Upcycled Pendant

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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.