Coming up with names is very hard sometimes. You don't want to name something that is not a worthwhile name and some pieces are not clear cut as to what they should be named.

​Case in point:

The background is dark purple and the other colors are red, blue, orange, green and light purple. I named it but it just does not make me what to say "wow". The photo was taken on a white background as the reflection was horrid.

Any suggestions? I can take a photo of it hanging, it is transparent so items behind it out the window will show.

Until then if you can think of a name that would be helpful.

​Keep your glass cutter lubed!

Back in 2018, one of my former students sent her stained glass lamp that was in process to me. The pattern had been adapted but in the end was too slim to fit on a lamp harp. 

Unfortunately life got a way from me and lots of time passed. Fast forward to Spring of 2022. What? Why so long Kim? Well classes, COVID and life just took over. In May I realized I was holding the lamp hostage- afraid of what needed to be done and how to do it. I started work and when I went to put it together is fell apart because there were no horizontal lines only vertical. Design flaw. 

After sitting down and roughing out a drawing I realized those horizontal lines were necessary- redesign. When it was redone with horizontal lines all was good. Lessons learned: really look at the design before jumping in, plan for hiccups and remember that sometimes accidents can be learning experiences.

​The lamp looks great and will be going home in August. 

Back when I started my blog on my Lycos website I called it Wacky Wednesday because I posted on Wednesdays and Wednesday evening in my studio at the Workhouse Art Center we would have Wacky Wednesday.

What is Wacky Wednesday you ask? It was when students would come by to just hang out and work on their projects. We had a blast sitting, talking, laughing and just having fun. Sometimes beer would somehow end up showing up during the evening also.

So I have wanted Wacky Wednesdays to come back and they have, the class that meets on Wednesday night has been together for over a year. Yes you heard that right, we just celebrated the anniversary last week. This is an amazing group of people. At first it was a group from a local business but some others joined the group and some have left but we are still going strong. 

So here is to Wacky Wednesday reborn!

Succulents are everywhere you look. They come in all colors and all leaf shapes. Who doesn't love them? I do and I would love to have more at the house, right now I only have a Jade Plant. Is that even a succulent? I just asked google and she said yes!

I have wanted to make stained glass succulents forever and finally made two. So now there will be a class next Wednesday June 15 from 10 am to 3 pm. Here is the description from my flyer: 
Create your own stained glass 3 D Flower! Learn how to cut the petals and leaves, grind smooth, wrap with copper foil and solder together. Your flower will be freestanding. All materials and tools provided. Beginners welcome!
Pregnant women should check with their doctor before registering.
Instruction Fee and supplies $90. Advance registration required.

Here are photos of two samples. I did not realize they were in the same color family!

If you are interested in signing up email me at kim@arthappensontarboro.com or call me at 252-650-2530 or stop by the studio.

Keep art in your heART!

​Kim

Pearls are organic and contain trace amounts of water and need moisture so they don't dry out. They should never be stored in plastic bags or boxes or an air tight container, this would cause them to become brittle and damage their luster.

Store your pearls alone in a soft cloth pouch or in a soft lined jewelry box. 

After wearing your pearls, wipe them with a damp cloth to remove body oils and any chemicals that can damage the nacre of the pearls.

Want to learn how to restring your pearls? I have a class where you can bring your pearls or start with new pearls and make your own necklace.

How did I get here? 

Growing up I was not really artistic. I helped my Dad in his woodworking shop. I made daisy chain necklaces and dandelion necklaces. But really nothing artistic. I was obsessed with horses. I was in 4H, showing my pony Misty and later my horse Gretta. Got married and worked at a Thoroughbred/Quarter Horse Racing/Breeding Stable for 3 years. Took a stained glass class when I first got married and loved it, first husband saw it as a way to make money so it was ok. (long story there!)

My first project was an Iris Suncatcher and then a mirror with the same Iris soldered on to the face of the mirror. Funny thing about those pieces, my ex-mother in law has both of them!

​
No regrets though as I am now a stained glass artist and teacher 40 years later and still going strong! Thank you Husband #1 for setting me up with my career unknowingly! I have lost track of the number of students I have had over the years but I can tell you that each and everyone of those wonderful people helped form me into the person I am today.

I am ever so grateful for my students. Thank you all!

​Just a few class photos!
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I was home for over two weeks after I injured my back moving glass. I know, I should know better by now but of course I always thing I can lift more than my body should. This one was bad. I could not even get out of bed, had to lay on my belly and slide feet first out and pointing towards the floor. Then I had to push up with my arms to be able to stand. It was horrible and painful. I sure hope I learned my lesson!

I did a lot of reading done that had been on my desk for months but never took the time to read. Purged files, organized desk drawers, watched a ton of Youtube videos! I did some art journaling and fell in love with it. 

Been back in the studio for two weeks and find sitting harder than I thought. I take turns standing and sitting. The hunching monitor helps me sit up straight, what a difference when you did sit straight! Here is a link to it.

Most recent David Ramsay Sellars painting to be added to the collection. It was grouped with two others and was a tough one to find as it was not listed as just his work. For those of you just visiting for the first time, David Ramsay Sellars is my maternal great grandfather from Dundee Scotland. He signed them D R Sellars.

You might call me a little obsessed with finding and collecting his paintings.  I have 39 of his paintings.

I am working on a few repairs that are on the workbench and a 5 window commission. Keeping me busy and out of trouble.

What's on your workbench or worktable? 

​Have a great week and remember to keep art in your heART!

Just a quick drop in today to update you on the Studio.

I have changed the hours to Wednesday through Saturday 10 am to 3 pm. If you need to shop and can't fit in those hours just call and make an appointment and I will meet you. 

Also I will no longer be having First Friday or Second Saturday at the studio (this might change again but for now it stands). I had an unsettling incident at the Studio and do not feel as comfortable downtown without other shops being open. I do want to thank everyone that came over the past four years and supported me. You are the best.

I am looking for ideas for classes this summer. Do you have any favorites you would like to see again? Or something you missed and would like to learn?

​Have awonderful weekend! Stay safe.

I started working on a commission in September. Due to materials being stuck in transit it took way longer than anyone ever think.

Part of the window was an old window and parts of another window as well as unique pieces to be included. Working with the commissioner was great, he requested changes which were very doable and in the end it is his window and not mine!  All artists that do commission work need to keep that in mind. They might be doing the work but at the end of the day it is not theirs.

The door was installed March 8 with help from my friend, Cindy Boring.

If you are interested in a custom piece follow this link to learn more working with me on a commission. You can also check out past commission work on this page.

​If you have any questions please feel free to reach out via email.

Have you heard of the #100 Day Project? It is where you commit to do something for 100 Days. It can be anything, not always art related. My 100 Day Project is to make art, not stained glass but other art forms for the next 100 days, actually now it is 98 Days as it started February 13.

​Here is the link to the main page 100 Day Project.

Day 1 I gathered new to me supplies for the project- a mixed media spiral pad, papers to collage with, old greeting cards, gel medium, watercolor pencils, quotes and more. Then I set up a work area in my home studio. There are more supplies but I have not gotten them out yet. I want it to feel like Christmas every day for 100 days!

There are daily prompts and encouragement. The Instagram feed will be crazy creative.

It does not cost anything. You can do whatever you want... write, read, exercise, create, sing, play, cook, experiment, you name it. You can post photos or you can be silent.

​Are you going to do 100 Day Project along with me? Come on let's have fun!