September Mornings

                

                    September is a great time for reflecting down the paths of memory lane.

September in Idaho reminds me of a warm, cozy blanket. I find myself wrapped up in the warm glow of the lights reflecting just right off  the high mountain peaks. This is where the two of us feel most at home, along with the companionship of our dog pack. Whether it's a long-forgotten path to walk, or peace and serenity at a high mountain lake, we enjoy it all. The nights are crisp and Fall is in the air. At the beginning of the month we treat ourselves to one last camping trip, as we know the holiday rush will keep us hopping soon enough, from one project to another in the Studio.

Our favorite getaway for September was this high mountain lake.

Our pups patiently waiting for us to catch the lake trout for dinner.

 The high mountain lake always provides us with plenty of small lake trout, and a sense of wonder at the beauty of it all. 

 We are also busy harvesting the garden during the month of September, canning much of the fruits and vegetables we have grown over the summer. Also, we love to take Fall walks  down familiar trails while enjoying the Autumn air.

Our apple trees are loaded this year.

September harvesting takes a good amount of time.

Having had a chance to enjoy the great outdoors,  Russ' creativity has increased this month. (Funny how that works.) Pictured below are some of the new projects he has completed in the Studio. The first piece has LED lights added for a nice glow, and would look great on a fireplace mantel. The wolf was screen printed, which is a new element we are adding to some of the glass works this year. There are also new designs to try out on fused glass bowls and plates, pictured below.

Screen Print of a Wolf in the Glass Mountain Peak.

Slumped and Fused Piece- "Fallen"

Slumped and fused aqua beads

Fused glass with dichroic accents

I say it every year, but Fall is the favorite season by far. We aren't so busy that we can't enjoy the beauty of the Fall mornings with many outdoor walks. The inspiration from what we perceive outside, carries on to creations in the Studio. Much like the Aspen scene below, combining Slumped and Fused with blown glass leaves. So out we go into the woods again, to gather inspiration for the next glass art work. Until next time, I hope you can take some time to enjoy all the sights and smells of  glorious Fall.

Fused Art with Blown glass accents

Sentimental September

Anyone who knows me knows my love of September, as it ushers in the most glorious time of the year, Fall. It brings out my sentimental side. Fall has a look, smell and feel to it, like no other season. Breathing in the crisp mountain air sends me back to another place in time, where I didn't have a care in the world. Except to rake up a giant pile of old, crunchy leaves and gleefully jump into that earthy Fall bliss with my siblings, back in the 60's. Still to this day, I eagerly anticipate our Fall drives into the mountains, as they remind me how symbolic the season is. It represents everything cozy and comforting, calm and peaceful, with it's glistening golden hues. It does a body good to break away from all the mundane day-to-day dealings of life, and pause to witness Nature in all it's glorious golds, reds, and yellows. The drive has come to be one of the highlights of my year.

Fall colors on our annual drive

Aspen trees were brilliant gold colors 

 Can't stay in the woods too long because as always, we have been busy working on many new ventures in the Studio. Russ worked on some new slumped and fused pieces and created a "Facehugger" wine glass gift for a customer. He liked the outcome so much, he decided to make a whole set for a friend's birthday gift.

Cutting glass for a slumped and fused project

Facehugger wine glass

Set of 4 unique glasses

Another multi-colored bowl was created this month, with a new shape slumped in the kiln.

Multi-colored slumped and fused bowl

The upcycled bottles below were also created for a customer, with a southwest design. We added glass chili peppers to them as an accent.

Artistic slumped and engraved upcycled bottles

I am also in the process of packaging up a large order and getting it shipped up to Alaska next week.

Many ornaments to pack up and ship

Before the holiday season hits us full-bore in the Studio, I'm hoping we find the time for one more drive into the mountains, as nothing gives me greater solace than this golden age of Fall, and all it's brilliant colors. 

A beautiful Fall drive in the mountains nearby

Autumn Works

Slumped and Fused Artwork titled "The Seasons"

It's that time of year again, as my most favorite of all the seasons has descended on us in what seems like the blink of an eye. I can't believe it is already time for crisp Fall walks! There is nothing that can compare to the sights and smells of an Autumn morning. Not much can tantalize our senses quite like a September morning can. Although, I have noticed this September has been much warmer than usual, and our Morning Glories continue to welcome us at the garden every morning in all their glory. Colors are more vibrant this time of year, and our animals are also more alert on their morning walks. The picture above shows our latest creation celebrating the seasons in a unique way. We slumped and fused glass Aspen scenes to depict the 4 seasons, inserted them in a tree branch, and added blown glass Aspen leaves as accents.

Morning glories are filling in nicely at the garden arbor

Ornamental grass in the backyard

Our lab/retriever dog is a little on the shy side

But we can't take too much time to enjoy the outdoors lately, as there is plenty of work to do in the Studio. It's right back to the torches to fill more orders, among them is a large one for 400 of our sandblasted doves, they need to be shipped out by the end of October. Also, our teardrops have been very popular as of late. Can't seem to keep enough in stock. We compare ourselves to the busy squirrels in Autumn, only with us it is our glass inventory. We have found that we can never have too much of an item on hand. Getting ready for the holiday season can be daunting at times, but so far we seem to pull through when the need for more custom requests come our way.

A variety of ornaments are headed out the door today

So, I am off to package and ship a variety of orders, including the stunning glass floral arrangement pictured below, that was a custom request off the internet. **Here's hoping it all arrives in one piece. After that, it's time to tackle 400 doves before the real push of the holidays begins. Hopefully, we will be able to make sure and take time to smell the roses, or more importantly to me anyway, the smells and sights of Idaho's crisp Fall mornings. 

A customized slumped and fused vase with a variety of blown glass flowers and hummingbirds was made for an upcoming wedding

Back to the Grind

Now that the two big events of the year for the Lewis Bunch have come and gone, (the last Lewis wedding, and the birth of our second grandson) it's time to get "back to the grind".  And to tell you the truth, there is nothing I would rather be doing. To be able to work with our garden harvest and yard work, also while ramping back up in the glass studio, brings a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Running a small business and setting the schedules between home and work is a privilege afforded to very few. I certainly don't take it for granted, and look forward to setting new goals with my partner Russ for continued success in our Studio in the coming months.

Our Fall Garden

September is already coming to an end, and of course it has continued to be one of the busiest months for us in the garden. Harvesting all the crops, cleaning, preparing, and canning take up a large amount of our time. Wouldn't have it any other way though. There isn't much that can compare to the satisfaction of a well stocked pantry full of food put there from our own labor. Everything looks fresh and delectable sitting there in the glass jars. This year I even made homemade soup to enjoy for the coming winter months. Nature gave us a beautiful array of color, both in the garden and around the yard. I thought I'd share some of that in this blog for you to enjoy.

Blooming Sweet Peas

The fish are always hungry in our pond.

Marigolds surround the perimeter of our garden

Oodles and oodles of fresh strawberries this year

We will have lots of sunflower seeds to roast from our giant sunflowers

Our apple tree produced apples for the first time this year. Yum!

Gladiolus bloom

Daisy blooms

Part of our new and improved back yard

Ariel shot of our garden area

Ripening Pumpkins

Holly Hocks have such a beautiful bloom

Our chickens are producing lots of eggs for us

Another Daisy bloom

The Arbor has been a nice addition to our garden this year

As I write this morning, a fresh rain is falling down. Nothing like a cloudy day to get in the mood to head into the studio. I've always believed that's why there are so many artists in the Northwest, as grey skies seem to bring about the creative juices. Below is our latest slumped and fused creation out of the kiln. 

Slumped and fused vase

And of course, the hunting season is upon us. For those who would like to accent their den with something other than what a taxidermist would offer, we have some artistic options to choose from. Or if the hunters out there come up empty handed, we can offer a consolation prize of some glass wildlife art. 

Moose on Manzanita Burlwood

Large bugling Elk

A large selection of playful fox pieces

Sandblasted deer on Manzanita burlwood

Large fighting Elk scene

 Thanks for taking the time to read my monthly blog. I hope there is something in here that speaks to you. Taking the time to sit back and reflect now and then as to where we are going in our Studio, proves to me we are on the right path of creativity. And I enjoy sharing some of those ideas with you through photos. Maybe in the least, it will inspire you to create your own zen, whether it be through art, music, or any other creative outlet you wish to pursue.

October's Delights

Snake River Fall Foliage

All year long I anticipate my favorite month of all, October.  My senses love to take in the crisp smells of this month, and I relish the visual masterpieces I get to enjoy in this delightful season. We've made it a tradition to head into the mountains and enjoy the beauty of the Fall colors abounding on the Aspens surrounding our scenic Snake River. Nothing like stumbling onto a path of Fall foliage at it's height of  glory with brightly colored leaves and strong Autumn smells.  

A variety of sizes of  pumpkins from our pumpkin patch make for fun carvings

 I also enjoy carving the pumpkins we grew in the garden each year. Makes me feel like a kid again. We are not a Picasso with the knife, but we try out a new face to carve each year, and always have fun while enjoying each other's company. Not only do we enjoy the carving tradition, but the seeds that we scoop out are transformed into bite sized delights of salted or cinnamon sugar  treats.

 A variety of toasted seeds from the pumpkins

 Since the kids are all grown, we have given the dogs the yearly task of costume humiliation. They put up with our mockeries as they wait to scare some innocent trick or treating youngster passing by.

Halloween Humiliation

 There's something fun about dressing up as a quirky character, even when you're a grown up. This year I'm the "Great Pumpkin". Feels appropriate, after sneaking one too many goodies from the kiddie's treat bowl.

October Colors

Mostly though, it's the colors and smells of October that excite the two of us. Very inspirational for a new project in the studio.  

More beauty along the Snake River

  Russ has started on a fused and slumped piece called "Aspens in Autumn". Just in time for one of our Holiday Shows coming up in November. Happy Halloween! Don't get lost in the woods tonight.

Aspens in Autumn