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

Autumn Copper Abstract

 

Autumn Copper Abstract

 

This week, I had so much fun creating an abstract autumn stained glass window. Did you know that abstract art does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of a visual reality but instead use shapes, colors, forms and gestural marks to achieve its effect? I began to wondered how much do I shape or tend to mold myself after people, ideas, and even society norms?

So many times in my past, I have tried to “fit in” but it has only created stress and dissatisfaction. This is why I want to create a healing piece of art that represents what I value. The golden colors remind me of the spiritual aspect of "All That Is". It is symbolic of spirituality and development in the realm of complete understanding, allowing one to both attain and maintain a source of well-being inside and out.

I decided to use 3 different shaped bevels and then create around them to enhance the colors of the glass. Having this “clear” understanding of who I am keeps my intentions and perspective mindful. 

Best of all, when the sun hits the bevels just right...

 A cascade of rainbows fill my kitchen. 

 

Using the same colors of glass from my fall leaf creation, has made my bay window pop with the beauty of the season.

   Moreover, I tried copper patina for the first time and all I can say is Wow! This was a great learning experience and opportunity for me to grow as an artist and the woman that I am now.

Thank you for visiting, 

Ginger Dawn

Texas Tech Stained Glass

 

From here, it's possible!

Fight, Raiders, Fight! Fight, Raiders, Fight!
Fight for the school we love so dearly.
You'll hit 'em high, you'll hit 'em low.
You'll push the ball across the goal,
Tech, Fight! Fight!
We'll praise your name, boost you to fame.
Fight for the Scarlet and Black.
You will hit 'em, you will wreck 'em.
Hit 'em, Wreck 'em, Texas Tech!
And the Victory Bells will ring out.

 

Double T

Guns Up!

 

Wreck ‘Em!

Fall Leaves

 

My First Fall Leaf pictured above! Really enjoyed making this piece!

Fall is absolutely my favorite time of year. The colors, cooler temperature, and changing of the season inspires me to create. I decided to make some stained glass leaves to decorate our home. Did you know that leaves have different symbolic meanings? The green leaves of spring and summer depict hope, renewal and revival. Blazing yellow, orange and red leaves of fall represent the change of season. Ultimately, fallen leaves complete the circle of life with the final stages: decline and death.

 

"When leaves have to let go of the tree, they wear their best colors and they dance all the way to the ground." Karen Kingsbury, Finding Home

 

I was rather surprised when I made this leaf. The difference between the light shining through it and shade/night-time is rather striking!

 

Here is my final leaf that I made this week. I absolutely fell in love with this glass and immediately thought of autumn when I saw it. I really appreciate how each of the leaves I made are different and this really helped me to be grateful that every moment is a unique journey in life.

Ginger Dawn

Welcome Mr. Owl

 

It has been a while readers and fall has arrived, I find comfort during the seasonal transition with nature and it’s inspiration. 

 

I finished Mr. Fall Owl. I am rather pleased with how he turned out. I was inspired by this quote, "The little owls call to each other with tremulous, quavering voices throughout the livelong night, as they sit in the creaking trees." Theodore Roosevelt 

This owl is a gentle reminder for me to use my voice no matter the fear or sense of darkness that holds me back. It is that wise inner knowledge that all will be OK.

I hope you enjoy this short post and would enjoy hearing from you below.

Ginger Dawn

Celtic Stained Glass Window

Mindfully Knotted for Life

Whenever I think of a knot, it reminds me of security. The tightening of two to create one. I decided to challenge myself and make a large stained glass window with the theme described above. I choose the Celtic knot because it has no start or finish and could be said to represent eternity whether this means loyalty, faith, friendship or love. Only one thread is used in each design which symbolizes how life and eternity are interconnected.

I do feel that we are all interconnected in many ways and I try to live my life as mindfully as possible. It is that connection that is represented in the design of the Celtic knot that brings this home to my heart. Life is an array of ups and downs and different perspectives that come and go. This is why I used the cathedral and beveled glass to give the different perspective as light shines through the glass.

So... what did I learn from this project?

Lesson One: Don’t let fear hold you back! I admit this was a huge project. And I was afraid it was above me and my skills. Yet, I am so happy I pushed through! Heck, why was I about to give up on a widow before I started? I have survived much harder stuff! 

Lesson Two: Accept that trying and failing is part of the process! I had to let go of “perfect” and “High Expectations,” those twin robbers who steal the joy and healing of what I am creating! I was trying and so what if I messed up a few times. I learned to use my mistakes as an opportunity to grow.

I did not realize how much that “Free Shipping” would cost me, along with the fees that Etsy was given for “Off Site Ads.” Yet, this reminder was good because this is the learning part of selling online. I know in my heart that each item I make goes where it needs to.

Lesson Three: Gratitude! Gratitude! Gratitude! I am so grateful for this opportunity to make and sell my stained glass. The biggest surprise for me was that I sold this window and this gave me such a good feeling that my art is appreciated and can sell. Moreover, I am so grateful for the profit because it was just enough to pay for one month of my therapy. Honestly, I really didn’t have a loss. I gained in more ways than one!

I really appreciate you reading this post! It means a lot to me that you took the time to visit my blog. If you are interested in looking at my other items for sale please visit this link at Shards & Sawdust. I also hope I inspired you to create art and take on more mindful habits in your life.

Ginger Dawn