Stained Glass Plants
And how to be patient!
For many, crafting is a delightful way to express creativity and unwind. For me, it's a love story that began with beads and blossomed (pun intended) into a unique passion for stained glass. Several years ago, I was captivated by the mesmerizing dance of colours on a dichroic pendant – it was love at first sight! From that day forward, the world of glass fusing became my artistic playground.
Fast forward to a few months ago, when my crafting journey took an unexpected turn. Browsing online, I stumbled upon enchanting stained glass plants nestled in miniature pots. As a self-proclaimed plant killer (my graveyard of deceased houseplants speaks volumes!), the idea of these "unkillable" companions instantly piqued my interest. Intrigued, I embarked on a research expedition, delving into the world of stained-glass plants.
Armed with knowledge and a healthy dose of enthusiasm, I began gathering tools and supplies. While my glass-cutting skills weren't perfect, they held some promise. However, soldering presented a whole new challenge. My birthday offered a glimmer of hope when I received a coveted soldering iron! The excitement was palpable, but the reality of the situation quickly set in. My first attempt at soldering was an absolute disaster – messy, uneven, and frankly, quite embarrassing! The culprit? Apparently, my hand-eye coordination needed some serious work.
Undeterred, I turned to YouTube, immersing myself in a sea of instructional videos. I also sought guidance from online stained glass communities, peppering them with questions and seeking advice from seasoned crafters. Equipped with newfound knowledge and a renewed sense of determination, I embarked on a series of soldering trials.
Each attempt represented a small step forward, a hard-earned lesson learned. Finally, I felt confident enough to tackle my prized possession – a piece of beautiful, high-quality glass. The project? A stained glass rendition of my beloved (and by some miracle, thriving) snake plant. It wasn't perfect – there's always room for improvement. But considering the initial soldering fiasco, I was ecstatic with the results. To enhance its appearance, I plan to explore the realm of patinas, those delightful chemical treatments that add depth and character to stained glass. Ultimately, I was thrilled with this first "official" stained glass plant, and it proudly found a new home in my husband's office, nestled in a charming miniature pot.
Yesterday, I decided to revisit my trusty glass fusing technique. Feeling inspired by the stained glass plants, I created two new pieces: a second snake plant, offering a fascinating comparison between the two methods, and a vibrant, colourful bouquet. These floral creations have sparked a renewed sense of inspiration within me, a creative seed that might even extend beyond glass and encourage a foray into actual gardening this weekend!
My journey into the world of stained glass plants has been one of trial and error, of frustration and triumph. But most importantly, it's been a journey of self-discovery, a testament to the power of perseverance and the joy of learning new skills. While my stained glass plants may not require watering or sunlight, the creative spark they've ignited is a gift that keeps on blooming!
