HOW IT ALL BEGAN

This piece was the very first piece I did. It is about 24" across.
I didn't cut any of the glass. I just picked it out of a huge box of scraps.
One of my bloggy buddies asked my how I got started in my art. I had to stop and think, art, I never saw myself as an artist! But I guess I am. I get the crafty thing from my mom and after spending some time with my daughter this year on our 2nd annual girl trip, I realize she has it too. Her words to me one day on that trip, "I wanna be like you and grandma, ya know, crafty, artsy. I love putting things together." My sister has it too!! Her scrapbooking talents are amazing. My mom's talent is card making right now, but she has been artsy all her life. I remember her always having some kinda project to work on. So maybe it is because we see each other enjoying the outlet "projects" give us.

My stained glass story, I will try and make it brief.
I was reading in the little brochure that the local college puts out, about a class in making stepping stones with stained glass. So I called the college and signed up my girlfriend who is always game for anything, and myself. That Saturday morning, as I was putting together my design, I was just overtaken with such accomplishment and excitement that I could put something together and have it look like nice( in my mind). I WAS HOOKED and I needed an outlet. My kids would both be out of the house, college bound, and I was going to need something to keep my mind busy. The instructor, Ruth Caven, drove an hour to teach the class. Over the next few years, I drove to her place several times to learn more about this fun and crafty medium. I have grown to love working with glass and cement. I am learning all the time, what works, what doesn't. I have found that it is more than just an art. It is actually a way of life. It has consumed my daily schedule. I have met so many people that share my same passion. I now have a GLASS COLLECTION, every piece of glass cutting equipment that I can afford, my own room filled with my obsession, and a happy husband, because when I am happy, he's happy!!!
So what is your craft? What makes you happy? Some of you are closet crafters, I just know it.... Please share......