1910 Yugoslavia Santa

 

Merry Shards & Sawdust

The Christmas season is here and we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and those moments that helped to shape our small business. It’s been quite a year for us all around the world!

 

We thought it would be a great opportunity to create a special art project together!

Our inspiration was a 1910 Yugoslavia Santa. I found a booklet online by Vicky Gillespie that is filled with many different Santas from around the world.  All of the glass/wood was purchased from Delphi Glass.

 

The pattern is for a very large sun catcher but I wanted to make it into a window.  

 

So with a bit of Christmas Spirit, we set to work.

I did have some difficulty with the glass cutting to make this project square. However, I found the copper foiling peaceful and relaxing as I wrapped each piece. This was very helpful with my PTSD and it helped me to mindfully connect with the present. The holidays can bring a flood of memories of the past.

 

 

I soldered, cleaned, and added patina, it was time for Mr. Sawdust to step in. He made the wood frame and it really made the window come alive. Afterwards, I added some Milliefiori fused glass for that extra touch.

 

 

 

 

This was a great project to create and a great reminder of all that we have been through together. 

 

 

2020 has also provided many thoughts of gratitude, and there’s no better time to express our thanks and sincere appreciation for all the support and kindness you’ve shown. We wish you the very happiest and most peaceful of holidays.

Ginger Dawn & O.J. Harman

Handmade Wooden Cutting Boards

 

Wooden Cutting Boards

While Ginger has been creating Christmas stained glass items. I thought I would make a few cutting boards to place on our Etsy shop. Each would make a wonderful gift.

 

The one above measures 16 X 10.5 

This handmade wooden cutting board made from Purpleheart, Yellowheart, Cherry, and Walnut wood.

This one is a 20 x 10 Handmade Walnut and Oak Wood Cutting board.

 

 

If you look real close the Walnut has a fishscale pattern that really makes this cutting board pop! 

 

Both handmade cutting boards are from hand-selected, rough cut lumber that is milled to size, cut into strips and glued to the rough shape and size of the board using a food safe and environmentally friendly wood glue. After the glue has dried overnight, it is planed to the proper thickness, cut to the proper size, edges routed and completely sanded. When sanding is complete, I seal and treat the board with scentless, colorless, odorless and food-safe Mineral Oil and beeswax to condition the wood to make sure it lasts for a long long time. 

I hope you enjoy reading,

Mr. Sawdust

(O.J. Harman)

Marching On

 

Marching into the Christmas Season

I cannot believe that Christmas is in just a few weeks. I must admit that with the pandemic it has been difficult for me to get into the holiday spirit. My heart is full of compassion toward those who have lost loved ones, jobs, and who are juggling the stresses during this time. 

So we all continue to march on!

I thought it would be fun to create a fused glass plate that has Santa Claus trudging through the snow with a few helpers to encourage him. It reminded me of a quote by Edwin Grover that for me warms my heart.

“Santa Claus is anyone who loves another and seeks to make them happy; who gives himself by thought or word or deed in every gift that he bestows." 

 

I reckon as long as we continue to live mindfully, giving with our heart, thoughts, words, and actions then that Christmas spirit will always burn deep inside.

Ginger Dawn