Glasstacular!

ALRIGHT, now I don't know what my problem is, but I've been having an awfully hard time updating this blog lately! Especially when I was all like "I'm going to upload pictures on Saturday!" Sad. That Saturday was 3 WEEKS AGO. Jill Fail.

So, to go back in time a little... Here is a post that I started and I totally planned on posting. But I didn't. ONWARD!


I can't lie. I'm so proud. I finished that glass, and I friggin' dominated it. I was all like, I'm totally going to finish you on time, and it's going to look so ga'damn professional that even you'll think you were made by a professional. And it was all like I'm glass so I can't talk, but OK!. It's probably one of the best one's I've completed to date. Alright, I'm done with my horn tooting. OK one more. TOOT.

Now onto logistics. After my last post, I evened out the seams at the 45 degree angle with wood filler, and let it sit until it was totally dry. After a quick sanding with my trusty mouse-sander, I gave it a light coat of primer. I knew there would be imperfections, and the primer totally told me where I needed more wood filler and sanding. After filling and sanding again, I gave the frame 2 more coats of primer, let it dry, and then rolled on 3 coats of a satin interior/exterior paint. The slight roughness of the roller pad gave the frame a great finish. I removed the protective papers, cleaned it up a little and set onto my next task.



Joints filled, awaiting it's first sanding!

Joints filled, sanded, primed, filled, sanded, primed, then painted! Waiting for the paper removal!

I began to think... how would I hang this? Should I do it, or should I let them do it? Just to cover my bases, I decided to write up detailed instructions. Not only about how to hang them, but how to clean them also. I decided to use two evenly placed rubber coated eyes-hooks on the top of each frame, which would hang neatly from a linked-chain, which I attached to screws.

When I got to their house, it was decided that I would hang the glass. Hell, I had the directions to follow, so why not!? After measuring and marking, I carefully drilled four pilot holes and screwed in screw-eyes that had the chains attached. After some slight adjustments, we carefully hung the glass. With my job complete, I snapped some photographs and bid my friends farewell for the evening.
 

You can see the eye-hook and chain detail a little in this picture.

Thanks, car. For photo-bombing me.

 

it's been awhiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiile

It's hard not to sing that awful song "It's Been Awhile" when you say it's been awhile. But needless to say, it's been awhile. I haven't posted in almost two weeks! FOR SHAME.

I think back on the past two weeks and wonder what I've done, other than gaining another 3 lbs. And guess what? I'VE ACTUALLY DONE A LOT. I just haven't written about it. Sometimes you just have to be in the mood to write. I've been in the mood to eat. (see weight gain reference)

don't be jealous of Sanford & Sons.

The one thing I'd like to share today is how ridiculously creative m'boyfriend is. As you all know,... or don't know, he's a bike enthusiast. And he's super talented with building and repairing bicycles. So every once and awhile, he'll have extra bike parts... chains, doo-hickey and do-dads, metal things and round things, mostly. I don't know bike parts if you've guessed. One extra he had at hand was a giant fat tire. He made this one into a planter! How awesome is that?

My goal for the rest of this week is to update the universe on what's been going on. Here's some topics I'm going to try to cover...

The Art Center! Bike Art and the BIKE RACE! Paintings for the Behbah! Mermaids! Sewing the cushions... AGAIN!  Indian Food!Stained glass and frames!

same ol' shizzle, different dizzle.

Last week had an obvious lack of posting. To be honest, I was a little burned out from the constant crafting over the past couple of weeks. Finish this painting, frame that one, and that one, stained glass, spray paint this, cushions galore... I needed a g'damn break from being crafty. So I took a week off. I can't say that I'm back with a vengeance yet, or even with gusto. I'm tip-toeing back. I may retreat at some point and resort to the comfort of watching Wild Russia and How It's Made.

I still haven't been able to find a good balance when it comes to everything that I have on my plate. If there's anything I've learned from this blog (now 99 posts and counting), it's that urges come and go. My activities and schedule vary from week to week, and I won't really know if I'm excited about something until the moment is upon me. For example: I knew yesterday would be the perfect day to be outside. It doesn't get much better than sunny and 68 degrees. Unless it's 70 and sunny. I also knew that I had a shit-ton of soldering to do. Another thing I learned is that it's horrible to solder indoors. The fumes, while deliciously intoxicating, are extremely intoxicating and quite bad for your health. Was I excited to solder? Not really. Was I excited to be outside? Absolutely.

Exciting + Not So Exciting = Pleasurably Tolerable, if you ask me.

So, I spent a good two or three hours outside, finished soldering and earned a 5 star sunburn on my neck and shoulders. Don't let April fool you. It burns.

glass be owned.

On Sunday, I finished cutting out ALL of the glass for my friend's sisters wedding present, and I couldn't be happier! Since I have ten different glass colors (numbered one through ten, of course) I decided that it would be fun to cut the pieces out per color, and cross off the ones that I completed as I went along. I was so excited to finally get to number 10 and cross it off the list! I'm thrilled to think I'm finally getting better at cutting and breaking glass. This window saw far fewer mistakes than ones in the past.

Again, there's no full pictures of both glass panels because I'd like it to be a surprise when it's finished! Obviously I'll post it once it's framed, delivered, and hung but until then... let your imagination run wild!

blood donation

In all of my comings and goings, sometimes I forget to schedule things that are important to me, like donating blood. Let's face it: I'm no millionaire, but I love to give. Blood is a great thing to give because...
1. I have lots of it.
2. It grows back, if you could call it growing back.
3. I get a pretzels, juice AND a sticker. A STICKER!!!

Oopsy daisy.

On Sunday, I accidentally donated blood when I was stained-glassing. I was grinding the edges of every piece by hand in a vat of warm soapy water when I somehow slipped up and sliced two fingers on my left hand. I think it looked a lot worse that it was, but it was a great reminder that I need to PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT I'M DOING. Let's face it people. I can't afford to loose another digit. 

I made excellent progress over the weekend with the glass: It is completely cleaned up, copper foiled and ready to solder. Which was a lot more than I was planning on accomplishing. (MENTAL HIGH FIVE, HUZZAAAAH!) Yesterday, I showed some of the pictures below to a co-worker of mine (a very art-savy co-worker, mind you) and he said that the glass reminds him of (drum-roll please...) Gustav Klimt!! I was seriously blown away that he saw the resemblance, and I was really proud of myself for correctly emulating his style, which was my ultimate goal!

Sometime in the near future I want to sketch out my plan for the frames, because they'll have to be sturdy enough to hold the weight of the solder and glass. Here are some fun pictures so far. I don't want to upload an image of the whole piece because I don't want to ruin the surprise!
And, I managed to make a real appointment to donate blood this morning. Guess who's wearing a sticker RIGHT NOW? This guy!

weekend update, with Norm MacDonald

No, no Norm here. Just me. But this post should promise to be just as random and confused as his updates used to be. Remember how I was saying "Ohhh, it's going to drizzle fo'rizzle outside today, which means I'm going to craft!" this past Friday?  Well, unbeknownst to me, the weather perked up. Which meant that I didn't do a lick'a quilting that night. Instead, I downed wine and Marchiano's with awesome friends around a fire on our patio, relaxing the night away. Socializing: 1. Crafting: 0

I had better luck crafting over the rest of the weekend, which makes me think that I might (MIGHT) be able to craft in the nice weather... I repainted a birdhouse in bright tropical colors outside and hung it up in the yard. Maybe if I'm lucky I'll get little birdy inhabitants. I also sewed three more wine bags, and cut out all the glass for window #1! Pictures of that will be coming soon! Not too bad for someone who was previously unproductive in 60+ degree weather. Weather: 1. Me: ... 1? Everything: 1. That's better.

Which leads me to one thing that's been bothering me: About two weeks ago, I bought clay so I could start working on my tree bark sculpture. And I CAN'T FIND IT ANYWHERE. This is a common Jill-Problem, since I can't seem to put anything back where it really belongs. I'm hoping I didn't accidentally throw it out when I was cleaning my crafty space... Clay: 1. Jill: 0.

glasstacular!

Recently, a dear friend of mine asked me this: Would I be interested in making a stained glass window as a present for her sister's wedding? I promptly answered no. HAH! Fooled you. Of course I said yes, could you ever believe I turned that down? Silly goose.

My first task was to take measurements. There are four windows in their main living area, which let in a beautiful amount of light to the open space. After talking with the two nearly-weds, it was decided that two hanging panels would be created for the inner-most windows. I settled on the measurement of 11x20 per panel, and will eventually create a 1-1/2" frame, making the total dimension 14x23.

 When designing something that is obviously not for yourself, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Firstly, like I already stated, you are not designing it for yourself: Your likes and dislikes may come into play and influence the final piece, but it should not dictate the design. It was really important for me to ask them what they would like... and of course what they would not like. You don't want to spend all your time and effort making a giant peacock out of glass and find out that they hate birds. Then your friend who asked you to do this is no longer your friend because you asked her to pay for the failure peacock glass and she said no. And the couple is obligated to hang the glass, which eventually causes them to fight to the point where they divorce.  The glass gets sold at an auction for $5.00, and you're living in van down by the river, warning others about peacocks and glass. FAILURE. After conferring with them, they did both point out something I found interesting: The painting hanging across the room that the both admired: It was a copy of Gustav Klimt's The Kiss. They also mentioned that besides neutral colors, they both liked pops of color, like blue and red.  It's an awesome coincidence that both colors appear in the painting, and I drew further ideas from that as well.

My next task was to design the actual window itself. Well... windows, since there are two panels. I decided to study the painting, just concentrating on the lines and shapes.  I came up with a geometric, mirror-image non-representational design that I hope they'll really like.  I will try to morphs the design a little along the way while I'm working on it. I'd like to see some more lines and circles appear so the two panels look slightly different.  (I'd share the design, but I want it to be a surprise!)

I also made a test selection of Spectrum glass colors for the panels, all inspired by The Kiss. Tomorrow I'll be prepared for my shopping adventure, since I'll be driving to Warner Stained Glass up in Allentown, PA to pick out the colors.  If you haven't been there, it's quite a sight to see, and they have a remarkably HUGE selection.  Here's to new projects, and I'll keep you updated along the journey!

decisions, decisions.

I've been aimlessly flipping through quilting books and magazines for the past couple days searching for some sort of quilt design that looks feasible for me to accomplish.  After all, this is my first attempt at an entire blanket.  I finally came across one last night while I was half asleep. I confirmed my find this morning when I was slightly more awake, but before my first cup of coffee.  After my second cup of coffee, I reconfirmed how awesome my decision was, and started planning my trip to JoAnne Fabrics.  Behold, the string quilt from Sew Quick Scrap Quilts.

Looks easy enough...right...? ...Right?!  No, people that are reading this (unless you're a master quilter with robot hands); this does not look easy.  But it looks like fun, and it certainly looks like something I can accomplish. Especially because there are no real straight lines other than the muslin blocks that I have to sew.  The scrap fabric can be any width I feel like, thank you very much.

Oh, and if you didn't guess this before: I'm finished with stained glass for now.  Making that light box seemed as fun as hitting myself in the face with a raw chicken.  That's one FAIL I can be proud of.

sketchy sketchums.

This morning in an attempt to play catch-up, I was going to blitz through all of my work and write a new blog post!  My attempt was thwarted however, when I got into work and realized that the phones are down.  And so is my internet connection.  Then to my obvious joy and delight, I saw my USB thingy sitting in my purse.  Therefore I am typing this post at work, and I’ll upload it later from home.  Don’t be jealous of my brain skillz.

So no, I did not get in my copper foil over the holiday weekend.  But that didn’t stop my productivity!  Would you like to hear what I did?  OF COURSE YOU DO!  Why else would you be reading the ramblings of a crazed hamburger-addicted girl?  (I had three hamburgers over the weekend, now I have meatbrainitis.) 

I sketched out a design for two small paintings that I would like to do.  The canvases I have are 5”x5”, and the design flows from one panel to the other.  I’ve been fiddling with similar design patterns for awhile, and it’s something I’m excited about!  Think organic/geometric windows with a touch of intestines.  You read that correctly.  I’m still debating what medium to use (acrylic or oil) but I know that I’d like to somehow incorporate wax.  Should be a fun project to start later on!

I also rustled up four paintings that I completed a while ago.  I’d like to look into getting frames for them and hanging them up around the house.  One painting will have a standard frame, but the other is a triptych.  I don’t know what my obsession is with triptychs, but it looks like that one will have to be custom made too.  Damnit.

I started drawing a design for the light box that I’ll be building to house my stained glass piece.  I really hope that I can plan this out and execute it properly.  I might need more brain skillz to figure this one out.  Or maybe another hamburger?

And lastly, I am going to be starting a tie-messenger bag for my sister!  She’s in her last year of grad school, so I thought I’d make her something pretty that she can bring to class.  I hope I can sketch out the right dimensions and make it work!

delays? but it ain't m'fault!

Great news!  After much deliberation, and many broken-slash-failed pieces of stained glass, I decided to slightly reconfigure my design.  My main purpose for doing this?  The blue glass is still on back order.  For me to complete my piece without more delays, I figured I'd have to push forward at some point and work with what I have.  Here's what I ended up with...

Ta-daaaaaaaa! Here it is. I still love the flow of the design, even though it's slightly different from my original sketch.  And not all of the dark pieces above are black: Most are the transparent purple/magenta color.  I'm hoping that when it's back-lit, the colors will really shine.

Onto my little subject title about delays.  I noticed today that I don't have enough copper foil to complete my goal by this Sunday.  Faaaaaaaaaaaaail.  As soon as I realized that, I ordered more 1/4" 1mm foil from Warner Stained Glass.  Alas, it's a Friday before a holiday weekend.  I sincerely doubt that I'll start foiling again until maybe Tuesday.  I made great progress today though!

schnitzel, stained glass and hurricanes.

Holy schnitzel Batman!  I fell off my blogging wagon for a couple of days.  Many apologies.  I figured I'd do a brief recap of my extravagant filled birthday weekend.  And by extravagant, I mean hurricane/tornado induced hysteria.  Onwards!

Thursday was my 28th birthday.  It was also the 10 year anniversary of my first day of college.  It was also the 28th anniversary of my mom's c-section.  I thought I'd throw that in there since she's always asking me if I want to see her scar.  I find myself getting off track of this recap in mammoth proportions.  Onwards, once more!

My day was spent yelling at stained glass and crafting with my good friend Lauren.  After telling the stained glass to go f*** itself numerous times, we carried on to Michael and made a quick stop at the Salvation Army.  I got some supplies at both places for my next project... secrets, secrets!!  I spent the rest of the weekend tracking the hurricane, succumbing to tornado warning instructions, and riding my bike taking videos of the flooding and damage.  I also watching numerous episodes of gypsy weddings.  That s*** is ridiculous.

I realize that I haven't set a goal for myself to actually finish cutting and foiling The Beast... I'll say by Sunday, September 3rd.  The design has changed slightly, but I still think it embodies much of what I want it to.  Look at me, using big words!   This post also feels naked, so I think I'll just upload a picture of myself.  Your welcome.

PS... the cucumber soup tasted like glorified vomit.

NOM NOM

Small post!  I finished foiling the middle panel last night in between eating grilled cheese and watching Cupcake Wars on the Food Network.  This is what happens when I'm left home alone.  I lapse into a state of simple meals, stretch pants and entertaining television. Don't hate.  This also means that I reached my goal one day early!  I think I'll reward myself with more cheese.

In other news, I am planning on cooking a lovely dinner tonight and catching up with a dear friend.  Here's my menu:

Cold Cucumber & Dill Soup
Goat Cheese and Cranberries with Crackers
Sauteed Spinach with Shallots and Sun Dried Tomatoes
Grilled Portabella Mushrooms with Couscous

OH OKAY.  I'll take a picture and post it later. 

foiling the beast.

left panel

You know what I just realized? I can type in different colors if I want. It's about to get silly up in here. ... on second thought, no it's not. That took me entirely too long to type. Screw colors.

right panel

Last night I finished cleaning and foiling the right panel pieces that I had previously cut. Tonight I'm going to finish up the pieces in the middle panel, which I already cleaned last night. Then... onto cutting the new pieces... SHIT, that is scary! I'm terrified of messing up.  Maybe I should do some practice pieces first so I don't throw a fit if I break a piece. Good idea...

beginning the beast.

As of yesterday, I re-started working on the stained glass piece... I think from now on, I'll just call it The Beast.  Here is my original sketch for the piece:

The sketch was made before I went glass shopping, but luckily most of the colors are almost exactly the same. I chose opaque glass for the project for one main reason: The triptych will eventually be back-lit, so I thought using opaque glass would give the piece a really unique glow.  However, I couldn't find an opaque glass in the purple/fushia category, so I decided to go with a deep fushia translucent glass.  I thought it would contrast really nice with the opaque colors, and will definitely give a focal point to the finished piece.

Here is what I'm starting with.  The pieces that are in white are the ones that have already been cut.  All of the spots that are blank... well, those are the ones that I still need to cut.  The blue and black glass is still on back-order for the time being (FROWN) but I check the site every day to see if it's back in stock.

In the meantime, I'm going to clean and foil all of the pieces I have already cut.  Yesterday I finished the left panel.  I forgot to take a picture though... I hope to get them all cleaned and foiled by Wednesday, which is my first goal date.  I'm hesitating on setting a final goal date until I can get my hands on the materials I need.  Don't judge me.

MUST CONQUER THE BEAST!!!!!!
(that's what she said.)

hot sauce and bunnies.

I just realized how sad my other posts look without pictures.  So here's a shot of me gazing into the future and reading the words that you're seeing here.  Nah, I'm just thinking about cookies, fried chicken and hot sauce.  I had two of the three for lunch today.  Guess which?!

Last night I sewed the bases for both purses and fully completed the front panels, buttons and all.  High five!!  I even had time to choose the tie flap (which will be sewed to the back panel) and cut out the fabric for the back panels, too.  I'm working hard to get back on track to finish up everything by my goal date of August 21st.

As I mentioned, my next project will be to complete a stained glass piece that I started back in April of last year, and promptly abandoned one month later in May.  There were two main reasons that I put the project on hiatus.  A handful of the pieces are extremely complex to cut, and at the time I was not successful in scoring and breaking those pieces properly.  I quickly exhausted my glass supply on mistakes.  Also, my bunny Moe developed a habit of running and jumping on to my kitchen table where I was working.  Twice, he skidded onto the table and sent glass pieces a'flyin and a'breakin.  But I can't stay mad at my fluffybuns.  How could you stay mad at this?

This glass project cannot be rushed: But when it comes time to do so, I will set a goal date.  I have run into a little snag so far: Two of the colors that need are currently out of stock, and they cannot be placed on back order.  I'm not sure how this will affect the piece, or my ability to reach my goal.  But I guess we'll see when I start it up again!