Grape Island Glass

Spotted Salamanders - North American Amphibians

2011-09-19T11:34:00.001-04:00

While cleaning in the garden yesterday, one of these was uncovered! And next to him a Wood Frog! Both were very camera shy so I let them be.

Spotted Salamanders - North American Amphibians

A little crowing

2011-07-19T20:51:00.000-04:00

This is my son!

http://youtu.be/udikBEGFqUI

Recent Yard Work

2011-06-22T18:36:00.007-04:00

Some hostas for the fence. The plan is to keep on going with them until I collapse!

Garden Art!!!! This is my test piece. So far so good!

Waiting

2011-06-13T09:15:00.004-04:00

Waiting patiently or just surveying his domain, a.k.a. our yard!

Check this Article out!

2011-05-19T12:13:00.002-04:00

My Mentor and friend, Michael. Congrats!

(click on title)

Returning Visitors

2011-05-18T11:41:00.005-04:00

I love the return of birds each Spring and Fall. A pair of Baltimore Orioles have been stopping by for 3 years now- maybe it's these two. This year I have seen 2 pairs!

It's a Good Feeling When a Goal has been Met

2011-05-11T08:05:00.004-04:00

Last Saturday was the first of the Farmer's Markets for 2011. In years past, the first market is slow in sales as few farmers have produce ready here in Maine. With Mother's Day being the following day this year I was not feeling too optimistic. Boy, was I wrong, it was a great day!

A great sense of accomplishment overcame me as I was met with " It's great to see you back! We haven't gotten our Mother's Day gifts - we were waiting for you". I heard this from several people.

When I started this journey 4 years ago, of sharing my glass art with the world, I knew it would take hard work and patience. Success would not happen overnight. I started the Farmer's Markets with the goal of getting my name out there, of building a reputation. It comes with great satisfaction that this goal is being met.

Thank you!

Doesn't get much greener than this!

2011-05-02T10:14:00.002-04:00

A small bites food tray made from a recycled wine bottle, adorned with a spreader made from scrap wood and a ribbon made from fabric left from a sewing project!!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73295909/a-small-bites-food-tray-from-truly

Thank you Armed Forces of the USA!

2011-05-02T06:57:00.005-04:00

'we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.'

Wild Animals on the loose.

2011-04-14T13:58:00.005-04:00

I've been experimenting with powders. The results, so far, are these Silhouettes.

2011-04-07T07:43:00.002-04:00

What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.

It Ain't Over

2011-04-01T14:59:00.004-04:00

By noon we had 8 inches. It's been snowing steady all afternoon but can't bring myself to measure again! Too much reality. The only thing keeping me from hiding under the covers is that I'm pretty sure it will all be gone by July.

LDG

2011-02-20T08:45:00.005-05:00

I am a LDG....Long Distance Gramma.

If it were not for Skype, I'd be lost.

What a great service this is! And its free. :)

I get to see and talk with my granddaughter.

She shows me her toys, plays hide 'n seek

and practices blowing kisses!

It's a wonderful way to start a day!

Seen in the Neighborhood

2011-02-19T06:39:00.004-05:00

Several years ago I did a powder lace bowl under the tutelage of Michael Skrtic. What fun it was and I loved how it came out. It's one of my favorite pieces, still.

I have been wanting to do some powder wafers which is pretty much the same technique. Yesterday I fired up the kiln and got the frit out. I had made a moose stencil earlier in the day, while the electricians were there fixing a few things from their previous visits. (Big kiln is now wired and almost ready to go!) This morning I woke to this guy, running loose in the kiln. :) Other than a few gun shot holes, he's adorable!

2011-02-11T20:23:00.001-05:00

We are all wanderers on this earth. Our hearts are full of wonder, and our souls are deep with dreams.
--Gypsy Proverb

Butterflies

2011-01-10T14:36:00.002-05:00

I swore I would never do these again. They require gluing, and for this, that means super glue.

In the past I have glued my fingers together, my tongue (wetting fingers when glued together with super glue is NOT a good idea - remember the little boy, the cold and the flagpole) and a few other parts/things we're not going to talk about.

Well never say never!

I learned that hairspray, in the pump bottle, works just as well! And is human friendly! At least to this human!

(Excuse the out of focus photo, I was trying not to drip blood onto the glass. Have yet to find a product that stops me from cutting myself on glass!)

New work

2011-01-09T13:27:00.004-05:00

New fused glass sun catchers. I'm working on a whole series!

Waiting for Spring.

Happy skiier racing downhill.

I said Yes!

2010-12-30T08:45:00.004-05:00

I got a phone call yesterday.

Mom, are you going away in March?

No?

Well, we'd like to come visit.

Of course I said yes!

Even if it means all of you!

(Just kidding!)

(Really!)

Don't let my kids see this!

2010-12-18T20:46:00.004-05:00

I love those messages you get at the holidays, the ones that come in an email with your order information. You know, the one that says:

WARNING! May Contain Gift Info!

A little sap goes a long way

2010-12-16T11:11:00.006-05:00

While out walking the dog, we came across this old tree.

Anyone up for making pine pitch?

It's time to go Bicycle Riding!!

2010-12-15T09:54:00.005-05:00

In my 'destined to fail' effort to ward off the coming of the cold and snow, I played around in the studio yesterday. This is good news as I picked up a nasty cold and haven't felt like getting off the sofa for almost a week! Anyways, this is what I took out of the kiln this morning!

Helping Hands

2010-12-03T14:07:00.002-05:00

It seems as though I have had more breakage than ever recently. Last week I lost a cute Christmas bowl, today I lost a Christmas Tree. Even with icing every evening , heat every morning, and cypress oil massaged on, my hand still freezes up. The good news, I think, is I see the hand surgeon next week.

Well Done Michael!

2010-11-18T10:18:00.003-05:00

This is a fabulous piece on my friend and teacher, Michael Skrtic. Please take a moment and check it out.

http://www.ctpost.com/default/article/Glass-Source-helps-others-see-the-light-819494.php

Here's another one!!

http://www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/thevalleygazette/news/localnews/77174-church-windows-let-light-in-once-more.html

I believe

2010-11-15T21:07:00.006-05:00

I believe in Karma

I believe in what goes around comes around

I believe in sunsets and sunrises

I believe in the smile of a baby

I believe in earned respect

I believe in manners

I believe in the power of a hug

a smile

a held hand

the words I love you.

Relief

2010-11-01T14:18:00.003-04:00

I was recently introduced to Cypress Essential Oil. I applied it to the fingers affected by trigger finger. Wow. Within an hour alot of the pain was gone and the swelling reduced. I plan to continue to use until all the swelling is gone (and keep it handy!).

Thanks Becky!

Gave In, finally.

2010-10-26T13:17:00.004-04:00

Today has been a very painful day - on a scale of 1 to 10, its up there. Truthfully, its been a painful month or 2 - but today is the worst! So I called finally and made the appt for a cortisone shot. It's been well past a year since the last one so I'll probably have to have x-rays again. I am hoping I haven't left it too late - not just the trigger finger this time. My whole hand and arm are affected - having a tough time holding a pen to write, can't open a jar, can't even punch a hole with the hole punch! I don't like this getting old crap!! ( I know, that's just an excuse, it has nothing to do with age).

But I'm staying on top of making ornaments for upcoming shows, granted it's been a slow process. Snowmen, angels, stockings and such. Trying to do some trees using all recycled glass. My first winter Farmer's Market for this season is this Saturday. Looking forward to seeing everyone!

How To Be Alone

2010-10-21T09:42:00.002-04:00

wonderful.

click on title.

Friends at Market

2010-08-25T13:27:00.005-04:00

One of the things that I truly like about the Farmer's Market is that I get to meet so many people! I like engaging people in conversations - learning where they are from, are they traveling, what brought them to market. Sometimes its a hat ora shirt that starts the conversation.

Recently a summer resident stopped by with an Old English Sheepdog. Instant love on my part. Many many years ago, when I was young and energetic, I had 2 OES. Yep, male and female, and they had babies, lots of babies! What fun it was. I don't miss the daily grooming (but I do miss the energy I had!)

There is something about the OES that makes you want to reach down and hug them! I resisted but somehow I know she wouldn't have minded.

One of the Best Markets!

2010-08-24T17:17:00.004-04:00

Today was one of the best Farmer's Markets I have been at. The weather was just about perfect, we had a steady stream of people, and the entertainment was GREAT! I am so sorry I did not have my camera - one of the few times I forgot it! But here is the link to Coco & Lafe who performed today. They are on a 100 Farmer's Market, coast to coast tour to promote eating local!

http://www.cocolafe.com/

musings

2010-08-23T20:32:00.004-04:00

Looking at this rock formation I wonder at the magnitude of power it took to create. Puts things into perspective, doesn't it?

Man's Best Friend..or Baby's!

2010-08-06T07:02:00.003-04:00

Patting the dog brings lots of giggles and smiles to my granddaughter's face!

Growing Better Every Day

2010-07-30T11:03:00.005-04:00

It starts with squinting to read sign posts - glasses are needed. Then its achy knees. No more hiking the mountains. Then its the bladder.....enough said on that. But there are joys. No longer worrying what other people think. Wearing what you want- Comfort before Beauty! And grandchildren......what could be better?

So, when it became time to admit that I could no longer hear well, I chose to make myself happy. Every time I put these on or take them off, I smile. I smile because they are cute, they did not cost more than plain old flesh colored ones, I can hear people talk to me now and because I can now admit that I am happy being me, the way I am!!

Glass and Health

2010-07-28T13:18:00.001-04:00

Stumbled across this site today, very good resource for health info while working with glass.

http://www.GregorieGlass.com/HS_3.htm

Up and Running

2010-07-17T19:28:00.002-04:00

I finally put together a web site. Still in the beginning stages but I hope to have time soon to expand.

www.grapeislandglass.com

Good Morning World!

2010-07-11T07:06:00.002-04:00

My view this morning from the back door!

A baby robin taking a rest on the back of my car! Mama was close by.

Horses, Cats and butterflies

2010-06-25T09:33:00.003-04:00

I see these decals on pendants alot so I thought I would try it out and see what it's all about. I think they came out good!

Home Spun Creations Gift Shop

2010-06-23T06:26:00.003-04:00

Home Spun Creations Gift Shop is a little shop with lots and lots of handcrafted stuff in Naples Maine. I dropped off some fused glass ornaments last Saturday. If you are in Naples, stop by and say hello to Diann!

Try and try again

2010-06-20T09:06:00.002-04:00

I finally finished this nightlight. A co-vendor at the Winter Farmer's Market had mentioned in passing that she would like to have a mountain gorilla nightlight for a friend. So I set out to see if I could make one. This was a totally new venture for me as I wanted to create some depth to the image. Not knowing exactly how to do this, I asked questions (thanks Michael), looked for answers, and kept at it until I was satisfied. This was the third rendition and I like it. I ended up painting on the facial features as I wanted to keep the "matte" look to the face itself. If the co-vendor does not want it anymore it will go up for sale!

The Lighthouses are gone!

2010-06-19T19:15:00.003-04:00

It was a beautiful day at market today. Sunny skies, warm temps and lots of people. I was in Windham today, and there is a reason why its Wind-ham.

A rogue gust of wind blew in and dumped several pieces of glass on the ground!

I lost the last of my lighthouse suncatchers, a pine tree suncatcher and a candeholder. I may be incorporating the broken pieces into a bowl - or they'll be turned into frit. Accidents usually have a happy ending in my studio.

A Red Dinner

2010-06-18T07:45:00.002-04:00

At the Farmer's Market yesterday I bought tomatoes, strawberries and the biggest radishes I have ever seen! And we teamed it all with red hotdogs. Life is good.

Happy Birthday!

2010-06-06T05:33:00.007-04:00

Happy Birthday - 5 weeks late! A great time with family and friends. The heavy rain and thunderstorms passed through quickly in the am so a dry, but muggy day.

His present, almost done...needs the chrome on the hood!!

Hopefully it won't be another 5 weeks getting done!

Beautiful Colors

2010-05-31T20:11:00.004-04:00

We have been smelling the smoke from the horrible forest fires in Quebec. Tonight the smoke, combined with pollen, and a drop in temperature created a beautiful sunset. We don't get to see much of the sun setting as we have trees to the west but I think tonight's was pretty special. I'm thinking we should take a ride up Hackett's Hill tomorrow night- if the weather cooperates.

Remembering

2010-05-30T18:56:00.003-04:00

Those who gave our lives beauty live forever in our hearts.

There are times, even now - when I am at a point in my life that I am very very happy, that grief comes rushing in and overwhelms me. Today was that day. It does not matter how much time has passed, or how many new memories are made, grief is still a powerful emotion. So today I have given in, and I have cried buckets to those who I miss...........my husband, my Dad, my friends Deb and Dee and so, so many more. I miss you so much.

Change

2010-05-28T11:21:00.007-04:00

We have decided to replace the fence that's in the front yard. It certainly needs it! But first some bushes and trees needed to be gone.

The Grand Dame in her glory - but way too close to the house!

Some branches are trimmed.

Trimming more branches because as a man,

the more branches he trims with a chain saw, the happier he is.

Men with chainsaws are like us wonderful women in shoe stores-

don't know when to stop! :)

Every tree needs a little help to get going in the morning.

Timber!

Grinder comes Tuesday!

An After Dish

2010-05-28T08:14:00.000-04:00

The first of two, although I have yet to slump the little white and purple dish.

Surprise at Market

2010-05-26T17:02:00.004-04:00

Hot hot hot at market today! Good thing we had a breeze to make it almost bearable. I resisted rhubarb, lettuce, tomatoes, baked goods, delicious bread, beautiful flowers, that wonderful trough style wooden bowl and a whole lot more! But look at what tried to come home with me!! There was a piece that dropped off before I got out of the car - it was 4" x 14"........

Joe (Valley View Farm) was kind enough to pry that stuff off my tire. Then he told me to weave a bit when I got going to drop it off. Weave a bit! Little does he know!!!

The After

2010-05-23T06:57:00.001-04:00

The after pic, after firing but before anything else!

Stressing and cooking

2010-05-21T15:33:00.006-04:00

So I've been stressing alot lately about my summer Farmer's Market schedule. 5 days a week does not give me much time to actually create what I sell. I've been losing alot of sleep lately worrying about whether I have enough product, will I find the time to 'replenish', will I actually sell anything - the usual stuff. Next week begins the first full week of markets. I'm feeling exhausted already. The problem to this is I have not felt like making ANYTHING for awhile now! Aghh! Not good. I did set up some earrings and 2 dishes today, ready to be fired later.

My other accomplishment today was making 10 dozen meatballs to freeze for the JP's 55th birthday party. They're already in the freezer, otherwise I'd show them off too! I haven't decided if I'm going to make more food (it's a pot luck). Not knowing how many people will show makes it hard to know what to do. Guess I'll make cookies.

I sold one of my favorites little dishes yesterday. It just seemed to fit this person too!

They're Back

2010-05-18T07:10:00.002-04:00

There is something very soul satisfying for me to see the return of the bluebirds. I like to think it is the same pair each year but I don't really know! Its just nice to see them here. For me it signals that warm weather really is around the corner - not a distant time off still.

So Welcome back my friends!!

Woven Glass Bowl

2010-05-09T09:11:00.004-04:00

This is my first try at a fused glass woven strip bowl. I am quite pleased with it!

A Brown Pelican

2010-05-06T18:46:00.008-04:00

While in Florida, we saw this Brown Pelican sleeping on an old post. Watch how he wakes up and clears his throat.........

Pretty neat!

Close encounters of the Avian kind and more

2010-04-19T22:26:00.005-04:00

We had a very fun and relaxing time on St George Island in Florida. Our very first morning we met this delightful heron on the beach. We were pretty sure he was hoping that we were fishing so he could steal our bait! He hung around for about 15 minutes.

Our last day we took a shell seeking boat trip. Saw this eagle on nearby St Vincent Island.

This guy followed us for awhile. We saw lots of dolphins! Oh, and we did get seashells!

My 2010 Farmer's Market Schedule

2010-04-01T18:09:00.003-04:00

Whew! I'm going to be busy.

Tuesdays in Yarmouth on the Town Hall Green

Wednesdays in Falmouth in the Walmart parking lot

Thursdays in Gray behind Town Hall (yay! right down the road from home!)

Fridays in Freeport at the L.L.Bean Campus

Saturdays in Windham at Manchester Elem School

2010-03-18T13:21:00.004-04:00

I had some photography help from another vendor at the Farmer's Market. I have been practicing, based on his advice. While I am still nowhere near his stunning photos, I think I'm learning. Which one of these do you like best?

Busy Season of Farmers Markets

2010-03-12T08:11:00.002-05:00

I am planning on being very ambitious this season- 5 markets! Tuesday thru Saturday. This means I really need to increase my production time while I can. Thank goodness I have no markets or fairs planned for April! I have been trying to maximize all space in my kiln when I fire - hmm, shouldn't I have always been doing that? And loading any tiny spaces with dots. Not sure what I'm doing with the dots but it's nice to have them all done when I need them.

I hope to post my schedule soon.

Wouldn't you just figure

2010-02-23T14:55:00.006-05:00

So I spent 3 weeks in Conn getting to know the most beautiful grandchild ever! (see previous post.....lol) Which meant I didn't do any actual glass work for those 3 weeks, just designs. I got home and did a little but my kiln needed a coat of kiln wash, as did my shelves. It's so cold and damp in the basement that it took a few days to dry.

I threw a wine bottle in yesterday and after 3 hours got an error code. {sob} It appears I need a new relay switch. I know this because I called Jen-Ken and talked to Mike. Great service! Thanks Mike.

So now I'm cleaning up in the basement studio, hoping to have a clear space large enough for a bigger kiln. Yippee!! And hoping I'll be able to replace the relay switch without too much trouble.

In case you haven't heard

2010-02-18T13:28:00.002-05:00

I am a Grandma! To the most beautiful (of course!) grand daughter!

A Favorite

2010-02-11T13:59:00.000-05:00

My newest Favorite Shop owned by my 'favorite' teacher!
Check it out!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MichaelSkrticDesign

Traditions

2010-01-19T13:21:00.003-05:00

When I moved to Maine, and left my poor, poor children behind in Connecticut (don't turn me in they're adult children), I knew that I was ending certain traditions we had as a family. I hoped that we could replace them with new traditions - singing carols together around the web cam? I am sure we will have some in time.

One of our traditions was homemade Chex Mix. I woke very very early this morning and decided today would be a good day to cook - it's snowing again. I know I will be in Conn very soon ( I wish that baby would get here!) and what better late Christmas gift then Chex Mix!!

And now I'll know if any of my poor poor children read my blog!

A little snow

2010-01-18T15:39:00.008-05:00

So last night the weather forecast said 2 inches overnight and maybe 4-6 during the day today.

This is the shoveled path for the dogs - 2 inches was shoveled at least 3 times early this morning (we had about 7 inches by about 8 am).

I'm pretty sure at least a foot of snow fell - maybe we'll measure later before we grill the steaks! ***measured! 11 inches on the grill! Not bad for a 4-6 inch storm!***

I spent most of the day photographing glass - or attempting to! And then writing descriptions of each piece so I can list them at my Etsy shop. I am debating on when to list them. I'm on 'baby watch'. Nope, not Bay Watch, nothing like it, much better! Waiting for my first grandchild, my granddaughter to introduce herself to the world! :)

So if I list them, and - hold your horses - one sells, and I'm away visiting my granddaughter, do I let my BF, Jeffrey, fill the order? The concrete guy? Or do I put the shop on vacation?

Love and Maine

2010-01-11T09:55:00.003-05:00

Some suncatchers that I've been working on and have now completed! They'll be at the Farmer's Market for sale.

My Favorite Christmas Card 2009

2010-01-04T08:57:00.010-05:00

They say that a picture is worth a million words.......................

If you can't enlarge the picture the caption reads: 8/25/09 Coleman Conrete, Top of Mt Washington, Elevation 6,288 feet! Can you imagine the drive down??

Trying a new bail

2010-01-03T13:58:00.003-05:00

I got some new bails from Rings n Things. This was my first chance to try one out. This is a striped cabachon- a clear dichroic, lavender and lime green, all on white.

Cooking and Winter

2010-01-03T13:44:00.007-05:00

I always get the itch to cook when its cold out, as most people do! My itch usually doesn't last long though. I had very good intentions when I started a lasagna the other day. My plan was to take pictures throughout the process ( I started at 10:30 and took it out of the oven at 5:30!) and post them on this blog. Well, you know all about the best made plans! I did manage to take a few. Yesterday I remembered to take a picture of the completed dish, even if it was a day later as I made 2 dishes. Checked the fridge for Dish #2. I was too late! Gone! But that's proof that the lasagna was fabulous!

Today I've got a Banana Bread in the oven and Mexican Beef Stew in the Crock Pot! We got about a foot of snow - fluffy white with lots of high drifts and bare spots! Still coming down too!

I've Been Featured!

2009-12-22T06:33:00.001-05:00

My gorgeous cobalt blue star has been featured at this blog: http://www.odetoblue.blogspot.com/

WooHoo!!

Yule Market at Skillins

2009-12-19T07:05:00.011-05:00

Last night was our last market for the year at Skillins

and our last market in the greenhouse!

After the start of 2010 we'll be around the fireplace

and it will be on Saturdays. The people at Skillins

did a wonderful job stringing Christmas lights

and the greenhouse had lots of poinsettias and

nursery sized pine-like trees. Very Festive!

We had a great crowd attend. Outdoors you could

find chestnuts roasting around a fire pit and inside

a string ensemble entertained with Christmas Carols!

Snow Woman!

2009-12-10T10:11:00.009-05:00

I made a few of these, this is before firing. I thought they looked sweet next to the men!

The Soccer Match

2009-12-09T16:55:00.009-05:00

Some day I'm going to own one of Urve's artworks. This was based on a drawing by a 3 year old!

Go check it out on Etsy - just click this title.

New Necklaces

2009-12-08T17:38:00.004-05:00

Have not had a chance to list these on Etsy, need to get busy!

This pink striped is 19" long, $32.

This is a base of black with white and red on top. Very chic! Some neat steel gray beads set it off nicely. This one is also 19" long, $30.

Yesterday's Visit

2009-12-06T10:23:00.006-05:00

Jeff and I went to the cemetery yesterday. We knew it was the last time we would be able to dig as the forecast was for snow (it was a correct forecast).

We put up a bluebird house next to Deb's resting place. I had written on the box with magic marker - the date, our names. We had a brilliant idea to seal what was written. So Jeff hauls out a can of spray sealer and sprays the box. Haha. The marker ran all over the place! We could hear Deb laughing away at us!

What did you say?

2009-12-03T10:32:00.002-05:00

A recent conversation with a customer....

How much is this? "$3.00"

How much is this? "$10.00"

Don't you have anything for $5.00?

Just an interesting moment at the Farmer's Market.

Finally

2009-12-02T16:57:00.001-05:00

Had a Good Farmer's Market today. These guys and my Christmas Pins were quite the hit!

New Table

2009-11-25T17:50:00.005-05:00

Our new Table! Cherry stained top, Poppy Red legs! 8 chairs of different colors! Picked out by the Man of the House! Not shown are 2 chairs - bright yellow and baby blue. The others are black, pink, french blue, mango orange, lime green and purple!

Disappointment

2009-11-11T07:59:00.002-05:00

My email this morning contained disappointing news. The craft fair I signed up for on Dec 4 has been cancelled due to lack of interest!! We had plenty of crafters sign up but no Farmers! Its billed as a Farmers' Market event so we needed farmers. I'll have to look for another fair to participate in that weekend.

Purple

2009-11-10T10:48:00.002-05:00

Purple Cauliflower! Yummy! Mashed it and ate with pork steak, applesauce and green beans.

Gaucho's

2009-11-07T20:35:00.003-05:00

Yum! We just got back from dining at Gaucho's in Portland. It was our first time at this fairly new Brazilian restaurant. Starts off with a salad bar. Romaine or baby spinach with toppings like egg, peppers and onion. Turn the corner on the salad bar to try a potato salad, cole slaw, a pepper and pineapple combo, cherry tomatoes and some type of cheese - maybe mozz? And several more salads! All of these were different from the ordinary and quite good. Back at the table, one can flip over their 'coaster" to signal to the Gaucho's to bring on the meat! (Oops, forgot that they bring a serving of salmon first!). Tonight they had 11 types of meat - turkey wrapped in bacon, filet mignon, prime rib, pork loin, spare ribs, flank steak, chorizio sausage, beef short ribs, chicken, lamb and I can't remember the 11th!!! The gauchos come to your table and carve and serve each meat, if your coaster is on the red side they leave you alone. Needed some time to digest!! It was fun and hopefully will go again. Oh yeah, one price for all you can eat, no doggie bags. Hmm, maybe I should be a restaurant reviewer!

I did get some glass done today although this pic is very orange!

Facebook

2009-10-25T06:44:00.003-04:00

So now I have a Facebook page. It's been interesting. Have contacted a few old friends and searching still for some. At least my computer skills are expanding!

Kicking!

2009-10-24T09:48:00.003-04:00

I felt the baby, my granddaughter, kick!!! Weeeee!!

My 50,000 calorie birthday

2009-10-18T16:08:00.004-04:00

need i say more? Just looking at it adds about 500 calories!!

New Computer

2009-10-09T20:20:00.002-04:00

So the old computer up and quit. Kaput. Nothing. Total Blank. We have an iMac now. No more big box - a monitor, a mouse and a small keyboard, that's it!

I spent quite a bit of this afternoon trying to learn how to download my pics and then how to tweak the pics. Well, I did get a few downloaded but the tweaking will have to wait until after my session of Mac School!! Hopefully I'll learn how to rotate the picture!

Autumn Leaf Panel

2009-09-25T10:14:00.003-04:00

Finally got this framed!

I used actual leaves as my pattern and cut them out of copper. The copper turned a gorgeous red color!

Dragonfly

2009-09-21T16:24:00.001-04:00

A new necklace, very simple in its design.

Fall and Winter Show Schedule

2009-09-10T09:24:00.003-04:00

Fall and Winter Show Schedule

Nov 14th & 15th 10-4 pm (until 3 Sun.)
USM – Costello Sports Complex
Gorham

Dec 4th 4-7 pm
Freeport Sparkle Market
Town Hall Complex Freeport

Dec 18th 3-7 pm
5th Annual Yule Market
Skillins Green House
201 Gray Rd. W. Cumberland

Fridays 11/6/09 – 4/2/10
10am – 2pm
Skillins Green House
201 Gray Rd. W. Cumberland

A Favorite Market Performer

2009-09-04T10:17:00.002-04:00

Scot Cannon has performed at both the Windham and Gray Farmer's Market. He is quite the entertainer and a favorite of all. He has posted some pics at his website - can you find me??
http://scotcannonmusic.com/category/performances/

Bug Spray with a Wonderful Smell

2009-09-04T10:12:00.002-04:00

A co-vendor at the Lake Region Farmer's Market, Allen, makes and markets this fabulous all natural bug spray. It smells wonderful! And it works! I tend to break out when I apply bug repellent but not with Allen's stuff. If you are not lucky enough to be able to drop by the Market in Windham, you can check it out here: http://www.tremblingleaf.com/store/.

Lobster Bottle

2009-08-13T08:50:00.006-04:00

Last night I put this bottle in the kiln and fired it up. Wee-e-e! What fun! A perfect gift from Maine! I can't vouch for the wine, although the company that drank it were enjoying themselves! I'll have it for sale at Saturday's Farmer's Market.

A Lovely Surprise from the Kiln

2009-07-24T06:32:00.004-04:00

I had no expectations for this flattened wine bottle when I put it in the kiln last night. What fun opening up the kiln this morning! Not sure if anyone else will like it but I sure do!

I used a stainless steel half pipe to slump the bottle over. I think I'll keep experimenting with this idea.

New Place to Shop

2009-07-14T11:54:00.002-04:00

The Lady Slipper Flower Shop is now carrying fused glass jewelry from Grape Island Glass! If you are in the area, stop by and check out all their wonderful displays!

Farmer's Market

2009-07-12T06:59:00.006-04:00

I finally have a banner!

A look at part of my set up:

Rain and a Necklace

2009-07-02T11:09:00.004-04:00

It seems like we are rapidly approaching 40 days and nights of rain! The forecast is for more! The lake is the highest it has ever been in many many years. My flowers are droopy - they are tired of this rain too. Hopefully, in a few weeks, I'll be complaining about the heat!

I stumbled across some gorgeous lampwork focal beads early this week. Not sure who made them but they are quite lovely. I made a necklace from one and placed it in my other Etsy shop:
www.duva.etsy.com. That's one flower that's not complaining about the rain! :)

Look at This!

2009-06-24T10:10:00.004-04:00

Look at this necklace! I love it. It's from lindab142's Etsy shop!

Mosaic Monday

2009-06-22T08:09:00.006-04:00

Maria over at Silk Art from Brazil featured my turquoise bowl on her Mosaic Monday Blog. Go on over and have a look.

http://www.silkartfrombrazil.blogspot.com/

Thanks Maria.

Morning Surprise!

2009-06-10T09:45:00.007-04:00

I don't do much with dichroic glass as I never like how it turns out for me. I was very much surprised this morning though when I opened the kiln. I may be getting the hang of it! Not a great photo, but I think you'll see why I was excited.

Stained Glass Star Giveaway

2009-06-03T06:18:00.008-04:00

The winner is WEVE GOT PAPER! Thanks to all for entering! I will be doing another giveaway shortly!

This morning I decided to re-list some stained glass stars in my Etsy shop. I have lots of them in just about every color! I lowered the price on them too. Over the holidays last year I had about 30 hung in one window. They were very pretty in the light of the sun.

I am going to give one away to one lucky winner. Visit my Etsy shop, www.grapeislandglass.etsy.com or click on this blog title, pick your favorite item in my shop, come back here and leave a comment on this post as to what is your fav and why! At the end of June, I'll pick a winner and post it here- so check back! I'll use a number generator program to randomly select a winner.

Bumblebee Necklace

2009-06-02T16:31:00.004-04:00

I listed this necklace today. The centerpiece is a base of yellow glass and capped with black and white "Spirit Glass".

It reminds me of a Bumblebee!!!

My Fish took the Contest!

2009-06-01T07:33:00.002-04:00

My One Fish, Two Fish, Three Fish chime took the prize! Thanks to all who voted for me!

Vote for Me!!!

2009-05-27T10:31:00.005-04:00

It's voting time again for the CGGE challenge. I am running behind in my schedule, as usual (voting began several days ago)! Voting closes tomorrow at midnight. Go on over and vote for your favorite item!

http://cggechallenge.blogspot.com/

Slow Saturday Market

2009-05-24T08:37:00.006-04:00

Sales at yesterday's Farmer's Market were slow. Weather was not cooperative -cloudy, cool and some rain! Low foot traffic! I did sell some of these fused glass mini-stars - they are quite popular!

Farmers Market!

2009-05-22T13:30:00.004-04:00

Egads!!! It's been 3 weeks since my last post. Apologies to all!

I have committed to selling at a local Farmers Market on Saturdays, through the month of October! I am very excited. Last Saturday was my first. A great group of people there- I had a good time, did a few sales.

It is good to have a focus. The kiln ran every day this week, replenishing what I had sold.

I come up with an idea, I design it, choose glass, cut and assemble said glass and then, usually, fuse it. After I get the piece to where I want it to be, I take photos. I have a great digital camera, but I'm still limited in the use of it! I do think the photos are getting better though. Next up is downloading said photos, writing a description of the piece and then entering all that on my Etsy shop. Whew. Selling at a farmers market will cut some of that time out. That same time will now be spent at market - but face to face is more fun for me!

We got a new photo printer. I plan to fill some albums with pictures of my work to take to market - custom orders perhaps! Off to set up this new printer!

Have a great weekend!

Self Promoting!

2009-04-30T15:45:00.005-04:00

I am trying to clean up my glass studio and have come across a bunch of jewelry. I have started to list these pieces at my Etsy shop, http://www.grapeislandglass.etsy.com. I hope to do more in the coming days. Go take a look!