TBT: A hippo, A Golden Eagle Feather, and a Butterfly walk into a bar, I mean House Number by Nutmeg Designs

The Hippo Project: a house number that went to CA. Created by Wayne Stratz and Margaret Almon in 2012

I had to laugh when I saw these images were taken on April's Fools Day. When Margaret told me what the potential clients wanted on their project, I tghought it was a perfect spam joke for our business. Two four digit numbers, a butterfly, a Golden Eagle Feather, and of course a hippo.

It turned out to be true and now three plus years later, I can tell you it has not led to any hippo commissions, however, up in our studios and Red-Tailed Hawk feather is nearly complete. 

You never know where a client will lead you here at Nutmeg Designs

Close up of the Butterfly featured on The Hippo Project: a house number that went to CA. Created by Wayne Stratz and Margaret Almon in 2012

Close up of the Golden Eagle Feather featured on The Hippo Project: a house number that went to CA. Created by Wayne Stratz and Margaret Almon in 2012

The Hippo featured on The Hippo Project: a house number that went to CA. Created by Wayne Stratz and Margaret Almon in 2012

The Call of the House Number Signs

It has been quite awhile since I cut a piece of glass, well it seems like it has been a long time.  But as I focussed on drawing cards, Margaret moved forward on some commissions that did not involve me.  But now three house numbers are priorities and I am looking at a five day weekend.  I think I got some numbers in me, what do you think?  

Even some thought to be unlucky.  I can't wait for a request for a 21 to come my way.  Order yours here

a sampling of recent commissions

Portion of a Dr Ed Mandala

commission by way of the Lansdale Farmers Market

Commission by way of the PA Guild show in Delaware

for healing

to Canada!

by way of Margaret's networking friend who saw one hanging on
our living room wall

three Dr Ed Mandalas
by way of our show at Virago 

The Hippo Project

The Hippo Project:
A collaboration by
Margaret Almon and Wayne Stratz

 Checking my e-mail one day at lunch I found a note from Margaret.

"Get your representational skills set to go..."  That night we wondered if we were being pranked.  Surely people send artists prank e-mails.  This was no typical house number project~ two four digit numbers plus a butterfly, add a feather, and throw in a hippo.  A hippo, who, what, why?

so we said: OK.  and then we said: How big?  and then we said: Give us some money and we will give you a design and an estimate.

They said 18 by 24,  OK, OK, OK...  and finally "It's beautiful!"

Butterfly design by Wayne Stratz

Blue background design by Wayne Stratz
Golden Eagle Feather by Margaret Almon

Hippo design by Wayne Stratz

update on all those projects

here are updates on four of the projects featured in our video which I posted on Monday.

after ordering a new part for my glass grinder, a very frustrating Sunday evening (which ended with a bandage and no progress), and a dead glue stick on Tuesday... a blue border is taking shape around a future lizard


Mosaic Woman took self-control for a ride in our back seat to our client/friend, who will add a border and then grout it.


and for the unexpected phone call, Mosaic Woman is off delivering it to the client so it can be gifted tomorrow. We did it!



When Mosaic Woman gets home we plan on gluing down the last name and house number for the mosaic with the askew #7.