Summer is but a memory now

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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.