Glass Bites!!

So, its been two months in the making, collecting the supplies needed to start doing stained glass, but the whole idea is finally coming to fruition. My grinder will be here on Monday and today I went out to buy me some glass. The glass store is actually alot closer than I had previously assumed. The people there were very nice!! I was afraid that I would find some artsy fartsy, better than you types of folks in there, very much like the kind found in some other types of art stores. No, I was pleasantly surprised by a warm, welcoming, and helpful staff willing to answer any questions and lead you in the right direction. They didn't even recommend the expensive glass for a beginner!! I was quite impressed and can't wait to go back!!

So I found myself in a familiar position as I was looking through glass. I felt like I was shopping for fabric!! Imagine that! There I was, taking each piece, laying it on the light box and pulling another to lay next to it..in a very similar fashion to the way I find myself shopping for fabric, taking bolts off the shelves, putting them in my cart, with all of 10 bolts when I only intend on buying 3 or 4 colors..always looking for the best combination!! As I picked up my second piece of glass..I cut myself! Yes, my friends, these crafts of mine tend to be injury hazards!! I cut my pinky finger..and I didn't think it was that bad, but indeed its alot deeper than the paper cut size I had estimated..Wouldn't you know, the second after I cut myself, the girl mentions that there are gloves to hold the glass..Of course, I didn't make a big deal out of it, but it taught me very fast that Glass, does indeed, bite and certainly not to forget it in any of the glass endeavors I take on!!

I came home and promptly rushed up to my studio (as I don't think I should call it a sewing room anymore, because really, is it a sewing room?). I wanted to cut a piece..I wanted to start, with or without grinder..so there I found myself, by myself, alive again..cutting glass, making the most awesome circular design. Of course, I can't finish it without the grinder that will be here on Monday, but at least the pieces are all cut!! I did experiment and make a little dragonfly..I'm not too happy with the way it came out, but thats alright, My solder was melting funny, maybe because the iron itself was brand new...I'm sure it will work out..I also am not used to using oil in the glass cutter, but its safer..and shooting glass shards are not my style, hot glass OR cold!!

Anyway, grinder arrives on Monday..looking forward to getting back into my groove!