IBREAK4GLASS -bits and pieces

Its been a long long time

2010-12-24T20:44:00.000-05:00

I am so guilty of having neglected my blogs, I don't know why other than I have been busy with life. Too, dealing with depression is a time consuming life. Trying desprately to fill the days and focus on anything but myself. I don't know if any one that doesn't deal with it really understands how exhausting it really is. Keeping a positive outlook, not bringing the subject up around family and friends, crying in private, and the pure lonliness of it when you are trying so desprately to hide it. I have already used the word desprate twice, ok that makes the third time. Crying and dwelling is what I want to do less of. Hence I sink into my computer with games on facebook, and try to be productive with my art work. I haven't been up in my studio creating since Sammy was hit by the car over a year ago. So many told me how I should be glad he is still alive. Oh am I ever thankful for that. But what they don't know, and don't see is the pain of watching him with his crippled hand try to compensate for the day to day activities we all take for granted. He had the surgery to repair the nerve in July, and nothing has happened. He has a scar on his arm, and a bigger one on his leg where they took a nerve to graft it in the arm. He can't zip his jacket well, and forget buttons. He changed his major in school because he doesn't think he can do it. sometimes I stand in the distance so he doesn't see me and I see him struggle. He hides it as well as I hide my depression. He is so amazing. But I ache. Ache for all that he has been through, and ache for the silent handicap he has. Like attention deficit or things that can't be seen such as mental illness. He hides it so well. But it is still there. It doesnt' go away. Sammy is super silly these days. Since his 18 year old brother has left home he has turned into an electronic game junkie. And when he isn't playing games he is busy being the comedian of the family. He does make me laugh, a lot! but the pain is still there. I only wish I could feel what it is like living without this deep sadness and emptiness I feel.

Bits and pieces of Creativity

2010-08-21T09:59:00.001-04:00

I know that every creative person gets in a slump.

Where no matter how you try you just don't feel like creating.

For me that slump started last year on 9-11-09.

That was the day my life changed forever.

I know many have lost children and that have had worse

happen to them. So please I in no way feel that my

day of decreased creativity is any worse than yours.

I just thought you might relate to this story.

Our lives are made up of bits and pieces. When you are

a creative person you draw inspiration from those very bits.

What inspires you might very well send someone else into

a period of inactivity.

When Sammy was hit by the car on 9-11-09.

My life and creativity changed forever.

I no longer felt creative. I needed to break and

smash every plate in my studio.

But I didn't. I only created 2 things this past year.

One a representation of Sammy's accident which I

symbolically threw away. Another something

for my garden which took 6 months instead of

6 days.

I still can't bring myself to get up in that studio and work.

The bits that moved me are not in glass or the smashing of it.

They no longer reside in the taking of the bits and

putting them together to create a mosaic .

But through the eye of my camera. Through my lens

which I recently broke, I am able to feel that

connection. Those bits and pieces fit.

I see the world around me from all different

angles and in different colors.

The light at the golden hour just before sunset moves me.

I am touched by a couple holding hands walking down a path.

By the history in the building which has peeling paint or broken windows.

Life moves me. The world around me pulls at my heart

and grabs me. So I take my camera and I click, and click

trying desperately to hold onto the moments of life that slip by us.

Knowing that in an instant it will all change.

The accident that Sammy endured changed me forever.

I still have anxiety attacks seeing him vividly lying in

the street. Floating on a sea of dark purplish blood.

His little body contorted and his face forever changed.

I can't get it out of my head. The blades of grass in him mouth

the deep gash that nearly severed his elbow.

Then I see that young man that hit him.

I see his worried face.

I still can't drive or walk down that street.

I still can't go near that park.

Sammy can though. He is back on his bike

and riding as though it never happened.

Things change so fast.

Just a little update on how he is.

He got out of his wheel chair in December and

headed back to school February 1st.

He still has nerve damage to his left hand

and is unable to lift it, to grasp, or to straighten his fingers.

He just had surgery to hopefully repair that nerve.

The did a graft. Took a nerve from his leg and

grafted it in where it was severed.

If you don't notice his hand he is in all appearance a normal

sweet and very remarkable young man. He just turned 15.

I don't know if I will ever get back into my glass studio or not.

I don't know if I will ever create like that again.

But the bits and peices of life around me

I am makeing art. I am creating.

I did recently break my camera lens

and I am trying to raise money to replace it.

It is painful not to be able to take pictures right now.

I have a cllickit at the top of my page.

If you would like to contribute towards a

new lens I would be forever grateful.

Broken

2010-08-20T11:44:00.003-04:00

broken
Originally uploaded by TheCamerasEYE~Michelle Anderson

I am a Photographer/artist. Just like most of you My family lives from paycheck to paycheck. It has been an unusually difficult year for us this year due to my son being hit by a car. The expenses just traveling back and forth to therapy's and doctors visits have put us in a tight place.

I was also told by my doctor I can't work. I suffer from crohn's disease (diagnosed 2 years ago) and Ulcerative colitis. Both Colon diseases leave me very ill and difficult to work due to always needing to excuse myself to use the toilet. I fell at work back in 2006 and since have had a knee replacement, suffered a severe lower back injury at the same time.

I have had so many hospitalizations the past few years. Conn's syndrome...a rare disease where I had to have an adrenal gland removed due to a tumor. Diverticulitis, the Cron's, Knee replacement and more.
I was also just diagnoses with a low thyroid. My energy is low, but my love of life and out look are as bright as ever.

I have so many health issues its impossible for me to work in a normal job. I am on Occupational therapy assistant, a baker, a teachers aide...things I can no longer do.

So I create. I take Photographs and turn them into works of art. Its a release, its a passion and its a way to try and earn money. I haven't sold very much on Etsy and could no longer afford the fees on Artfire. I do what I can to help my husband but it never seems to be enough. I take Photo's for friends and family, and don't get paid. I don't ask... I should but I love doing it so much that I feel awful asking .

I broke my telephoto lens last winter when fumbling to change lenses. I was trying to keep Sammy from rolling away in his wheel chair and I dropped it. I haven't been able to replace that one yet.

Then a couple of weeks ago I backed into the table where my camera was. I forgot I set my camera down. The camera fell and bounced. When I picked it up it wouldn't take a photo. So I took off the lens. I have an old and very scratched lens from an old canon film camera that fit. Thankfully the camera still works. I was devastated. My favorite time of year is just around the corner. I love the fall and love capturing it with my camera.

I am hoping to raise enough money to replace my broken lens with just one lens that does all I need. From closeups to distance. Its a Tamron 18mm-270mm lens for my canon XTi.

I know times are hard for everyone . All I can offer is my continued art work to share with my friends family and the world.

Thank you for your donation . Its deeply appreciated.

Creating the final image

2010-03-10T08:04:00.001-05:00

Creating the final image
Originally uploaded by Ibreak4glass

When I posted the bottom right image on Flickr. Several people commented on how its a great black and white. Technically its not. If they would have looked a bit closer they would have seen the creamy yellow in the flowers. I achieved this print in a rather simple way that I would like to share with you today.
1.) The first photograph is the original.
2.) In the second photo; I used topaz adjust 4 the ghostly preset.
3.) In the third photograph; I used a new original and in topaz I used the smooth and flat preset with a few tweaks.
4.) For the final image; I took image number 3 and put it on top of image number 2. I used the overlay preset with opacity adjustment of about 45%.
The Final image at first glance appears to be black and white. But it is actually a color photograph. I call it "white on white".
I like how the feature preset in topaz called ghost brings all the high lights to the fore front. But I wasn't happy with the fading of the detail in the right hand corner of the vase. It was too washed out. So to retain the light I came up with this approach to gain the highlights yet keep some of the detail. I did however use the smooth and flat preset to soften the image in number 3. I felt it gave the image a softness that enhanced the overall composition.

Maternity Portraits

2010-02-15T23:07:00.001-05:00

shoot 060_S
Originally uploaded by Ibreak4glass

I haven't had much of an opportunity to shoot pregnant bellies, so when I ran into a young family I asked if I could do a quick shoot. On location of course. I had so much fun, it didn't take very many shots to get the look I was hoping for and I was very glad I took the initiative. This couple is expecting there second baby. I hope you like it as much as I did.

Run a ground

2010-01-24T20:12:00.001-05:00

Run a ground
Originally uploaded by Ibreak4glass

I am so in the mood to sit down by the lake. I have been working like crazy on all these digital art pieces centered around ships and sails. This one was taken along the shores of Canada on the way to Hamilton Ontario. Following the QEW just past St. Catherine's. I have been looking for this the last several years every time I take a trip up to IKEA. It makes my trip so much fun and I love to wonder and drift off to a creative make believe world. A world where travelers sail the wide open seas looking for a new world, or perhaps reuniting with loved ones. I love the sea. Be it lake, ocean, river or stream. Water to me is the most relaxing and calming thing to center your day around. It inspires me so. I hope you feel that when you view my works in my Beyond the Sea series. Light houses, ships, children walking along the shore, beaches and water scenes. All for your imagination to carry you to a place of inner peace and calmness.

My new blog dedicated to my Photography

2009-12-10T19:50:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to let all my friends over here know about my new blog. It is just for my photography and those who are curious about how to create photo's using textures in photoshop. I am currently on hiatus from my mosaic life due to the inability to get up to my studio and spend some real quality time up there. Sammy is healing well but still not fully recovered and requires my time and attention. My studio is on the third floor and he spends most of his time on the main floor of our home.

Please stop by and visit...TheCamerasEYE NY

December Art Market 09 sm

2009-12-06T15:22:00.002-05:00

December Art Market 09 sm, originally uploaded by Ibreak4glass.

I am thrilled to announce that My work both photography and a few of my mosaics have been selected to be a part of December art at the 464 Gallery in Buffalo , NY. If you happen to stop by the art is affordable and great for gift giving any day of the year.

No.20 /365 days ~ green eyed kitty

2009-11-12T19:35:00.002-05:00

Its been really difficult for me to keep up with the 365 challenge and I am afraid I am going to opt out of it at this time. Taking care of Sam has been more than a full time job. I love doing my photography and I have to say that looking for something to photograph every day has really been great. I just feel as though I am cheating when I miss a day or two due to the appointments we all have. And now I have a job interview...trying to fit work in with running 2 older sons back and forth to work and appointments, taking care of Sam and his appointments and trying to find time for me is exhausting enough. I am going to try and do the project to the best of my ability but not in an official capacity. Thanks for all your continued support during this very trying time.

Fall leaves bokeh No.2 for 365 days of colour

2009-10-17T17:42:00.001-04:00

Fall leaves bokeh No.2 for 365 days of colour, didn't post it in time.
Originally uploaded by ibreak4glass

My son and I ventured out to our favorite park in hopes of finding a wonderful and beautiful aray of fall colors. well...we did, but I came across these very interesting faded leaves, and wanted to capture them while the sun was still out and shining. This is entry 2/365 .

No. 1 365 days of Colour a project

2009-10-17T17:40:00.001-04:00

No_1 October_brown
Originally uploaded by ibreak4glass

I just jumped in to this amazing idea started somewhere in flickr, I found this particular one in a group for Female Photographers of Etsy.
The idea is to take 1 photo a day for the full year. 365. So this is Entry no. 1.
Nothing special just a brown squirell with some texture added.
Each month is a different color. this month happens to be brown.
I have been creating more than one photo a day. working with the color theme and trying to get creative. Being house bound is not easy and it has me looking for things to photograph around the house. This is a challenge with in itself.

If you want to join in the fun , hop over to flicker and you will find all kinds of groups for 365 days of...colour, photo's, creativity, ect.

Play the game Pay It Forward

2009-09-28T21:03:00.001-04:00

Rose bud
Originally uploaded by ibreak4glass

I am choosing this image as the representation of yet another pay it forward concept ...I love to pay it forward and this one is the best yet.

I found this on my fellow Etsonians blog L.A. Glass
Okay - Here's how it works: Verbatim

I am entering into the following contract with the first 5 people who comment on this post and then commit to do the same on their blog. I'm the world's worst when it comes to commitments via the BLOG - but this one really appeals to me!

Just read below and if you feel up to the task copy the following into your blog and leave me a comment.

I am willing to send a surprise worldwide (I live in the U.S., BUT before any goodies are sent out - I must see a post on your blog - send me a link - that would be perfect).

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. Whatcha get is whatcha get.
2. What I create will be just for you, with love.
3. It’ll be done this year (2009).
4. I will not give you any clue what it’s going to be. It will be something made in the real world and not something cyber.
5. I reserve the right to do something strange or weird (though I don't really make strange or weird myself - but left the text in - just in case someone else may think so).
6. In return, all you need to do is post this text on your blog and make 5 things for the first 5 to respond to your blog post.
7. Send your mailing address – after I contact you.

Welcome to everyone. I will however, make an effort to do something that you like based on what I see on your blog, BUT there are no guarantees.

Have fun, and make a difference in somebody's life today.

SAM'S ACCIDENT

2009-09-16T04:40:00.003-04:00

brothers
Originally uploaded by ibreak4glass

here is the whole story.

Friday after school Sam decided he wanted to go for a bike ride with his brother. Sam is on the right in the photo, his brother Dan on the left.
He usually goes to the school playground which is just around the corner from where we live.
Mike and I were just discussing what we were gonna do for dinner, I was on the computer
when Inder a friend of Sam's ran up on the porch and started to pound on the door and ring
the door bell. I said to Mike, what could it be that he was in such a hurry to get Sam for?
I asked Inder what was up.
He said Sam was hit by a car.
Mike Jumped up got his car keys, I jumped up and threw my computer, I was looking for my
purse and phone to call 911, and Screaming at the top of my lungs. Oh my god, oh my god...
hyperventilating.
I went out side and Mike was pulling away. I dialed 911 and they had already gotten a call.
My Nieghbor was standing out side, I told her Sam was hit and I needed to get a ride. as
we drove up to where he was I jumped out of the car as it was still moving.

I saw his shoes by the curb and he was a good 20 feet away from them. I didn't see the car
or all the people just Sam.

He was lying on the the side of the road, face down,in a pool of blood. He wasn't moving.
I called to him and got down next to him and tried to get him to say something. He started moaning
and crying and tried to lift up his head, I tried to get him to stop moving, but he couldn't hear
me or answer me. His face was on the curb. He had grass in his mouth, a huge cut above his eye
and his Eye was the size of a grapefruit. His body was limp lying half on the curb and half in the street.
His arm was contorted.
The paramedics tryed to pull me away, finally did, and put me in the ambulance. They got Sam up and
in the ambulance. We were about 10 minutes from the hospital. I tried so hard to get a hold of the elders,
no one was in town or answering the phone. I got to the hospital and went into the triage room. I told the
docs, each one individually that he was to have no whole blood. I am one of Jehovah's witnesses and if he
could speak for himself, he would tell you. NO BLOOD. I asked if they would give him procrit or EPO, or some
non blood volume expanders. They promised they would do all they could.
They assessed him.
his lower left leg bone was broken, his upper bone the femur was shattered, his left arm was broken and they
thought maybe some head fractures.

they took him upstairs to intensive care, and came out and said they need to do surgery immediately to
repair his leg, the doc promised me he would do all he could to make sure there was minimal blood loss and
not use blood.
They did say that there was a possibility that they would get a court order and force blood. but they assured
me he would be ok, they were expecting 3 hours in surgery and that was it.

When they came out, he had put a rod in his femur and pulled all his shattered pieces together.
his lower leg was screwed with a plate, they had to remove his pin that was in his hip in order to get
to the leg.

They didn't fix his arm, only put it in a half cast so it would not be too heavy. He had radial nerve damage on
the left arm that was affecting his hand and fingers.

He was on a ventilator and they were keeping him sedated. Waking him up every hour to do Nuerological tests.
He screamed so much while he was awake, he was in so much pain. But he was able to wiggle his toes, and raise two
fingers on his right, but couldn't do much with his left hand.
They also found multiple fractures of his Orbital, temporal, mandibular facial bones, and a fracture at the base of his neck at
the T1-C7 vertibrae. So they put him in a special head and neck brace. He started to spike a fever, and was swelling pretty bad. apparently his blood levels were pretty low, he had lost half of his blood volume. I kept reinforcing that he was not to get blood but to please do all they can for him to build up his blood. They came in late Saturday after noon and said they were giving him blood. I said NO, Rich said NO. We again asked them to give him EPO or procrit and to do what ever they could with out using whole blood. My friend called the Liaison committee. They kept pushing, we kept saying our representatives were coming. Please just give us time.
This one Doctor was being very adamant and said they already had a court order in place, that it was in place before they did his surgery. Although they did not use it then. She said she was going to give him blood and I kept saying no.
His levels were still dropping.
the Members of the liaison committee arrived, one being a doc at the VA hospital. The other was Daryl, don't know what he does for a living but he was very articulate and very much lawyer like. They had no physical court order. They only had a hand written order in the chart stating it was as per some lawyer. Daryl said they had to produce an actual court order and charge me with neglect or child endagerment. They had nothing, because it was the weekend. They were breaking there own hospital policies left and right. Breaking several laws as well. They asked me what I wanted them to do, and I asked for time, please just give us a little more time. I also said again to start building his volume and blood. They were ignoring my wishes. The Nuero surgeon came in and told us Sam needed to have a spinal tap to see if his infection was in the spinal fluid. He told us a couple of weeks ago at another hospital he worked in they had a simular case. that in the pharmacy they had synthetic blood products and other means to build up Sam's blood. He went out in our behalf to try and talk to the Doctors , to ask them to call over at Gates Circle hospital and find out if there was something else. He was on our side, this bought us some time. I told them to call Englewood NJ hospital 1-800-NO Bloodand please discuss options with them.
The liaison brothers asked us to meet privately and discussed the issue.
He explained it was not personal, we are not there to preach, that this was business.
He told us of the laws they were breaking. And told us we had a right to appear before
the judge to stop the action of the court order. ALL of our rights were taken from us.
When we got back there, Rich (Sam's Dad)was there telling them NO BLOOD, take it off NOW.
they called security and insisted they had a court order but would not produce a document.
Daryl the HL brother stayed with us every step of the way. I begged them to give us more
time, to give him pro crit. They finally did that. they pumped in the procrit and when it was done
they came in and said they were giving him the blood.
Daryl said at that point it was out of our hands and was in tears.
They gave him only one unit. the equivalent of about a cup.
They insisted that would build his oxygen level in his blood.
All this over a unit.

Sam was removed from the ventilator on Sunday, he was combative, screaming things like,
head trauma, head trauma. He was withdrawing from the medication. Then he said "let the elders take
care of it. Let the elders take care of it. Sam was also cursing and throwing himself around. He grabbed
hold of my neck and almost ripped my head off. It took 4 people to hold him down, each episode was less
intense. We were told that sometimes head trauma will cause personality changes. I thought I lost
that part of my boy.
By Monday he was his self, at least nearly himself. He kept asking me to pray with him. And asked the brothers
to pray with him.
When I was talking to a nurse and a doc he shouted out "I don't want blood" I said to him, did you say something,
"Yes, I don't want blood"
on Wednesday the bone doctor said he wanted to do surgery on Sam's arm to put a rod into the bone and fix the nerve.
He told me that blood was not necassary. That he did not need it. And that there was minimal blood loss involved.
The Surgical team came in and said she was going to give sam a unit of blood before surgery. I said she wasn't and if
that were the case he was going to be transferred to Pittsburgh. She said that would be up to the anesthesiologist.
I told her I wanted a few days more so his levels could build themselves up.
Later in the day the anesthesiologist came in to see Sam, he said there was no way he would need blood prior too or
during surgery and wrote his plan of action and then made a copy and gave it to us. Another surgical team member stopped by
and asked how things were going. I told her I wanted a few days for Sam's blood to build up before the surgery and that the Doc said he had a 4 to 10 day window to work with. She told me she would go in our behalf and get the surgery cancelled for the next day. The bone doc came back down a few hours later and told us he wasn't going to do the surgery, that they were going to try something else. and maybe in 5 or 6 days do the surgery.

Then another Doc came in and asked to speak to me privately. He essentially said that if a bone fragment were to break off or some other thing would happen that they would give Sam blood, and he strongly suggested we transfer him out.

Today we speak to the president of the hospital and inform her if his Patient rights are not protected we will take him else where.

So that is where we are.

Sam has some vision loss, some hearing loss, and the loss of use of his left arm, all of which we are hoping will heal and change.

Thats all I have for now. I will try to keep you updated.

PieceMakers Mosaic Challenge

2009-09-03T20:57:00.004-04:00

PieceMakers Mosaic Challenge
Originally uploaded by greenegoddess

Its that time again. Time to Vote in the Piecemakers wild world of Animals Mosaic Challenge.
Wonderful submissions as always. Very creative and uniquely different....have fun and pick your fave now....

http://piecemakersmosaics.blogspot.com/

Fairycakes Cupcakery Yum...Western NY at its best

2009-08-22T23:27:00.005-04:00

On a recent jaunt to down town Buffalo , I decided to take my camera along and take some pics at the Buffalo Downtown Market. A wonderful Farmers market right in the heart of the city. I came across this one stand that took me by surprise. Fairycakes....what is a Fairy cake. To my surprise a wonderful yummy , moist and delicious cup cake with unusual and delectable flavors. I bought 3 to try. At $3.00 a piece I thought to myself....are you crazy. Spending so much on a cup cake, I could go to the local market and buy cake mix and ingredients to make my own buttercreme frosting. A former baker and cake decorator....well I just had to try them.

The name drew me in, but the flavor and moistness is what sold me. When I returned home I hesitated at ripping the cute little brown bag wide open. Instead I pulled out my camera and shot some pics of this interesting concoction.

My flavor....Almond cupcake with raspberry butter creme frosting. I carefully opened the bag, reached in and pulled the cupcake to safety. Carefully unwrapping this little cake, and "Chomp" I took my first big bite. Making sure I had both frosting and cake in my bite. the Almond was perfect. Not to strong and not too weak. The texture,, moist, light, airy.....my goodness it was a heavenly delight.

Sam took a bite of his Chocolate cupcake with Oreo Frosting. He had a look on his face...well I thought he was going to faint. He wasn't all to eager to let me have a taste. I promised to bite a tiny bite, but enough to experience this delight. He didn't trust me. How could that be? I guess he was watching my face as I indulged in my cupcake and he wanted a like experience. He saved a tiny bit of cake and frosting at the end. Wait a minute... this is so so so so good. Just in my tiny bite an explosion of chocolatey goodness, and a bit of oreo cookie. These Ladies have something here.

Dan had the Cookie Dough cupcake. He wasn't overly thrilled, but keep in mind he is a skinny 17 year old who lives on monsters and captain crunch. He left me a taste as well. It was good. but the bottom was a bit on te crunchy side from the cookie dough baking in. The Girls had told me that this cupcake was egg free. It had a slightly coarse texture...but it was good. Don't get me wrong 2 out of 3. I guess with the Cookie dough one you really have to like the flavor in all its forms. For me, a spoon full of tollhouse cookie dough is all I need.

Just in case you think you might like to dive into a wonderful cupcake experience. Head on over to FairyCakes online. A Western NY hidden treasure that will soon be sending little cakes through the mail. They do all kinds of neat cupcakes. So check them out.

How I would like to pay it forward.

2009-08-17T17:16:00.010-04:00

After a lot of thought about my "How you can pay it forward"

listing on artfire in my The Camera's Eye studio and Ibreak4glass studio.
I have thought deeply about what a nameless friend has done for me.
My Camera broke about a month ago. I was in tears. Over a camera? Yes.
The camera which has become and extention of my self expression.
A way in which I give gifts to others that last for ever.
Or at least until the end of this system of things. I take photographs from my heart.
When I take photo's of things that I love or people I love, or just people because I love people, something wonderful happens.
Tears of joy from a mom moved at the 8x10 I hand her of her child as a gift.
Photographing a wedding of a family member that cannot afford to pay the high prices of a Photographer today. The joy that it brings me to see happy faces is insurmountable .
I can't put that into words. Its all about feelings.
I am humble, I don't think this gift is
as good as "Chase Jarvis" or even Ansel Adams .

But my work is good enough to make me and others happy.
Its been published and shared, favorited and commented on in flickr. So why the tears?
Maybe now you understand. Loosing my camera is like loosing my eyes.
Someone felt that my photography and my eye , or the way I see through the camera was good enough that they sent me a brand new camera.
Not just any camera! But one that I have wanted for a while.

So I got my self on twitter today and sent out a tweet
"Looking to Pay it forward,I need a Buffalo Family
that wants to take part in a low key photo shoot...."
I might do one family, I might do several,
but I have a feeling it will emerge as something wonderful and spectacular.
Some one gave me a wonderful gift.
Now maybe, just maybe I can give something wonderful back.
If I can give even one person a fraction of what
this nameless friend gave me,
then she has succeeded in moving me to
Pay it Forward
in many different ways.
Pay it forward is a way of asking that a good deed
be repaid by having it done to others instead.

How you can "Pay it forward"... a unique gift

2009-08-17T09:40:00.007-04:00

rie rie
Originally uploaded by ibreak4glass

Looking to Pay it forward?
Has someone done something kind for you
and you want to give it back?

I know a lot of us have friends with children or even grand children. Perhaps we know of some one who is pregnant.
I am currently looking for a couple of families or mom's that would love to be gifted a 2 hour photo shoot. I have to limit the amount in the shoot to 2 right now due to time constraints and cost.
I am specifically looking to photograph Pregnant bellies and newborn to 18 months.
I will do teens, models to be, musicians and college students.
They need to be in the Western NY area.
Which includes Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Lockport, Clarence, Orchard park and areas in between.
I will travel 30 miles from Buffalo at my cost, anything further will be an additional cost.
I am booking for late August and Early September.
They will get my time for free and you will purchase an 11x14 for them
( or yourself if you are the model).
Just go to my Artfire shops.

Ibreak4glass.artfire.com
TheCamerasEye.artfire.com

Purchase the Pay it Forward listing, and send me Contact information in the sellers notes.
I will contact you with in 3 days of purchase to arrange the Photo shoot
at your home, a local park or a favorite place.
My student assistant and I look forward to working with you.

Blog Award

2009-08-12T08:54:00.006-04:00

Lea of LA Jewelrydesigns
Just sent me this wonderful blog award.

I am suppose to say 5 things that I LOVE.

1. My God and his word that guide's me through
the good times and the bad.
2. My husband, kids,
family and friends
(I consider my friends an extension of my family)
3. My alone time...
so I can
be artistic and creative
finding new ways to express myself
whether its through
mosaics, photography, painting, writing or
just being me...
this is how I share what I love.
4. Life that surrounds me.
God's Creation from
the tiny ant that keeps busy all day
to the majestic mountains and vast oceans
and
the life that is teaming all around us.
From the softness of a newborns skin
to
the ruggedness of an old man's hands
that has worked hard his whole life.
5. Music.
from the gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar,
to the beat of an island drum.
Songs from
the days of growing up,
jazzy and blues, country and rock,
songs
that move and songs that bring tears.
I love
classical guitar, Spanish
island music, and Greek music....
music , music, music!

Now I get to share this award with 10 of my favorite blogs!!!

Smashgirl
CMKScultptures
Diane Webber Quilt Art
Manic For Mosaics
candlemammascandlecreations
scarlet-impressions
beach-city-beader
live love create
shabbygirlmosaics
marypoppins-homesweethome

Artfire a place for wonderfully Unique gifts

2009-08-04T21:46:00.012-04:00

When I first started listing my items on Artfire, I knew I would have to work very hard to get my Mosaics and Photography seen . Although my sales are very slow right now, my enthusiasm for purchasing my supplies and unique gifts on artfire is hotter than ever. Where else can you buy one of a kind (OOAK) items that no department store will ever be able to carry.
A unique gift might include a Mosaic knife block, perfect for a wedding gift or even a housewarming gift.
Or perhaps you are looking for
something distinctive for a
Special Mother in Law....A mosaic photo frame in a one of a kind design. No MIL would ever find the same one in her best friends home or even at her favorite discount store. She will have a uniue gift and a one of a kind work of art. Then there is a need for that special guy in your life. Maybe he likes Muscle cars, or HOT ROD's then an 11x14 of a cool car of your choice is the right gift.

Is a Wedding in your future? How about baby announcements? All this an more can be found in my Artfire studio.

I will soon be listing a special promotion called Pay it Forward. I will be listing an item for free, you pay only a small shipping fee, and then you will be required to list something in your shop to pay it forward to someone else. Just a kind act to cheer someone up. sear PIF or pay it forward or hey...just check out my ArtFire studio for that rare and unique gift.

Studebaker TTV(Through the lens)

2009-07-24T23:30:00.003-04:00

Studebaker TTV(Through the lens)
Originally uploaded by ibreak4glass

I
have been
having a blast working with Photoshop. I have learned so much the past two weeks and I owe it all to Jessica Sprauge of http://www.jessicasprague.com/. Jessica offers classes on scrapbooking techniques and photography. I signed up for one of her free classes: Photo Editing: Frame-ups and Special Effects. I learned about brushes, textures, TTV, clipping masks and more. I can't begin to tell you how much this class has helped me in my art. This class would have well been worth paying for. Jessica offers many classes which are catergorized as: Digital Scrapbooking, Scrapbook Alchemy ,Organization, Gift Codes, Photography, Photo Editing, Photoshop, Techniques and more. She also has Digital products and free items for you to download. Stop by her sight and see if you can't learn to take and ordinary photo and turn it into some thing extraordinary.

An interview With Doug Budd, my Favorite Shop on Artfire.com

2009-07-16T20:43:00.009-04:00

Artfire is one of my favorite places to buy and sell Handmade items on the web. When looking through different Photography stores for inspiration I came across one that stood apart from the others.
Budd's Photo.
The name of the studio suggests simplicity. The Photography is simply Beautiful. Follow along with me as I introduce you to Doug Budd of Buddsphoto.artfire.com.
Doug, the owner and photographer, specializes in photographic images of the Ozarks. Their animals, scenic views, and any thing that represents the Ozarks.
Michelle: Doug how long have yo:u been a Photographer?
Doug: "I started serious in photography in 1989. I started out shooting drag races at a speedway in the Chicago area and the I went to shooting concerts. I have had the opportunity to photograph national acts such as Great White, Warrant, Dokken, Ratt, Hair of the Dog, LA Guns and others. I also worked for a local professional wrestling promoter and had the opportunity to shoot many of the wrestling matches. The biggest name that I photographed was a wrestler who went by the name of "Commando". Two years later he hit the scene as "The Undertaker". I have done school yearbooks, weddings, senior pictures , model portfolios and the like also but I got tired of people pictures."
Michelle: "What is your favorite subject to photograph?"
Doug:" My favorite subjects to photograph are outdoor, nature images. If I had to choose a single subject as a favorite, it would have to be water. I find beauty in everything from a mud puddle to large lakes and rivers. On the flip side of the coin, I love to shoot grave yards, especially in infra-red."
Michelle: " What advice could you give to people who are just starting out in the field?"
Doug: " I could write a book on this question. What advice....Patience is a must. If you are in photography for the money, it will take time to build a reputation. Start small and work your way up. Find a FRIENDLY pro that you click with and absolutely pick his or her brain. I guess that one of the most important things is NOT have equipment envy. Great images can be made with almost any camera. I am not trying to brag on my images, but every image that I have for sale online were all shot with a point and shoot that cost under $300.00. I did not use a several thousand dollar dSLR system. One bit of advice to get someone making better images immediately is for a photographer to ask themselves three questions before pushing that shutter release.
They are:
1. What is my subject?
2. What can I do to draw attention to my subject?
3. What can I do to simplify my image?

Answer these three questions with diligence and you will see your images improve."

Michelle: " Are you selling any where else other than Artfire?"
Doug: " I have a shop on Etsy also. I also sell locally in a small fine art gallery. I tend to sell more real photo greeting cards than anything else. My Etsy shop has been open a couple of days and I am trying my hand at limited edition ACEO's. My Artfire sales are slow but that is my fault. I have not worked at pushing sales as I should. My wife is in the process of helping me rediesign and promote my work. She is the talent in that part for sure. Please note that you will see many of the same images in each shop. Artfire will eventually be greeting cards mostly and Etsy will be ACEO's and fine art prints. I am just not there with all of the shop restructuring yet."
Michelle:"Can you tell me who your favorite photographer is and what inspires or influences your photography?"
Doug:" As for influences and favorite photographers there are many. The very first photographer to influance me was an unknown 19th century portrait photographer. I saw my first tintype, I was amazed and bought it and a passion for collecting and taking pictures was born. Ansel Adams would have to be one of my favorite photographers along with others from the "f/64 club". Without a doubt my favorite working photographer today is Peter Scott Eide. His quality Black and White images is the bar, in my opinion. I try to strive to reach that bar.
One more thing that I would like to add. It is worth the extra effort (but not the extra money) to use a quality lab. The local department and drug stores are fine for family pics. If you want an image that you are trying to sell or exhibit in a show or contest use a pro lab. There are many good online labs that advertise in the national photography magazines. Try a couple and see which one you like the best."
Michelle:"Thank you so much Dou g for sharing your knowledge and your insight into the world of a Photographer. "

Michelle Anderson

Transforming a photo into art

2009-07-16T07:28:00.002-04:00

Onion Card 005re
Originally uploaded by ibreak4glass

I have been taking a class on Digital Scrapbooking, photo shop editing(you can download a trial version of photo shop on adobe.com). And I have to say I am totally amazed at the simple things I have learned to enhance photo's. Whether its to make cards, enhance a photo for Etsy or Artfire, its amazing and the possibilities are endless. JessicaSprague.com is where I picked up this 2 week online class and it was free. She has some you have to buy too, what ever you pick, just going to her site she has lots of free downloads. So head on over, see what you can use and have fun converting a photo. I know I did.

189 CAT TAILS

2009-07-13T20:51:00.001-04:00

189 CAT TAILS
Originally uploaded by ibreak4glass

I love to look at the world of nature in an obscure, strange kinda way. sometimes photographing a pretty flower is satisfying enough. And then there are days when I like to look at things that aren't as pretty. Like this Cat tail....molting....Caught my eye...So I thought I would share it with my blogging buddies.

PieceMakers Mosaic Artists Challenge

2009-07-06T20:37:00.001-04:00

PieceMakers Mosaic Artists Challenge
Originally uploaded by greenegoddess

Head on over to the Piecemakers blog and vote for your favorite Challenge piece now....time is running out.

Summer Installation Challenge: TIME TO VOTE

2009-07-02T11:32:00.003-04:00

Time to Vote in the Piece Makers Summer challenge. Home Installation was our theme. Some awesome entries so go and check them out. Don't forget to vote for your Fave.....

My entry for this Challenge was a window in my kitchen...Down to the wire it took me 3 days to complete, with one day to spare for the deadline....

Just opened today My New Etsy shop The Cmaera's Eye

2009-06-30T19:34:00.005-04:00

I am so excited to announce the opening of my New Etsy Shop.... THE CAMERA'S EYE photography by Michelle Anderson.

This new shop will be the very best of my photography. I am offering Large and extra large prints at very affordable prices for your walls at home or at the office.

This month only I will be offering free shipping to the USA only as Opening store special.

Thanks for all your support and continued wonderful comments on my Photographs featured on my Flickr and other sites.

I am so incredibly inspired by God's creation and all the beauty he has given for our eyes to see. Some of which is fleeting and can only be captured by photography. With emphasis on His creative works I am touched and so indelibly thankful, I just want to share with all of you the incredible beauty in the world around us. I would also like all of you to pause and be thankful to our creator each and every day for the colors, the light, the shadows, the botanical splendors, the touch of a child, the antics of a pet. If not for him we would not have these moments.

So please join me in my Grand opening of my Creation inspired Photography shop on Etsy.

Through THE CAMERA'S E YE..

popping poppy

2009-06-29T17:43:00.001-04:00

popping poppy
Originally uploaded by ibreak4glass

I was in Shelbourne Falls Mass, a few weekends ago. They have this amazing bridge they call the "Bridge of flowers". All perenials, I clicked this one and had no idea what it was. A fellow photographer told me it was a Poppy. I have never seen one before it was blooming. I just wanted to share this with my blogger friends. It is available for sale in my Artfire shop....

Tall ship "Empire Sandy"

2009-06-14T23:26:00.001-04:00

Tall ship
Originally uploaded by ibreak4glass

"Empire Sandy" from Thunder Bay Ontario Canada, swooped out into Lake Ontario from Port Dalhousie St. Catherines Ontario yesterday....
about 80 people boarded this beautiful sailing vessel for a 7 hour cruise filled with sailing, beautiful skies, and food from breakfast through to the chocolate covered cherries as each passenger exited the ship via the gang plank....

How I wish I could have sailed on her.....Happy though I was to be able to photograph her departure and sit at the end of the pier and watch as she softly sailed across this vast and wonderful lake. Maybe just maybe next year I will witness her beauty and experience sailing in a tall ship like the days of olde pirates and sea faring travelers...

Red Rose by Michelle Anderson

2009-06-12T10:38:00.001-04:00

Red Rose by Michelle Anderson
Originally uploaded by ibreak4glass

I love gardening, and really hate when my roses get sick and don't bloom all summer long. So how does a rose lover get beautiful roses? Photography. Get out early in the morning and catch a bud, a bud beginning to bloom, or a rose in full bloom, any way you can to capture your roses so you can enjoy them year round....Then you can share your roses with family and friends.

I hope you enjoy this rose bud...Its available on Art Fire in 8 x 10 or I can do a custom size for you if you like....
I can even do custom Wedding invitations or thank you notes using this or any of my Photographs.

Mosaic Challenge ~ Please VOTE

2009-05-03T17:42:00.001-04:00

Mosaic Challenge ~ Please VOTE
Originally uploaded by greenegoddess

Head on over to the Piece Makers Mosaic Artists Blog and vote on your fave for our Summer Challenge.

Voting ends May 8th so hurry over.

http://piecemakersmosaics.blogspot.com/

Thankful by Michelle Anderson

2009-04-27T07:54:00.002-04:00

American Falls by Michelle Anderson
Originally uploaded by ibreak4glass

We spent a very warm and windy day at Niagara Falls on Saturday. A family from Shelbourne Falls Mass. came up to visit. They have never seen the Falls.
We boarded the maid of the mist as the winds were whipping almost hurricane force. The sting of the icy cold mist from Niagara Falls was almost unbearable.
As we moved past the American and Bridal veil falls the wind began to get warmer. Ah' the calm before the storm. As the boat past by the cliffs and neared Terrapin point the icy wind came back again. The Maid of the mist hovered in the center of the Horseshoe falls, thoughts of my creator and his gifts to us filled my mind and heart. He truly was keeping humans in mind when he created the earth. The power of the water and the sound of continuous thunder was awe inspiring. I am grateful for my relationship with my God and very thankful to him for the world wide family that we have.
This Family that came to visit, I had met the daughter before when another friend spent the night on her way home to Illinois. Never meeting or even talking to her parents, we arranged through email to have them come and visit. The warmth and love and love for Jehovah God and the bible is what we all have in common. Worldwide association of brothers and sisters is a truthful statement. We are related in the faith in the sense that we all strive to follow the bibles principles and laws as closely as humanly possible. Honoring God and his teachings like a child honor's their parents. Because we are all Bible students actively living our lives in the same course and using the same direction, trust is not an issue.
We have strangers in our home and they leave closer than family members. Thank you Jehovah for the many gifts you give us each day. From wonderful creation to dazzle our eyes to the warmth of a hug from our fellow believers.

Bullying? Or abuse? Warning. Some language may offend.

2009-04-22T18:00:00.005-04:00

The past two days my 13 year old has come home from school ANGRY and extremely upset. He gets into a verbal rage. Accusing me of not knowing what he goes through at school, and that his life sucks. He demanded that I take him out of Amherst Middle school and send him back to his old school in Tonawanda. I had to send him to his room yesterday because he was so out of control.

I waited a few minutes and went upstairs to talk to him. About 2 months ago a couple of bully's attacked Sam, a few houses down the street. They threw him off his bike and threw his shoe across the street. These boys are a grade behind Sam. He is small for his age. So my husband went to each of the boys homes and told the parents that Sam had surgery recently for SCFE. He has a pin in his hip and the could have seriously hurt him. The Parents apologized. The next day things were OK. But that night A taxi cab pulled into the drive way. It was one of the boys Father. He talked to my husband and apparently made the boy say he was sorry.

Ever since that incident, these boys have been making crude, disgusting remarks to my son. I had no idea that it was continuing. They call him a fagot, gay, point at him and tell passing kids that he is gay. I am infuriated.

Today he came home and said there is a girl that keeps telling everyone he is asking her out. She says horrific things such as " You suck cow Penis", and other penis comments. She harasses him everyday.

I have raised my children according to God's word the bible. And one thing they do not do is date until they are ready for marriage. Sure they have a healthy normal interest in girls. But they know that they are living a Godly life and want to try and please God. They are taught not to have sex before marriage. So. This puts them in a position of attach. Because they aren't making out at 13, getting venereal diseases and worried about unplanned pregnancy they are now being labeled as GAY. I think not. Abstinence is something that all parents should teach their children. Especially 12 and 13 year old's.

Back to the problem at hand. The Boys that tease and torment him only do it when they see him. So its not every single day. But its often enough where my son does not want to be at school. He is getting emotionally harassed and it is damaging his self esteem. Sure I can take this to the Principal. They will talk to the kids, and maybe the parents. But then what? More abuse, more verbal taunting .

As a parent when do we get to the point of involving lawyers and police. I wish I knew . I am so fed up with my children being ripped apart by loose morals and because they refuse to go all the way ( my older son) or date they are accused of things that just are not true.

So I have said my peace. At least for now. I wonder. What would you do? Would you risk further chastisement by approaching authorities or would you pull your kid out of school and home school them? I can't afford the later. I think if the school's can't teach kindness and compassion in day to day lessons (since obviously the parents are not), then what happens to the kid that gets picked on?

Gathering Pollen by Michelle Anderson

2009-04-16T20:02:00.001-04:00

Gathering Pollen by Michelle Anderson
Originally uploaded by ibreak4glass

You can find this Photograph for sale on Art Fire. I took this while in South Carolina during Easter break. My Mom and Dad have a huge property 7 1/2 acres bumped up to Sumpter National Forest. The wild life and the insects are every where. I could never get bored sitting watching and listening.

Monarch enjoying sunflowers seeds by Michelle Anderson

2009-03-24T19:03:00.002-04:00

Monarch enjoying sunflowers seeds by Michelle Anderson
Originally uploaded by ibreak4glass/michelleanderson

Spring is blooming all around us. When I was in Georgia this month I was feeling a bit wintery. My Father, my Dad is 86 . He lives in an acute care wing of a nursing home in North Augusta South Carolina. It was very difficult to see him weak, frail, some what older than I last remember. Mostly it was difficult to watch as he stare into the blank space before him. Not talking, not moving, just starring. When I asked him if he knew me he said I was Kathy. Nope not me. Then I sat beside him and he reached for my hand. I said, " Daddy I love you so much, and I want you to know how proud I am to have you as my Dad." He started to cry. He said "You are so beautiful, I am proud of you." He repeated this a few times. Crying. I was able to look into his beautiful baby blue eyes and see deep into his heart. He was there, desperately trying to get out. He stared right back into my eyes. And I knew he knew me. He squeezed my hand and left me once again. "beep beep" he said and laughed only like my daddy could, he was mimicking the sound of a beep in the hallway. Life is a circle that has no end. We are born, raised, get old, need care, die and born once again in the resurrection that is my hope when I will see my daddy again. I had to say goodbye. He said " The good lord is taking me home soon. To a hotel". We laughed and we cryed. I feel very blessed to have had Andrew Cook as my Father. He taught me alot, gave me strength to live when I didn't want to , hope that I would find a man as good as he was and I did. He gave me a strange sense of humor, love of nature, loyalty in family and friendship. Although our religions did not end up being the same, poppa was happy that I had found the true God of the Bible. Happy that I had found our creator.
This summer when I watch the monarch perch on the sunflower I will be reminded of the circle of life, the life that my daddy gave me and the life ahead that my Father in heaven has promised. I will see my dad again. Just as sure as I know the monarchs will come I know I will be with him for all eternity here....here on earth.

Harvest time by Michelle Anderson

2009-03-24T18:48:00.001-04:00

Harvest time by Michelle Anderson
Originally uploaded by ibreak4glass/michelleanderson

Most of my Friends know me as a mosaic artist. Then there are those who know me as a photographer. I was invited to join a flickr group called Beautiful World Challenge. Lots of fun and talent in this group.
A theme is posted and only 10 entries are allowed and then we vote.
I haven't won yet, some very stiff competition. But I can tell you I am learning. When ever I see a piece of art or a photograph I study it and take from it a little piece. Hopefully when I put all the pieces together I will have created art. Hmmm sounds like making a mosaic. Hence that is my life. One Big ungrouted mosaic.

Purple by Michelle Anderson

2009-03-24T18:44:00.001-04:00

Purple by Michelle Anderson
Originally uploaded by ibreak4glass/michelleanderson

Is any one out there ready for spring. I live near Buffalo NY and I am more than ready.

Just wanted to share this purple cosmos with my blogging friends.

Happy Gardening to you southerners and happy Garden Prepping up north.

2009-03-04T09:11:00.001-05:00

Winner of the mosaic ACEO is....littlegemsbykari
please contact me so I can ship out your aceo.
thank you, Ibreak4glass

Rewarding inspiration ?

2009-03-03T17:50:00.009-05:00

Spring Sprite ACEO

one of the glass paintings that inspired me.

Such a multi dimentional glass artist

To me there is nothing more rewarding than being inspired by some one elses art work or inspiring someone else to step outside the box and their comfort zone to create a work of art.
Meet Sharon GlassGardenCreations's on etsy . I bumped into this wonderful creative woman on Flickr. We have similar artists names on Flickr a photo sharing site. My name being Ibreak4glass , and her's being lv2brkglas. Similar yes...we both LOVE to break glass. And our interest similarities don't end stop there. We both love fused glass and mosaics. When I started creating my Mosaic ACEO's I saw something in Sharon's work that just kept inspiring me. Her glass painted kitten was what first gave me the idea. Then I saw her little butterfly. I wondered if it was the size of an ACEO 2 1/2"x 3 1/2". I only have a little kiln for the micro wave to fuse glass. I came across a mini mosaic that Sharon had created and It made me wonder with her talent she can do anything...And if I don't have the tools to do something why not give the gift for someone else to benefit from it.
She creates these beautiful glass paintings. And amazing glass jewelry; So I asked her if she had ever considered doing ACEO's.... in fused glass of course.
We chatted back and forth and like me, she got bit. The ACEO Bug got her good. check out some of her work...She is so talented.
A Garden mosaic path Winter Sprite ( My fave) Fused glass ACEO

We both hope that by sharing our mutual inspiration it will somehow reach into your creative vien and bite you.....May your creating never end ....only expand.

Join me on artfire and help me get a free Ride....
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=sevenforlife&afuid=8304. Thank You

On a whim I started a new Guild on Art Fire

2009-02-24T17:50:00.005-05:00

As an artists and photographer my life goes in many directions. I have been an active member and participant in several guilds on Art Fire. Most Importantly to me the Piece Makers Mosaic Artsist Group on Etsy and Artfire.

I am still as active in that group as I can be, getting my mosaics and my art out there for all to see has been the main goal and focus of the group. Others are getting sales, although they trickle, mine have been minimal. I know the economy is bad right now and people are being selective of how they buy. Hence my starting Mosaic ACEO's a way to get my art in peoples hands.
I have been doing a lot of research and chatting about and have found that this is an incredible way to share your art work in a miniature format. I started making mini mosaics and they are selling. My problem is that they are selling on Ebay not on my main studio site Artfire or Etsy. Sales are an important thing for starving artists as with any business.
I thought I would take a chance and see who is selling ACEO's on Artfire. I found well over 350 and was impressed with the quality and quantity of the work.
I contacted an Artist that stood out in the ACEO's I was looking at. She has alot of them and her style is one that appealed to me. I asked Christy if she would be interested in being a Co-creator of a Guild dedicated to ACEO artists. She was thrilled. ChristyDeKoning is a talented , funny and enthusiastic woman. I am honored to have her as my Co-Creator and helper in getting ACEO artists on Artfire known and seen. After she agreed to help me and gave me some constructive critisism of the descroption and name of the guild, I posted it sent out 20 or so invitations and in less than 2 hours we became a Guild. I was so excited. It takes 5 members to make it a guild. We are currently up to 9 and more invites are being sent out this evening.

Guild Description:

A fun group of talented artists that create ACEO''s of their original artwork in a variety of media''s. Hoping to put the Artfire under the desire to collect and trade affordable miniature art. ACEO stands for "Art Cards, Editions and Originals". These cards have one main rule - they are 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches - the size of a trading card.

Guild Mission:

The purpose of "The Artfire Mixed Media ACEO Guild "is the sharing of idea''s, techniques as well as promoting and creating mixed media ACEO''s. Educating the general public and other artisans on what ACEO''s are. Writing articles and stories of what has inspired you to
create your ACEO. Encouraging creativity through challenges and fun swaps as well as group sales and games such as scavenger hunts with prizes for participants.

If you are on Etsy, Ebay, shophandmade, or any other site and you sell your artwork in the form of ACEO's contact me Ibreak4glass and we will set you up in our guild.
If you are not yet a member of Artfire, You need to be a verified member to join the
guild. Please use Ibreak4glass as a referal or the link below to sign up under me.
Right now Art Fire is offering $7.oo a month accounts, unlimited listings, 10 photo's per item, no final value fees, guilds and interactive learning media and an amazing group of talented people behind the scenes helping artists to get thier work seen.
ArtFireJohn (twitter name) is the President of Art fire.
He gives personal attention and excepts all kinds of suggestions to make Art Fire, artist friendly.
So Please take a few minutes check out the ART FIRE ACEO ARTISTS GUILD and its members and buy some affordable, collectable art.
Michelle Anderson aka Ibreak4glass
Guild Master:
Art Fire ACEO artists guild

Join me on artfire and help me get a free Ride....

Plane Crash hits close to home, stirs memories of 9-11-01

2009-02-13T06:59:00.004-05:00

Some times something in our day to life triggers memories. Some good, some not so good. Emotions that are warm and fuzzy, or full of fear and dread. This morning when I woke to 97 rock interviewing Amherst High School Alumni Dooley O'rouke I laid in my bed frozen. I was taken back to a day that no one will ever forget a day that changed my life and my children's in so many ways.

"New York State Police say all 48 people on board Continental Airlines flight #3407 that crashed in Clarence Center and one person on the ground were killed."

Clarence Center is a Community where my Family resides. My Brother in law and his wife, her Family and so many friends. At first not knowing exactly where it crashed the horror and fear associated with this tragedy were immense.

One hour later I found out it crashed right across the street from where my best friend from high school and her family live. A stones throw from my family's house. I just looked at mapquest and this plane literally is one block from Donna and Paul. Thank God it missed them. But my heart goes out to those who witnessed this tragedy. To those family and friends who lost loved ones. To those affected directly or indirectly.

Why the 9-11-01 trigger you may wonder.
I lived just north of New York City in Newburgh NY. Our home was a few blocks from the Hudson River , we lived at the top of the hill that overlooked the hudson. We were use to planes flying overhead and rather close due to the Stewart Airport being so close. We also were accustomed to the flight patterns and we were very aware of the changes in those patterns. I was packing my Van with my belongings and my childrens. I was leaving my husband of 17 years that morning and heading back home to Amherst, NY. A young man who was like a son to may and a good friend of my oldest son's stopped by moments before we were left to say goodbye. We hugged goodbye and looked up toward the sky noticing a Jet airliner passing overhead, the direction was south along the hudson. We looked at eachother knowing it was very unusual, commenting on the strange path.
I hoped in my van to head up to Poughkeepsie and pick up my boys medical records. I turned on the radio and heard the news talking of a plane hitting the tower in NY city. It was si sureal because I had just watched a show a few days ago about a plane that hit the empire state building a few years ago. I couldn't discern that this was reality, happening right now. As I drove up route 9 towards Poughkeepsie you could see the faces of the drivers, mouths hanging open, tears flowing down. I realized then that it wasn't a recap of something that happened years ago. But It was happening that very moment. I tried desprately to call my Friend Michelle who's husband and Father in law was a NY city firefighter. Then I tried to call my Best Friend who's daughter worked in the Twin towers. The emotions were over powering. As I crossed the bridge over the Hudson river my heart was pounding. The boys and I went into the doctors office greeted by blank faces, staring at the television, another plane had just hit the tower. I almost fainted. I just saw that plane a few minutes before. That was the plane that flew over my head as I was saying goodbye to Dominic. Then news of the Pentagon, the flight that crashed in Pennsylvania, when would this end.
I gathered the boys records and headed back to Newburgh to fill some prescriptions. The bridges across the Hudson were all closed, I made it across just in time. The Pharmasist knew my Best friend and her daughter, he too could not get through. The Cell towers that were on top of the Twin Towers served our area and when they went down so did all communication. I went back to say goodbye to my Ex, and tryed to use the phone and asked him to keep calling Jacqui and Michelle. He said he was already trying and would let me know if he learned any thing.
Driving north on the 87, the road was closed from Newburgh south into New York City. North towards Albany was empty. We stopped at a rest stop to get some drinks and snacks, and all the people were gathered standing in front of the T.V. it was eerily quiet. No one spoke, just blank stares, with subtle tears falling from many of the faces. I knew many of these travellers were heading toward the City and were in fear worried for there families and friends.
The boys and I headed Home, Home to Buffalo NY. There were very few cars on the road, the most we was were military and police vehicles. When we arrived in Buffalo 7 hours later it was so strange. No traffic, everything closed. I then realized that what happened not only impacted those of us who lived in and around the city but the whole world was in shock.

The news continues about flight #3407 as I sit here tears flowing down my cheek. I know that so many are being affected by this tragedy.

The connection that brought my emotions to the forefront was this ...Beverly Eckert the widow of a 9-11-01 Sean ...I am sorry ....here is a quote..."Beverly Eckert is the widow of Sean Rooney, a Buffalo native who lost his life in the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Eckert was traveling to Buffalo for a weekend celebration of what would have been her husband's 58th birthday. "

I need to go call my Brother in law and friends and see if I can get through to them and see how they are all doing. Please keep your thoughts with these family's and friends.

Artist of the week on Piece Makers Blog

2009-02-11T21:11:00.003-05:00

Want to get to know some wonderful Artists. Join us on the Piecemakers Mosaic Artist Blog for an in dept look at what makes one tic and want to break glass and dishes.

We are almost done with our first challenge as well. Keep up to date on all our activities and meet the crazy piece loving creative shard artists. Hopefully you will be inspired and get hooked on the idea of taking some glass or dishes and breaking them, turning them into amazing art.

FEATURED ARTIST #3 thats me!!!

2009-01-29T12:30:00.003-05:00

Wow, I woke up today to more snow, but I don't care if we have a blizzard right now.
I can not believe the day I have had already. Two of my ACEO's are selling already on ebay, I launched my new line with a giveaway and I am being featured on plus size mommy. How can it get any better? Plus size mommy is featuring several etsy shops this week. What an honor to have mine included.

Stop by here site to see all the great giveaways she has going. And to read some very interesting things in her blog.

Visit PlusSizeMommy

Announcing my New Line and Giveaway-ACEO'S Mosaics a new and original art form by Michelle Anderson

2009-01-29T08:53:00.018-05:00

Welcome.
I am officially announcing My New Line and a new form of ACEO's/ATC's. The first ever in this art genre. Mosaic ACEO's by Ibreak4glass. There have been water color, oils, mixed media collage all done in this collectable form of art.

I have a friend who makes beautiful ACEO's in all kinds of media. When I joined the ebay group ACEO artists and enthusiasts, I was going to just do my Photography in ACEO format. When I introduced myself as a Photographer and mosaic artist. Someone said that it would be interesting to see what I do with my mosaics. A light went off in my head and I went on a creative spree. Experimenting with different things and found the format that works. The First photo above is my very first creation.
The photo's below are what came next. I am listing these exclusively on ebay. Not in my other stores right now.

I am using mixed media for these mini mosaics. Stained glass, ceramic tilse and china plates, Vintage beads, sea glass, glass beads, charms, swavorski crystals,and much much more.

What is an ACEO? What is an ATC?

ATC= Artist Trading Card- usually traded or swapped by artists and collectors
ACEO= Artists card, editions and Originals

The rule is in the size 2 1/2" X 3 1/2" trading card size.

These can be one of a kind or a limited edition. Or just Original artwork by the artist.

This is a great way to collect and trade art of all kinds, similar to baseball card and pokemon
trading cards. These make great framed art and collages. And to collect art from your
favorite artists.

Affordable art that can increase in value.

I am so excited to be the first in this Venue.
All my ACEO's are available on Ebay right now.
So come on over and bid.

My first ever mosaic ACEO had a bid the very first day.
Give away information at the end of this post.

You have now seen it first HERE. Created and originated by Michelle Anderson/Ibreak4glass
Head over to ebay and get yours today before they are gone.
Ebay user id: mikeanchelle04

http://cgi.ebay.com/ONE-of-a-KIND-ACEO-Mosaic-in-pastel-by-Ibreak4glass_W0QQitemZ330303109108QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item330303109108&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

For my Kick off of this New Line. I am giving away an original ACEO in Mosaic.

RULES:
1)Head over to ebay and pick your favorite Mosaic ACEO by Ibreak4glass.
2)Comment on this article which is your favorite and tell me why you like it.
3)make sure you leave a contact email so I can notify you if you are a winner.
4)Follow my blog (add your name to the list of followers)
This Contest ends the end of February and will announce the random winner on
March 1st.
4) You must follow the above exactly as stated to be qualified. So please read it carefully.

Art Fire Item of the HOUR!!!

2009-01-25T19:41:00.003-05:00

Join me on artfire and help me get a free Ride....
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=sevenforlife&afuid=8304. Thank You

I was thrilled to receive a message in my inbox on Artfire that I was chosen to have my item as "Item of the Hour"

This was the substance of email number 2Your product "A rose is a rose by Michelle Anderson 5x...
Congratulations! Your product "A rose is a rose by Michelle Anderson 5x7 fine art print" has been randomly chosen as item of the hour.

Your item will be featured on the ArtFire.com Home Page from 01/24/2009 @ 11:34 PM until 01/24/2009 @ 5:00 PM MST

Thank You for being a part of the ArtFire Community!

I can't thank Artfire enough for all the hard work they are putting into the artisans community. I am thrilled with the immediate response to issues by the staff, and the amazing support and help from members and staff alike.

Here is my First Ever Item Of the HOUR on ARTFIRE.
Etsy would never be this kind to someone who has no sales yet.

Your product "FREE SHIPPING "Peaceful moment in Natu...
Congratulations! Your product "FREE SHIPPING "Peaceful moment in Nature"Mosaic wall hanging 9 X 14 valentine gift for him"" has been randomly chosen as item of the hour.

Your item will be featured on the ArtFire.com Home Page from 01/23/2009 @ 11:11 PM until 01/23/2009 @ 5:00 PM MST

Thank You for being a part of the ArtFire Community!

So if your still selling on ETSY, send me an email about how you can get a $7.00 a month studio with no commision fees, no renewal fees, no listing fees, and no sales fees. Plus you get 10 FREE photo's per listing. Listing is only 1 page and very simple to do. This is $7.00 a month for life. click on my link about the free ride and help me get there....

The Sheepish Grin by Michelle Anderson

2009-01-19T08:48:00.012-05:00

Standing at the kitchen sink I begin to fill the basin.

My 13 year old announces "Mom I am going out side to shovel."

I say nothing. I clean the coffee pot, scoop in the coffee, push the on button

and return to my dishes. I look up and stare outside at the back yard.

He emerges from the house and disappears again.

I wash a few dishes, look out again to see him with shovel in hand.

He passes in one direction. Stops and looks up at me in the window.

I smile and motion for him to put his hood up.

He does with no hesitation.

Then as he begins to lift the shovel he turns to make sure I am watching.

He gives me his boyish ear to ear grin and then opens the garage door

where he disappears.

I go back to the dishes , scrub a few, rinse them and look out again into the back yard.

Suddenly a shovel emerges with my son and a very large sheepish grin.
He is on the Hover round his dad found in the garbage last summer.
He heads out into the snow with it and begins to plow the driveway.
He has the expression of innocence. Of a joy I have long forgotten.
I relish in this moment realizing that at 13, these moments will now be few
and far between. I am so glad to be his mom.
Knowing that if his dad sees him he won't understand.
That he will think first he is going to ruin the hover round.
I sit down and begin to try and capture this moment in time
in pen and ink. One I want to share with mom's everywhere.

He comes back into the house with his sheepish grin again, Dad asks
if he shoveled. My boy said "sort of, I was being like you dad." At first
I didn't understand the comment. He explains.
"I was plowing the driveway." You see his dad of 4 years has taught
him the value of hard work and staying with a job. His Dad works for the
Town where he sometimes gets up in the middle of the night to salt or plow
the roads to keep us all safe. Sometimes he works all day and night and doesn't
get much sleep. A work ethic that he has imprinted in such a short time on my
boy with the sheepish grin.

Written by Michelle Anderson 1-18-09

Just Listed on Artfire.com

2009-01-14T08:00:00.006-05:00

Hello Friends.
I have a new listing on Artfire.com
Its Useful Mosaic Art for your kitchen
HELP ME PICK A NAME

"Flower Steak in Simply Turquoise"

"flower steak" because it is a floral design
or
"Simply Turquoise" because of its color.
or perhaps your
suggestion.
I could not decide on which name to give it. So I thought
I would throw it out there for the month and have YOU
help me to name it.
I will send a gift to the winning name.
so leave a comment and help my wood block
knife holder mosaic have its name.
gift is subject to my choice.
not responsible for lost or misdirected mail.

Piece Makers Mosaic Artsist now an Etsy Team and MORE

2009-01-09T11:16:00.005-05:00

This is a very exciting time for A wonderful group of mixed media and
mosaic ARTISTS. We are officially an Etsy Team.
We are Officially an Artisans Guild on Art Fire.

We started our very first Challenge from our Piece Makers Mosaic Artist
Blog Challenge Winner Susan of Oakstudiosofdesign

I can' begin to put into words what a wonderful
inspiring, talented, fun bunch of women this group is.
We would even accept men into our group if any were daring
enough.

I want to also congratulate Kim of Kimscustomcaps
for winning the Random Drawing on our blog.

We will have more drawings and more prizes.
So stay tuned.

"Fiery Photographers Guild"

2009-01-08T07:47:00.005-05:00

I have the Honor to announce my membership
in the Creative and Talented "Fiery Photographers Guild".
A diverse group of men and women Photographers who have joined together on Art Fire.

The talent is amazing and so are the pieces being sold.
So get your art on and visit the
FIERY PHOTOGRAPHERS ARTISANS GUILD
The Photo's are pure art that you can
buy your art for your home or office
from the finest group of photographers
you will find anywhere on the web.
click here to check out the BlOG
a place to learn about the photographers
the story behind a photo and
styles and inspiration.
Members included so far in the guild are
listed at the bottom of the blog with
links to their studio's

By: Michelle Anderson

ACEO's my new venture in affordable art

2009-01-05T09:12:00.006-05:00

ACEO what is it?

ATC= Artist Trading Card- usually traded or swapped by artists and collectors
ACEO= Artists card, editions and Originals

The rule is in the size 2 1/2" X 3 1/2" trading card size.

These can be one of a kind or a limited edition. Or just Original artwork by the artist.

This is a great way to collect and trade art of all kinds, similar to baseball card and pokemon
trading cards. These make great framed art and collages. And to collect art from your
favorite artists.

Affordable art that can increase in value.

My ACEO's are for sale on Ebay http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/mikeanchelle04

On Art Fire
http://Ibreak4glass.artfire.com

On Etsy
http://JustDuckiePhotoArt.etsy.com

A New Start and a Fresh and challenging year ahead

2009-01-02T11:23:00.006-05:00

What a wonderful creative year this is going to be. Reconnecting with family and old friends from long ago. Forging ahead and making new friends, networking and getting my art out there for others to enjoy. There is so much inspiration to be found in everyday life. So much love and heartfelt emotion to be expressed artistically. I had the blessing of connecting with some extremely talelented women in art this year and made some solid lifetime friendships. I am so thankful for that.
This year will be a year of challenges and pushing the creative limits. A year of forgiveness a year of sprititual and person growth that can only make me a better Artist, mother, wife and friend.
Time to put the garbage where it belongs. In the trash. Sometimes its needed to express grief or the draw on for inspiration, but back it goes.

I hope to be working on my jewelry line of mosaic pendants, photo pendants and just cool jewelry.

Ibreak4glass - Artisan Studio - Art Fire Buy Handmade Sell Handmade Your Handmade Interactive Artisan Marketplace

2008-12-27T10:23:00.002-05:00

My Studio Link

http://Ibreak4glass.artfire.com

Yes I have another new shop!!!!!!!! Etsy is overflowing with great art and artists and its very difficult to get seen. Art Fire is New, and they plan on spending LOTS of money to advertise.
So check it out and get in on it quick. My fellow Piecemakers are heading over there too.
Etsy stores are still open. This is just one more to help get our name and work seen.
Any one who is creative and would like to sell free of charge for 10 listings or unlimited listings for $7.00 a month. You have to sign up for this fantastic user friendly site. Please use Ibreak4glass as your referal and help me to my shop free.
Time is limited on the $7.00 month for life fee, it goes up to $20 a month January 1st.

I could not believe how user friendly this site is. I was able to transfer items from
my etsy shop in no time at all.

So if you knit, crochet, make any thing special that you would like to sell please check this out

My New Etsy Store-Giveaway

2008-12-10T19:22:00.004-05:00

WOW...I finally did it. I have been working on my photo's for such a long time.
I finally had enough finished to open a New store on Etsy Most of the work is digitally altered art. I take moments in time, memories that mean alot to me and turn them into art that emotes feeling a depth for the audience to experience. Whether they have had a simular experience or the photo art brings a new memory to the viewer.

I will be giving away one of my prints.Signed and dated. I am not sure what size just yet. One randomly picked person will win at the end of this month (December)

Important Details/rules

You must comment on this thread aT LEAST once.

You must go to the piece makers mosaic artist blog and make a comment there as well. under the Mosaic challenge giveaway.

So in total you will have the chance to win 3 valuable prizes. two of which are pieces of art.

so go comment on the piecemakers blog. Comment here on this post and check out my new etsy store.

Piece Makers Mosaic Artists Blogspot

2008-12-08T13:24:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

For My Friends who love furry Creatures

2008-12-08T09:48:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

"Thinking outside the box"

2008-11-30T18:53:00.002-05:00

I found this pretty Teak wood knife holder at TJ Max in the clearance Isle.
I paid $7.00 for it. I knew I wanted to do something special with it but it wasn't until 2 days ago it hit me. Enter it in the 3D Mosaic Challenge on Flickr. I had it sanded , primed and sprayed with a shiny metalic silver spray paint. That was it.
I had bought these really pretty shell beads to use on it, but I wasn't sure what I was doing. And then it just evolved.

I was really loving the colors and the way it was taking shape but I needed more. I found some cultured pearls in a coral color and used them as the flower center of a flower on top.....but it still needed more.

Now it began to feel like something special. I am not the kind of artist that plans things out. I don't draw or sketch a photo to work off of. I just collect beads, focals, glass and tiles and then....something touches my heart and I get inspired.

I imagine if I spent more time with a sketchpad my mosaics would look like a painting or drawing or like anyone elses. As for me, I like to think outside the box. Things just hit me and I know what I want the end result to be. I know that sounds crazy. As an artist its what makes me .....well......me.

here she is ....I call it "FLOWER STEAK" since she holds steak knives.
let me know what you think.

Piece Makers Artist KICK OFF giveaway

2008-11-27T14:27:00.001-05:00

Starting today until December 31st, leave a comment on this post with your challenge idea, and you'll be entered to win!

For anyone who doesn't know, here is an explanation of what a "challenge" is: A few times a year, the PieceMakers come up with an "idea" or "theme" that we will all try to create in mosaic form... something like "create your best mosaic birdhouse", or maybe, "make a mosaic beach scene". It can be something big & crazy too, like "create a mosaic chair". :)

A challenge represents a time for us to break from what we normally do, and a chance for us to see what each of our unique creative brains come up with.

So get your friends involved & hop on over here and enter.

It couldn't be any easier!!!

stop in and comment today or make an entry for the challenge.

Piece makers giveaway

2008-11-25T06:46:00.000-05:00

I have a surpize
th Piece makers Mosaic artist will be sponsoring a give away starting Thanksgiving day.

so stay tuned....:)

Piece Makers Mosaic Artists

2008-11-21T20:40:00.003-05:00

I am so excited about this great place to see amazing art work.
A place to meet amazing people.
We will be doing Challenges and Giveaways, stash and artwork,
and having alot of fun getting our work and yours seen and out
there. So please give props to the ladies behind the scenes.
They are the greatest bunch of creative gals you will ever meet.

The Idea behind piece makers and the artwork, photo collages and much more came from Betsy Greene. The Blog has been the Hard work of Amanda Edwards. Indiepublic Peicemakers spot and WE LOVE ETSY site and The Piecemakers blog are all from Vikki Ostrander, with a little help from her friends. There are many more who are helping to make this site a great place,(behind the scenes workers) and there is still plenty of room for YOU!!!

Betsy said it best when she wrote:

"Welcome to our little World, where we take all the little pieces of life, and turn them into some Spectacular Artwork! We are a group of free spirits who enjoy sharing ideas. This is a peaceful and happy place, and you are welcome to join in!"

whats for sale

2008-10-29T21:43:00.003-04:00

ETSY:Your place to buy and sell all things handmade

2008-10-29T20:06:00.001-04:00

BUY HANDMADE!!! Why in the world would you spend your hard earned dollar on items made cheaply, that promote violence, sex and the immorality of the commercial world. At least that is how thousands of ETSY shoppers and sellers are feeling these days. Have you visited ETSY.com YET?

On the home page you will find colorful handmade choices, and a long list of items that are creative, vintage, artsy, strange , practical, necessary and worth the investment for a true handmade piece of art.

I am amazed as I skim the different choices of things being sold on ETSY. From hand made massage oils, bath salts and soaps to intricate mosaics made with hand cut or even handmade clay tiles. The amount of time and LOVE that goes into these handmade delights are worth every penny you spend.

You are helping the GREEN movement as well. Whether its a vinyl 50's 45 rpm Neil Sedaka coaster, or beautiful note cards made from recycled grocery bags. There are many items made from artist and creative souls worldwide right here on ETSY. So give it a go and check out my store as well or my friends listed below. I recycle memories and create others with my photography. I recycle broken china and left over scraps of stained glass to build my mosaic pieces. SPEND your hard earned money and BUY HOMEMADE!!!!!!!please....

SCFE- My son has What?

2008-10-27T14:38:00.000-04:00

My Sam who is 13 came limping home from a friends house almost 2 weeks ago. Sam is a funny energetic kid who likes to be a bit dramatic and really loves being with his mom instead of being in school. Yes he is a mom ma's boy. I knew he was in real pain so I gave him some Ibuprofen and some ice and hoped he either hurt himself and it will get better or that he was suffering from growing pains.

Sam went from a skinny kid and I mean so skinny his ribs stuck out to a chubby and adorable young man in just one months time. He went to his fathers for a month in the summer and came back completely different.

I took him to the doctors on Friday due to an unrelated problem and mentioned his hip bothering him. After flexing and extending his hip and having him do a few squats, His doctor felt it was better to be safe than sorry. Off to the radiologist to get some x-rays. I have been through this before with my 16 year old who has Osgood slaughters disease ( abnormal growth plates in the knees). So when they asked me to step into the little room and wait for the doctor I was a little nervous.

The Doctor said I needed to get Sam to Women and Children's hospital of Buffalo immediately. The orthopedic team would wait for him, I was not to stop home or anything. straight there. OK.

I was in a suburb of buffalo it was 3:00 the start of rush hour/I wasn't cleared by my doctor yet to drive (knee replacement 4 weeks ago) and I didn't have my pain pills on me.

As we were driving to the hospital I tried to explain to Sam that they wanted to see if there was anything they could do to keep his femur or large leg bone from slipping out of his hip joint. That there was a good chance that he may have to stay. He was OK , then he said "can you call Melissa?". Melissa has been a friend of my family since she was a very young teenager. She has become my adopted daughter, since now I have 5 sons. She loves all the boys and was especially close to Sam. She is now a young mother herself. Sam spoke to her on the phone and she agreed to find a sitter for Carson and come up to the hospital.

Sam was a little nervous. He did not like the IV and the board on his arm. The emergency room was busy with trauma's. In came the Intern for the Orthopedic Docs. she looked at my cane and asked what mom did, I said I had a knee replacement a few weeks ago, I wasn't suppose to be driving but I had no choice, she promised not to tell. She looked at my name and said don't you remember me? I was one of your doctors. we both laughed for a minute and then I felt completely at ease. I knew Sam was in the best possible hands.

They explained SCFE it is Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis. In our language, Sam's femur or large leg bone slipped out of the capsule of the hip socket. With this disorder the only way to correct it is surgery. He would have to get a pin put into the Femur and into the hip to stabilize it. Crutches till surgery, absolutely no weight on it. Apparently the growth plate on top of the hip didn't grow as fast as the rest of him. This is something that happens in usually chubby kids ages 10-16. I came home and did some research on it and ...well I don't like the prognosis. If you need to learn about SCFE I strongly suggested you click on the title of this blog it will take you to one of many articles on the subject. Or google SCFE. Sam's surgery is tomorrow morning at 10:00.

Our early beginnings: A show and Tell of how we started in mosaics

2008-10-21T17:57:00.000-04:00

First and foremost I want to thank RedCrowarts for the idea for the S and T(show and tell)

and Greenegoddess for her beautiful poster as shown above. I was amazed to see such early peices that were actually extrememly good, You can tell that a true mosaic artist is one even before they know it. I was blown away by the sink and bathroom beginings. My S and T is the 2nd from the left on the bottom row. I had seen a DIY program with a mosaic artist on the show, she was making portraits of her friend with broken china. I said to myself how cool is that. I can do it. I had the motivation from a good friend who was building a camping/fishing themed family room onto there house. So I made the above tray. It took no time at all to get the pieces cut. Finding the FISH plates was the real challenge and the most expensive part. But I had alot of fun, it is a gift from the heart and I found my heart in my art.

Freecycle and Recycle....a way to get green

2008-10-18T17:21:00.000-04:00

I have been a fan of the Freecycle concept since I found out about it from a mosaic friend.
Freecyle is a Yahoo group that is broken down into areas of where you live. For instance I live near Buffalo NY so I joined the Buffalo-freecycle group. The first 2 weeks you can't ask for any thing, but you can give give give. I went through my boys clothes this summer and found clothes as small as a 8 year old, my youngest is 13. I was inundated by emails from people who were in need of these items. Most people pick the first one who replies. I like to read through a few and see if someone is really sincere or has a special need. I found a woman who is a foster mom and just received a new bundle of joy that was a tiny 10 year old. So I gave them to her.

You can pick any way you want. The only thing I don't like is when you get greedy people who don't even bother to show up when they say. Or never get back to you when you agree that they can have it. Its annoying, but its worth it when others can use the things you have to get rid of.

There are some rules you have to follow....Offer (when you have an item your giving away. you might say Offer:bag of boys clothes size 8 in (your town). this way people know the item, the size and the area you are in. Promised.....this is when you promise an item to someone, keeps your mailbox from getting really cluttered. Taken: you let freecyclers know that the item you offered is no longer available. Received: a nice way to say thank you for an item you received and to let others know it was a successful offer.

Freecycle is a great resource for artists. Today I listed a Wanted:Old guitars, violins or other wood instruments. A girl emailed me, she had 2, emailed me again later said she got one for free at a yard sale. I am so excited. I want to mosaic a guitar. I have seen others who have done some really creative things with musical instruments.

So if your looking for a winter coat, or substrates for your mosaics Freecycle is a great way to get these items for free and to keep them out of the land fills.

One more thing. You may want to set up an email account with yahoo and use a name other than your own. It doesn't happen often, but sometimes there are very strange people on there and its a good way to stay safe. Some older ones won't give their address, they will meet in a well traveled parking lot. Stay safe and have fun.

Seaside Mosaic Stool

2008-10-16T14:23:00.001-04:00

I had started this stool before I headed into surgery. I was inpsired by my trip to Puerto Rico, but also by my love of the beach.

The stool is my 22 year olds 7th grade wood project. It has been hanging around the house all these years and I just descided it was time to give it new life.

I found these wonderful Lighthouse tiles from Linda Noel. She has a store on ebay you can click here to go to it....http://stores.ebay.com/Lindas-Mosaic-Treasures_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsxQ3asstQQtZkm.

Then I had picked up some iredescent tiles over the summer in pretty blues real cheap at Micheals.

I am almost to the point of grouting it but....I haven't figured out what color to paint the underside. Any thoughts on grout color?

Knee Replacement

2008-10-16T14:11:00.002-04:00

Hello Friends and fellow artists.
I have been missing in action due to a knee replacement.
Yes I am too young. I had an accident at work and crushed my
knee 2 years ago. So I have been limping around in pain way too long.
I had surgery on monday Sept. 22nd. I woke up in some pain the medication pump was held down constantly even while I was sleeping.
I left the hospital on thursday and went straight into sub-acute rehab.
I went to Wedgewood, its part of Elderwood. The staff was fantastic. The rehab team was tough but very caring. I had so much fun with the OT's and PT's. I had 2 hours of PT a day and 1 hour of OT. I stayed there for 13 days and went home to a house well lived in by 3 bachelors. I hired a lady to clean once a week. It is so worth it to me. Since I can't get down on my hands and knees to clean and see the dirt.

Just getting back into the swing of things, I will be having the second knee done soon....
thanks for all the emails and cards It was so supportive and encouraging.

Tim and Teena's Wedding , Rincon, Puerto Rico

2008-09-04T12:27:00.002-04:00

Tim and Teena's Wedding
Originally uploaded by ibreak4glass/michelleanderson

These are just a few of my favorite moments of Tim and Teena's wedding. What a privelage it was to be a part of this Family's most memorable wedding. I want to take this moment to thank Tim, Teena, Nina, Messiah and all the family in Puerto Rico and the U.S. for making this one of the best ever weddings and vacations.

As a photographer it is difficult to capture all the shots that the bride and groom may want, especially when there is a language barrier and when the family is so big you just can't get them all together.

Tina wanted informal, and what she ended up with was a fairy tale wedding with vows that had everyone in tears and a dance party poolside that was the most fun to watch. The food was good, but the People are what made this wedding such a great time and a picture story to share for all time.

Rincon, Puerto Rico-People, Beaches, Food and Fun

2008-09-04T08:58:00.009-04:00

In my lifetime , Sunsets have inspired me, and left me in a haze of awe. The colors, the shadows and the quick changes. How you can tell by the color of the sky what the next day will bring. How it embraces romance, art, music and life itself.

On our trip to Puerto Rico, I was so busy watching life that I forgot to photograph so many of the amazing sunsets. The ones I did catch though were Awe Inspiring and reflections of the great love our Creator has for us.

Porta del sol. Doorway to the sun. Rincon is located at the furthest western point of the Island. Its famous Route 413 completes a circle of great food, fun adventures, Villas, fresh fruit trees, beaches, surfing, horseback riding, snorkeling, scuba diving just to name a few. The beaches that we frequented and fell in love with were Pools beach and the shore in front of the Villa Cofressi.

The weather was steamy on our first day. The trip in from San Juan was horrific, partly because we were a pack of 5 vehicles trying to keep together in a land of drivers that don't care about scratches or accidents, and that will cut you off if you give and inch of space. We lost a couple of our cars a few times and Jr. Had to go back and find them. Motorcyclist scared me the most as they weaved at high speeds on the coast interstate 22 through stopped and speeding traffic. The Traffic wasn't the only downfall. Unless you have a GPS roads are poorly marked and streets and house numbers are virtually non-existent. Trust me though, once you find your way and drive a little bit its really not that hard to get around. If someone says it takes 10 minutes, it could take an hour if you miss your turn off. The views, the colors and the people were worth every minute spent there.

I fell in love with the country and its people. Walking through the Village of Rincon we came across some Men playing the nations favorite game in the square. Domino's. As we walked up and down the road peeking in windows and observing the people in the day to day activities we were a little Leary about my taking Photographs. So my husband and I watched as they bought fruit from a vendor on a bicycle and made our way across the street, stopping to smell the flowers, and comment on the amazing tropical flora. We made our way over to the table where them men were playing, I think they were as Leary about us as we were about them. I asked if I could take a photo and all of a sudden they broke out in spanish chatter and hearty laughter, which broke the ice and they posed as shown above. My husband and I speak No spanish other than the basics. One of the men was eating of the fruit he has just bought, and my husband asked what it was, needless to say we forgot what it was called, bright orange, round and the size of an enormous grapefruit. The man said it tasted like Pineapple in his broken english, gave Mike a taste. Mike nodded with approval and said Gracia's....the man reached out with another fruit to offer Mike, he asked how much....the man said no,no you take.

The generosity and the contentment in this land is what really took me back. I have never eaten so much Free Fruit. Trees are abundant with all kinds of fruits. Avocado's were in season and the varieties were unbelievable. People in Puerto Rico are not boundary conscious like here in the states. you can pretty much reach up and eat as you go and no one will call the police. Poorer families would pick fruit and sell it on the busy corners.

Mike and I found the English rose atop a mountain road so narrow there is no way another car could pass. It was owned by Americans and the waitress we met was from PA. The English Rose is a bed and Breakfast atop a mountain with valley views and of course the Atlantic Ocean.

I had the eggs ranchero which I could not stop making amorous sounds with every bite. I have never in my life had any thing fresher and more tasty. The juice and baked goods are all made fresh on site. Mike had an omelet and Passion fruit mint iced tea.....oh my.....how wonderful. The English rose is a definite stop for breakfast every day, and what a great price for Veranda seating, ocean views, friendly English banter and food to die for.

Punta's Bakery is a place right on 413 we should have stopped at from the beginning, although I know I would have gained weight. The pastries were unique and fresh, and the price was dirt cheap. For a $1.25 you could get this huge pastry with yellow cake layered with guava and topped with a coconut macaroon type layer. I had to get more. it was so good.

The Rum shack. WOW.....5 star food at 2 star prices. what a unique atmosphere. The place was tucked behind the hotel down several levels of stairs. Walking in you get a view of a Pull down outdoor screen for movies at night behind the Parrot Mosaiced pool with a water fall. The backdrop was a beautiful Valley dotted with colorful homes and villa's. There were several bars and a nice covered area for our large group. Again our waitress was American.

The Americana's that have transplanted here are mostly artistic types but also normal day to day folk who fell in love with the area and never left....or went home, sold what they owned and came back.

Mike and I are looking to retire there. We both fell totally in love with Rincon. We hope you all have an opportunity to come and visit some time. You can go to my flickr site to see pictures of the wedding and the sunsets and beaches.

Cost: $350 round trip through air tran. Villa we shared with 9 others, $350 for the week each. It was 3 stories, 2-3bedroom apartments fully loaded with every thing you need but food, and a two bedroom and a one bedroom on the main floor. Island West reality owned our villa. We had a beautiful pool with a waterfall, a gorgeous view of the ocean, wrap around veranda with tables and chairs, and a yard full of banana's. coconut, mangoes. avocado's and guava....plus fruits we have never heard of or seen. WOW. We loved it.

Must do: Pinto's R Us, a two hour sunset ride along the beach and through the woods for $60.00 was worth it if you don't have bad knees. Our guide was american and has been in Rincon for 16 years.

Absolutely do not pass up: Taino Divers offers a wonderful 45 minute boat ride out to a marine preserve Island( 14 miles off shore) at Decheco Island. We took the $90 snorkeling option. It included boat trip, lunch, equipment, and entertainment (captain and his first mate) 2 different snorkeling spots. The water was so blue the only comparison is to Windex blue. You could see down 45 feet from the boat and snorkeling was amazing, we saw barracuda's, sting rays, all kinds of tropical fish and crabs. I swallowed a tiny bit of salt water and threw up in the water, but felt so much better after I did. It was worth every penny. Snorkeling was $170-190 depending on your experience. I bought an underwater film camera and took some pics, haven't gotten them back yet....will post when I do.

Who says Buffalo is Boring

2008-07-29T18:52:00.004-04:00

I have stumbled upon on of my favorite activities.
We use to do this in Newburgh as congregation book study groups, and I
have friends who have done this as bridal party adventures instead of
stag parties.

I am So glad I found this. I just have to share it with everyone.
Buffalo is having a city wide scavenger hunt. Sponsored By ARTVOICE
the voice of Buffalo NY's Art community.

Sounds like a blast....too bad I will be in Puerto Rico during it. I sure hope they do another one in the winter. Wouldn't this be fun to do in your city?

check out BuffaloScavengerhunt.com
or click on the title of this blog for more information.

Grout tip part 2

2008-07-29T17:50:00.006-04:00

Hello Mosaic friends and fans. I just completed a test of consistency's of grout.

In the Pink grout I used a wetter, chunky peanut butter grout like it came out of the fridge, still dry but a creamier consistency.

The Gray grout was very dry. I describe it as sandcastle consistency. You know when the sandcastle starts to fall apart. This grout WON hands down. No cracking, no uneven spots, and dried with a smooth finish.

The Pink grout cracked and fell off the edges when handling.

I have to say I was surprised by the results. However the ease of application was so much better than the wetter grout.

Thanks to my friends at Etsy and Ebay I have finally found the proper grout consistency.

Back to Mosaics

2008-07-24T20:13:00.009-04:00

After a rough month of working on the EMA team For the Birds Challenge. It was time to do some smaller scale work. I wanted to do something....outside the box, but in my style. Get away from bird houses for a while. I started playing around with these trivets I found for 25 cents a peice at a yard sale And soon I was busy working on all of them. They are all different and all WIP (works in progress), at least till I grout and put the finishing touches on them. So here they are.

and By The way Congradulations to the EMA Challenge overall winner and my Dear friend Carol, of CMK skulptures. you can check her blog listed to the right to see here beautiful winning entry.

New Original Photograpy Cards

2008-07-12T16:28:00.005-04:00

Just released

....7 floral cards ...this is part of a series of cards and prints called Garden Flora. Thiese cards are made of heavy glossy card stock and are suitable for framing. They are 5x7 cards with the envelope included.

I am so excited about these cards and being able to show others my love of photography and seeing things through my heart and minds eye.

Please head over to my etsy shop and check them out.

Grout tip

2008-06-24T21:22:00.007-04:00

Hello Mosaic and Photography Friends. Today I started to grout several projects. After a disappointing start to my week with grout issues I received a tip I would love to pass along.

Grout can crack if it is too wet or if it dries to quickly, like on a hot summer day. Humid days however slow the drying process and can actually be beneficial to a mosaic artist.

Tip of the day. Put your grouted project in a garbage bag to simulate a humid day. The moisture stays in and when you open it to check on it you let some out. Wait till it is completely cured before removing it.

I have grouted this old coffee pot in black today.

I am trying this tip this week so I will let everyone know how well it works.

If you have a tip you would like to share, please feel free to reply to this post.

Happy glass breaking and grouting you all'.

Chelle

Special thanks to http://RedCrowArts.etsy.com for the great tip

Spring Storms and wonderful clouds

2008-06-18T16:23:00.006-04:00

I am a lover of nature. This past spring has had an unusual presence for most of the country, not to mention the world. From floods, heatwaves, earthquakes and the unsettleing winds of change. I know the reason behind all of this can not be written off as merely global warming. There is a more concrete, prophetic reason. Search the solid word of God and find it for yourselves. Jesus Christ said it on the sermon on the mount when his disciples asked when the conclusion of this system of things be. I strongly believe that we are in those days that was described so long ago. Imagine being able to see prophecy unfold before your very eyes.

Here in Buffalo we started June off unusually cold. My Garden has been planted behind schedule. We have broken records from the begining of record keeping in the 1800's. We went from mid 30's at the begining of the week to 90's at the end of the week. We have had record breaking winds and Hail storms. One of which occured just two days ago, twice in one day. I have never in my entire life seen hail this big, let alone at 2:00 pm and again at 7:00 the same day. Here we are again in the middle of June and it is getting down to 38 degrees at night.
Rainbow after rainbow after these storms I have been inspired to take Photographs and remind others of God's promise, not to destroy the wicked human race agian with a flood. Doesn't mean he won't use winds and Hail stones. If this season hasn't put the loving fear of Pleasing God in your hearts, I don't really know what will. The next times someone knocks on your door, listen closely to the message of hope. It means your everlasting life on earth.
Chelle

Bird Houses

2008-06-17T13:59:00.001-04:00

I was so excited today when I went shopping at Joeanns and A.C. Moore. I found all my favorite wood birdhouses on sale. The large Victorian was only $5 usually its $14.99. So I spent $100 on houses to mosaic for up and coming shows. I am so pumped, now for some inspiration. The weather has been really crummy and I haven't been able to observe my feathered friends. So....Making little shelters for them is my source of inspiration.

Did you ever watch a robin as it gently and elegantly walks across your lawn? He takes a few steps, pauses and takes a few more. Every now and again you will see him bend his head down. I thought at first he was watching me. My 15 year old son told me that he was listening for worms. I was amazed. He listens then swoops in and gets one the first or second try.

Take a few minutes out of your day and watch the feathered friends in your neighborhood. You will be amazed at their individual personalities and interactions with other birds.

That's it for today.

Chelle

Allentown Art Festival

2008-06-17T07:27:00.001-04:00

Although the Allentown Art Festival here in Buffalo had mixed reviews, I had a wonderful time and was truly inspired to apply for next year. I met many amazing glass artist from all over the country. I didn't see a thing close to my style or what I do and when I spoke to the different genre of glass artist they encouraged me to attend next year.

I also did alot of networking of my favorite Artist website Etsy.com. Amazingly not very many of the artist I met have heard of it. Most of these artist travel to 30 or more shows a year and don't have much time for the internet.

When I asked what state produced the most money for them in the past they said midwestern states such as Illinois or Iowa. Too my surprise the most money made at any show was right here in Buffalo NY at the Allentown art festival. The show is held every year on the second weekend in June.

So my friends I strongly encourage all of you to plan ahead for next years show here. We had perfect weather, sunny and in the mid 70's.

The entry fee is higher than most but the sales should encourage all to work hard and get a good amount of projects ready in time.

For my mosaic friends. Not one. I mean it, not one mosaic artist was found. Several glass artists that incorporated a peice or two but that was it.

Chelle

My artwork

2008-06-10T17:47:00.001-04:00

I am happy to announce that I am doing custom breakfast trays and custom decorative birdhouses. If you have a chipped piece of china or a favorite china pattern, I will transform the pattern or plate into a one of a kind piece of art. I know sometimes when moving or cleaning we break grandma's china tea cup and are crushed in spirit. Together we can turn that accident into creative art.

email me for more information.
Chelle1959@gmail.com

2008-06-10T17:40:00.000-04:00

I live in an artsy place
a place inside my mind.
I am trying to get out
and show you what I find

Michelle Anderson 12/07