Golf Themed Stained Glass

 Wordless Wednesday

Golf Themed Stained Glass

Dalecarlian Horse Suncatchers

 

Dala Horses

I have had a whole “Dala” fun this past few weeks creating new stained glass items. These Dala horses were a perfect change for me and opportunity to create with different textures of glass and for adding beadwork to my creations.

Originally, Dala horses were made as toys for children to play with. They were produced in the Dalarna region, near central Sweden in small villages, where people lived surrounded by forests. This is where the name stems from. The toys gained popularity first in the region, but were also sold to other regions in Sweden.

 

 Did you know that soldiers would carve these horses to barter for food? Thus, the Dala horse is said to have helped the Swedish Army survive the long winter. 

 

I created these handmade Swedish Dala Horses out of respect, love, and inspiration by my neighbor. She has shared many wonderful Swedish dishes and stories that have filled my life with joy and connection. For this reason, I wanted to share it with others by creating these unique Stained glass sun catchers. These would make a wonderful gift or home decoration. They all available on our Etsy shop.

 

Do you have any special family traditions or maybe one that you have tried? I would enjoy reading about it below.

Ginger Dawn

Pressed Flower Suncatchers

 

Happy Valentine’s Day

 

Mr. Sawdust and I want to wish everyone a Very Happy Valentin’es Day! Although we both are not considered mushy romantic types, we still celebrate the day with a sweet treat.

 

 This year I made two stained glass pressed flower hearts that are both available in our Etsy shop.

 

These handmade pressed flower stained glass suncatchers were made with the intention of celebrating the unique love of nature brought indoors. The top piece of glass is a beveled heart and the bottom is a wavy clear rose glass. They also has a decorative soldered edge. 

 

I have always enjoyed the beauty of nature and the textures that each fern, flower, and petal provides. 

 

This would make a lovely birthday gift, Valentine's Day, or even Mother's day gift for that special person in your life.  How will you be spending Valentine's Day?

Ginger Dawn

Happy Chinese New Year

 

Year of the Ox

I have so many fond memories of celebrating Chinese New Year. It is by far my favorite holiday during the month of February!

 

I am sad that we will not be able to attend the festival in Washington Dc this year because of Covid. However, I wanted to decorate my home for the special occasion.

 

 

I made these pair of stained glass Ox suncatchers as a honor for this Chinese New year.They are both available for purchase on our Etsy Shop.

 

 

Oxen are honest and earnest. They are low key and never look for praise or to be the center of attention. This often hides their talent, but they’ll gain recognition through their hard work.

They believe that everyone should do what’s asked for them and stay within their boundaries. Though they are kind, it’s difficult for them to understand persuasion. Rarely losing their temper, they think logically and make great leaders.

 

This year we will celebrate at home with our favorite Asian takeout and our son will receive his “Red Envelope” at his college dorm mailbox. Do you celebrate Chinese New year? Please share a favorite recipe or memory. 

Ginger Dawn

Birthday Cardinals

 

 Cardinals

 

This past few weeks, I have been enjoying the winter birds in our back yard. Among them are the cardinals. I often get a giggle from the blue jays and woodpeckers that tend to squabble over spots by our feeders.

I decided to create a male and female cardinal sun catcher in honor of my friend’s birthday. However, each bird had to be cut without a pattern which was a new skill attempt for me. I found this difficult.

 

 

My favorite part was applying the patina after I soldered the birds.

This pair of cardinals will make a lovely birthday gift since cardinals remind my friend of her parents.  Every time we see one we mention Grammie & Poppie. 

 

Handmade gifts just fill my soul with warmth and bring back special memories not only for those that I make them for but also for myself! 

" I saw a Cardinal in my tree,
The bright red color so beautiful to see.
Thoughts of loved ones brought a smile to my face,
As I watched it flitter about with grace.
Visitors from Heaven they are said to be,
I feel blessed that you came to visit me.”

Unknown

 

 

I tend to put a lot of thought into my gifts and creative adventures. 

Do you? 

Ginger