming craft shows in Calgary at Art Market (November 19-22) and Festival of Crafts (November 26-29).

Loonar Gifts

My Supervisor

2009-11-07T19:59:00.001-08:00

I thought when I started out in business that I'd be my own Boss, but I guess it doesn't matter what I do - there will always be someone who thinks they are my Supervisor.

Not sure if she was complimenting me or being a critic. But I'm going to pretend it was a compliment.

Making sure I have enough glass to finish the job.

My baby Hope sitting in her normal spot so she can watch me. I suppose I can accept her as the Boss since she is everywhere else in this house :).

Loonar Gifts

Some New Items

2009-11-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

Been really busy trying to get more items for the shows. I'd like to give as much selection as possible but also have at least one example of the different pieces that I have to work with. Here is a few more I've done, but to see all the new items go to Loonar Gifts.

I think I will do some solid color earrings next just in case someone would like to match up one of the pendants with earrings. I think one of the things I like most about the artwork is that it is freehand and not identical... very unique.

Loonar Gifts

First Mirror Completed

2009-10-27T17:33:00.001-07:00

Finally got the mirror done!

This has got to be the most difficult material to work with. When drawing the image it wipes off at the slightest touch and I have to constantly redraw it; and just before I lay the glue down I have to remove it or you would see the drawing lines reflected underneath the image. Add constantly removing finger prints and it chalks up to a real challenge.

I really do like the look as you can see the reflection of the stained glass image in the mirror, and will do some more mirrors in the future... once my stress level comes down, haha.
Loonar Gifts

Ready, Set, Go!

2009-10-16T06:07:00.000-07:00

I'm all ready for my first shows in November at the Art Market and Festival of Crafts in Calgary. I've retaken pictures, catalogued everything, printed certificates and packed them up; and my displays are ready, and I have people who will help me out.

It is very exciting and scary at the same time, but I'm also looking forward to seeing people I haven't seen in a long time, and meet a few new individuals. I guess that is one nice thing about shows - interacting with others. But until then I am experimenting with another item - doing the crushed stained glass on a mirror. I'll let you know how this works out, but in the meantime have a safe and happy holiday!

Loonar Gifts

Serpent Completed!

2009-10-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

I have the serpent completed and am very pleased with this experiment. I wasn't sure how the crushed stained glass would do on ceramic but it turned out great. The ceramic seemed to grip the glass as it bond to it. I will definitely be doing more pieces with ceramics.

Loonar Gifts

It's a Serpent!

2009-10-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Marti from Ivillage Crafting for being the first to identify what the image would be!

As you can see it is coming along and starting to live. Its been an interesting piece for me to do as it is the first piece I've ever done where I have no vision of where it will end up or even what color I'll use next. I've changed a few things here and there since I've begun and yet I still don't know if that is the final design or what color to use next.

I should be finished next weekend if everything goes well.

Loonar Gifts

What is It!

2009-10-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

Can you tell what the picture will be on this vase? Check back weekly to see it develop into.....

Loonar Gifts

Getting Ready

2009-09-28T07:17:00.001-07:00

Got my displays in. Two jewelry cabinets and 3 stands to hang pictures. I put 1 battery operated lights on each of the stands to illuminate the pictures and allow me to move them anywhere. Also got my new gift boxes for the jewelry (gold) and small objects (white swirl), and black earring puff pads. There is still a lot to do, but it is nice to see it coming together.

One of the major things I'm working on is investing in the proper items to take good pictures with glass and jewelry. I am no photographer and spend hours trying to get an acceptable "bad picture". It is really difficult to show the beauty and craftsmanship that goes into the art with poor pictures, and doesn't do it justice. A top priority before I get an online store.

Loonar Gifts

Diversity

2009-09-27T08:11:00.000-07:00

Right now I'm busy trying to get a variety of samples of the different art which can be done and also more products for the shows.

Animals, flowers, symbols to modern art all help in showing what can be done and the limitations.

Also crushing, crushing, crushing. Will be spending mega hours crushing glass and getting my palette back up.

Loonar Gifts

Upcoming Shows

2009-09-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to be a part of these two shows in Calgary during November 2009.

Art Market - November 19 thru 22, 2009 at the Telus Convention Center in Calgary.

Come see a demonstration on how the art is done!

Fesitval of Crafts - November 26 thru 29, 2009 at the BMO Centre (formerly Roundup Center).

Will be a very busy 2 weeks, but I'm looking forward to bringing my art to the public and being able to demonstrate it for them.

Loonar Gifts

Some Pictures Completed

2009-09-23T05:20:00.000-07:00

Crystal Imagery really does take a long time as a 1" square (preparing glass to completion) is approximately 5 hours depending on the detail. So why would I do such an intensive art?

I love the look, it is unique and I enjoy the process as it is challenging. There is something very satisfying to do something no one else does and to explore where I can go with it. Learning detail, shading, colors and design all enhance the experience.

Once I get ahead with some of my other items I will be doing a picture of a mother and baby elephant. Something I am looking forward to as this will be one of my most challenging images as the colors available are very limited.

Loonar Gifts

Wearable Art

2009-09-20T11:29:00.001-07:00

After many years of searching I finally found pieces of jewelry I can use to create my art work in. It is a lot more difficult trying to work with tiny pieces and create images out of the tiny shard in such a confined space, but having the variety and being able to offer smaller items makes it work it.

I'm really hoping to find someone who will be able to make me similar findings in Sterling Silver and 14kt gold, but for now I'm grateful for what I have been able to find.

Loonar Gifts

Creating the Logo and Company Name

2009-09-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

My Logo uses a symbol of the Loon splashing in paint, as the Loon represents the wild with its unlimited possibilities. The Loon is unique, can swim faster and deeper than any other bird even though it is awkward and clumsy on land (sounds familiar, lol).

As a symbol it represents all of the hopes, wishes, and dreams that I have had tucked in the back of the heart are about to come to surface. Similar to how it flys, it is slow to take off but once it gets going it is a good flyer. The loon is about imagination and dreaming, being given opportunities to make them a reality with the only thing that can shatter the possibility being compromise. The loon's cry is the spirit of man crying out for justice, and the voice of the wild. All which I felt describe me very well.

The name Loonar Gifts is also a combination of the logo and the town Milk River. In 2007, as I left my Administrative position and home in Calgary to pursue my dreams the thought that Milk River was the Milky Way to my future. From Milk River, to Milky Way, the planets and the Moon, along with the Loon I created the name Loonar Gifts. I also wanted something free and playful represented as this is what art means to me.

Loonar Gifts

Brochure & Business Card

2009-09-18T08:16:00.000-07:00

It is very exciting to receive my new brochures and business cards in time for the upcoming show at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary.

Loonar Gifts

The Beginning

2009-09-16T03:28:00.001-07:00

My very first picture was created using larger pieces of stained glass but I found it hard to complete the detail I wanted, so began using smaller pieces for the flowers and leaves. Realizing I had better control, such as doing the veins on the leaves I decided to go with the tiny shards (under 1mm).

Loonar Gifts

Crystal Imagery Born

2009-09-12T06:46:00.000-07:00

In 1978 I began experimenting with mosaic art and stained glass when I saw a necklace my mother was wearing and wondered if stained glass could produce a similar effect if it was crushed. After years of trying glues and experimenting with different techniques I came up with the current process.

Stained glass is smashed with a rock and hammer, then put through a series of strainers to get the tiny shards (approx. 1mm). Each shard is placed one-by-one with tweezers so the colors can be blended and to produce a paint brush affect. As the shards are irregular in shape they sparkle like crystals when the light hits them and in turn is how it got its name Crystal Imagery.

Loonar Gifts