SG Designs by JFA

2011 Holiday goodies

2011-09-25T11:49:00.001-07:00

This is one of several table top angels that will be included in the 2011 Holiday goodies. I found that many times people are looking for the table top items verses the sun catchers. Each of this years group will be holding either a musical instruments or some other little adornment

Still have to make a rope of twisted wire to make the halo.

Panel for my daughter's home

2011-09-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

Just designed this piece to affix to the inside of the front doors of my daughters 100 year old victorian duplex.

The doors are of the same period and still have the original hardware and the beveled edge sheet glass.

The blue I will be using will be more of a colonial blue.

Will have to hunt through my inventory when the time comes. I do like the texture of the english muffle, but couldn't find the shade I want.

©Stained Glass Designs by JFA 9/22/2011

Getting ready for the holiday season

2011-09-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

Been working on a few new items to add to the inventory for the holiday show season.

Here is this years version of my pocket mirror. This one is done with textured glass that I hand painted. I supply a small pouch to house the mirror.

I also make them in different colored glass and attach a cute dimensional item, like a kitten, or bow or such. They make cute little stocking stuffers.

I have also been making several different sized 3-d beveled stars. This one is about 7 1/2" long. I make them in varying sizes from 3 1/2" to 13 1/2"and several different colors.

They sparkle in the sun, and fill the room with a prism of colors.

Hard to believe that I have to start thinking about the holidays when I had to run the a/c today. But that will change by the weekend, supposed to be down in the 40's over night for several days.

"Irene" you bad, bad girl

2011-08-31T20:27:00.000-07:00

WOW, what a weekend and early week too. "Irene" was not a fun ride for sure.
Hope all my blog spot Friends are all safe. We are all safe here and my extended family in Vermont and New Hampshire are all safe and sound too. Vermont really got slammed though.

Hugs and prayers to all still dealing with the after math.

We have a young woman coming over tomorrow to help us clean up the broken limbs, leaves and other stuff that was deposited in our yard.

We got our power back earlier today, thank God. What a challenge living without electric. Lost everything in the fridge and a good amount in the freezer too, but when I think of what could have happened, that isn't so bad.

I'm back

2011-08-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

Been way to long since I have been able to update my blog. Life with MS has given me a roller coaster ride. I am feeling a whole lot better now that my meds have leveled out, and with summer humidity soon to be a memory I am preparing my studio for glass production once again.

My part time job ends at the end of this month, so the energy that I was using to do the job will now be redirected into working on my glass projects one again.

Summer is but a memory now

2010-10-23T17:46:00.000-07:00

Haven't been here for a bit.

Summer really had me down for the count with the MS, but now that the cooler weather is here I am surely hoping that I will again be back to scoring lots of my beautiful glass.

Here is a picture of the early fall colors viewed from across one of the many lovely spots I enjoy visiting.

Have been invited to display in a holiday show in December. With a lot of Grace from God and a little help from friends I am setting my sites on this show.

Time will tell.

I have had a sail boat panel on my work table for months now. Will post the end result soon.

Thanks for visiting my site, hope you will return soon and I really hope that I have some new eye candy waiting for your return visit. Joan

Spring Anew

2010-05-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

Can't believe it is already May. Time is flying. Life got in the way of many things that I have been wanting to tend to, but I did get to do this panel and start a commissioned piece too, since last it blogged.

I designed this panel to enter a contest, where we were challenged to add elements to our work that we had not made a practice of doing till now.

Plating, wire work and stones as a none glass element are choices I made to include. I also used the harness style hanging armature which was way out of the norm for me.

This panel did try my patience at times, as the stone work delayed the speed in which I could have normally soldered anything. The stones retain heat far longer than glass/foil does. I had collected several bags of river rocks from different craft stores with the intention of using them for flower arrangements, but thought they would work well in this panel. Here in NE stone walls are pretty common in area that there were farms in days gone by. So I wanted to give it a try in this panel. Over all I am very pleased with the out come of this effort.
Here is a close up the bird and her nest of eggs, which also shows one of the walls in the back ground.

Hope you enjoy

©Stained Glass Creations from Designs by JFA

Merry Christmas week and Happy New Year

2009-12-29T14:19:00.000-08:00

2010 will soon be here. Isn't it amazing just how fast 2009 went by.

Several new projects are on the drawing board for 2010, and a few to clear from 2009.

We are awaiting the arrival of our newest grand daughter as I type. I have designed this mirror for her room.

I have decided that all the grand children will receive a stained glass or mosaic piece that I have designed for them. This way they will have something that will out last any of the store bought toys that they always seem to be looking for. I will attempt to design something that will bridge any age and or color scheme that they may change their rooms to, as they go through all the stages of their life.

Here are two other mirrors that I have been working on. The patterns came from "The Ultimate Pattern Book" volume 3, by Marianne Crivellaro. While I usually design most of my own panels and mosaic pieces, I was intrigued by these "Femmes Fatales". When I saw these patterns, mirror is what came to mind. With all the young ladies on my gift list, I decided to do a series of them as gifts for next year.

Please excuse the reflections of the drawing tools which are actually hanging above the mirror on my work table.

I find this series of pattern to be fun. And what little girl wouldn't love having a fantasy mirror to glaze into.

End of Summer

2009-11-08T18:48:00.000-08:00

All you glass crafters, from the east coast, who follow my blog must do yourself a favor and make plans to get to Wessmach and Youghiogeny Glass, and Warner Stainedglass. They are all very worth the trip. Wonderful people to deal with and a wealth of information can be garnered, during your visit.

I had the opportunity to travel there with another glassing friend. We had a wonderful trip. While in the area we made several side trips along the way. We stopped at the sight where flight 93 went down. While a somber place, the brave actions of the group of people can be felt too. We also went to Falling Waters, one of the many homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. And we were also able to get the the Church Brew House, in Pittsburgh, an old church that was converted into a restaurant, that makes their very own brews. Each of these stops helped add to making our trip even more memorable. We met simply wonderful people each step of the way, from a gentlemen in a toll both, who actually took the time to get us directions to the restaurant we were going to, and even said if we took him alone he would pay (he was kidding of course, as he was working), to a couple in yet another meal stop who chatted with us about the states we were both from, and then there were the college kids in New Scranton who got us back on to the highway, when we made a wrong turn. When you go, be sure to get off the highway and travel some of the other roads, it was such a treat skirting back and forth from the West Virginia and Ohio sides of the mighty Ohio river, something that you wouldn't have done from the main highway.

If you plan to visit Youghiogeheny glass factory, you must give them 48 hours notice to book your tour, other wise you will only be able to purchase glass at the station location.

Unfortunately, my bubble burst because upon returning home, I came down with the flu and have not really gotten my strength back even as I type this.

Summer has come and gone and winter is approaching fast. The Christmas Fairs have begun.

I have a full plate of things coming up, 2 holiday shows and a nice commission piece for a gentlemen who loves to sail.

Above are a few of many new items that have been added for this years Christmas fairs.

"The Champ"

2009-07-17T12:14:00.000-07:00

Had to take a break from all the sun catchers I have been doing for the fall and holiday shows, so I pulled out this pattern that I designed last year.

My grand daughter is now in her second year of swim and is pretty good at it too. I modified my original design as I didn't like the hand detail.

The panel measures 15"L x 9and 3/4" H

©Stained Glass Creations from

Designs by JFA

"The Champ" revised 7/17/2009

Beveled Panel completed

2009-07-16T17:41:00.001-07:00

At long last, she is done.
Just love this panel. It measures 26 x 26 not including the zinc. Photo does not show the true color. The red glass is water glass, the clear border is English muffle. Plan on making her twin this winter when I get all the holiday shows behind me.

©Stained Glass Creations from
Designs by JFA

Fall and Winter Show Planning time is here

2009-06-22T19:02:00.000-07:00

Although summer just began yesterday, planning for the fall and Holiday shows has already begun.

Here are only 2 items that I will be adding to this years show items.

The sweet orange dish

only measures 3" square at the base and is 6 1/4" at the top. It can be used as a candle dish, or to hold you're sea shell collection or pot pour ri.

The fun little kite sun catcher is 6"L x 3 3/4"W. Each of these items can be made in any host of colors to suit your interior.

2009-06-07T11:43:00.000-07:00

Here is an update on the bevel panel that was started in March.

Well at long last I have been able to get back to doing glass. I soooo missed working on it. The darned MS was teaching me to adjust my plans again.

The inner panels are now all complete. Will be completing the assembly of them and the re-strip today, so that I can move onto the border pieces.

A word to glassers following this panel. I learned the hard way that bevels within the same box, or from box to box are not all the same size. This panel has 64 bevels. The frames were cut with the strip cutter using stops, had I not done it that way, I would have been blaming my cutting, (which really I thought was the problem, until I grabbed a few different bevels, only to find out that they fit right)

The plan is, is complete the panel by this evening. Fingers crossed.

2009-03-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

©Stained Glass Creations from Designs by JFA

The next project is shown above. It measures 28 x28. I think this one is going to be mine and hung in my studio. Well mine unless someone comes along and would like to add it to their home. LOL

Cutting the pieces was made soooo easy, using the stops from my Morton glass shop. Love having the tools to make life easier.

Progress on my saddle and barn sign project

2009-03-07T05:34:00.001-08:00

Here is an up date on the recent project that will be being placed in a local grain supply store. The owner's have offered me the opportunity to place items relevant to their business in their store. These two pieces will be among several animal panels that I have on the drawing board including the panel of Creo. I will also be putting hummingbird feeders in the shop too. The work on these two pieces has been slow, as I am also putting together my class plans for up coming stained glass classes with will start soon. The plan is to finish these this week and start the Creo panel. Will post up dates on that panel .

The next step

2009-02-08T12:47:00.000-08:00

Well, I am taking my glass advneture to the next level. I am going to start teaching classes.

This step is very exciting to me.

I will be offering biginner classes in stained glass, Mosaic work and glass engraving. I will also teach design concepts if any students are interested in creating their very own patterns.

The classes will be limited to 4 students a night, so the students will get a lot attention. Fire side will add to the relaxed experience.

I will have a full inventory available of supplies, hand tools and such, a decent supply of glass.

After teaching ceramic for 7 years, I really miss the glow that students get when they complete a piece.

Nana brags again

2009-01-30T11:36:00.001-08:00

Just have to share that my grandson has wrestled his way to the top again. He is #1 in junior varisty wrestling, this year. He was team captian for his team too. Two years ago he was New England Champ for Wrestling USA.

Good Job Ryan.

Western Designs

2009-01-17T15:47:00.000-08:00

Here are two patterns I just designed for a local grain store. Time will tell if the accept them.

©Stained Glass Creations from Designs by JFA 1/17/2009

Engraved Butterfly

2009-01-11T15:37:00.000-08:00

This is a panel I did awhile back. It is engraved with the use of the electric dremel. A phone costomer had asked me to post an example of my engraving work.

The entire panel measures 10" x 14"

Mosaic Mirror

2009-01-10T06:14:00.001-08:00

Here is the latest piece I am working on. The small oval inserted mirror is engraved with the saying, "A friend always understands what you mean, even without words.

The piece measures 20" L x 13 1/2" H. The center is mirror.

The turnings will be painted a different color, (not sure what yet. The grout will be white.

My Book

2008-12-03T08:39:00.000-08:00

Well I finally got it done. Sure wish I was better at this computer and understood it, would have made the process a whole lot easier.

Here is the link to the book.

http://www.lulu.com/content/5180802

2008-11-24T18:27:00.000-08:00

This is my latest adventure into new ideas for Christmas gifts.

The pictures on the left are housed in memory glass that is 1" x 3". The are inserted between the two pieces of glass, back to back and will have a cord attached by a jump ring. The bracelet is assembled in much the same way. That memory glass is 1" x 1". Fun project, just wish the hands were work faster.

2008-11-20T06:51:00.000-08:00

Nana has to brag. It would appear that I have a budding swim champ.

My granddaughter Jenna, joined a local swim team three months ago, and has begun compeating with the team. This is a picture of her very first meet where she earned a point for the team. She has already earned 3 ribbons.

Great exercise, and team training process too.

She seems to love this sport and is devoted to the team aspect of it.

2008-10-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

Here are the other 3 from the Holiday Candle Cozies I designed for my gift giving this year.

2008-10-29T19:32:00.000-07:00

This is the first in a series of Candle Cozies that I designed to add to the Holiday items for 2008

There is a group of 4. They average 5" wide and 4" deep. The series includes an Angel, Christmas Bells and a Snowman, along with this one.

Check my pattern section to get a peak at the other designs mentioned.

Can also be used as a shelf sitter, if one does not want to burn candles due to allergies.

©Stained Glass Creations from Designs by JFA

10/29/08

Holiday items

2008-10-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it is already that time of the year. Time to break out the holiday colored glass and get busy with those craft fair favorites. Every time I have done a show, people have requested some beveled items, so I added these to the mix for this year.

Love this time of the year. The kid comes out in me. I enjoy the wonder of the holiday season, the family gatherings, the promise of the New Year, and the joy seen in the eyes of the little ones. The other bonus is I don't feel guilty working on glass cause the yard work is done till spring.

I designed the blue angle to fit some of the stamped wings that I had in inventory. Will be making them in different colors. The small angels are glue chip bevels 1 1/2" square. I designed these with glass wings, last year, so to change things up, I decided to use the stamped ones. They make lovely attachments to the top of a gift box.

New this year there is a group four (4) of candle cozies that I have designed as gifts.

Lamp Design for my Aunt Mickie

2008-10-08T15:29:00.001-07:00

My aunt had asked me to design a lamp for her. She loves claddaghs and thought maybe shamrocks would be nice. I asked, what about celtic knots. The colors are not final. Having a tough time deciding on the background glass. I may add a 6th panel also. ©Stained Glass Creations from
Designs by JFA
Celtic Knot from Oak Hill Arts
October 8th, 2008

Anniversary Frame

2008-10-08T05:53:00.000-07:00

This piece was designed as a gift for my husband for our 15th Anniversary.

I had a few bevels that I had used for engraving

and wanted to try something new.

The twisted wire used to depict the stem and allow to extend the number of buds and leafing.

If you attempt to make one be sure to use cardboard between the bevel and back glass, in order to have the room to insert the picture.

Studio Work

2008-09-20T18:32:00.000-07:00

Well the re-construction is done. Now the hard work starts. Putting the studio back together. Not fun, at all. Pictures will follow.

The floor plan of the studio begins tomorrow. It is incredible how much you can accumulate is a short period of time that has to have a home and be handy, ready to use. What a task. This coming week it should be all but a memory and the tools of glassing will be out and flying. Yeah.

Time to start the Christmas season items, and get the commission work done.

2008-09-12T15:50:00.000-07:00

Well the glassing is on hold. The studio is in the middle of a huge makeover. When this project is done, I'll be back in the swing of designing and creating some new panels, a lamp along some interesting, and fun projects.

This project will have me burning the midnight oil attempting to get my pieces done for the up coming holiday shows. Whats the saying, "pulling my hair out".

I'll tell ya, it is amazing what you will find when you start pulling into walls. Makes you wonder how people ever got away with the things they pull. I am one luck lady that this place did not fall down around me. Thanks for visiting my blog, come back soon now, hear. JFA

Custom Stained Glass Claddagh

2008-09-07T18:49:00.000-07:00

I designed this stained glass claddagh for my Aunt Mickey at the time of her 50th wedding anniversary. The claddagh is the Irish symbol for love, so I thought it to be a fitting gift for the occasion.
The thumbs are done as an overlay, to add some dimension to the panel.
The color of the flesh is distorted due to the bleed through of the red onto the light colored flesh glass.

My aunt has a collection of claddahs. She has commissioned me to design a lampshade with claddahs for her next addition to the collection.

©Stained Glass Creations from Designs by JFA

2008-08-27T06:07:00.000-07:00

This was my entry into a show which I won 4th place for. I have always loved the sound of a waterfall and so wanted to bring the sound into my home. I built the cabinet which is 6 foot tall by two foot wide. The panel is my own orginial design too. The water container has a grate which allows the changing out of live flowers and plants, so an ever changing appearence.

2008-08-26T19:16:00.000-07:00

Here is the second in the series of abstract side lights. This one can be done as a single, a double or as a wide panel. Colors or clear textures makes this change as the need presents it's self.
©Stained Glass Creations from Designs by JFA

2008-08-26T07:32:00.001-07:00

Here is my latest pattern.

I haven't been much of an abstract fan, but customers seem to like them.

To fill a need, I plan on doing a series of abstracts, this being the first of the series.

I figured a FLW style may be a pleasing side light.

This could also be done in all clear textures rather than color.

©Stained Glass Creations from Designs by JFA

2008-08-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

2008-08-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

I designed this panel to be inserted into a light box, as a house warming gift for my step son and his wife when they moved to Az. He had requested a lighthouse, as he felt he wouldn't be seeing one very soon.

I drew this scene, in charcoals, when I was a teen, while on vacation with my parents. I didn't find a scene that appealed to me, so I took my drawing and turned it into a stained glass pattern. Unfortunately I had not attached the cat walk to the panel when this picture was taken.
The original charcoal drawing that was done in the early 60's, is shown on top.
©Stained Glass Creations from Designs by JFA

"For the Love of the Iris"

2008-08-19T14:30:00.001-07:00

One of my all time favorite flower is the "iris", My garden has a collection of iris from 4 inches tall to 40". This panel was designed to depict my most recent addition.

The background glass is bamboo textured glass, that I felt gave it some more interest without taking away from the bloom.

The panel measures 20 x 15. As with all my panels, I can custom design your panel to meet your color choice and size needs.

©Stained Glass Creations from Designs by JFA

"Summer Time Fun"

2008-08-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

The inspiration came from two different sources. A dear friend I met on SGV was making flip flop sun catchers and spectrum glass had done a round panel of flip flops for score newsletter last summer. I saw a pool side scene in my mind. Sometimes we get jumping off points from unexpected and unrelated sources. Designing is fun that way.

I love how the Wissmach, English Muffle give the sparkle to the water.

This panel measures 11 1/2" square.

Cutter's Mate

2008-08-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

Just had to post a Thank you to the wonderful man who made it possible for me to continue doing stained glass. I was diagnosed with MS several years ago and was forced to give up my art passion at that time which was ceramics. I found this art form and it was love at first score. Well the MS plans your life sometimes and I was starting to have a difficult time scoring the glass and thought that I may have to give this up too. One day the UPS man dropped off an unexpected gift. A cutter's mate sent to me by someone I had never even met. He had read about my tough time and out of his golden heart he mailed me the entire setup. I thank him everyday and thank God for making such beautiful people. Ray, you don't have to blush, you are very very special.

Creo

2008-08-17T05:31:00.000-07:00

The panel that I have on the layout board now, is of the baby horse that we had to have put down at the young age of 4 years old. She was a year and a half here. She was born on the property I shared with my ex. This panel depicts her at the age of 1 1/2.

From Sea to Shining Sea

2008-08-16T06:22:00.000-07:00

Here is the finished panel from my pattern. This panel consists of about 80 pieces and measures 24x18. The water and rocks have a textured back side to add depth to the color. I designed it to celebrate love of country.

2008-08-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

This a collection of patterns that I have designed, and are copyrighted. The completed panel is shown in some cases as well. These are my own patterns and are not intended for public use, but to demonstrate the vast number of subjects one can create.

I do custom work as well. This art is my passion.