Cutest dog ever ?

Couldn't resist this photo. You know that awful moment when you catch your reflection in a shop window and realise you are not Clark Gable, you're just a fat bald bloke with a moustache; it looks like poor old Jackson has just discovered he's not actually a Doberman. I can't stop laughing; mission accomplished. 

Not strictly glass

OK, this picture is not strictly glass; but as glass work is all about light, it's refraction, transmission or reflection, it's colours and the sense of life it conveys, it kind of says it all. A simple view of the sun setting over the frosted water meadows of the river Wylie, leaves you completely in awe of natures beauty. The subtle change of hues and the primeval vista which reaches into and stirs your soul. This is just what a stained glass window or art should achieve. 

What we do in life, echoes in eternity. 

Stained glass chihuahua finished

Just a couple of photos to show the finished chihuahua. The solder lines have a black patina applied, this dulls them down a little and they become "drawing lines" to nicely emphasise shapes. As with all glass, it's just about impossible to photograph well, but you do get the idea. If we do get some sunshine in the next week I will post a photo in its natural element. If you compare him with an original photo, I think we have just about got him right. 

I must also apologise for the P51D in the photo, the Spitfire is just out of shot; will do better next time. 

Stained glass chihuahua

Sorry, I could not resist putting this picture on; it's the little chihuahua. He's almost complete now, I just need to re-do his chest piece which lost its shape in the kiln. He is so cute, I hope you like him. 

Stained glass course

A very productive day, the second day of a stained glass beginners course. Our teaching methods have been honed through more than 30 years military training (no shouting though) and are very much based on a thorough understanding of basic skill and procedures, followed by confidence building exercises. The first day covers health and safety, materials, tools, glass cutting and design. We then design a fairly complicated piece and set to work. By the end of day one all the glass is cut. Day two covers copper foiling or lead work, soldering and finishing. By the end you will have a stunning piece of glass art which you have designed and made entirely yourself. We know that if you "push the envelope" when you are under instruction, you are much more likely to be adventurous when you are at home, by yourself and using materials you have paid a lot of money for than if you made a dull, simple piece with us. 

The results speak for themselves, the only thing we did was paint the condor, everything else is the work of the student; well done Mel. 

Face paint

After a busy week we have a few pieces painted (and some already fired). The bird is a stylised condor designed and cut by a student who will be copper foiling it tomorrow. 

The other pieces are from the little chihuahua, although I am told the sun catcher is bigger than the actual dog. We decided to paint the facial features on because it is such a distinctive face, get that wrong and it's just some coloured glass. Very pleased with the effect but letting it all thoroughly dry overnight on a hot radiator to ensure best firing tomorrow.  The bone shaped tag is in 24 carat gold, I just hope it works well. 

Stained glass chihuahua

Thought I had better post a picture of our cute little chihuahua siting on his cushion. We have had quite a busy week, started with a stained glass course which went really well, our student made exceptional progress, designing a beautiful Andean influenced sun catcher and cutting all the glass pieces. Second half of the course is this Friday and I will post a picture of the finished article. 

Should start the doggy painting tomorrow.