Slowly get Mr. Crab finished. I’ve learned a few things on this project…glass may not fit 1/8″ lead came, and this design is at “challenging” level.  See this claw? Notice how the top piece bends around other pieces…not fun to fit.

I think I spend at least an hour working that glass…fit and grind….fit and grind.  But, it worked out…thank God.

Here’s an overall view….

….and the glass graveyard……

Had to smooth out some of the really curvy bits, but it’s coming together slowly. I noticed some weak points in the design and adding lead where there are potiental glass breaks.

I heard first thing this morning about it. I didn’t watch the Kentucky Derby, and wasn’t really interested. But when my husband told me about a horse that was put down on the track, I got concerned. I read up on cnn.com, followed links regarding the injury, and saw the replay on youtube.com, along with a few dedications.

I have owned horses for 22+ years, and have participated in horse shows and endurance rides. I understand that training for extreme events can result in injury, but would never push a horse beyond it’s limits. I am no expert on track racing, but after reading the amount of injuries sustained on dirt tracks with these young horses, it is an eye opener.

 A lot of people view track racing as a throw-away type of sport, mainly for the financial benefit of the business over the welfare of the animal…and I certainly got that impression from what I saw. The extreme over-happy owner/trainers huging over their win in contrast with the solemn body of a horse that just ran to death just bothered me. I see money, and wealth in celebration over more money, and wealth. Yeah, I understand it’s fun to win, and it’s not their fault that a horse broke down. Really, what do you do.  

So, another great horse down the tubes. Another Ruffian, another Barbaro. What a waste. It can’t help the racing industry when this keeps happening on national TV with so much pomp and circumstance. It certainly turned me off. Sorry to be so doom and gloom about this, it’s just how it made me feel.

RIP Belle, all the best.

From Wikipedia:”The term “Eight bells” can also be a way of saying that a sailor’s watch is over, for instance, in his or her obituary. It’s a nautical euphemism for “finished”.

This is one that got me a bit grumpy today. As nice as handblown glass is, it can been a pain in the ass. Eventually, you will find pieces that are NOT flat. And if you work with 1/8″ came, it doesn’t have much room for anything slightly bent. Of course, this time the glass I picked isn’t perfectly flat. So, I’m trying to adapt by using 3/16″ came for the tough spots. This may actually add some additional dimension to it…it’s a piece by piece decision.

My daughter loves butterflies, so I promised her I would make her one. This glass pick was just for experimentation, the actual glass selection I will leave to my 5 year old, since it’s all for her.

Trying to figure out a good color scheme for this one. I have the pattern down, just can’t seem to decide on glass. I’ve been switching through glass samples on my Glass Eye program, but not much is grabing me. Ah well, some real-life glass shopping is in order to inspire me. I have this tacked on my board and ready to start, just need to finalize the glass. It will be a challenge with 1/8″ lead came, but I’m always up for disproving the nay-sayers! Approx size is 20″x16″

The colors on the built panel may not match this…

I’ve made a few designs for hanging in existing windows, these can be made with either copper foil or lead came methods. Lately, I prefer lead came because its such a smooth, professional look. Of course, what stinks is that it’s lead. Don’t lick your windows….

The size for each of these is 8 x 10″. They can be hung with a chain.
All custom designs by Puggpaw.

Its been a busy spring, with other sports being the priority over the glasswork. I just don’t have time to do it all, but now I think I’m going to cool off on the sports side, and get back to glass. I’m still here, just have had different priorities lately. I have several projects that are waiting for me, so I better get on them. Yeah, I know. I’ve been a slacker. =p

Well, its been a slow beginning of the month. Got that horrible flu going around, and spent some time away from the cold garage to recover. Stay tuned for some more updates!