Thursday, January 1, 2009

Stained glass Isla...

With all the time off I had this Christmas, I totally immersed myself in a stained glass project. Since stained glass is all about color and Isla is all about color, I wanted to see if I could recreate one of my Isla photos into that format. This took many days and I pretty much shut myself off from everything else in the process.

This is one of my favorite little houses on Isla because of its clean contrast of the blue against the white...not to mention the cute little curtains hanging in the window. This photo was taken in May of 2008. Another reason it is among my favorites is because...

...I caught this little cutie in the window back in May of 2007. I loved her haunting little face as she looked right at me as I took her picture.

So this was my endeavor at capturing this in stained glass. I'm new at this and definitely not an expert. It was a learning experience and there are things I would do differently but it was fun. (Despite all the cuts on my fingers working with the glass.) The interesting thing about stained glass is that it looks different at every angle and with how much light is coming through from the window. At any rate, it is another pleasant reminder of Isla and will hang in my window once I get it framed.

On another note, I would welcome any constructive criticism as far as how I could have improved or changed things. One thing I've learned is how time-intensive this craft is. This work had 106 pieces. After cutting all the pieces, you have to grind them. Then you have to wrap foil around the edges and make sure they all fit together. Soldering is actually the quickest part of the procedure. Now I can completely understand why stained glass is so expensive.

12 comments:

Islagringo said...

That is absolutely beautiful! Good job. I would be proud to have it hanging in my home. I had a roommate once who did stained glass so I can appreciate all the work that you put into it. Do another one!

couzin frank said...

The picture is great! very creative.

Nancy said...

Very, very cool! Another way to surround yourself with Isla memories. Very beautiful.

Life's a Beach! said...

Absolutely beautiful Deb! And you did a fantastic job! That's also one of my favorite houses, and I remember when you posted the darling picture of the little girl in the window. Happy 2009! :) You're off to a wonderful start!

Ann said...

Deb--that's gorgeous! I also remember when you posted that photo...You definitely have a great eye for capturing the essence of Isla and it's people!

Isla Deb said...

Wayne - Thank you, but I think I'll give myself a little break before I attempt another one...or at least time to let my fingertips heal!

Thanks, Frank!

Nancy - Thanks for visiting my blog!

Beck and Ann - Thanks so much! I know one of you has taken pictures of that little house with Christmas decorations around the window. I wish I had a shot of that. Guess I'll be going down next Christmas to get one!

Happy New Year all!

Vee said...

Wow, Deb - that's gorgeous! I am impressed. I have a friend who makes stained glass. I'll send her a link to your post.

Anonymous said...

Deb...that is beautiful!

I have always wanted to do stained glass...right now I don't have a place to start.

Thanks for sharing it.

barry said...

Well in the words of Pancho Villa.." Usted buena hecha, muy buena, chica," You sure did capture the spirit of that little house .. and the perspective is perfect..just like you can walk up and knock on the door... it sure was time well spent.. . Way to Go,amiga

Isla Deb said...

Thanks, Vee!

And thanks, Salome! Yes, you have to have the right floor for stained glass because of all the little bits of glass that fall. Not the best hobby for carpeting!

Barry - Thank you...I kinda thought you might like it. :-)

Paul said...

You have a real talent there. Couple that with your camera 'eye', inquisitive nature, and you've taken the original image to another sensoral level. Also, nice the way you present the original photo along with the artistic creation, for our benefit. What's next?

Isla Deb said...

I always love comments from my best friend in South Dakota, Paul. And you don't have to keep them bland...you're more than welcome to liven things up a bit. Ha!