Kathleen Dalrymple - Glass Artist

Hill Country Sunset - mosaic stained glass window

2011-09-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

I haven't made a "Hill Country Sunset" window in a couple of years so decided it was time again. This one has a lot of golds and purples in it. It is 36 inches tall and 24 inches wide and will be shown at Artisans of Rocky Hill Gallery in Fredericksburg, Texas beginning today.

The detail photo shows the use of beads and rhinestones as well as some beautiful art glass and some glass that has been painted with alcohol inks.

Texas Liveoak Window - multilayer mosaic stained glass window

2011-09-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

This is my latest 24 x 24 Oak Tree window. It has two layers with the border, foreground and some of the tree foliage on the front layer. The back layer is the grass surrounding the base of the tree, the tree trunk and branches, and much of the foliage.

This photo shows a more detailed closeup of some of the rhinestones and beads used in the window.

This detail photo may allow you to see that there are two layers of leaves (beads) creating the foliage of the oak tree.

Grape and Hummingbird window installed - glass on glass mosaic stained glass window

2011-09-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

This is what the Hummingbird and Grapes window looks like installed. We designed the window to set outside the opening so we could utilize as much of the light as possible. We hung it using a piano hinge on the top. That way it can be lifted up to clean the window behind it.

Springtime Sunshine - Glass on glass mosaic window

2011-09-13T05:49:00.000-07:00

This is a new 24" x 24" landscape window that I started at my demo at Artisans of Rocky Hill Gallery the first weekend of this month. At the demo I completed the border and all of the flowers in the foreground. I completed it when I returned home. The border is made with vitreous glass tiles, beads, and rhinestones. The tree leaves are both stained glass and several different colors of navette shaped rhinestones. The wire on the fence was created with very small clear seed beads. and the bluebonnets were created with several different rhinestones.

These photos show a little more of the detail.

Grandma's Red Roof - a mlti layer glass on glass mosiac window

2011-09-05T05:01:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the quality of this photo but this piece was finished at a demo that I did at Artisans gallery this past weekend and I only had a phone to take a photo. It is 24 x 24 and has two layers. The front layer contains the trees, border, and all the ground work up to the fence. The second layer is the house, sun and surrounding plantings.

This is what the window looks like when there is no light coming through it. It was just propped up against a wall.

"Texas" a multi layer glass piece

2011-08-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

This is a two layer piece that measures 7" tall and 16" in length. The front layer contains the border, a couple of bluebonnets on each side and the word "Texas" in gold beads.

This closeup shows more of the detail and how the flowers are created using rhinestones. The ground is actually gold leaf applied to the back of the second layer of glass. All of the additional bluebonnets and indian paintbrush flowers are actually on a second layer of clear glass that has been recessed about a 1/4" behind the front layer.

This angled photo may allow you to see the separation between the two layers. This piece is best shown when lighted from both the front and the back and changes in appearance with different lighting environments.

"Spring Beauty Pageant" - Mosaic Window demonstrating more uses of rhinestones and beads

2011-08-07T06:48:00.000-07:00

Here is another 16"x 20" floral window. It features bluebonnets, indian paintbrush, indian blanket, and sunflowers.

In this detail shot it is easy to identify the use of several different materials. There are three different types of beads used in the border. They have all been added while strung so they are standing up on their side. After attaching them with adhesive I remove the string. More E beads have been used in the background between the flowers. These have been sprinkled on adhesive and most show the hole which fills up with grout - a few are on their sides so they don't show the hole. Many different types of rhinestones have been used in the creation of the flowers. They are always glued down with the flat surface (this is usually the front of a stone) of the rhinestone adhered to the background glass.

One More Garden Ornament - a Table Squiggle

2011-08-01T13:03:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist showing one more Garden Squiggle that I made to give my sister for a small house warming gift. This was created using a metal lamp base with an old vase attached. I then used 16 gauge steel wire and plastic beads to make the squiggles.

I can see this sitting on a patio table - although it could also be put in a garden or flowerbed. Glass beads could be used and they would hold up to the weather for a much longer time.

Mosaic Grouting Tips

2011-07-31T11:30:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would take a few moments today to discuss some of my tips for grouting success. This is another 36 x 24 window and is similar to several others that I have made in the past. On this one I used even more beads and rhinestones which I think adds to the beauty of the piece but can cause nightmares during the grouting process. Because the beads and rhinestones are all differnt levels they add a lot of dimension and texture to the piece and really catch the light but grout is difficult to clean on these uneven surfaces.

When I mix my grout I make it very stiff -this keeps it from creeping under any pieces and showing through. I wear rubber gloves and apply it with my hands rubbing it in very carefully around all of the different level pieces. Then I stand the piece up with a light behind and my first pass at cleaning the piece is usually with a popsicle stick. This allows me to remove grout from between the different levels.

After I remove as much grout as possible with the popscicle stick I then use paper towels to buff the rest off the surface of the piece. This can take quite a long time if the surface is very textured and in our Texas heat the grout dries faster than I like sometimes so I work as quickly as possible. As the piece is getting clean I sometimes use a dry toothbrush to remove grout from around the beads or rhinestones. Although I have been doing this process for several years now, I seem to make it harder on myself each time by using such a variety of materials. I am conviced that is what makes the pieces unique and I always like a challenge!
If you are planning on using rhinestones and beads for the first time I would encourage you to start small and good luck!

This is the finished window.....

"Garden Squiggles" another idea for Garden Ornaments

2011-07-30T14:10:00.000-07:00

Although this isn't a mosaic I thought that I would share it too. I buy many of the glass beads for my mosaic work in large mixed lots and since I only use glass beads in my mosic work I end up with TONS of plastic beads. Some are put to good use by my granddaughers when they come to visit but I was looking for a good way to use them up so here it is. This isn't my own idea - saw one similar on a garden tour this Spring. I call mine a garden squiggle because I can't seem to leave the wire straight!

This close up should give you a better idea of what it looks like. The stake is a hollow piece of copper tubing about 4 feet tall. I bought 16 guage steel wire and strung plastic beads on the pieces of wire. The ends of the wire are inserted in the copper tubing and then I just coiled the wires to make them look more interesting. My photos are not too good - this really sparkles in the sun. It is a fun way to use up non mosaic supplies. They would also be pretty made with glass beads and would probably hold up longer in our brutal Texas weather!

Texas Summer Bouquet

2011-07-16T14:44:00.000-07:00

This is a new multilayer window. It measures 24 x 24 inches and is framed in cedar. The front layer includes all the border and wall - up to the window opening. There is also one sunflower blossom and a couple of bluebonnets on the front layer. The second layer is the vase of flowers.

This is a detail shot of the vase and border.

Building a Grape and Hummingbird Transom Window continued.....

2011-07-13T04:54:00.000-07:00

Once I had the first border glued down I put a printed grid underneath the clear glass to guide my placement of the lattace strips.

I began placing the grape leaves and grape clusters in place to decide placement and layout before gluing anything in place.

Here is the right side of the piece almost completely glued in place.

This shows what the front layer looked like completed and ready for grouting.

Next I created the second layer on another piece of glass. On this layer I will only grout the hummingbirds. After grouting both pieces this layer will be recessed on the back about 1/2 inch by using clear glass strips to separate both layers.

After grouting and assembly - here is a detail of the left side of the completed window.

Once again .....this is the finished piece!

New Transom Window - Grapes and Hummingbirds

2011-07-12T19:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a new transom window that I just completed for friends. I am going to give a sequence of steps that I used to put this window together.

To start this commission I wanted to figure out how to make accurate grape leaves so I looked them up on the internet and made these drawings for reference.

I started by cutting several colors of green glass into leaf shapes. I use tape to hold the leaves in place until I attach them to the base glass.

I identified a variety of flat backed rhinestones in different sizes and shades of purple to use for the grapes.

Next I cut curved stripsof brown stained glass to use for grapevines and beige straight strips to use for the lattice.

Tomorrow I will add additional photos and show how I completed this piece.

Fanciful Oak - Multilayer Tree Mosaic Window

2011-07-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

Here is a closeup of the border after grouting. Notice the use of tiles, brass jewelry findings, rhinestones, and beads. I used a string of large seed beads as the interior border so that creates an edge for the grout to seal to.

This is what the front layer looks like after the border has been grouted and the leaves have been added to the clear glass center. The background is actually clear glass and the curved lines you see are only in my glass door that the piece rested against for the photo.

This is what the second layer looks like before it is added to the front. The tree trunks and ground is grouted. The background is textured clear glass.

Here is the finished window after both layers are put together.

This photo shows a little of the dimension.

"Food for the Soul" - glass on glass mosaic piece

2011-07-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a new piece that I just made for a friend to give as a birthday gift. I am not sure how successful it is. The type reads: Food for the Soul and is to be displayed in the window so the owner can see it while admiring her flowers. I am pleased with the border and the flowers but unsure about the lettering. I used large seed beads to create the type. I'm not sure if it would have shown up better if I had used a color in the background rather than the iridized clear. It was a fun challenge since I have not done much with lettering in the past. I am also going to use this post to demonstrate a little more about grouting.

Here is the type of sanded grout I use. The color I most often use is pewter grey but this type of grout comes in many colors.

This is how the piece looked after applying all the glass, beads, rhinestones, tiles, etc. but before applying the grout.

This is how it looked taped and ready to apply the grout. Tape helps protect the frame and keeps it clean while grouting. Be sure to mix the grout very thick and don't use any water when cleaning it off the surface. Just apply, wait 10 or 15 mins. and then wipe off with a dry paper towel. I also use a popscicle stick to remove wet grout from around some of the irregular areas before wiping with the paper towel.

"Made for Climbing" glass on glass mosaic window

2011-06-25T13:53:00.000-07:00

This is a new multilayer tree window. It is 24 x 24 inches in size and is framed in cedar. It will be shown at Artisans of Rocky Hill Gallery in Frederickburg, Texas.

I am trying to show the dimensional quality of the tree with this photo. There is actually 3 different layers of foliage.

I will be out of town for several days and will resume my "How To" blogs when I return. Until then have fun playing with glass!

Mosaic Techniques - the use of rhinestones and beads in glass on glass mosaic windows

2011-06-24T04:52:00.000-07:00

This morning I thought that I would take a few mins. to show in more detail how I incorporate both rhinestones and beads in my windows.

This window is titled "Floral Delight" and is a good example of the use of many rhinestones and beads.

The border was created using glass tiles, strings of large seed beads, blue moonstones, coral glass flatback rhinestones, and round mother of pearl jewelry findings. As you experiment with different materials it is amazing how many will actually transmit llight!

The background was filled in with triangles nipped from Iridescent clear stained glass and iridescent rhinestones were added randomly.

Note how the sunflowers have rhinestone centers surrounded with large seed beads and navette rhinestones in complermentary colors were added to the stained glass petals.

You can see the use of rhinestones in the creation of the Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush flowers. All rhinestones are always applied flat surface down which makes many of them upside down. You still get the sparkle effect of the facets!

Lastly, note the use of nipped stained glass and rows of large seed beads in the groundwork.

I hope this series of photos helps show my use of both the rhinestones and beads.

Mosaic Technique - Grouting

2011-06-23T05:20:00.000-07:00

Today I am adding a few suggestions about the grouting processs. I use poly sanded grout on most of my work. I purchase it at Home Depot and I prefer the Pewter color. I find this color works best for windows because it most closely resembles the color of leading in traditional stained glass windows. Mix the grout very thick - almost too stiff to stir. Do this in a plastic glass with a plastic spoon and you can just throw out the left overs.

Before I grout I use painter's tape to block off the areas that I don't want to get grout on.

This photo shows the "Oak Beauty" back layer taped off so I can grout just the tree trunk and the ground area.

This photo shows the front (border) glass masked off with painter's tape and ready for grouting.

Here is the border area with the grout applied. ( Before wiping down). Be sure to rub the grout into all of the spaces. Let it sit for 10 or 15 mins. and then just wipe down with dry paper towels. I never use a wet sponge - just introduces more water and can cause problems.

Mosaic Techniques - borders

2011-06-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

Because I just posted the Oak Tree piece I thought this might be a good time to demonstrate borders. The glass layer in the frame contains the border and then a second layer was created for the tree. After both pieces are mounted together additional leaves are also added to the border layer to create the 3D effect.

Here is the border of the "Oak Beauty piece
before it was grouted.

Back tree layer before grouting.

The border layer before grouting.

Oak Beauty - New Glass on Glass Mosaic Stained Glass Window

2011-06-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

This is another Oak Tree window. The central image area has two layers.

More Mosaic Supplies

2011-06-21T05:46:00.000-07:00

Notice the use of vitreous glass tiles and rhinestones in this window!

Vitreous glass tiles - useful for borders. These are often used in traditional mosaics when no light will be transmitted but most colors are also beautiful when light shines through them.

All types of beads make wonderful additions to mosaic windows. I usually also put these in borders but they also work well incorporated into the image area. Look at some of the windows I have posted and see if you can identify beads.

Metal jewelry findings can also be used in mosaics. Remember when using them in glass on glass projects they are completely opaque.

Rhinestones - These are one of my favorite types of supplies to use. You can salvage them from old jewelry or buy them online. If the rhinestones have gold or silver backing they can be soaked overnight in Liquid Plumber to remove the backing. When attaching them to your glass be sure to glue them flat side down. Most of the time that will mean to use them upside down. If they are flat backs then you glue them right side up.

Mosaic Supplies

2011-06-20T07:15:00.000-07:00

Photo of a class working on their first project.

Photo of one of my windows installed in a permanent location.

There are many different types of material that I use for my mosaics. Because most of my work is displayed like stained glass windows, the pieces used must transmit light. There are a few exceptions to that which I will discuss in a later post.

Stained glass pieces- This can be purchsed in bulk by the pound at many Stained Glass stores as well as online. This is the main material that I use for my creations. It can be cut to size for design elements, cut into uniform pieces to fill in images or backgrounds, or just used in random pieces. Stained glass is what gives my windows their brilliant colors!!!

Glass Globs - these come in various sizes and colors and can be purchased at hobby stores or online. They work especially well for borders.

Glitter tiles - These tiles are pretty much opaque but are small and also make wonderful borders.

Gravel - can be either opaque or translucent. I use gravel in some of my pieces to represent rocks.

More supplies will be shown tomorrow.

More Mosaic Techniques

2011-06-19T04:52:00.000-07:00

When I begin a mosaic I start with a framed piece of clear glass. If I want to usse a pattern it is attached to the back of the glass and then my mosaic pieces are applied to the front of the glass using a couple of types of adhesive.

This is the completed glass on glass mosaic window created from the pattern above.

Today I am showing the types of adhesives that I use for my glass on glass mosaic technique. The first type is GE clear silicone. The advantages for this adhesive is that the pieces stay in place when positioned. I put adhesive on the back of each piece as I attach it. Two hints: always use enough adhesive to get a complete seal between the two pieces of glass. If you don't - when you grout the piece grout will creep under the pieces and you will see it when the window is held up to the light.

The second type of adhesive that I use Is Mac Glue. You can purchase it from mosaic supply stores or online. This glue is thin, clear, and extremely strong and I use it to attach beads and rhinestones to my pieces. I don't use it under large pieces because it takes too long to dry and leaves bubbles etc.

OK - log on tomorrow for more of my techniques! Have a great Father's Day!!

Mosaic Techniques continued

2011-06-18T04:53:00.000-07:00

Glass cutting surface - this is a rigid grid that supports your stianed glass while you are scoring and breaking it. The use of this allows the small chips of glass to fall into the grid and not sit on your surface to possibly cut you. It can then be vacuumed or rinsed out.

Miscellaneous tools such as straight edges (razor blades, exacto tools with different blades, etc.), popsicle sticks, toothpicks. These are all used to remove excess glue, straighten pieces, remove pieces that you have added but don't like. They are also helpful for cleanup during the grouting proces

Tomorrow I will add glues and some of the supplies that I use.

HAPPY MOSAICING111.

Mosaic How To - my techniques for making glass on glass mosaics

2011-06-17T05:57:00.000-07:00

I sometimes receive requests for mosaic techniques and instructions and since I no longer offer classes I decided to post "How To" info here on my blog every few days. This information is just about the techniques and materials that I have found to be useful. I am sure that others of you have had different experiences so use what is helpful and make it your own!

Lesson 1 - Tools

Glass cutter - a stained glass tool that I use to cut stained glass. These can be purchased at any stained glass store, online, Hobby Lobby, Mosaic Suppliers, etc.

Mosaic nippers - specifically designed to nip glass and tile - available in stores or online

Running Pliers - used to break the glass after you have scored it with the glass cutter

Tomorrow I will add more tools and techniques.

Commission Wildflower Window

2011-06-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

This is a small window featuring Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrush, Indian Blanket, Purple Cone Flowers, and Sun Flowers. It is very colorful with the yellow border!

"Addicted to Red" Multilayer glass on glass mosaic stained glass window

2011-06-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

This window is actually two layers. It measures 24 x 24 inches in size and is framed in cedar. The front layer is the border including all the beige area with the flowering vines. The second layer is recessed about a third of an inch and is the triangular image with the flowering vine, humming bird, and the background. The entire background was filled in using vintage rhinestones and beads.

Commission Window of Family Cabin - Glass on Glass Mosaic Stained Glass Window

2011-05-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

This is a large stained glass mosaic window created to resemble a family homestead. They requested that specific wildflowers and grasses, their cabin, a windmill, a cedar post fence, winding road, river, and pink granite cliffs all be included in the image. It was a fun piece to create and I can't wait to show it to the clients! It measures approximately 46 inches tall and 29 inches wide. There is a lot of detail and use of small beads and rhinestones to define the detail so I have included some close up detail photos in an effort to show this detail.

Wildflower Transom Window - Commission Stained Glass on Glass Window

2011-05-08T16:56:00.000-07:00

This window measures 13" x 33" and was designed for a transom window. The design will add color and limit visibility through this window. The clients own a plant nursery and requested native Texas wildflowers.

"The Bride's Bouquet" Mosaic Stained Glass Window

2011-04-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

This window measures 24" x 24". It has a mosaic border and boot and the bacground is clear glass with multilayer glass wildflowers created with stained glass, vintage rhinestones, and glass beads. the mosaic border and boot were created using stained glass, brass findings, glass beads, vitreous glass tiles, and vintage rhinestones.

Multilayer Glass Minatures and Glass on Glass mosaic vases

2011-04-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

I haven't shown any minatures on my blog recently so

here is a few that I completed recently. Although the dimension doesn't show in photos, the minatures are all made using a couple of layers each to create the illusion of depth. The vases are a combination of mosaic, beads, and vintage rhinestones.

"Pixie - Where's your Monkey?" Pet Portrait

2011-03-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

This is a gift made for friends. They have a little dog named Pixie and she carries around a stuffed monkey that is twice her size. The mosaic was made with fused glass, vitreous glass tiles, stained glass, vintage rhinestones, pearl findings, and beads.

Something Fun!

2011-03-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had a play day with several friends. I have accumulated many odd jewelry findings as I have collected my mosaic supplies and we decided that we would use some of these findings to create jewelry. As it turns out all we made were pendants but I think they would be great statement pieces with the right clothing. Besides, it was just great fun. Although I don't plan to pursue making jewelry, the techniques were interesting and I will probably use some of them in future projects.

Sunny Spring Afternoon

2011-03-10T15:03:00.000-08:00

Our Favorite Oak

2011-03-10T15:01:00.000-08:00

Another multi layered tree piece. I also used alcohol inks in the background of this piece.

"Chasing Fireflys"

2011-03-03T12:03:00.000-08:00

This is a small piece that I made in Martin Cheeks class at SAMA. It was created using smalti (new material for me to use), glass fusions I created and some that I purchased from Martin, mille, vitreous glass tiles, and glass beads. It is a portrait of our Jack Russell terreir named Junebug. She is a constant companion for my husband so this piece was created for him. It was a fun project but I learned really quick that I don't enjoy cleaning grout out of smalti!!!

I thought that everyone might

like to see what Junebug reaally looks like! She is quite a ham!

24"x24" Oak Tree window

2011-01-28T14:40:00.000-08:00

Glass shard Oak Tree.

Oak Meadow multi layer piece

2011-01-28T14:37:00.000-08:00

This is a multilayer piece featuring seed bead Oak trees.

Tribute to Texas remake

2011-01-28T14:34:00.000-08:00

This is a remake of a recent piece with a few minor changes

"Sunset"

2010-12-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

Another 36" x 24" glass on glass mosaic window. This piece will be shown at Artisans of Rocky Hill Gallery in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Garden Ornaments

2010-10-27T13:52:00.000-07:00

Here are four new garden ornaments that will be shown at Artisans in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Oak Commission Window

2010-10-27T13:43:00.000-07:00

This commission piece is very similar to a window that I recently completed. When the customer came back to get it - it was gone. I wanted to show these photos because it is sometimes difficult to explain the multiple layers on my pieces. Here the mosaic border and some groupings of the leaves are on the front clear layer of glass. The tree trunk and much of the leaves are actually on another clear layer of glass that is recessed about a third of an inch behind the front surface. I loved how the tree cast such a distinct shadow!

Tribute to Texas

2010-10-05T07:48:00.000-07:00

This window is 24"x36" and is framed in redwood. It will be shown at Atrisans in Fredericksburg, Texas. The center circle represents the Texas flag, the upper circle features the Mockingbird which is our state bird, and the bottom circle is Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush wildflowers. The corners feature "The Yellow Rose of Texas".

Suns and Cones

2010-09-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

This small window was designed to coordinate with the Bonnets, Brushes, and Blankets piece that I listed in an earlier post. These are all native Texas Wildflowers.

Fantasy Fish

2010-09-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

This whimsical window is 36" x 24". The border contains many different types of vintage rhinestones as well as vintage brass pieces inserted between the glass tile border.

This detail photo shows some of the dimension in the rhinestone border as well as the reflection of light coming through the glass tile.

Bonnets, Brushes, & Blankets

2010-09-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

Small Floral window - 16"x20" framed in redwood. The image was created with marble tiles, glitter tiles, vitreous glass tiles, stained galss, agate slices, vintage rhinestones, crushed glass, and glass beads.

Detail photo which shows the effect of the textured clear glass in the background.

Glorious Texas with Roses

2010-09-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

36"x24" framed in redwood. This window is being shown at Artisans of Rocky Hill Gallery in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Afternoon Flyby

2010-09-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

36"x24" framed in redwood. Shown at Artisans of Rocky Hill Gallery in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Floral Delight

2010-08-30T06:59:00.000-07:00

Another small floral window!

Commission Bathroom Window

2010-08-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

Commission window that was installed in a shower enclosure. This was a remodel project and the window needed privacy. We framed the piece in aluminum like a shower door. The bathroom tile work is terra cotta and natural colors so the client wanted mostly warm colors. The afternoon sun hits this window so the effect will be a Hill County sunset!

"Looks Like it will be a Starry Night"

2010-08-08T17:38:00.000-07:00

24 inches wide and 36 inches tall framed in redwood

Field of Prickly Pears

2010-08-02T16:55:00.000-07:00

24 inches wide and 36 inches tall - framed in redwood.

Doubletrunk Oak

2010-08-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

Multilayer Oak tree created with stained glass shards. It is 24 inches square. The border is made with vitreous glass tile and a variety of glass beads and rhinestones.

Wildflower Parade

2010-07-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

This oversized window measures 48 inches wide by 23 inches tall. It is framed in redwood and was created using many unusual and beautiful vintage rhinestones.

Looking Toward the Vineyard

2010-07-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

Vineyard scene that measures 24 inches wide by 36 inches tall. It is framed in Redwood and the image was created with stained glass, vintage rhinestones, marble tiles, vitreous glass tiles, glass beads, rocks, and marbles.

Glorious Texas II

2010-06-25T05:20:00.000-07:00

Oakie Dokie

2010-06-25T05:17:00.000-07:00

The Chosen One

2010-06-25T05:12:00.000-07:00

Follow the Arrows

2010-06-25T05:07:00.000-07:00

Flying Solo

2010-06-25T05:05:00.000-07:00

Hummers Galore

2010-06-02T13:36:00.000-07:00

Here is another new window that measures 24 inches wide and 36 inches tall. It will be shown at Artisans in Fredericksburg.

Sundown at the Lake

2010-05-20T16:47:00.000-07:00

This is a new large window that will be shown at Artisans in Fredericksburg, Texas. It measures 24 inches wide by 36 inches tall. It was made using stained glass, vintage rhinestones, vitreous glass tiles, glass cabachons, and glass beads. This is a return to the familiar landscape windows that I have created in the past but I have used a border this time and incorporated many more glass beads that add to the detail.

Sunny Texas Afternoon

2010-04-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a new glass on glass mosaic window that measures 24" x 24". It was created using stained glass, salvaged glass jewels, vintage rhinestones, and several sizes glass beads. There are additional layers of blossoms on the yuccas that make them stand out from the surface. This window will be on display at Artisans in Fredericksburg, Texas later this month.

Dickof Window Installation

2010-02-09T05:32:00.000-08:00

We installed this window over the weekend. Photos show the installation being done, what other areas of the room look like, and finally how the piece displays (from both the entry of the home and in the wine room) in the normal lighting conditions for the room.

Dickof Commission Window

2010-02-05T13:50:00.000-08:00

This window is framed in rough cedar and measures 22 inches tall by 55 inches wide. It will be installed in a transom opening between a living space and a wine room. The clients wanted the image in the center to depict the Texas flag and they wanted a vineyard scene on either side. They had lived in Austraila for several years so the vineyard scenes were taken from Austrailian photos of vineyards. All three circles are surrounded by grapevines. There is a lot of detail in this piece with the use of stained glass, vintage rhinestones, pearl tiles, and glass beads. I included the one photo of the window resting on the cement drive to show the reflections cast with light through the image.

Graham windows installed

2010-01-23T15:52:00.000-08:00

The windows are finally installed. They will have a carpenter build in molding around them on the top and sides. My only regret is how much the dividers in the original windows detract from the image.

Graham Windows

2010-01-17T13:25:00.001-08:00

I have finally finished this commission - it's been quite a job but I am pleased with the results. The two windows measure 33 inches wide by 43 inches tall each. They are a continuing scene that will be installed above a bathroom garden tub. The left window has two doves in the tree and the right one has a robin on the ground and a bluebird in the tree. The lake appears in both windows. The border includes mother of pearl tiles, beige moonstones, and beads. The image area is made with stained glass, vintage rhinestones, polished rocks, glass beads, etc. My first three photos are of details and the last two photos show the complete windows. I will try to post photos of these windows once they are installed.

Window to the Vineyard I

2009-12-13T16:43:00.000-08:00

This is a multilayer minature that measures about 9 1/2 " x 11". The front layer has the mosaic border. The second layer contains the marble walls surrounding the window and the image seen through the window. The green fields are additional stained glass applied to the back surface. One of the photos is shot at an angle in an attempt to show the dimension.

Oppenheimer Commission Window

2009-11-12T14:25:00.000-08:00

This is the first large piece that I have made using multiple layers. It is approx. 45 inches tall and 22 inches wide. The frame was built with two separate channels to slide clear sheets of glass into. The two sheets of glass are separated by about an inch of space. On the first layer I used stained glass, vitreous glass tiles, vintage rhinestones, and glass beads to create the foreground with wildflowers and the tree trunk and branches. Small glass leaves were also added to this layer. The second layer consists of a lake in the distance surrounded by small bushes and trees with purple hills in the background. It also has many various shades of green glass shards to depict additional tree leaves. The front layer of glass was grouted in the frame. The second layer was completed and grouted on a table and then inserted into the frame. The fourth side of the frame was slid in place and attached. The one photo I have included with the piece lying on a table is the best attempt I have to show the layers. In a photo the image looks flat but it is very dimentional and changes as you walk from side to side viewing it.

"Hummer Dance"

2009-10-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

This window will also be shown at Artisans in Fredericksburg, TX. It is 24" x 24" in a cedar frame.

"The Road to the Pond"

2009-10-17T14:46:00.000-07:00

Haven't been posting photos for awhile because I have a new camera and am not very good at using it yet! Maybe that will improve with time. I have made many new pieces since the last posting but will just add a couple of new ones today. This window measures 24 inches wide by 36 inches tall. It will be shown at Artisans in Fredericksburg.

"Texas Tribute"

2009-09-05T17:37:00.001-07:00

This piece is 24" wide and 36" tall. The photos are not very good - colors don't show up well because the day was a little overcast but it has already gone to the gallery so this is the best representation I will have.

"Wildflower Bouquet"

2009-09-05T17:32:00.000-07:00

This piece is done in a little different way than most of my work. The border and the vase are mosaic which has been grouted. The center image area is on clear glass with multiple layers of stained glass, vintage rhinestones, and beads. The photos taken at strange angles are my attempt to show the dimensional layers. In the photo of the whole piece you are seeing the blue sky and a few puffy white clouds through the clear glass. This one could be hung in a window or on the wall with your wall color showing through.

Bradley Commission and Texas Star

2009-08-30T14:05:00.000-07:00

Here is a newly completed commission piece - 24" wide and 36" tall. The clients are hanging this in their bathroom and love lots of color! The Texas Star with Yellow Roses measures 24" square and will be available at Artisans in Fredericksburg in September.

"More Texas Flowers"

2009-08-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

Here is one more 16" x 20" Texas wildflower window. This also will go to the gallery in Fredericksburg, TX.

Two new small windows

2009-08-11T06:25:00.000-07:00

These both measure 16" x 20" and will be shown at Artisans of Rocky Hill Gallery in Fredericksburg, Texas.

"Texas Star" and "Texas Wildflower Parade"

2009-07-25T05:16:00.000-07:00

More Minis

2009-07-25T05:13:00.000-07:00

3 Large Minis

2009-07-25T05:09:00.000-07:00

I am behind in posting photos so decided that I would update the blog this morning. Here are three larger minis that I completed in June - these are at Artisans in Fredericksburg, TX.

"Colorful Hummer"

2009-05-26T04:35:00.001-07:00

Glass on glass mosaic window that measures 24" x 24".

"Blue and Gold Spire"

2009-05-26T04:32:00.000-07:00

This new piece is designed to be used inside or outside in the garden. It measures approximately 30" tall.

"Down The Garden Path"

2009-05-14T18:24:00.000-07:00

Another glass on glass Texas landscape.

"The Dry Creekbed"

2009-04-30T05:54:00.000-07:00

Another Texas landscape - 24" wide by 36" tall.

Garden Ornaments

2009-04-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

These pieces were created using outcast glass, metal, and pottery pieces. The blue works well in a garden because there are very few blue flowers. There is a strawberry pot, two bird baths/feeders, a plant stand, and decorative spires.

"Boot Bouquet"

2009-04-05T12:46:00.000-07:00

"Boot Bouquet" is 16 x 20 inches. It has a traditional mosaic border and boot area. The background is clear glass with multilayered Texas wildflowers. This was made using glass tiles, stained glass, vintage rhinestones, glass enamel paints, brass ball chain, glass beads, and glass globs. The flowers and leaves have many layers and the close up photos are an attempt to show the dimension. The photos taken outside allow the beautiful blue Texas sky to show through so I also took a photo with the piece laying on white cloth to demonstrate the clear glass background.

Tatem Ranch Commission

2009-03-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

This commission was done to be hung in an interior space between the living and dining areas of their home. It measures 3 feet wide by 5 feet tall and weighs about 80 pounds. The size and weight made it impossible for me to hold it up to view light through the image so I was working without the benefit of transmitted light. They requested that it depict their property - favorite tree, pond, washed out areas, and native Texas wildflowers. The middle portion of the sky is actually clear, not grey as it appears. The grey is actually trees showing through the glass when we took the photos outside.

"Tranquil Meadow"

2009-03-15T13:55:00.000-07:00

This is a landscape piece that measures approximately 20" wide and 28 1/2" tall and is framed in rough cedar. The image area was created on two layers of clear glass. The background looks blue but it is actually clear and that is the blue sky showing through when I took it outside for photos. The image was created with stained glass, glass tiles, copper ball chain, vintage rhinestones, and glass shards. I tried to take some of the photos at angles that would show the layering of the glass components. The border, bottom landscape portion and the tree trunk are grouted.

"Faces to the Sun"

2009-03-08T10:23:00.000-07:00

This piece measures 24" x 24" and is in a rough cedar frame. The border is created with stained glass, vitreous glass tiles, glitter tiles, glass globs, rhinestones, and glass beads. The center image is several layers of glass added to a clear glass background. What appears to be a blue and white background is the sky showing through the clear glass. The flower petals are multiple layers of stained glass, glass beads, and rhinestones. The stems and leaves are painted glass enamels with layers of stained glass leaves added.

"The Old Homestead"

2009-03-04T11:34:00.000-08:00

Here is another large (24"x36") landscape. The colors are extremely bright! I created it with stained glass, vitreous glass tile, vintage rhinestones, rocks, and glass beads. It is much easier to identify some of the individual stones and beads used in the detail photos.

"Northwest Fence Line"

2009-02-22T11:57:00.000-08:00

This glass on glass mosaic window is 24" wide and 36" tall. The frame is rough cedar. The image was created using stained glass, glass enamels, glass beads, rocks, shell, and vintage rhinestones.

Twining Vines Mirror

2009-02-22T11:54:00.000-08:00

This mirror measures approximately 23" wide and 28" tall. The frame is embellished with black enamel paint, ceramic leaf tiles, seed beads, vitreous glass tiles, glass leaves, and vintage rhinestones.

"Texas Wildfower Line Dance"

2009-01-28T14:35:00.000-08:00

Thinking about spring....this wildflower window is 24"x24" and features Indian Paintbrush, Bluebonnets, and Sunflowers. The border has some interesting iridized and glitter tiles. The flowers are created using stained glass and many different types of vintage rhinestones.

This will be shown at "Artisans of Rocky Hill Gallery" in Fredericksburg, Texas in February.

"Turquois and Gold"

2009-01-28T14:28:00.001-08:00

Photos of this window were taken outside and inside against a cream colored wall. The background is clear glass so the beautiful blue skies of Texas showed through. The foreground trees are made using all sizes of purple, black and topaz vintage rhinestones. The background trees are detailed with seed beads and backed with gold stained glass. The foreground contains stained glass, grouted pebbles, seed beads, turquois, and gold leaf. The border was created with Chicago art glass tiles, vitreous glass tiles, silver beads, vintage rhinestones, and turquois rhinestones. It measures approx. 20" wide and 28" tall with a rough cedar frame.

"The Picnic Spot"

2009-01-21T12:47:00.000-08:00

This is a large landscape - 24" x 36". The frame is made of rough cedar. The image was created using both new and vintage stained glass and vintage rhinestones. The sun is an unusually large rhinestone with dark brown streaks in the glass.

Small Blue Poka Dot Vase

2009-01-21T12:42:00.001-08:00

This little vase is 8" tall. The poka dots have been created using vintage rhinestones and seed beads.

Butterfly Vase

2009-01-21T12:38:00.000-08:00

This piece is 10" tall and 3" square. The butterfly images are all hand etched and then the vintage topaz stones have been applied.

"Violets"

2009-01-08T13:25:00.000-08:00

A new floral featuring violets created with stained glass, glass enamels, and vintage rhinestones. There are two layers of violets and the piece measures 8" wide by 10" tall.

"Tobacco Beetle"

2009-01-08T13:08:00.000-08:00

Multilayer piece with an etched beetle embellished with rhinestones and glass enamels. The border contains very interesting gold foiled vintage rhinestones along with metallic vitreous glass tiles. It measures 6 1/2" by 8"

"Tiny Pink Bouquet"

2009-01-08T13:03:00.000-08:00

Multilayer small piece measuring 7 1/2" wide and 9" tall. The border includes colorful glitter tiles and the flowers are vitage glass stones, glass beads and glass enamels. The tablecloth has a hand etched detail.

2 More Sunflower pieces

2009-01-08T12:56:00.000-08:00

These two pieces both measure 9 1/2" wide and 11 1/2" tall. They both have border made of glitter tiles and vitreous glass tiles and on both the sunflowers have been created in two layers with rhinestones, beads and glass enamel paint. The tablecloth details have been hand etched and backed with another layer of stained glass.