Real Life

After Starting the Osprey Panel, I actually became a Steward/Monitor of my local Osprey nest.  I was able to take some amazing photos this week looking inside the nest...more than I was ever able to before!  Beyond thrilled to see not two chicks, as I had expected, but THREE!  I'm honored to live so near these amazing raptors. And to witness what doting parents they are.

The Osprey is completed!

I took a bit of a risk with the background glass, and it was difficult to envision it when it was against the white background of the pattern, but I'm really glad I stuck with it. I think it creates movement and interest, as well as drawing attention to the bird itself. I'm very pleased with how this turned out!

Grateful for cold days...

When it’s too cold to enjoy being outdoors, I feel better about being ‘stuck’ inside.  The last 2 days have been very productive because of the weather, although at first glance it seems like I should have more done. It takes a lot of time to foil each piece and solder them together though...something I usually don’t do until every single piece in the whole panel is cut and ground. I’m not sure why I decided to foil and solder the bird separately in this panel...maybe I couldn’t wait to see what it looked like!

After much deliberation,  I decided on the glasses for the trees,  but I still need to locate the right glass for the background. I want a clear, textured glass so the Osprey is the star of the show. But the glass I’m thinking of isn’t available any longer...at least not in large enough pieces. It was one of the many casualties of the Spectrum Glass factory closing.  It may take a while to hunt down the right glass but I’m hopeful! 

Osprey on its way

I’m pleased with the way the glass looks...I think it’s representing the feathers nicely.  I want to work on the head/face a bit but it’s coming along!

New Year, New Projects!

I have wanted to create an Osprey panel for years, as part of my ongoing Marsh Birds Series.  I purchased the perfect glass over 3 years ago at the Youghiogheny Glass factory and it has survived two house moves while never being used.
Today, I finally finished the pattern and I'm excited to get going!
Choosing a photo from which to make the pattern was tough...I am lucky enough to live where Osprey make their homes from March to November and I take many, many photos of them as they live their fascinating lives.  I chose another photo initially, a perched bird, but decided I wanted something more dynamic. This photo of an Osprey in full wing extension seemed on target.  I also wanted to make a long, narrow panel and this fit perfectly.

Completed Monarch

Here are some photos of the Monarch panel completed. It was actually finished in September, but has been in a show since October. I didn't realize I hadn't posted a photo of the finished panel!

Approx. 29" x 23".

Progress!

Finally able to get back to this panel after a busy Spring and Summer.  It has also been hard to find the right glass because of a shortage, especially in certain colors. Two large and important glass manufacturers have closed their doors in the past two years and it has really had an impact on what is available.  Another company has taken up the job, but it is a monumental task and there are backorders and time lags still. Not to mention that, though they have the original recipes to make specific colors, there are many variables that can affect the process and produce different results than what the previous manufacturer was able to achieve. So some tweaking is necessary and that also takes time. But we glass artists are hopeful!