A long time coming!

Here are some photos of my new studio that has taken almost a year to complete!  We added  zero-scape landscaping to save water (we are in a serious drought here in California!) I also used some upcycled windows that I purchased at Habitat for Humanity. I am loving the outcome!

On losing a parent

I never realized how devastating losing a parent would be. Even though my dad was 84 and had Alzheimer's Disease, the real impact did not hit me until the actual event. I watched my husband lose both of his parents and was very sad for him (and myself because I really cared for his parents) but it did not prepare me for the loss of my own dad. It's comparable to having a baby in the sense that you can watch others go through the event but never really know the impact until you have your own child. The loving part is the same.

 Even with all my dad's shortcomings I realize that I loved him and was proud of him. There were  times that I hated him (as a teenager) but I don't think he ever stopped loving me. I  got my silly sense of humor from him and my laissez-faire parenting style. There was always the threat of  "wait till your father gets home" but he could never spank us and always had a laugh or smile just below the surface.

I said my last good-byes right before Thanksgiving when I was able to fly across country to see him in the nursing home. He kept falling asleep in his wheelchair and my brother and I finally asked the nurse to just put him to bed. All day long my dad barely said a word and it was uncertain whether or not he recognized us.We were flying home that evening and I just wanted some sign or glimmer of recognition. They laid him in his bed and I leaned over to kiss his cheek and said "Bye, I love you". I could feel him kissing my cheek and heard him whisper "I love you". I knew at that moment that he was aware that I came to visit and felt that he know me.

I love you Dad.  I can hear your laughter if I listen for it. I hope you are somewhere happy.
Rest in Peace (Owen Myrddin Davies 5-31-29 to 1-8-14)

Air Plant Art

I took a trip up to Hollander Glass in Los Angeles and bought SOOO much new cool glass I hardly know where to start when I go to pick colors for new projects. I have been having lots of fun picking colors for my new air plant panels that have been selling really well. I was also lucky enough to be asked to have a picture of my stained glass air plant panels posted on the Tillandsia International web site ( http://www.airplant.com/artideas.html ) under their "Air Plant Art" category! Just ordered a new batch of air plants and they are so cute! The plant in this picture is Tillandsia Juncea which is a pretty grassy-like air plant that is a pretty bright green with a bit of red at the tips. I loved this one!

I am having some fun trying to figure out some new ways to display my air plants using stained glass. Here's a simple design that looks good on a patio or bathroom. On the back I added some chicken wire to stabilize the cone and also to use for hanging. The air plant simply sits in the top of the cone. What do you think?

cdaviesart: Little Sun Goddess

cdaviesart: Little Sun Goddess

Get help editing your BLOG!

I get lots of help from my personal Blog editor when creating new blogs! Mickey is my greatest fan and is riveted by every word I write! I just want to take this opportunity to thank him for all his support and interest! (Do not try this at home... Mickey is specially trained and is ever the professional cursor watcher!)

Creating a Mosaic Mirror

When I start a mosaic project I usually have a general idea of a final outcome. I like a floral motif and for the pictured project, I  used the pretty pastel peach/pink color for the main flowers.  

Symmetry can be nice, so I often try to create somewhat of a mirror image although not exactly. It is more interesting when there are variances which is more reflective of nature. The flower sizes are varied as are the pieces of glass . Many of the pieces are scraps from other projects but on occasion it's better to cut pieces to get a certain color or shape (I did this for the aqua in the corner). 

 Creating a diagonal flow to the design has more interest for me. The bottom left of this mirror is reflected in the upper right . As far as color choice goes I usually have a couple of main colors in mind (such as the peach and aqua) then add the greens because it is a floral pattern and then add a touch of some other colors. There is a bit a lilac, yellow and iridescent red in this mirror.