Vicki Leigh Studios

Sapphire Blue Snowflakes

2011-12-26T16:15:00.003-07:00

Shown above is a stained glass panel hand-crafted using an up-cycled glass coaster.

I was going through my kitchen gadgets and donating all the goodies that were no longer being used. When I came upon a stack of four glass coasters I simply couldn't put them into the box of donated goodies.

Although they've been sitting in my studio for more than a year - they've been on my mind. Now that winter is finally here I thought they'd be a good little project to work on while the thermometer dips down into the mid-60's.

Available here.

When Two Worlds Collide

2011-12-02T16:30:00.001-07:00

This panel was inspired by the new love of two young people.

Using the color of turquoise from the December birthstone and the color of purple from the opal in the October birthstone - this piece shows what happens when the two worlds come together.

The color of love and passion is red which is the result their love.

This piece will soon be given to the lovely woman in this new relationship. I hope she enjoys viewing the piece as much as I've enjoyed creating it.

Four Butterflies

2011-11-17T16:15:00.000-07:00

Although the calendar says it's Autumn - I'm still seeing pretty butterflies in the front garden which is filled with flowers.

This little sun catcher was inspired after picking flowers with my three-year-old granddaughter while she questioned me the entire time. "Where do butterflies sleep?" "How many babies do butterflies have?" "Do the mommy butterflies like girl babies or boy babies?"

Her questions seem to go on and on. But I love her curiosity.

Available for sale here.

Life is Shattered

2011-10-20T06:45:00.001-07:00

This little piece of stained glass was inspired by a recent event in my life.

A friend of more than 30-years suddenly died leaving behind a young child and wife.

I was thinking of him and his family and thought of how her life will be changed forever. Her life is shattered.

A sheet of glass is like our own life. All it takes is one event for it to shatter or break apart. The pieces can be picked up and put back together. But somehow, it never will be the same. There will always be a scar. There will always be a small piece missing.

Available here.

Autumn Leaf Stained Glass

2011-10-19T11:00:00.003-07:00

I realize that in Scottsdale, Arizona the temperatures often times will exceed 100* F far past the calendar date of Autumn. Today's expected temperature is 96*. We celebrate routinely when the weatherman predicts 'less than one hundred degree days ahead!'

I can only dream of changing leaves, cool/crisp air and picking apples off the tree and eating them. I did that once! Last Fall I visited my daughter in NYC. We rented a car, drove up Long Island and stopped at a few orchards and picked some fresh fruit followed by some amazing pizza at a local eatery.

This little stained glass leaf is my memory of last year. It was fun and the colors of Autumn are wonderful.

Available here.

Italian Countryside Stained Glass Panel

2011-10-11T17:20:00.003-07:00

This stained glass panel was designed and made while I daydream of a vacation to Italy.

The three Cypress trees are standing tall against the backdrop of fluffy clouds and purple mountains.

As my 30th wedding anniversary approaches I have to decide if I'm going to travel abroad to see Italy or stay state-side and explore the city of Providence, RI.

Both places intrigue me and are on my list of places to see.

I-19 Barn

2011-07-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

During the six years my daughter lived in Tucson we had the opportunity to drive down to the Mexico border a few times.

Although the border towns are a bit dirty the bakeries and small shop-lined streets are fun to walk through for a few hours.

On one of our many visits driving down Highway 19 I had seen an old adobe barn off the old highway. On my last visit I realized the barn was slowly leaning to one side. I guess one could call it 'The Leaning Barn of Highway 19.'

We stopped and snapped a few photos. The clouds were cooperating with me that day and gave a lovely backdrop for the old structure.

I played around with the image in my Photomatix program and gave it an almost comic book look.

The barn has fallen to the ground and cannot be fixed. Anything made from mud, straw and water probably has a shortened life-span during the Monsoon Season.

I hope you enjoy this barn.

Old, Red Firetruck

2011-07-20T14:50:00.000-07:00

During a recent photography day-trip to Apache Junction, Arizona I ran across a very old Firetruck parked against the back wall near the train station.

Although my goal was to photograph the train I couldn't help but be intrigued with this old truck.

I wondered how fast it would have gone during its Glory Days. How many fires did it help to extinguish? How many men rode on the back? Was there really a Dalmatian sitting in the front seat?

I hope you enjoy viewing this old truck.

If only it could talk.

Bird Cage Butterfly

2011-06-18T13:00:00.001-07:00

A pretty blue stained glass bird cage with a butterfly attached.

This little piece is sparkling as it hangs in the bright Arizona sunshine.

Pineapple Stained Glass

2011-06-16T06:40:00.000-07:00

The pineapple has been a universal symbol of hospitality and welcome for many centuries throughout the world.

This pineapple stained glass panel was commissioned by an officer's wife. She and her family are based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky which is the home of the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army.

An officer's family has a very high level of duty and responsibility to uphold as they set the example for enlisted personnel and their families.

The woman who requested this piece couldn't think of a nicer way to welcome others into her home than to have a pineapple displayed in her front room window.

The panel pictured above is nearly half-way completed and should be finished and on its way soon.

Pretty Kitty

2011-05-27T10:15:00.000-07:00

For all the cat lovers out there - this is a photo of my calico kitty. Her name is Allie and she has a sister named Bernie.

She loves to sit near the studio door and watch the birds as they fly around the yard.

When she was younger - and a little slimmer - she would chase the birds in an attempt to catch them. Now that she's middle-aged. All she does is watch them.

She's still pretty though.

Pretty Red Cherries Stained Glass

2011-04-10T15:30:00.003-07:00

As I was sitting down this afternoon remembering fond events from my childhood.

One summer long ago I spent my entire summer vacation in Washington State visiting my favorite Aunt. She and my uncle live on a cherry/apple/pear orchard in the western part of the state.

Running through the grass, stopping to pick fresh asparagus and watching the worms go in and out of the soft ground was what I enjoyed doing.

Cherry trees were plentiful and the cherries were bright red. Making this little sun catcher brought me back that simple time in my life.

This little piece is prettier in person when the sun catches the red and green of the glass.

Pretty Little Blue Spider

2011-04-03T14:45:00.000-07:00

A pretty little blue spider -- stained glass suncatcher.

Available for sale here.

Spider Web Stained Glass Piece

2011-04-02T16:45:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I was watching the movie Charlotte's Web by E.B. White with my 2 1/2 year-old granddaughter.

Watching the movie brought back fond memories of reading the book over and over in my youth. Somehow I always hoped that Charlotte could survive the ride home in the back of the old pick-up truck.

Anyway - after watching the movie I felt inspired to create this small panel in memory of Charlotte.

This piece is nearly half-way finished. All of the glass pieces are cut and half of them are ground using the diamond-bit glass grinder. I'll finish it this weekend and post pictures of the completed piece.

2011-03-27T17:15:00.003-07:00

Following a telephone conversation with a woman from Ft. Campbell, KY - I was commissioned to create a stained glass panel using the design of the unit a colleague's husband is in.

The photos you see above are a partial showing of what will be the finished project.

In addition to the stained glass -- some enamel painting still needs to be done.

Making Waves Stained Glass Panel

2010-09-20T16:15:00.001-07:00

Following a weekend trip to San Diego and Coronado Island I felt inspired to create a stained glass panel using the ocean and waves as the focus.

This panel represents the various colors of the ocean and the curves of the waves. A small nugget of purple glass represents the pretty Mother-of-Pearl shells found along the sandy beaches.

Additional photos of this piece can be viewed here.

Back to the Studio

2009-12-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

Following a seven-month hiatus from making stained glass art - I'm back in the studio.

This piece was made using a focal point of Glassmasters brand kiln-fired glass.

I surrounded the glass piece using yellow and green shades. Framing the entire piece is zinc came.

In order to give the panel an antique appearance I used a dark patina finish on the solder seams and the frame.

Easter Cross

2009-04-08T18:00:00.001-07:00

A gentleman phoned me this afternoon looking for the perfect gift for a friend of his. Apparently his friend has been attending classes in an attempt to covert to Catholicism.

Not only has he completed the requirements but his first Sunday Service in his new-found faith will be this Easter Sunday.

After chatting with this man I designed the two crosses shown above using some of his favorite colors. Each cross is eight inches tall by six inches wide and will have a pretty satin ribbon attached for hanging convenience.

Maple Leaves

2009-03-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

A close friend of mine gave me a nice little book highlighting various shapes, colors and style of leaves found throughout the world.

As I was looking through the book recently -- I was inspired to make a few pieces of glass using the book as inspiration.

Available for sale here.

Ice

2009-03-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

As I was looking though some of my favorite photographs -- I remembered taking this picture while driving though Utah on our way to Washington state.

It was about 7:00 a.m. and my family and I had just left for the morning driving in the motorhome at about 75 MPH.

As I was looking out the passenger side window I saw the sprinklers had just started spraying water and the ice on the wires were twinkling in the early morning sun.

I asked my husband to quickly pull over to the side of the road while I grabbed my camera.

Well -- trying to stop a 30-foot motorhome traveling at 75 MPH is not an easy task. Although he really didn't want to turn around for a silly photo -- he did.

This is the result of the early morning drive through Utah.

I really love the ice, the water and the frost on the ground.

California Poppies

2009-03-10T15:45:00.000-07:00

Flowers are blooming and kitties are helping in the garden.

Allie, a.k.a. 'Garden Kitty' has been helping me work in the yard. Her favorite place to hide is under the leaves of the various flowers which are now in full-bloom.

Saturday Shopping on Etsy

2009-02-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

OK -- It's Super Bowl Playoff time and I'm from the fine state of Arizona.

Since our team has made it to the big game I decided to offer up my Saturday Shopping on Etsy to the Arizona Cardinals.

I hope you enjoy my picks for the Cardinals. You won't find any football-related items here but you will find some very nice Cardinals items.

Feel free to click on any of the pictures above. That will take you to each artists' shop on etsy where you can shop around.

In the Style of FLW

2009-01-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

During a recent gift exchange I made a stained glass panel for a fellow glass artist.

Using the style of Frank Lloyd Wright i crafted this panel so my friend would have a pretty panel that would remind her of Arizona and the pretty colors we have here.

A Rainbow Through the Branches

2008-12-25T13:15:00.002-07:00

The rainfall in the Phoenix area is very slight compared to the northern part of the state.

However, when the rain does fall we are blessed with beautiful rainbows that follow.

This particular splash of color is shown as it was viewed through a Mesquite tree.

Little Helpers

2008-12-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

I was in the middle of doing my housework when I realized I had some help sorting through the laundry.

A few days back my husband and I were adopted by a pretty, grey, tabby kitty. She seems to be less than one-year-old and loves to snuggle up behind your ear and neck. She purrs like a freight train and eats like a Great Dane.

Custom Butterfly

2008-12-12T08:00:00.001-07:00

I was approached by a large, hairy, tough-looking man who was delivering automobile parts to my husbands auto repair shop.

He pulled me to the side and asked me quietly if I could make a stained glass butterfly using dark purple, light pink and green glass. His mother apparently loves butterflies and is now bed-ridden due to illness.

His desire is to give her this large butterfly in hopes of making her last days as pleasant as possible.

As he drove away in his large 4X4 truck with large, noisy side pipes and shiny chrome wheels I was reminded that all people have a soft spot for someone special in their lives.

Pretty Blue Flower

2008-12-08T13:15:00.000-07:00

As I was playing with small pieces of glass and gazing out the window -- I decided to turn the glass into an image of what I was seeing.

Near my neighbor's house is a pretty bed of flowers that grows throughout the wintertime here in the desert.

This little blue stained glass flower looks similar to those underneath her front room window.

Available for sale here.

Military Canons

2008-12-03T12:00:00.002-07:00

Shown above is a custom order for a woman currently stationed at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky.

This is the emblem for the unit her family member is a part of.

Dark Amber and Royal Blue Panel

2008-12-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

A pretty royal blue and dark amber stained glass panel. In the center of the piece is a clear square of sculpted glass.

Available for sale here.

A Winter's Bird

2008-12-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

Ahhh -- the blistery cold of winter.

This little amber and red glass bird is hunkered down on the branch of a tree. I think he's waiting for someone to put some bird seed out in the feeder.

Actually - this panel is a gift for a friend. She lives in snow country and takes very good care of all the creatures in her grasp.

Green and Golden Glass Nuggets

2008-11-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Shown above is a stained glass panel hand-crafted using three different shades and textures of colored glass.

The kelly green color at the bottom of the panel is very vibrant and shows a lot of color as the sun comes through the panel. A small square of emerald green is tucked into the bottom corner of the piece which adds a touch of elegance. Toward the right side is a piece of avocado green glass.

In addition, green and golden nuggets are surrounded with swirls of wire then securely attached to the clear seedy glass.

Available for sale here.

Etsy Glass Artists (EGA) . . .

2008-11-26T07:45:00.005-07:00

I am a member of the Etsy Glass Artists Street Team which consists of glass artisans from throughout the world.

This team is made up of men and women who form, shape, mold and create art objects from glass in its most simple form.

Throughout the year this team hosts various shows, events and sales. This Sunday, November 20, 2008 will kick off the EGA Holiday BOGO Sale. This sale runs through Saturday, December 6, 2008.

Participating artisans will offer Buy One, Get One for half the cost. So if you buy one item in any of the etsy shops listed below, you can purchase a second item from the same etsy shop for half price.

Of course, the lower priced item will be half price.

If you buy glass items from any of the shops listed below -- enter "Holiday BOGO" in the message to buyer section. A revised invoice will be sent back to you with the discount applied.

Listed below are are the EGA shops which are involved in this promotion.

vickileigh

willowglass

glasscat

rwillisglassartist

studiomarcy

prizmatic

giapet

jewelrybynatsuko

nicholebeads

MyCabinCreations

popko

Glass Nugget Sun Catcher

2008-11-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

A little sun catcher adorned with curled wire and colored glass nuggets.

Available for sale here.

Aqua Blue Molten Glass

2008-11-21T16:25:00.000-07:00

Using a pretty vibrant shade of aqua blue glass I crafted this small glass panel.

Surrounding the blue glass are various shapes of clear glass. Each clear glass piece has a unique impression adding to the overall appeal to the panel.

Available for sale here.

Happy Birthday Lisa...

2008-11-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

This little purple sun catcher was made for a friend. I missed her birthday (again) last week.

So, using her favorite color of purple I made a small little colored glass gift for her.

Stained Glass Sun Catchers

2008-11-11T18:45:00.000-07:00

Using small pieces of glass -- I crafted these little stained glass sun catchers. They measure 3" square and have complimentary colors.

Special Request for Blue Nuggets...

2008-11-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

Using three panels I had previously created -- I crafted this panel as a special request for a woman.

She likes the blue glass combined with glass nuggets. In addition she likes the molten look of the glass as it appears to be melting onto the nuggets below.

River Rock

2008-11-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

During a recent visit to the dentists' office -- I stumbled upon a pretty feature of river rock highlighted by the morning sun.

I liked the lines in the window, the shadows on the rocks and the way the plant waves its little green arms in the breeze.

Amber Cross

2008-11-07T14:45:00.000-07:00

A pretty amber-colored stained glass cross-shaped suncatcher. It would hang nicely from a rear-view mirror, in the living room window or simply against the wall in a bedroom.

Available for sale here.

Colors of Autumn Stained Glass

2008-11-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

Although the colors of Autumn don't show themselves too much in the desert region of the state -- up in Northern Arizona the colors burst.

This panel was made following a recent trip to the colorful northern part of the fine state of Arizona.

Available for sale here.

Arizona Sunset Stained Glass Panel

2008-11-04T15:15:00.000-07:00

Inspired by one of the many, many beautiful Arizona sunsets -- this small stained glass panel consists of red, light and medium shades of amber.

Each colored piece of glass was cut into a circle to represent the sun. Jet black glass surrounds the four colors while providing a framed effect on the piece.

Available for sale here.

Vineyards of Bainbridge Island, Washington

2008-11-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

During a recent visit to Seattle, Washington -- my family and I took a ferry to Bainbridge Island to drive around and see the sights.

A small family-owned, family-operated vineyard was on our mental list of things to do and see while floating in the Puget Sound.

Unfortunately for us, we had spent too much time at the Public Market so the vineyard was closed for the evening when we arrived.

I took the opportunity to snap off a few photographs as the sun was setting. One little pumpkin didn't make it to Halloween Night as he/she had fallen off the perch.

The crops had been brought in for the season but the leaves and rows of vines were just as colorful as if they had their fruit still attached.

Maybe next visit we'll see the vineyard while it's open.

Fresh Berries at the Market

2008-10-31T20:00:00.000-07:00

During a recent family get-a-way to Seattle, Washington -- we strolled through the open air market at Pike's Place.

Surrounding the shops were vendors selling fresh flowers, farm-raised vegetables and fruit, freshly-caught fish and seafood and of course -- fresh red raspberries.

If there is one thing my family cannot resist is a handful of fresh red raspberries.

There wasn't enough left to even make a pie.

And Baby Makes Two...

2008-10-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

If you've seen any of the former photographs taken by me -- you've also seen that my favorite niece was expecting her first baby.

There's something special about a new mother and the joy that show on her face.

Can you tell this baby is loved?

How many helpers does one artist need? . . .

2008-10-21T16:45:00.002-07:00

Hmmm. Good question.

This afternoon, while making a small panel in the studio, I suddenly realized that I had an over abundance of help in the studio.

My kitty Allie together with my son Tyler, ensure that not a single glass panel gets completed in a timely manner.

Without a seat to sit on or floor space to move around in, the small black diamond panel got completed with or without any assistance from my little helpers.

What a compliment to be so needed.

Available for sale here.

Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds

2008-10-15T07:15:00.000-07:00

That's the song I was listening to on my ipod when I drew the pattern for this panel.

Not only do I enjoy listening to the Beatles -- I enjoy drawing patterns for my stained glass.

This pretty panel is made from a vibrant royal blue glass which looks like the crisp sky just after the sun has set in the desert.

The pretty diamond-shaped beveled glass pieces will cast little rainbows throughout the room when exposed to sunlight.

Available for sale here.

It's Raining in New Orleans

2008-10-14T19:15:00.001-07:00

As I was looking through photographs from a vacation in New Orleans, Louisianna -- I created this stained glass panel using the colors from the city.

The center of the panel contains clear glass which resembles falling rain. Surrounding the rain is two shades of amber glass with black accent corners.

Available for sale here.

2008-10-13T14:15:00.001-07:00

In an effort to keep my (very academic) daughter using both sides of her brain -- I've challenged her to take photographs of the every-day things in life.

You know the stuff: kitties playing, a pretty sunset, favorite things, family, friends and afternoon shadows.

So, while goofing off at the Desert Botanical Gardens -- she snapped off a few photos of me.

This is me on any Sunday. Jeans and a t-shirt with little or no make up and hair pulled back in a comfortable and low-maintenance style.

Next, maybe I can encourage her to start a blog to show her new artistic side.

An Unusual Saguaro Cactus

2008-10-13T06:45:00.000-07:00

Near the Scottsdale/Phoenix border in Arizona -- is a beautiful sanctuary also known as the Desert Botanical Gardens.

A large, stately Saguaro cactus greets every visitor upon entering. This is a very unusual cactus as it seems to have blossomed out of the top.

I've read about these rare oddities of nature but cannot remember the specific name of them.

Anyway, this photo was taken just before sunset with the bright, Arizona sun glowing directly behind the trunk of the cactus. A small rock formation protruded just to the right of the Saguaro.

If you look very closely at the top of the arms, you will see the silhouette of a Cactus Wren perched high in the sky. The Cactus Wren is the state bird of Arizona.

Shadows

2008-10-06T07:19:00.004-07:00

One of the benefits of living in the great state of Arizona is the afternoon shadows cast by the lazy, golden sun.

In my sister's back yard -- two of my nieces were very patient with me while I photographed them under the warm afternoon sun.

My eldest niece is expecting her first child soon. I was hoping to capture the bond between sisters just before she gives birth.

A Study in Corners

2008-10-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

These are a few of my favorite things. Well -- favorite things while making stained glass panels.

Creating a glass panel requires a certain amount of precision and fussiness. It also requires pliers and diamond-bit saws. Balance. It also requires balance.

To make a panel where the pieces line up precisely - a lot of detail must be given to the corners where the various pieces join.

So -- what better way to practice this skill that to do it over and over again.

Using red glass is my favorite color and clear glass with impressions add a nice touch to the piece.

Just Messin' Around

2008-09-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to photograph a young woman who is nearly 40-weeks pregnant. During the shoot, I asked her mother to join her for a few candid photographs of the two of them.

This is one of my favorites.

Scottsdale High School Beavers

2008-09-28T07:00:00.001-07:00

With my high school reunion coming up this weekend -- I decided to make a stained glass panel to donate to the cause.

Yes, the mascot for my High School was the Beaver.

No jokes there.

Anyway -- the event is this coming Friday and Saturday. We'll get together Friday night for drinks and bar food. Saturday night will be dinner, dancing and remembering.

I'll be working on the Beaver throughout the weekend and should have it finished by Tuesday. Completed photos to follow.

Hospitality

2008-09-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

Although this stained glass piece is only halfway finished -- I wanted to share it with you.

The symbol for hospitality is the pineapple. I've been commissioned by one of the U.S. Army bases to make some stained glass panels using this symbol as the centerpiece.

The pineapple is the symbol adopted by the Officer's Wives Club of this Army
base.

I'll post additional photos as the piece comes complete.

Lady Madonna

2008-09-16T16:15:00.001-07:00

Using a centerpiece of glass created by 'Glassmasters' -- I made this pretty amber and royal blue stained glass panel of Madonna and child.

Glassmasters was a glass company based out of Atlanta, Georgia that closed their business back in 2005. Since then, unfinished center pieces of glass have been sold to various dealers and warehouses throughout the country.

Fortunately for me -- I was able to purchase a few of these beautiful stained glass reproductions.

This piece is a deep royal blue color surrounded by a dark amber glass. The first photograph shows the piece back lit by direct sun.

Summer Fun in the Pool

2008-09-10T12:45:00.001-07:00

While the rest of the country is taking the Fall decorations out of the attic in preparation of the Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays -- here in the Valley of the Sun we still have at least two more months of summer vacation ahead of us.

The thermometer won't dip below 70 degrees until the beginning of December. Then we'll have a brief winter of about eight weeks when the average temperature in March is a cool 75*.

Swimming pools are a mandatory addition to any home and air conditioning is non-negotiable.

This photo shows my son and my husband enjoying the cool pool while the sun shines down upon them.

Tyler had a squirt gun in his hand and was strategically shooting anyone within a ten-foot radius. He thought that was pretty funny. Craig -- as usual -- was playing supervisor behind Tyler just to make sure he didn't sink.

The Dunwoody Institute

2008-09-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

Located in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota -- is the Dunwoody Institute of Technology.

My husband attended this school and graduated in 1981. His father attended this school and graduated in 1959.

Together we toured the school while visiting Minneapolis this summer and I was reminded of how pretty the school actually is.

Ivy covers many of the outside walls while flowers and shrubs adorn the grounds.

Summer Vacation of Baseball

2008-09-07T16:45:00.003-07:00

Ahhhh -- summer vacation. I love summer vacation. Especially when it includes a roadtrip of baseball and ballparks.

We started out in Chicago on Labor Day watching a game at Wrigley Field.

After packing up the rental car we headed north to Milwaukee where we took in the sights, sounds and flavors of both the Miller Brewery, Harley Davidson factory and museum followed by a Brewers game at Miller Field.

Driving up to Minneapolis proved to be fruitless. Apparently I didn't read the schedule correctly as the Twins were on a road trip. Oh well. We caught up with friends from our past and checked out the Metrodome anyway. In addition, we took in the Mall of America and were almost overwhelmed with shopping.

After a quick visit to my brother's house in Grand Mound, Iowa -- we caught the final game of our trip back in Chicago at White Sox.

Now to sort through photos and keep the best and file the rest.

Cannonball for Two

2008-08-28T19:45:00.000-07:00

During a recent family get-together my niece was celebrating the upcoming delivery of her firstborn.

We ate, opened gifts, talked, drank beverages, talked some more then went for a quick dip in the pool. The water in the pool was dyed pink in celebration of the little baby girl in her tummy.

Nova decided to take a cannonball dip for two when she jumped off the diving board. Please note the nose being plugged. She never could figure out how to hold her breath without it going up her nose.

Birthday Celebration

2008-08-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

Although the birthday was mine to celebrate -- it's much more fun to pretend the happy event is for Tyler.

He enjoys all the traditional birthday events. Candles in the dark. Presents to rip open and birthday cake to eat.

So even though the birthdays aren't his to have -- everyone in our family pretends they are for Tyler.

The Perfect Morning

2008-08-27T06:45:00.000-07:00

Being born and raised in the same neighborhood in Scottsdale has its advantages.

I pretty much know all of my neighbors, their kids and grandkids. I've seen the infamous 100-year flood at least three times so I know what to do and how to do it every time it does flood. Most of the customers at our auto repair shop have known us since third grade. And, when a former grade school teacher comes into the shop for car repair -- I simply can't call them by their first name. I have too much respect for them.

The city of Scottsdale is known world-wide for many things also. The first-class resorts, the art community and galleries, shopping and of course -- GOLF.

My idea of the perfect morning is to get up early, grab some coffee at Circle K then hit the driving range before the desert heat removes the dew from the blades of grass.

The picture listed above is one of my favorite driving ranges. It sits in the 'Green Belt' which is actually a flood plain through the city. Before the Corps of Engineers designed the Indian Bend Wash flood zone -- the floods would simply slice the city in half with all the water that would flow following the monsoon storms.

Now the entire city runs North to South with green golf courses, dog parks, soccer fields, city lakes and softball/baseball diamonds.

Spending the start of my day on the driving range is the perfect morning.

In Southern Arizona

2008-08-26T07:45:00.000-07:00

Just south of Tucson is a wide spread of untouched land that is really beautiful. The Sonoran desert in full-bloom is a sight to see.

Along side the old highway sits an adobe structure that has been standing for many, many years.

I always like to see the old barn every time I would travel the highway.

As time passes, the structure begins to show its age and is slowly being reclaimed by nature.

So, in an attempt to retain the image for myself, I snapped a photo of the old structure on my last visit to Mexico.

It won't be long before the walls crumble and the roof gets hauled away.

Switching Back to Photography

2008-08-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

Just as the seasons change throughout the year -- my artistic tastes change as well.

I will be moving back to posting images of my photography for awhile.

The little toad seen above has become an adopted pet. After taking out the rubbish a few days back -- I nearly jumped out of my shoes when my eyes caught a quick jump coming from the rock pile.

Well, upon further investigation I realized the jumping rock was in fact a jumping toad. The little throaty noise coming from him told me so.

The two kitties who happen to live with me have decided the little guy can stay for awhile and don't bother him much.

So much for kitty protection.

Christi and Vicki Leigh

2008-08-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

I had the sweet gift of a visit from my daughter this past weekend. She lives about two hours away from me and it makes my smile when we get the opportunity to spend time together.

We attended a family event to celebrate the impending birth of a new little baby girl that will soon be joining our family. No doubt she will look like us.

A New Website

2008-08-15T16:30:00.002-07:00

I've finally gotten my new website up and active.

Please take a peek when you have a few minutes to look around.

** www.vickileigh.net **.

Feedback welcome!

The Lost Leaf

2008-08-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

The Lost Leaf is a restaurant/bar in the downtown Phoenix area tucked in between historic homes, art galleries and studios.

Link here.

I was asked to create a stained glass panel to be inserted into the opening of the door for all patrons to view upon entry.

These two photographs are the final copies before the panel gets inserted into the door.

More photos to follow upon completion.

Magical Fairy

2008-07-27T14:48:00.003-07:00

Ahhh. The world where I want to live is the world that welcomes the Magical Fairy.

This pretty feminine creature is dancing with her woodland friends while the mortal boy plays his flute.

Surrounding the pair are bunnies, flowers, trees and mushrooms.

This panel is made from a focal glass piece made under the license of Glassmasters.

Glassmasters was in business for 40 years, producing stained glass panels of the highest order. They applied translucent colors one at a time, drying them, as many as 16 times, then kiln-firing to 1100 degrees to permanently fuse them to the glass. They produced works for many museums and foundations: Tiffany, Frank Lloyd Wright, Disney, etc. Unfortunately, Glassmasters went out of business in 2005.

Therefore, the pieces created are becoming increasingly more difficult to find.

Available for sale here.

The Lost Leaf

2008-07-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

The panel is coming together nicely. All the red, green and clear glass is fitting together nicely.

The wording has been the challenge. I couldn't get them to flow with the rest of the panel. No matter how many times I cut the letters from glass - it just didn't look right.

So I used the decal option. Printing the words through the printer using carbon-based ink -- the wording will fire nicely into place.

This panel should be complete by the coming weekend.

The Lost Leaf Restaurant/Bar

2008-07-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

The Lost Leaf is a restaurant/bar in the downtown Phoenix area that has commissioned me to create a stained glass panel for the entrance door to the site.

This is the second pattern and roughly cut glass which will soon be completed. The name of the establishment will be set into the center of the panel when complete.

Air Force

2008-07-15T15:01:00.002-07:00

Using the Air Force Insignia as inspiration - I crafted this stained glass panel into the shape of wings.

Each piece is gut, ground, surrounded with copper tape then soldered into place.

Living near the airport in Phoenix, I really love to listed to the sounds of the airplanes take off and land.

Available for sale here.

Blue Tulip

2008-07-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

I've been asked to make some stained glass panels for a home which was built in the late 1800's.

Upon doing research for patterns, colors and styles of glass often used in these homes - I came across some beautiful antique stained glass panels.

So using those images as inspiration for a 'study' panel -- I created an often times used pattern featuring a tulip as the centerpiece in this panel.

Glass for a Fireplace

2008-07-09T20:15:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy making the bubbles stained glass panels from colored glass.

The panel shown above will be installed near a fireplace. A woman had seen the circular bubble panel in my etsy shop and decided that the openings near her mantle needed to be filled with circles of glass.

How exciting for her and for me. I'm anxious to see the panels installed in her home.

Phoenix Rises From the Ashes

2008-06-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

The Ethan Fire is currently burning Southwest of the Valley of the Sun. It currently covers 1200 acres and is being fought by Arizona's finest.

This is a photo of the sunset on Thursday, June 26, 2008.

The ash and smoke is so thick in the air that one could look directly at the sun without any problems at all.

This shot was taken at about 6 p.m. looking through the tiny leaves on a Mesquite Tree standing guard in my front yard.

Approaching 200

2008-06-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

Looking through my blog posts from the past years I realized that I'm coming up on blog post number 200.

So, of course, I'm designing a special stained glass piece to mark the number.

An Angel for a Friend

2008-06-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

A friend, and fellow local artist, of mine requested this stained glass angel to give to another friend in their time of need.

I was honored to make her.

Molten Glass

2008-06-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

This stained glass panel is one of my favorites so far.

The glass at the bottom of the panel appears to be melting or dripping off the panel.

Using the cool colors of water -- I crafted this piece after viewing photographs of the vacation we spent in Hawaii. The waterfalls, the streams and the plant life is amazing there.

Available for sale here.

Allie's Shadow

2008-06-02T17:45:00.000-07:00

As I've posted before -- the lazy Arizona sun enters the studio doors beginning at about 4:30 in the afternoon.

This afternoon my little calico kitty -- Allie -- decided that she needed to be the model for the day.

Her big fat kitty belly shows nicely in the shadow photo.

A Necklace for your Window

2008-06-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

This strand of diamond-shaped beveled glass appears to be a pretty diamond necklace for your window.

As I was staring at the beveled glass pieces as they sit in the studio -- I couldn't think of anything to do with them.

So the creative process took over and I let my imagination go free.

What developed is a strand made of black ribbon holding seven pretty beveled glass pieces.

When exposed to sunlight -- the bevels cast small prisms or rainbows of light throughout the room.

Available for sale here.

Wishing

2008-05-31T07:30:00.000-07:00

While in Tucson last weekend visiting my daughter we went out to the reservation to get our monthly dose of authentic Indian Fry Bread -- also known as popovers.

So as we approached the San Xavier Mission we couldn't help but notice the commotion at the chapel.

So, of course, I grab my camera in hopes of capturing something.

The wedding party exits the chapel from the dark, fragrant church into the bright Arizona sun.

The little flower girl seemed to be lost in the shuffle. The bride was coming out. The mothers and mother-in-laws were fussing and the men were trying to get away.

The little girl just kept looking at her bouquet.

One could only wonder what wish she was sending up to the heavens.

Just Another Star

2008-05-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

In an ongoing time of military action -- family members of those in the service want to show their support and pride of their loved ones serving in the military both here and abroad.

The blue military star has been an outward show of support for more than 60 years and will continue to be.

Shown above is a slight variation of the stained glass blue military star panel. This particular panel was requested by a woman whose son is currently serving abroad.

Her request is on its way to her via FED EX. I hope she enjoys the panel as much as I enjoyed making it.

Blue Star for a Military Family

2008-05-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy creating stained glass panels for military families.

This panel is on it's way back to Ft. Campbell, Kentucky.

A woman who is stationed there contacted me a few days back and requested a 'Blue Star' stained glass panel.

When a family has a loved one serving in the military -- it is customary to display a blue star in the window to show your pride for them. Friends and neighbors will then know that you have a family member serving their country.

When my own brother served in Iraq I proudly displayed my own version of this tradition creating the blue star out of stained glass.

Similar panels available for sale here.

Slices of Agate

2008-05-23T13:38:00.003-07:00

A very nice person sent me some slices of rock with simple directions: do what you want with them.

So, there they lay -- on the table in the studio just waiting for inspiration.

They waited and waited but no inspiration came.

Until finally -- I was looking through some pieces of glass that somehow got tucked into the back of the wooden crate which holds the glass panels.

Not only did I find the perfect piece of glass to pair the sliced stone with but the colors in the glass matched the colors in the stone.

I drilled a small hole in the stone and wire wrapped it with copper and attached it to a simple frame made from the glass.

Nothing excites me more...

2008-05-22T07:40:00.001-07:00

than a really pretty piece of colored glass.

The sunshine coming into the doors of the studio in the afternoon beginning at about 4:30 is wonderful.

It is the time of the day that I get to see how the glass panels will truly show their colors when exposed to sunlight.

When I get the glass panels from the warehouse -- I'm never quite sure how the sun will react with the colors. The lighting in the warehouse is less than acceptable.

Anyway -- the vivid blue and red glass really comes alive in the afternoon sun.

Stained Glass for Ft. Campbell

2008-05-19T06:55:00.002-07:00

I am fortunate enough to have a woman who's husband is stationed at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky who loves stained glass panels.

Apparently she likes the panels so much she likes to share them with fellow military families.

This is my interpretation of the 'Screaming Eagle' which is the mascot for the airborne division based in Ft. Campbell.

Pretty Quail

2008-05-14T07:40:00.002-07:00

In addition to working with glass -- I enjoy also enjoy photography.

Looking through the lens to see things differently is an art form in itself.

So a few days ago I was working on a glass order (see previous post) and had to take a quick break.

As I sat on the back patio I could hear what I thought was a Quail summoning the family for the 'all clear' to join him.

So I sneaked into the house, picked up my camera and went out to wait some more.

Sure enough, the little guy was up on the top of my fence. I snapped a few photos from a distance knowing that if I moved any closer he would take off.

My back yard kitty -- Bernie -- decided that no animal, furred or feathered, enters her back yard without permission.

She quickly scared the little guy away.

Al least I got a few snapshots of the pretty guy.

Screaming Eagles Stained Glass Panel

2008-05-13T14:15:00.002-07:00

A few additional process shots of the Screaming Eagle stained glass panels being made for the base in Kentucky.

Although it looks like a pile of broken glass -- these pieces will soon form some pretty panels to be hung in windows.

Watch to the days ahead to see the completed panels.

Sliced Rock

2008-05-11T11:10:00.004-07:00

Thank you planetjanet.

My friend Janet sent me some very pretty slices of rock. They've been sitting on my studio counter for a few months now not knowing what I wanted to do with them.

Well -- a group of glass artists I belong to has a monthly challenge using glass and glass objects.

This pretty slice of stone will be the base of my entry into the challenge. The theme for the challenge of May is 'nature'

Stay tuned for photos of the completed piece.

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to everyone!

Hummingbirds for Mara's Mom

2008-05-09T16:00:00.000-07:00

When I was in my early years in grade school -- my best friend in the whole wide world was Mara.

During childhood we spent every day walking to and from school. Weekends were fun, joyful and filled with laughter.

We drifted apart after high school. She moved forward with her life and her family. I moved forward with mine. I thought about her often with fond memories and hoped that one day we would be reconnected.

Chance brought us back together again and the past three decades have melted away.

When she was looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift for her mom -- she need look no further than to me.

I created this hummingbird stained glass panel with Mara's mom on my mind. She loves these cranky, noisy little creatures so now she'll have one for her kitchen window.

Happy Mother's Day to all women who have a positive influence on children everywhere.

Happy Mother's Day to my other really good friend (BDP) who is also a really good mom.

Fort Campbell

2008-05-08T08:30:00.000-07:00

Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

I'm sure that is a beautiful base to be station at.

The drawn image above is the pattern of a stained glass panel which I've been making for the families of Service Members stationed at Fort Campbell.

Five panels are currently being created for the newest residents of the base.

Good luck to you all.

Inspiration from BDP

2008-05-03T16:25:00.006-07:00

I received a nice note via USPS a day or two ago from my friend, BDP. On the outside of the envelope was a pretty little colored doodle obviously drawn by B.

I took the envelope and sketched out a pattern to be transferred into a stained glass pattern.

Fortunately for me, I had just gone to the glass supply warehouse where I saw a very nice sheet of blue/green streaky glass that I simply had to buy. I didn't realize that by the time I got home, the need for that glass was sitting in my mailbox.

In the first photograph you can see the doodle done by BDP.

The second photograph shows the pattern drawn and glass cut ready to be ground.

The final photograph shows the completed piece all colored with black patina for a nice vintage or antique look.

The finished size of this panel is approximately 8" by 10".

Stained Glass Tulip

2008-05-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

This is a little stained glass sun catcher hand-crafted into the shape of a pretty tulip. The wires used in this piece add a bit of whimsy to the flower.

The sunlight which comes through the window in the late afternoon is perfect for photographing the glass. The long shadows and tinted light gives a wonderful effect to the glass.

Goin' to the Show

2008-04-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

In order to take a break from the Arizona heat (already) we went to visit some friends in San Diego and took in the Art Walk.

While in the booth where BDP was displaying her paintings my daughter came upon a painting which looked very familiar to her.

Hmmmm. Interesting.

Pretty Butterflies

2008-04-25T06:45:00.000-07:00

Pretty butterflies are floating everywhere. Inspired by the flowers which cover my yard during the early months of the year, I love to make these butterflies using orange and yellow glass.

Available for sale here.

Looking at the Shadows from the Afternoon Sun

2008-04-22T18:50:00.007-07:00

Every afternoon at about 4:30 -- the afternoon sun shines brightly through the patio doors into my studio.

The glass simply comes alive when exposed to sunlight.

If you look very closely at the paper and glass laying on the studio table, the shadows caused by the lazy afternoon sun makes everything appear alive.

The lavender-colored paper is simply kraft paper used to wrap glass in so it doesn't get broken during shipment.

The clear-colored glass has the shape of a medallion stamped into the reverse side but the sunlight shows off the curves and floral patterns. It almost has the appearance of being a silver-colored glass.

And, last but not least, the lime-green colored wavy glass lights up like a neon light with the ripples and shadows forming perfect lines.

So take a look at the afternoon sun and see how it plays with ordinary things.

Another Studio Shot

2008-04-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

I realize that I've posted photos of my studio but I couldn't resist taking a photo today. The sun is shining brightly today and all of the glass is lit up.

You'll notice all the little birds in the far left corner of the photo. Most of these little birdies are going to a small boutique in downtown Phoenix.

Otherwise birds are available for sale here.

Phoenix Bird - Rises from the Ashes

2008-04-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

April EGA Monthly Challenge Complete!

The monthly challenge for the month of April 2008 is rebirth.

I took this opportunity to create a Phoenix Bird using various shades of flame-colored glass combined with ashen-colored glass for the bird itself.

Many other EGA artists have their glass pieces posted on flickr. Take a peek:

http://flickr.com/photos/organize/

Rebirth - Rising from the Ashes

2008-04-12T10:00:00.005-07:00

The mythological Phoenix Bird re-creating itself and rising from the ashes.

This piece will be my entry into the Etsy Glass Artists (EGA) monthly challenge for April. Re-birth is the theme for this month.

Although not quite complete -- I had to post a photograph of the Phoenix because the colors are coming together so nicely.

When finished this panel will measure nearly 10 by 14 inches.

Panel Three - In A Series

2008-04-09T17:00:00.001-07:00

Continuing the three lines and a circle series -- this is the third panel in a series of ten.

This panel was made using aquamarine blue, emerald green, frosted clear, sapphire blue and antique clear glass.

Finished with a dark finish for that antique or vintage look.

Available for sale here.

Three Lines and a Circle Panel Two

2008-04-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

To continue the three lines and a circle series -- I've posted the second panel in a series of ten pieces.

Using similar glass but different lines - this pieces captures the texture, design and colors of architectural glass.

Some of the glass appears to have rain drops falling through the glass while other textures looks like medallions have been stamped into warm glass.

Available for sale here.