Frame it!

I printed a picture which I took of a 19th century covered bridge in Vermont.  I also got a double mat and non-reflective glass cut for it.  I asked my handy, dandy neighbor if he would build a frame for the photo; he was willing to have some fun with the project.  He's got all the tools, and I'm more than happy to collaborate on creative decisions and help hold the boards, tape measure, . . .  or whatever.  Plus, we give each other a bad time through the whole process...accompanied by some good chuckles.

We got some cedar wood (actually donated to us - 'cause the guy just wanted it out of his garage!) and some instructions on how to distress the wood by burning it and brushing it with a wire brush before applying a stained finish.  It was an educational process for me!  Once the frame was together ( measure twice, cut once!) and nicely distressed (loved that smell of burning cedar) , I got the staining completed, having chosen the perfect color (you never know how that's going to turn out!).  But, I was amazed . . . it WAS perfect. 

My neighbor helped me get all the layers into the frame, and we cut a cardboard backing to finish it off.  It all came together wonderfully...and is now hanging on the wall. I enjoy having this kind of project...and really love the custom framing!!

Vermont's trees, river, and covered bridges...

The drive up Highway 100 in Vermont was spectacular.  Several stops resulted in pictures.  Here are a few. 

Driving into Vermont

The morning we drove into Vermont, it was raining.  But it didn't last too long, just long enough to give us the flavor of a wet New England day.  Miles and miles of tree-lined roads looked just like this. 

Driving through rolling hills, we saw some of the prettiest scenes of the trip.  I say hills, because they are old mountains,  appropriately called the Green Mountains. 

See the large glass flowers just above the sign?

Driving along this beautiful country road, I believe it was highway 100, a sandwich-board sign on the side of the road next to a lovely old farmhouse said, "Glass blowing demonstration today."  The car instinctively pulled right in; what a surprising opportunity! 

It turns out that this man is a world-renowned glass-blower who has created large, stunning glass creations (decorative pieces and chandeliers, for instance) for hotels around the world.  He said he's been in the business for 40 years.  It was amazing to watch him work!