Sun Catchers

What could I make with two pieces of scrap glass and a marble glob?

Hmm....



Thinking ....



Thinking .....



and still Thinking.  


I've got it! 




An Angel

Stained Glass Angel Sun Catchers

Finished Crash Glass Project

Here is the photo of my finished crash glass project.
As you can see I have grouted the panel and added a cast iron cross at the top and a coin with a prayer at the bottom right.  The Prayer reads:  I said a prayer for you today, I know God must have heard.  I felt the answer in my heart, although he spoke no word. 

This project has a personal meaning to me as the religious cards used were in my collection of religious cards I have collected from funerals I have attended.  The Praying hands is from my Mother-In-Law's funeral and the Sorrowful Mother is from my Grandmother's funeral.  It took a while to finish this project as I did not know how to cut the nail off the cast iron cross.  (See my previous posts: Cast Iron Crosses and Old New Toy)

Old New Toy



Cast Iron Crosses with and without nails and Rotary Tool

I asked Hubby and my Brother how I could cut a nail off the back of some cast iron crosses.  After studying the crossing they were stumped as to how I could cut the nail and leave a smooth back.  They said I needed a small saw or drill which they did not have.  That's when the light bulb lit in my head.  I remembered that I had a Dremel that could probably do the job.  The Dremel is a small rotary electric tool used for carving, engraving, routing, grinding, sharpening, cutting, cleaning, polishing and sanding.  Now my problem was learning how to use it.  You see, when I bought the Dremel three years ago, the Quick Start Book did not make any sense.  I did not understand the directions on how to use it. So the Dremel with Case was stored in the tool shed until now.   I stayed up all night reading and re-reading the directions.  Looking at pictures and reading over and over again.  Finally a small screw in a picture caught my eye.  It finally made sense.  So, here's the picture of the Dremel and some crosses with and without the nail.  I love this Dremel, it is my old, new toy.          

Butterfly Panel

The Butterfly window panel is finished. The background is a clear glass with what looks like rain drops.  The pink wispy boarder glass was chosen to bring out the pink color in the butterfly wings.   The butterfly glass was also used on the four corners of the panel.  I am happy how it came out.  If interested in purchasing, call or e-mail me before my first show which is on October 13th.  I have a feeling this panel will sell fast.  Click on the photos to get a closer view.  

Closer view of double butterflies

Butterfly Panel - 15 1/4" x 14"

Closer view of single butterfly.

Mrs. Piggy Gets Nose Broken

Mr. & Mrs. Piggy

While watching the boxing match this past Saturday, Mrs. Piggy was caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.  The suspect, 16 year old son of Irene, was questioned and released after admitting to accidently breaking Mrs. Piggy's nose.  Mr. Piggy was a witness who said Mathew got excited watching the boxing match and hit a shelf which knocked down an object from the shelf and hit Mrs. Piggy on the nose.  Mrs. Piggy did not need medical attention right away but was told to see the nearest crafty person as soon as possible.  It was Monday night when Crafty Irene looked at Mrs. Piggy's nose.  The diagnoses looked good for Mrs. Piggy who's nose will be adhered back together using E-6000.  Crafty Irene said these two piggies have been partners for years.   I don't even remember when or where I bought them from.    It will take about 24 hours for Mrs. Piggy's nose to completely heal.  Mathew was not charged and all is forgiven and well in the Maldonado household.

Butterfly Window Panel

How many times have you gone to the store and saw something you liked, and say to yourself, "I can make that."?  So you go home without buying the item and never make it.  That has happened to me many times.  This past week, I saw a stained glass window panel hanging at a glass shop that I liked.  I liked it so much that I decided this time to make it.  I knew what glass I wanted to use for the butterflies, I cut that glass first.  Then I decided what size the panel would be and placed the butterflies where I wanted them.  I used brass rings to draw the circular lines on the panel which will give the panel movement. 

Little by little I am teaching my boys my craft.  So, I asked them to help me choose the background and boarder glass.  We talked about color, texture, transparency and movement of the glass. The picture on the right shows the glass we chose, cut and placed on the cartoon.  The next steps are grinding, foiling and soldering which will take a couple of days due to work, family and life.  I will post updated pictures as I go along.