Another busy week!

Wow, this week flew by!  I finished two large glass projects for customers.  The first was a 20 x20 inch fall maple leaf panel.

 I am so pleased with the way it came together...finally!  It was one of those projects that had me a bit frustrated at the start. I had a larger leaf cut out and decided it looked like a tree and not a leaf!!!  So I scrapped that idea and came up with this version, which I like much better.  And the customer loved it!!



The second project was a larger version of this rainbow sun catcher.  I did a 16 x 16 panel to hang in a customer's bathroom over her tub.  How relaxing to have a soak and look at all the beautiful colors!

Now on to new things!  I have some ideas for halloween ornaments using scrapbook paper and clear glass.  Pics coming soon!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!!

 

Feeling like fall

Happy Labor Day!  A cool day here in Minnesota, we are getting a preview of things to come!  I just finished a few little suncatchers and wanted to share them.

Fall is such a fun time of the year to decorate inside and out.  And easy!  Just a stop at a farmers market for pumpkins, gourds, mums and indian corn and you are all set!  Adding a fun glass piece, like this pumpkin garden panel, brightens up any flower pot display!

Today I started clearing my pots of straggly summer flowers.  Over the next couple weeks I will be switching them over to mums, kale, twigs and gourds.  Love this time of the year!

The entryway is complete!

Finally done with this project! 

Loving the built in shelves...they are perfect for keys, phones, small bags and of course my snow globe collection!  I do think I want to add something to the back of the shelves. Probably some vintage map paper since we have a bit of a travel theme in this room.  I painted the compass rose on the floor a few years ago and it is showing a nice worn look. It was a fairly easy project.  I found a compass rose online and just enlarged it, penciled it in on the unfinished floor and painted.  I did sand a little bit for a worn look.  Then we sealed the floor .  With the dogs and everyday wear, it could use a refresh.  I just say it has that lived in look!

Here is a pic of the other corner.  I have a vintage icebox that I use for storing hats, mittens and scarves.  The artwork is from Key West and also from a friend who is trying to get his business up a running.  Troy Davis Photography.  He does amazing work.  The piece I have is of the Two Harbors, MN lighthouse.  Another beautiful place we have been.  The shells in the glass bowl are from many trips to Key West.  I have a flameless candle in the center for a bit of light at night.

On to the next project!!!!  The yard!

Our side yard has been neglected for several years,  When are kids were younger we had three holes of mini golf in that spot.  I couldn't decide what to do over there and it became a mess of tree seedlings, vines and weeds. 
Got a start on it yesterday.  Pulled all the weeds and little trees, raked out some mulch and created a small seating area on one of the old golf areas.  I am trying to do a no cost makeover, using plants and things from other parts of the yard.  We are removing a garden on the side of our garage, which gives me a number of plants and flowers to move into this space. 
It will be an ongoing project for a few weeks.  Way too hot and humid here in Minnesota for a few days!  I will be inside working on more glass pieces!!

Weekend fun

What a great weekend!  Twins game with the hubby, good food and drink and best of all our daughter returned home from the summer in Colorado! 

I had to do something to celebrate her arrival, so I gathered up some scrapbook paper and washi tape and made a cheery pennant banner for her.  Super fast and easy and great for any occasion. 
It was one of the best weekends of the summer, having the kids here, grilling some yummy walleye, veggies and sweet corn, and of course a bonfire.

Wow, this summer is going fast!  All those projects I thought would get done are still not done, but I have been enjoying the beautiful summer weather.  One project that is almost done, is my entryway re-do. 

My husband took an old window opening and built in some shelves for mail, phones, you name it.  Here is a pic of the rough opening.  It is about 36x55 inches.  The shelves are done and installed, everything has a fresh coat of paint, new coat hooks up.  I am feeling more organized already!

And the best part....a new window I just finished!  No more curtains, just beautiful glass!  Have to finish up some small things like switch plate covers.  It is surprising how much these little things make a difference in the appearance of a room.  I will post some pics when it is completely done.
Off to start another project for a customer!  A lovely fall panel in autumn colors with a maple leaf.  Excited to see how it turns out!

It's a beautiful summer evening in Minnesota and I'm thinking about fall!  Trying to get a head start on some glass projects for my Etsy shop and The Market on Oak....the gift shop I work at. 

I am working on pumpkins...short, tall, skinny, chubby. 

And panels with fall colored leaves.  I think they look great on a garden stake, instead of a flag.  I am also planning some panels with pumpkins.  And leaf sun catchers.  Maybe some black cats, bats and witches hats!  What kinds of fall icons would you like to have in your window?  Leave me a comment!  My Etsy shop is www.etsy.com/shop/catchinsomesun.  Have fun shopping!

Workroom storage

I hope everyone is having a great day!  I had the day off from work and aside form the usual cleaning and laundry, I found time to work on a stained glass window that I have wanted to do for our entryway.  I'm waiting for the caulk to dry before I can hang it, so I thought I share some work room storage ideas.  I have a fairly small space to work in....part of a guest bedroom so I have had to be creative in my storage solutions.

I found this little cart at a second hand store that was going out of business.  Scored a great deal....$5!!!  My husband made the glass storage rack for me.  A piece of plywood covered in a padded vinyl with holes drilled for some dowels.  The dowels keep the glass upright. 

I found these carousel trays at our local Fleet Farm.  They were only about $4.00 each.  They are perfect for small pieces like charms, beads, jump rings and small scrap glass.  These would work out great for a number of small items....make up, nail polish, small hardware items, jewelry making.

I use this old tool chest from my Dad for storing washi tape, small tools, business cards, post cards and other small items I might want to use for a project.  I also have a few favorite items on top!  I like to have some inspiration around me!

I have a few narrow shelves above my work bench.  I use old jars and candle holders for markers, brushes and other tools.  Along with lots of photos and trinkets!.  My work bench is well loved, as you can see.  It is a freestanding kitchen cabinet from Ikea with drawers and shelves.  That is part of my window on the bench waiting to be foiled and soldered.
I will post pics when it is ready for hanging.  We are refreshing our entryway....finally!  There is a bit of a construction project that my husband is doing.  Can't wait to show the results!