Visit to the Glassblower!

Today I went to Augusta, MO - heart of the Missouri Wine Country - and visited the shop of a true artist - Sam Stang. You can visit his website via the link I've included. Each year just before Christmas he opens his studio and gives glass blowing demonstrations. We watched him make a beautiful, huge plate, as you can see by the pictures I've included.





It is fascinating to watch and you begin to realize the time and effort that goes into each piece.

Below is a picture of my "treasures" from our trip - a beautiful red ornament and a pink swirled one, a dusty pink tiny pitcher (I plan to use it with maple syrup!), two glass candy canes, and a swizzle stick for niece Wendy.

New Posts!

Please visit my updated needlework and knitting blog - link at left. I have added some new hand-knit socks, eyelash scarves, and finally - a few quick pictures of my hand-crocheted heirloom bedspread. Even though the bedspread was finished years ago, I think these are the first pictures I've taken of it. Still been pretty busy lately!

More Updates Coming Soon!

As you can see, I was busy taking pictures of my flowers tonite. I also completed the four quilt patterned stained glass panels for my front door. This week has been one of completing projects! I finished knitting what I refer to as my Monet socks, and a scarf out of what is tiny threads with multi-colored eyelash flags on it - this one is kind of a denim/tan/light blue thing that turned out really nice, if I do say so myself! I will try and post pictures on the appropriate craft blogs soon as I can!

Been A Boring Couple Weeks

Am doing this post in large type for my friends who are (like myself) vision impaired! Nothing much happening on the job scene. I feel stronger than ever that President G.W. Bush has no idea what unemployment is really like. He's promoting raising the age of retirement. Does he realize that it's tough to find a job after 50? I'm 55 now, and been unemployed and under-employed for the last year and a half! I can't imagine having to do this beyond 65. Welfare is beginning to look good! Now, get off the soapbox!

Anyway, have completed all my knitting projects and fooled around with some Ukrainian Easter Eggs, but my heart's just not in it right now. Have been trying to blog some stuff on the Ukrainian Egg blog, but can't seem to get the pictures to come through. I've become VERY good at some ownline games . . . and offline games like Roller Coaster Tycoon and Zuma. Still a bit chilly most of the time for yard work, and anything I plant generally gets eaten by those clever, cute bunnies.

The only joy in my life is seeing just how well the slinky and Pam works to thwart the squirrels. It is amazing how long my bird food lasts! Of course, there's a Mockingbird who guards it like it is totally his own. This morning, I watched a squirrel try five times in a row to climb the pole. He must think the slinky will help him - he jumps from the ground up and grabs it, then goes for a ride! What fun!

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's day, and am looking forward to Dad's traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner - I volunteered to bring a dessert. Just not sure what at this point. Guess I'd better figure something out!

So, now you see where the blog gets its name - Yes, I'm totally bored with life at this point. But did have a phone call this morning from a recruiter for a three-month position. Will see what becomes of it. Typically, nothing. Sigh.

Delphi Online Art Glass Festival

Coppered Lamp

Just thought I'd let you know I've entered a few things in the DelphiGlass Online Art Glass Festival. You can see my entries by following the link above (click the title to this post), and checking the "Large Panels," "Specialties," and "Lamps" links for 2005. Just so you know - I'm "Susan in St. Louis." Keep your fingers crossed - not sure what I'd win - probably just gift certificates for supplies, but heck, I'd take 'em!

Hand-Knit Colorful Socks!

Blue Socks



New Socks on the Block!


Well, Wendy (aka "Gwen" - see her blog to the left) got me knitting again - have made 6 scarves, a hat (below), and finished some socks. Am still knitting and trying the size 2 needles now. The blue socks were knitted on 3s.

Anyway, somebody somewhere is going to have nice, toasty warm feet!

The Red Felt Hat

BEFORE



AFTER


Isn't this cute???

FOR SALE: Eyelash Scarves!!

Hand-Knit Eyelash Scarves

FOR SALE: Three newest additions to the eyelash scarves I've knitted for sale. All made with "fun fur" - one is fuzzy white, one a tan/pink/yellow extremely furry, and another is a turquoise/purple/olive/tan fuzzy. All aer acryllic and hand washable. I suggest rinsing with a regular cream rinse for hair for an extremely soft feel and nice scent!

If you would like one knit in a specific color, please let me know! All are $25 each plus $3 shipping. Please send me email or a comment to this post if you would like to buy one of these.

Stained Glass


Whether you’d like stained glass for a window, front door sidelights, an exquisite hand-made lamp, or a unique gift, contact me for your custom glass work. I would be pleased to consult with you regarding your project, color choices, style, and design. Proper preparation will assure you get just the right look for your application that will become a treasured piece of artwork for years to come.

If you are interested in a custom created piece of stained glass for your special need at a reasonable price, please let me know by sending me a comment to this post, or sending me email. Thanks!

Knitted Eyelash Scarves

Scarves!!!


So - while my computer was out of commission, I knitted, knitted, knitted!! These are three scarves made with short eyelash yarn for a co-worker at Avanade. Hope she likes 'em!! It may be hard to tell from the picture (you might have guessed my camera's not the best), but there's one blue, one purple/pink, and one turquoise/green/blue. They actually turned out pretty nice! Should make my niece, Wendy, happy to know I've been knitting again! ;)

Angels have Bad Hair Days, too!

New Kitchen Cabinets (courtesy of Michael & Angela)

The first new kitchen cabinet door


Just finished the basics this evening on the trial run of kitchen cabinet doors. The stenciling has been done on a light yellow base and the whole front has been antiqued then is covered in polyurethane. With another 10 or so to do, it seems it may be months before my poor car gets to see the inside of the garage again!

Big and Little

One of my favorite eggs - the "large" one is a chicken egg, smaller from a Bantum hen's egg.

Goose Egg

Another goose egg.

Beveled and Stained Glass Secretary Door

This door was made for my antique secretary (Great Aunt Nell's).

Ukrainian Easter Eggs

My best Ukrainian Easter Egg, done on a goose egg. Making Ukrainian Easter Eggs is tedious work - done on fresh, real eggs, with a series of chemical dye baths, and melted bees' wax, then cleaned when finished, varnished, blown, and displayed. I began this craft in the mid-1970's while living in Alexandria, VA. My friend, Rae Kenard, and I have been trading pictures of our eggs for years, since we both bought the "starter kits" the same day in Olde Towne, Alexandria. Heaven knows, the first few were dogs, and am pleased to say none survive!

Stained Glass Lamp

Here's the stained glass poppy lamp shade I made for Michael and Angela, Christmas 2002