Summer Fun

OK, my last post showed the newest "transom arch," but I decided I should show the first transom arch I made also. I finished this one a couple of months ago. It's entitled: "Morning, Noon, and Night." Those who know me well will understand that I have often been accused of having horses on the brain morning, noon, and night. This is not strictly true. I also have mosaics on the brain as is aptly proven here. This fantasy depiction shows three silver horses galloping through a glassy sky sparkling with mirror glass and shiny gems. It is designed to fit above a doorway (preferably the one closest to the barn!) $175

Finally we have a house number! We have lived here for a year now, and we are formally identified at last! No more explaining to UPS men and friends how to find our house without a number. It's there and it's visible. Just wait till my studio has a proper sign!

I finished my second "mosaic transom" this week. It's an arched stained glass mosaic designed to be attached to the wall above a door like a true transom window. Of course it's opaque so no light shines through, but it is still beautiful. (Hey, if anyone out there would like a glass-on-glass mosaic for your real transom window, just let me know!) I didn't actually care for this piece very much until it was finished. The grout just pulled it all together and I like it very much. So much that I'm thinking it needs to hang in my house! (At least until sold!)($175) The glass colors are stunning together, and it looks very natural. The photos don't pick up the glossiness of the glass, or the true reflective colors, either, unfortunately. Oh, well, take my word for it: this piece really shines!

I'm off to finish the house number plaque for our mailbox today. I have tons to do this week regarding my oldest daughter's wedding and my youngest daughter's doctor's appointments, but I do so want a house number!

I have finished the glass and tile table I was working on at last! This has been a great creative learning experience with extra-special interest to me.

Using a double-reverse process really stretched my brain! Trying to work in reverse is bad enough, but doubling the confusion was even more challenging! But it worked: the different thicknesses of the tesserae required this method, and the finished table is smooth and level. I had never worked with unglazed ceramic tile before, but in the process of creating this table I discovered it's a fun, easy tile to work with. I love the color range available, the tiles cut easily, and the matte finish compliments the reflective qualities of glass perfectly. You will definitely see more of these tiles in my upcoming work.

I presented this table to its new owner earlier this week. She loved it, and I am so glad. I have to explain that although this table was a commission piece, but I wasn't paid in cash. We had worked an exchange deal on a horse. The owner gifted the horse to me, but Judy sent her to the trainer for her first 30 days in exchange for the table. I actually brought the horse home from the trainer's in December of last year, but was unable to work on the table until my frozen studio thawed out this spring, so I was a little behind on the payment. Sorry, Judy! Anyway, it was a happy exchange for all involved. The previous owner is happy that her horse has a good home, Judy is happy with her new table, and I am ecstatic with my new horse, Glory Al-Riyah. She is a beautiful young bay mare, who I adore. We are having a good time together, training and working toward a long partnership and endurance career. (see Riyah's blog: www.gloryofthewind.blogspot.com)