It is weeks in the making. First the design is conceived, drawn and copied for a pattern to attach to the worktable. Glass is selected by color, texture, opacity… or sometimes simply availability and affordability. The glass is cut, ground and sized until each piece fits perfectly into the pattern. Individual pieces are wrapped with leading, lead joints soldered together, then putty is worked under the lead for stability and waterproofing. Cleaning is done in place with a bristle brush and whiting powder. Then, the wait.
The putty takes three days to set. Twice daily the artisan cleans off any putty that seeps from beneath the lead. She notices where she applied too much solder. Or too little. She guiltily surveys a piece she had cut too small but used anyway, knowing she could fudge with lead or putty to hide the gap. She second-guesses her glass choices. Will the colors compliment or contrast as she intended? Will the nuances of the design come across as planned?
When the putty is set, it’s time. The artisan lifts the stained glass panel, wipes it clean and rests it gently on a windowsill. She backs away and for the first time gazes upon the completed work. The critical eye judges workmanship, mercilessly and exacting. The artistic eye must wait ‘til the critic quiets. And lastly, the cautious heart will weigh in on the worthiness of the piece. The verdict? We’ll have to wait and see.
patience takes patience
minutes take sixty seconds
waiting takes its time
“Hammer Shattering Glass Shattering Hammer” stained glass panel by Maggie C.
What Rhymes with Stanza? 
Cool pieces, the stained glass and haibun. Art requires patience- with the crafting and with the self.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I could use more patience in both areas. 🙂 Thanks for commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometimes waiting is worth the pain…what rewards you must reap!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do, thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The haiku is outstanding as is the stained glass piece.
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
A beautiful piece of art work… love the haiku!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow.
What a great piece of glass. I felt the patience it requires seeping out of your prose. Great haiku, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLike
You can’t rush art; it has its own pace and will let you know when it’s ready. It also has its own mind. I love your glass art and enjoyed the explanation of the process.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. A bit wordy for a haibun, but the creative process was the first thing that came to mind about waiting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😮 Oh my! I love everything about this. First we learn about the process, about all the roles you play in it, and we can’t wait to see the end product, and there it comes! Smack on the head!
Honest, raw, exciting, exemplary and effective. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gosh! Thank you! I’m glad you liked it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like very much your stages of assessment through different kinds of eyes…time does certainly change how we feel, think and assess our creations. Your stained glass piece with the hammer is quite striking (no pun intended) 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! Good pun, intended or not!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good point: “patience takes patience”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Frank.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How beautiful, Maggie. Worth the effort.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. it’s a fun pastime.
LikeLike
Really nice – I liked the definition here. The writing itself is crisp and clear and definitive. The description is lucid and clear and the haiku a perfect comment on the process. Very finely crafted and much appreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Probably a bit wordy for a haibun, though. I appreciate the feedback!
LikeLike
A brilliant montage! Prose, image and haiku work together so well to tell this story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I’m glad you liked it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
patience takes patience is something totally profound, I have b=never thought of that before
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the problem with being impatient, as I tend to be at times. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So much handicraft involves patience and waiting and in some cases a little bit of luck… a process that should be respected.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always a learning process, but very satisfying all-in-all.
LikeLike
I am late to get around reading the haibuns Maggie, but I really like what you’ve written! This was fascinating being taken theough the creation process. I am a mixed media artist working in fibers, so it was fun to hear about glass. And I like your creation! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! It was fun to do (both the haibun and the glass panel)!
LikeLike
Excellence takes its time. It is never rushed. Love the message here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLike
Fascinating haibun, Maggie. My son took one class in stained glass. Art demands patience in the process.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLike