What Does It Mean To "Be Thankful"?

What are you thankful for? That seems to be a trendy posting status on Facebook these days. But really what does it mean to "be thankful" and "give thanks". Definitions say "to express gratitude" or "grateful acknowledgement of benefit or favors".

Every year Thanksgiving prompts me to ponder what it means for me to be thankful and to give back. Sometimes life is so busy that we often forget about all of the amazing things around us. As with many others, for me, between work, kids, appointments, errands, etc. it is so easy for me to get wrapped up in the whirlwind without even taking notice, for even one moment, of all the wonderful things in my life. I am trying each day to consciously make an effort to stop. Stop and take inventory of all the bounties that I am grateful for such as my family, our health, a warm bed to sleep in, yummy food to nourish us, friends to share with, art to create and so much more. 

Once I recognize all the things that I am grateful for I notice that it allows more room in my life for what truly matters. It gives me more space in my life for forgiveness, for love and compassion. After all, I am but one small piece in this vast universe. I am here to give. So I will continue to give...give my time, my help, my love, my unsolicited advice (ha!) and try to receive all offerings with sincere gratitude. After all, that's what life is all about. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sea & Green

Tania of INDIGO GLASS

We are so grateful to work with so many talented artists & we enjoy sharing their stories with you so much & today may we introduce you to, Tania of INDIGO GLASS. Tania has been a Sea & Green friend & artist for many years now & we couldn't admire her & her work more! If you are a frequent visitor of Sea & Green then you know Tania but how well do you know her? Read on for Tania's upcoming class information & to learn more about Tania's history & how Sea & Green became so lucky to have Tania & her work as store staples! 

Tania is offering an amazing class this December that you don't want to miss...
What: Custom Victorian Antique Mirror Ornament Class
When: Wednesday night December 6th from 6-8pm
Cost: $165 

Details: The class is focused on creating a Victorian antiqued mirror ornament will be personalized with each students memorable black & white photo. This is perfect for baby's first Christmas, your favorite pet or a loved one. See pictures here of an ornament itself & a closeup of a boat which reflects the technique. This class is a technical, hands-on class that includes learning a variety of techniques such as cutting mirror, using a grinder & soldering with copper foil. Limit of 4 students per class & you can register at Sea & Green with a non-refundable $65 deposit.

OK, let's get to know Tania...

S&G: How old were you when you started creating your artwork?

Tania: I was about 12 years old when I remember thrashing a coffee table that my dad made with a heavy chain in an attempt to create an aged look. He let me use the blow torch to further distress the wood. What can I say? It was Australia in the 70's!

S&G: What inspired you to begin selling your work?

Tania: Change of career prompted me to sell my wares at Sea & Green?  Traveling for my photography job was tough & I wanted to give my leaded glass studio a proper go & so the opportunity to focus on this as well as be involved with the shop seemed to fit really well & that was over 3 years ago.

S&G: What are your favorite pieces to create? Or explain a new passion project.

Tania: My favorite pieces I create is the stained glass waves that are specifically design to fit into discarded old window frames. Each one is unique in color and design-people seem to like them which is really encouraging. It's nice to be able to create these movable and affordable pieces of stained glass as not everyone can afford a customized permanent piece in their home

S&G: What is your biggest challenge when creating a piece?

Tania: The biggest challenge is utilizing scraps of glass effectively in order to create a design that works...this forces me to be inventive!

S&G: If you had to use one word to describe yourself what would it be?

Tania: One word to describe me is sporadic

S&G: What is something you haven't get created but can't wait to try!?

Tania: Something that I'm dying to try is finally fire my kiln that has been waiting patiently in my studio. I want to melt leftover glass shards onto a ceramic surface.

Tania also makes custom frames from recycled fencing & custom distressed mirrors at Sea & Green!