I learned years ago [hmm, yeah, like 20] that no matter how strong I started out on New Year’s Day, I did not keep my resolutions. And the same ones were on the list — year after year [like another 20!]. 😦
So I started making goals — of course I was still a bit unrealistic — I made too many to be done in too short a time.
But, very, very slowly, I started achieving changes in my life. When it was right — when I was ready, I baby-stepped my way through my list of goals.
For years [like 30], the number one — # 1 — goal on my list was to make stained glass windows using the lead came method.
Yes, 10 yrs in, I took my first course in stained glass using the copperfoil method. 😎
And I did a few — very few — projects for me & friends, cutting glass for windows & small boxes, but without a decent work space . . .
Then, after many big bumps & deep valleys, in December 2010, I made my first leaded window at Glass-Smith’s course in Victoria — yahoo! 😆
Throughout 2011, I enjoyed stretching my creativity in quite a few unique leaded stained glass & wood projects. So, now I need a new number one goal.
Yup, I’ve got goals to increase my window production & try out some of the million ideas I have, & I have goals for improving this website, but for 2012, my number one goal is:
to encourage DIYers to use stained glass in projects
Now, I’m not talking about intricate projects using either the copperfoil or lead came methods — which require soldering. And tools. And space. And . . .
I’m talking about beginner, maybe some intermediate, DIY projects that YOU can do.
Where you do your crafting or furniture refinishing or wood cutting or . . .
I’ve got a few ideas for tutorials — with materials, my cost, resources, & of course, pictures:
- Sliding Glass Shutters — including outside-frame & inside-frame types;
- Cutting Glass in Straight Lines;
- Lighting Stained Glass Projects;
- Using Lead Calm without Soldering;
- Modular Window Design;
- many other glass & wood DIY projects.
Of course, ‘to encourage’ is a nebulous goal — how would I know when I’ve attained it? How can I measure success?
So, I will be nailing down a more concise plan on other measures beside the tutorials & projects. And I think, for now, I’ll measure success by any increase in readership, followers, & comments.
And when I start seeing more projects using stained [or art] glass on sites I regularly visit, I’ll know my encouragement is showing more DIYers they CAN DO IT.
What do you think?
Are there any tutorials you’d like to see?
Do you have a glass project in mind for your home?
Would you like to make a set of sliding shutters for your window?
Thanks so much for any feedback you share — comments, Likes, following by email, Facebook Like — I truly appreciate it all! 😆
Vanessa Dawne Studio of Design
Functional glass & wood art on Vancouver Isle
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** the busy bee graphic is courtesy of The Wizard of Draws, Jeff Bucchino, at wizardofdraws.com
