Stained Glass Debut

[sharelle]

I've never truly been a very artistic person. Normally, when it came to drawing, I could only make it work if I had a model to go by. Not a tracing, but something to actually look at while I was working. Probably why my one and only piece of fanart ever has Matt Damon's hair and Jennifer Love Hewitt's lips.

But there's one thing I can do -- stained glass. I've been studying under my best friend's father (heretofore known as "The Sensei") for the past seven years. Recently, I started compiling a portfolio of all the items I've created, mostly for my own reminiscence and to mentally chart my improvement. So I'll be posting a few things here as well . . . `cause, you know, I am kinda proud of a lot of them.

Sun-catchers first!

I thought it fitting to compare my very first project with my most recent:

This turtle was the first thing I ever worked on. The photo actually makes it look a lot better. My soldering left much to be desired at the time and I think there are one or two places where the copper foil is lifting off the edges of the piece. Still, it's cute. And The Sensei laughed at me when I got all excited over making the little wire tail. (Looks like he could use a good waxing, though.)

My "tap dancing" frog is the most recent project I've completed. (The pattern came from an all-frog book and, yes, his name was "Tap Dancer." Though my students have dubbed him "Joaquin.") This little guy will be coming with me to my classroom at the start of school, so he's not in a very good place to show off his colors right now, but all-in-all, a few years after Turtle, a much better soldering job. Also, the eye was made from three pieces of glass fused in a kiln. I was really, really happy with the way he turned out. Even The Sensei seemed to like him! (And he's a tough guy to please!)

Comments

[evil-overlord.livejournal.com]

I *liked* the turtle!!! Very cute!

and trust me, I know all about not being happy with one's first project. I eventually gave up on trying to talk the friend of mine that I gave my first knitted scarf to, to let me do one that looked better. He kept saying no. LOL

I like stained glass though, so I'm looking forward to seeing more!!

[sharelle.livejournal.com]

Thanks! The turtle wasn't bad for a first try -- though, granted, I chose a project that had much smaller pieces than most other people use for their first time. (The easy way out? What's that? *G*) But I still like him.

I have much better stuff since then -- just waiting for the proper light to take photos of them! So glad you like! Do you have any piccies of your knitting?

[sass-amour.livejournal.com]

I know what you mean about soldering....I happened across a show on PBS called Glass With Vicki Pane....it is really good and she gives wonderful class on soldering!!

[sharelle.livejournal.com]

Really? I'll have to see if I can catch it sometime -- always good to find more tips! The Sensei is very good at soldering, though watching him able to do it so effortlessly can be frustrating at times.

Thanks for the suggestion!

[sass-amour.livejournal.com]

you are more then welcome hon..and trust me...I was learning stained glass on my own..within a month my soldering improved greatly....

[silent-winter.livejournal.com]

Arww, I've made that turtle too, it came out of a book right? Can't remember the title though. It was one of my first pieces too. For a first piece, you did a good job!!

The frog is great. You got the grains in the glass going in a very pleasing-to-the-eye way. Your soldering has greatly improved.

[sharelle.livejournal.com]

You got the grains in the glass going in a very pleasing-to-the-eye way.

Thank you! I'm so glad the photograph allowed that to be seen -- lots of attention always paid to the grains! :)

And, yes, the turtle came from a book. (Aww, you made it too? *g*) In fact many of my patterns are pre-made (but altered), since I've never been able to claim myself as a great artist. There are a few exceptions of which I'm very proud, though! I'll be posting them too.

Thanks again!