African Sand Stained Glass

Victorian Inspired Stained Glass Pendants

2011-08-19T16:59:00.004-04:00

Here are the six Victorian Inspired Pendants that were in the video. It was a well needed challenge to come up with something fresh and new. I have four more designs in this style that I'm working on and they will be posted as I finish them.

The purple one was sold before I added them to my shops by someone on my email list.
Any one can be customized.

I'm trying not to let so much time go by before I post again. See you soon.

Victorian Inspired Stained Glass Pendants Video

2011-08-08T11:09:00.003-04:00

I've finished my Victorian Inspired Stained Glass Pendants. The first one in the video was sold over the weekend but the others will be available. Enjoy the video and let me know how you like the new pieces. Thank you.

My Next Victims

2011-06-21T21:11:00.002-04:00

I came downstairs to start my day and saw these two bottles sitting on the dining room floor. My daughter went out the night before and brought them home. Merry Christmas to me! I'm going to have a good time breaking these. Sometimes the simplest things can make your day.

Baltimore Craftesians: Interview with Baltimore Artist Angela African San...

2011-06-02T16:19:00.002-04:00

This is an interview that was conducted last week and it should give you a little more insight into the story behind the art. Enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T10:52:00.003-04:00

To all Mothers and those working in the role of Mothers. Enjoy your day!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-12T10:22:00.005-05:00

We've made it through another one. I'm working on lots of new and exciting projects for this year. For me, January is such a long month, so I usually put all of my creative ideas on paper so I know my direction. Also, its the month for making my working schedule to keep me focused, otherwise I'm all over the web.

Pocket Mirrors are my first project for this year. They can be customized in any color you desire and come with a matching pouch.

To see their descriptions, please go to my Etsy shop.

I would like to thank everyone who visits and stayed in contact with me throughout the year. I appreciate it.

Have a Healthy, Safe and Prosperous New Year!

15% Off 72 Hour Sale

2010-12-10T15:29:00.003-05:00

I'm having a sale on every item in my Etsy shop. The sale ends on Sunday morning, so get your handmade and unique gifts before it's over.

I have also added a clearance section to my shop. When I going out vending at craft shows and farmer's markets, I accumulated a lot of inventory. Now its time to get rid of it so I can make some space. Go to the Clearance section to see what's offered. I'm going to always add items so keep checking back. You never know what you might find.

Commissioned Work

2010-12-10T14:52:00.006-05:00

This group of business card holders was commissioned by a Law Firm in Nevada. I just started making vertical business card holders this year. This new design adds the stability needed so it won't topple over or need to be held when taking a card.
After the holiday is over, there is still some tweeking I want to do to it and then I'll be satisfied.

These President Obama ornaments were made for one of my previous customers. I had made the Obama earrings and pendants, which sold very well during his campaign. I love it when someone can take an idea beyond my thinking. She loved them so much that she ordered four more. I can't wait to see how they look on her tree.

Fantasian Blog Post

2010-11-17T19:48:00.003-05:00

Fantasian, who makes some really unique wire-wrapped jewelry, featured some of my items to showcase on her blog.
She also has a list of other artists that were previously showcased.
The holiday season is fast approaching and her Etsy shop would be the perfect place to find that special gift.

In A New Collection

2010-09-28T18:39:00.003-04:00

ALL THINGS GRAY

Curated By: sandeeknits

ArtFire.com

Fine Art Photography

This collection is called All Things Gray, curated by sandeeknits at Artfire. She has lots of scarves so take some time and visit her shop. Its almost that time of year that we will wish we had something warm to wear outside. Her scarves also make great gifts.

Voted Best In Show At Cafe Handmade

2010-09-12T11:01:00.006-04:00

I joined Cafe Handmade's Virtual Craft Show in August because I felt like it was a another venue to showcase my work. Their ad rates are better than most, so why not give it a try.

In my fifth week, my virtual booth was voted Best in Show, which is an honor, being in the company of such amazing crafters. I know I would have voted for a few.

Take some time to visit the Virtual Craft Show, browse around and vote for your favorites. And for all of you who have shops, check out their advertising. Their rates are some of the best that I've seen in a while.

My Latest Commissioned Panel Is Finally Home

2010-08-20T20:32:00.007-04:00

Its been a couple of weeks since I mailed and found out that this panel had arrived with a crack. It really seemed longer since I needed it to be where I sent it and not in a shop to be fixed.

My client notified me that the panel was finally home. It was repaired in a local stained glass shop. They did a great job. Now I can relax, knowing that all is well.

Broken Glass

2010-07-25T14:26:00.005-04:00

Broken glass is how I make my living. I actually love the sound of it breaking and having it around me. But there are certain times when its not so good.

This is not a picture you want to see after you have carefully packed and shipped a commissioned piece. First, there's anger. Not at anyone in particular but because it happened. Second, you mentally go through every step of the packing process to see where a mistake could have been made. Just because I don't see where a mistake was made doesn't mean it didn't happen. And last, you come to realize that everything happens for a reason and this is no different.

I don't know the reason but I do know that in the future, my first reaction will not be one that takes me off focus by being angry. Its life. I will continue to do my very best work with every project that I take on as I always have. Today is my new beginning.

Judith Jamison Stained Glass Panel

2010-06-19T13:42:00.004-04:00

This Judith Jamison panel has been in the making for about three years. I was inspired to make it after seeing a segment on PBS on Alvin Ailey. From there, I went to the library, and while looking through several books on dance, this image spoke to me. I copied the page, brought it home and studied it for a few days.

I used the Dragonfly stained glass software program to develop the initial drawings as you can see in the first few frames of the video. If you work in stained glass, this program is one of the best to have. I use it for most of my design work but nothing beats picking up a pencil and sketching. After playing with several color choices, blue seemed the best choice. I guess I was in one of my blue color moods during that period.

So, after out vending for over a year and not having time to do anything else but produce product for shows, here she is, finally finished.

This panel was truly a joy to create and now she is part of the family until she has to go live in someone else's home.

In Four Treasuries This Month

2010-06-07T18:38:00.010-04:00

What is a Treasury? It is a collection of items related to a theme, chosen by Etsy members.
So far this month, 4 of my stained glass pieces were chosen to be in Treasuries. For me, this is an honor that my items were chosen from the millions of items on Etsy.

In this beautiful Treasury named Somewhat Transparent, my Business Card Holder was included. This Treasury was made by Peachy Designs.

This colorful Treasury was made by soap and named Full Spectrum. Go. She used my multi-colored Paperweight in this fun Treasury.

The Simple Beauty Of Nature is the name WhimsicalJewels used for this visually festive Treasury. She featured my Trinket Box.

In this last one named Translucent World made by MsPolite, my Earrings and Pendant Set was featured along with other stunning pieces.
Please take the time to visit the shops of the curators of these eye pleasing Treasuries.

My Latest Custom Stained Glass Panel

2010-04-15T20:30:00.004-04:00

I loved creating this panel. I have been holding this design in my head for quite some time, to make in stained glass. Years ago when I was into ceramics, I painted a plate that was similar to this panel.

I cannot tell you how happy I was when I got the call and the client described her vision to me. She wanted a 14" circle panel with a woman in profile. She also said that she likes triangles, circles, and diamond shapes, in that order. The woman's face was to be medium amber and the other colors were to be red, orange, yellow, purple, blue and green. Colorful is right up my alley.

When I delivered it to her, She could not stop smiling. She loved it and called me the next day to tell me how the sun was affecting the different textures.

Its really a good feeling when you can bring someone's vision to life and it exceeds their expectations.

Upcycled Jewelry

2010-03-30T22:08:00.001-04:00

In A Treasury

2010-03-30T12:51:00.005-04:00

A Treasury is a collection of someones favorite items that they put together and share with other members of Etsy. This Treasury was made by locustgrovelori, who makes the most interesting pieces using buttons and other objects. My favorites by her are the ones with a steampunk flavor. Take some time to look at her work. I'm sure there will be something that speaks to you.

Inland Wiz Cg Grinder

2010-03-16T15:37:00.006-04:00

This is the new toy I'm getting tomorrow. The grinder I have now still works BUT the bit is frozen to the shaft. I've tried everything from WD40 to a hammer and still can't remove it. Its old anyway. This happened when we were going out vending and I was busy making pieces and not paying much attention to losening the grinding head when I wasn't using it.

I'll hang on to it just in case I start teaching a class or some strong man comes along and losens the head for me. Wish me luck.

Car Angels

2010-02-28T18:49:00.007-05:00

I created my first car art soon after I finished my stained glass class in 1997. At that time I was making all kinds of items. Originally called car art, that changed when my customers would tell me that they looked like angels, so I changed the name.

One of my customers used hers as Christmas ornaments. They have also been used as sun catchers, a key chain and even a pendant. You never know what someone is going to do with what they get. As long as my pieces go to a good home is all that matters.

I truly believe that everyone should have an angel close to them with all of the activity taking place while driving.

Green Tea And Memories

2010-01-25T18:59:00.004-05:00

I usually start my week drinking tea, listening to my ipod and fixing pictures to add to my shops. From Me To You by The Beatles came on, which came out when I was in elementary school. That song took me back to this boy named Willie who had a crush on me. Always staring. Anyway, I guess he finally mustered up the courage to say he was going to the candy store and asked if I wanted a 5 cent ring or a 10 cent ring. I took neither.

Thinking back on it, it was a sweet gesture. That's the kind of sweet innocence we all start out with before we get older and really start living life.

In Two Treasuries

2010-01-04T10:59:00.010-05:00

A Treasury is a collection of someones favorite items that they put together and share with other members of Etsy. This Treasury was made by Lindabutterfly. She a really creative lady that I've had the pleasure of collaborating with, making a pendant. I'm looking forward to seeing what she has in store for us this year.

This Treasury was made by expressions123. She included my panel in her treasury, but also notified me that she did. I love the refrigerator magnets she makes, in her very eclectic style. Check out her shop and you'll see what I mean.

Upcycled Pendant

2009-11-14T16:44:00.006-05:00

I worked for a glass designer and would take the broken vases, bowls and a host of other pieces that were going to be thrown away, not thinking of what I was going to do with them at the time.

Everything was too pretty to be thrown out. What glass artist throws out glass? I don't know of any. do you?

Dining Room Window

2009-11-11T15:03:00.004-05:00

Dining Room Window, originally uploaded by AfricanSand.

This is my dining room window and where I spend most of my time when I'm not playing with glass.

The cactus in the middle belonged to my mother and is about 40 years old. It seemed to sense that the ceiling was there and stopped growing up. Now its filling out.

My Studio

2009-11-07T19:56:00.005-05:00

Studio 4, originally uploaded by AfricanSand.

This is a small section of my creative space. I love it so much because its not shared with anyone. Everything is still in the same place when I go back to it. Just lovely. View a few more pictures of my studio on flickr.

November Already?

2009-11-04T12:17:00.007-05:00

I just got my Delphi Stained Glass Supply catalog in the mail. They are starting to not only deal with items for the glass artists but for the ceramic artist too. I always have to fight to stay focused when I get this catalog because it makes me want to try mostly everything in the book.

Their website is user friendly so check it out when you have some time.

It doesn't seem like this year is almost over. I'm still wanting some more warm weather. Unless I move to a warmer climate, that's not happening. That doesnt mean that I'm not enjoying the colors that this season brings, because I am. I'm just not looking forward to the bulky clothes and all that it takes to feel comfortable outside. I'll miss you, warm weather.

Dragonfly Software Design of the Month

2009-09-25T18:00:00.003-04:00

A few months ago, someone contacted me from Dragonfly Software (the premier software for stained glass design) and wanted to know if I was interested in having one of my designs featured as the design of the month. Since I had previously participated, I thought I couldn't but she informed me otherwise.

I sent in my write-up and didn't hear anything else until one day I was looking at the stats for my website and had an unusual amount of hits coming from the Dragonfly Software site. That's when I found out that my design was featured in THIS month. So here it is.

The Kokopelli panel featured was a commissioned piece made for one of my customers on Etsy.

Included In A Treasury

2009-08-07T14:34:00.003-04:00

What is a Treaury? A Treasury is a collection of someone's favorite items that they put together and share with other members of Etsy. Some make it to the front page and some don't.

One of my items was featured in another Treasury. This one was made by nomadcraftsetc from items found on Flickr.

Take a visit to her shop to see the various pieces they have to offer. I especially like the glass jars and vases but they also have jewelry, lampwork beads, and marbles. There's more to see. I just listed my favorites.

Absolut And Grey Goose Vodka Jewelry

2009-07-28T16:40:00.003-04:00

As long as I keep getting these bottles, I'm going to make something out of them. The Grey Goose bottles are cool because of the geese and mountains. Plus I like the frosted and clear glass.

The fun thing about the Absolut bottles is that the vodka comes in flavors so no two bottles are alike. Also, I love script text and the glass is frosted. As you can see in one of my earlier posts, I have quite a few bottles to work with, thanks to someone I know who loves this drink.

In A Treasury

2009-06-30T11:14:00.003-04:00

Another one of my panels was chosen to be in a Treasury by mysticwynd. Please take the time to check out her shop. She creates some very unique jewelry.

The panel she used is the one in the middle at the top. That is one that doesn't get much attention, I guess, because it is so simple compared to the other panels I have.

To see more of my panels, as well other pieces not listed on Etsy, go to my website at www.africansand.com.

Custom Pendant For Lindabutterfly

2009-06-26T14:51:00.006-04:00

This pendant is another collaboration between Lindabutterfly's artwork and my soldering skills.
She is one very happy lady who can wear her art wherever she goes. How's that for advertising?Please take the time to visit her shop at http://www.lindabutterfly.etsy.com/

Absolut Vodka Bottle Earrings

2009-06-25T14:56:00.003-04:00

These are the earrings made from the same bottle as the pendant below. I'm really excited about how these are turning out and the response to them.
When I make these, I break the bottle with a hammer and use the most interesting pieces. I have to cut the matching earring but other than that, the way the glass breaks is the shape its going to be. More to come soon.

Absolut Vodka Pendant

2009-06-12T16:51:00.005-04:00

Ever since I made the Corona bottle earrings, I've been thinking about incorporating bottles in my work. Its still glass, just with a slight curve to it, which is a challenge when it comes to foiling. From the look of all those bottles, I'll have enough glass to use for lots of pendants and earrings.

The pendant above was made using just one small piece of one of the bottles. I wanted to use a yellow piece but this broke so perfectly that I decided to use it. Also what I like about these bottles is that the glass is frosted. I'll make one with yellow tomorrow with earrings to match.

Lindabutterfly's Collaboration Pendant

2009-05-25T16:14:00.005-04:00

This pendant is a collaboration using a painting and photograph of lindabutterfly (http://www.lindabutterfly.etsy.com/) and my soldering skills. What really makes this pendant so special is that it's reversible. The two sides compliment each other very well. When Linda painted the picture, she had no idea it would be paired with a photograph of the same colors. She is truly a gifted artist.

Visit her on shop on Etsy. She can also be found on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, and Shuttercal under the same name. You won't be disappointed.

In A Treasury

2009-05-05T12:08:00.005-04:00

One of my panels was featured in a treasury started by taylorseclectic. She couldn't have picked a better color combination. And I'm not just saying that because I was included. Orange and blue compliment each other and that's what makes it work.

Take some time to visit her Etsy shop. She makes

some really beautiful and unique items.

New Candleholder

2009-04-09T12:03:00.006-04:00

I haven't made any postings to my blog as much as I would like to. Its good because that means

I'm busy. I've been busy building my online presence and working on new designs.

The candleholder is new because I sold the other multi-colored one on Etsy. I needed that sale, too. Its something how money comes when you really need it. And I did.

Women's Expo

2009-03-15T12:16:00.002-04:00

This year's Women's Expo was held on March 7th & 8th. I can say that I hope this particular show isn't a gauge for how people will come out this year. We first participated in this show 2 years ago and had lots of customers. This year there were lookers. There were sales but far and few between.

I know its the economy and people are basically buying what they need. When the economy does turn around, I'll have plenty to sell.

Why?

2009-03-03T18:38:00.002-05:00

Why does repair work always take so long? I hate it when I hear that ping of glass cracking when I'm soldering. That usually means to either take what I'm working on apart or just leave it alone. Today I tried to repair it and lost a lot of valuable time dealing with it. So here I sit, disgusted and hungry. I'm going to eat and take a shower. Tomorrow will be a better day.

Corona Bottle Earrings

2009-02-23T18:26:00.004-05:00

These unusual earring are made from a Corona bottle. I didn't drink it but I saw the potential. They are really cute and guaranteed to be a conversation starter. And you know, as with all of our jewelry, there will never be another pair like them.

Now that I've made these, I'm looking around at the different bottles to see what else is out there that I can use.

Since I'm not a drinker, that is going to take some time.

A Late Night

2009-02-22T15:29:00.002-05:00

Last night Istayed up until 3 a.m watching movies and Comedy Central. Why did I do that? I haven't stayed up that late in 7 years. My normal bedtime is between 10:30 and 11:00. I'm feeling it now. I even had a cup of coffee to pep myself up a bit. Still sluggish but jumpy. Won't be doing THAT again any time soon.
Looks like a lot of computer work will be done today. I don't trust myself with a soldering iron.

The Abstract Window Panel

2009-01-28T12:28:00.003-05:00

This is a panel that I made in September for a lady that I have known for a few years.
We had lost contact until this past summer when we were working the farmers' market. She looked through the sample book and decided on this design. The original one was only 12" x 12". She wanted it to fit in the window frame which measured 38" x 23". Not impossible. I love a challenge and I got it.
If you would like to see the process (excluding the making of the pattern and cutting the glass) then click on the picture.

My Moonlit Avatar

2009-01-10T22:16:00.000-05:00

I was watching television the other night when a commercial came on and my eyes started to wander, as usual. I looked behind me and saw the moonlight shining through this panel. Its one of my favorites because it was the first panel that I designed while taking a stained glass class many years ago.

This is also the window that gets the afternoon sun and when that happens, you can't even imagine the brilliance the glass around the mask.
I took several shots but this one turned out to be the best.

2008-12-31T22:45:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!!

I remember a time when I would try to be somewhere on New Years Eve.

Now I'm content to stay home and be in the bed before they start shooting.

Yellow Pendant With Swarovski Crystal

2008-12-31T18:37:00.001-05:00

A one inch piece of glass, wire and a swarovski crystal is what was used to make this pendant. It's one of the best sellers when we're out vending and come in every color with black being my favorite.

Little Late Clover

2008-12-31T11:47:00.000-05:00

I was getting ready to take a walk yesterday and passed by this clover in my yard. Through all the cold days and frost, this little clover is still green.
I'll be checking on it for the next few days to see whats going on with it. And yes, I do have other things to do. I really need to get back to work. Too much time on my hands. I think I hear the glass calling me.

I hope everyone has a safe, healthy and happy new year.

Foiled Earrings

2008-12-30T12:54:00.000-05:00

Here are our earrings foiled and ready to be soldered. Only lead free solder is used for jewelry. Also, we try very hard not to make two of the same kind. Do you see any that you like?