New Year - New Work

 I have been working on a bit of new work in this new year of 2023.

I have neglected to take pictures of some of the new work, but I did get these pictures - 

I have been making glass flower wreaths for years and I have sold quite a few, but I had this new idea of putting the flowers into a glass form that can be hung on the wall.

I have a few more in the works.

I have had this idea for months. I wanted to include some flameworked items with my mosaic and last summer I created a bunch of 'smiles' to include with this mirror.

Since this picture this mirror has been grouted. 

I hope folks will understand the tongue in cheek 'smile' reference.

I am also excited to have a picture chosen to be displayed at the Garden Expo in Madison, WI. I have it packaged and ready to send off for the competition during the garden conference.

The growing season was ending fast with a hard frost, but this coneflower was still trying to bloom.

I am excited to see what my competition will be and also because I have never exhibited my photos before.

~ Julie

Early September 2022

 September 2022. Here we are

My Zinnias are still going strong. I always know that summer is coming to an end when the daylilies stop blooming for the year. Here is one of the last blooms along the side of the garage.

I have been taking an online class on glass flowers and components recently and have enjoyed learning a few new ways to create flowers and components.
I think new flower wreaths going forward will look a better.

I also took a local class on creating with mosaics. We created an obelisk.
Very fun.

Here is my obelisk pre-grout.
I need to get better pictures since it has a place of honor on my kitchen counter.

Today I'm heading back to the garden. 

I harvested spaghetti squash this morning. I need to get the rest of the ripe tomatoes and start pulling the corn stalks that are done producing for the year.

Keeping the kilns warm. Enjoying each day.

~Julie

win some, lose some

Well the new concept in a garden stake has proven to be a bit of a challenge. A challenge in the form a few large bubbles. . . . I like the idea so I tried again -

My new design was a mosaic, fun color panel.

After firing - I realized that I didn't secure the copper edge pieces properly for a full-fuse.

(notice the lower right corner) 

~darn

I like this idea - hence the next piece - 

I hope I have better luck fusing this one.

:-)

I did take some left-over glass and make this nice bowl.

(same bowl in both photos - different angle)

Win some - Lose some.

That's the story today.

~ Julz