Listening to: Kathryn Williams
Reading: Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Ain’t She Sweet? (enjoyed this one, too)
The glass course on Saturday was really absorbing. First of all, we learned how to cut glass. Straight lines were sort of OK (I can’t draw a straight line with a ruler) – score, lift and pull up and it breaks along the score line. Curves… the teacher told us we needed to move like a skater and listen for the difference in tone. Ha. Can’t skate and can’t hear. Found that part a little tricky. (As she put it, I kept sliding off...)
Anyway, then we made our panels. We had lots of coloured glass to play with (I wussed out and used mine without cutting any of it) and make our picture. I found two half-moon shapes, and an idea bloomed in my head. (Sort of inspired by book research.) Then we had to solder the lead on our frames, glue the pieces in place, and then cement it in.
Doing the actual design and the soldering were thoroughly enjoyable. Kind of a glass collage. Getting the cement smooth, however, was a little trickier. Getting the cement off the back of the glass (smeary rather than lumps so it was easier to remove when dry) without pulling any of the cement away in between was even trickier (or just needed someone with a little more patience than I have).
But it was a good afternoon and I’d definitely do it again.
Oh, and the result? (Bear in mind that I am not artistic. Words I can do, sewing and photography I can bluff, but am too clumsy and untalented to do anything else.)
DH’s verdict: ‘I can see that’s a moon, but what’s the rest of it?’ Sigh. It’s meant to be lavender fields in moonlight with the sea beyond. (The pic hasn’t come out that well – the purple glass at the bottom is a bit brighter and that white one is streaked with pink.) The kids were nice about it, though. (Listening to them was like hearing myself praise them when they were really little - concentrating on what they did well.) Has given me much food for thought on the Venice book, and I’m very glad I did it.
Plan for today: dentist. New dentist, as mine has moved practices to be nearer home after maternity leave. I’m being brave and staying put because it’s more convenient for the kids. My old dentist was utterly wonderful and very kind, and more to the point she never once hurt me. I’m trying to convince myself that my new dentist will be just as nice. I have to be brave in front of the kids as I don’t want them to think that going to the dentist is torture. I’m very, very fidgety this morning, though, and trying not to look at the clock. Hence working on nonfic.
And IHP? I’m blogging at I Heart Presents today (US time, so that’ll be this evening in UK time and tomorrow in Aus) about Playboy Boss, Pregnancy of Passion, and where I get my ideas. Nice pics of a certain dog and some seals, so do go over and say hello…
12 comments:
I think it is lovely and I got the fields etc.
My left wrist still bears scars from when I used to do stained glass in highschool. My art teacher was very keen on the whole experience of doing glass. So did mosaics as well aa actual windows etc. Curves are tricky.
I echo Michelle. I think the picture is lovely. Will you put it over your desk as inspriation and a remider of a lovely day out? Take care. Caroline x
I think it's great Kate, it sounds like an interesting day.
I sympathise with the dentisit - I've got to have a root filling tomorrow, but after nearly a fortnight of toothache I'm - almost - looking forward to it!!
Lori x
Michelle - mosaics sound wonderful. And doing actual proper windows (I really enjoyed the soldering bit.)
Caroline - thank you. It's currently propped against my office window so I get the full effect of the coloured glass. And it makes me smile (as well as inspiring my current book).
Lori - thank you. And poor you with the root filling - I'll be thinking of you and hope the toothache goes asap. (When I had my hassles last summer and the summer before, the pharmacist recommended Paramol as it has codeine in it - really helped me.)
I got straight away that it was the sea under the moon.
Glad you gad a good day.
((((hugs)))) on the New Dentist
I think it's great and there's no way on earth I'd manage to make anything like that :) I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be allowed near anything sharp...
I think it looks fab - and what a terrific experience!
So envious. And if it makes you smile then it is truly precious.
Best of luck at the Dentist.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Jan - thanks! (And the D-word was fine...)
Lacey - we had all the safety spiel beforehand, goggles and gloves and rags etc - it was fine. Not a drop of blood spilled :o)
Nina - thanks. It was great fun. And did I mention that the course took place inside a church that was rebuilt in the 15th century by the Pastons? Tres cool. :o)
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