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Lancaster Apartment’s Stained Glass Restoration, Part 3
March 9th, 2010
Window comparison
Here is a comparison of the new window I made next to one of the restored original windows. For the clear glass, I used mouthblown restoration glass. This glass is more expensive than hardware store glass, but well worth the extra cost. It’s got the distortion that regular glass will get over time. I was very happy with the colored glass I found to match the old glass.
Lancaster Apartment’s Stained Glass Restoration, Part 2
March 8th, 2010
Painted "C" before firing
Cut pieces for new window with space for the "C"
Finished leaded window
For the new window I needed to make, I had to replicate a painted piece with a “C”. First I traced a C from one of the existing windows, then I cut out a template from the paper. I outlined the template with a black sharpie, then filled it in with traditional glass paint. I used oil and mixed tracing black with grey to get the shade of grey I wanted. It worked really well to paint the C and then stipple it with the brush that’s in the photo. It blended the paint strokes perfectly, then I just wiped away the paint that smudged outside the C with a rubber tipped tool. I fired the piece to 1225 degrees in my kiln and it turned out just great!
Traditional Stained Glass Leaded Windows With a Twist
February 18th, 2010
Close up of window
Bookcase window close up
Photo of all 4 windows
I wanted to put these windows in my blog because even though the design is very traditional, the water glass that was used is the difference. I got this job through Julia Russell, an interior designer with her own firm in Omaha. She was great to work with. She gave me the design and chose the glass. I was just the fabricator! The only challenge figuring out the size for the triangles that would work for all the windows.
The Lancaster Apartment’s Stained Glass Restoration, Part 1
February 2nd, 2010
Eloy is carefully taking out the transom window from the frame
Successful removal of the window!
Removing the sidelight window
All seven sidelights back at my studio
The four transoms at my studio
Yesterday in the middle of yet another lovely snow fall in Omaha, Eloy and I removed eleven windows from the four entrances of the Lancaster Apartments. I am very excited about this job not only because they are beautiful and nearly 100 years old, but because they are going to be enjoyed by so many people that live in the apartments and in the neighborhood. From what I can tell, they have never been repaired. I used masking tape to hold the windows together while they were being taken out. We were fortunate to be able to then tape the stained glass to the laminate window pieces (that had been installed for protection) as a brace for transport. I will have to make one new sidelight window to match the others as that window mysteriously vanished.
Check back for progress reports as I move along on this great restoration!
Leaded Stained Glass Beveled Bathroom Mirror
January 10th, 2010
Design for mirror
Finished mirror
This is the first large mirror I’ve ever made. I wish I had hired someone to take a good photo of it, because the ones I took did not do it justice. I would love to do more mirrors like this. I’ve posted the design I showed my client and the final piece to show how the process works. The dimensions are approximately 30″x42″. I used stock bevels 3″x3″ and 4″x4″, white Spectrum glass and had the center mirror custom beveled. The outside framed is zinc metal. To support the mirror, I soldered 2 strips of steel rebar to the back. There are hooks soldered to the rebar for hanging. To protect the back of the mirror I used a mirror sealant and I also adhered thick black paper to the back of each mirror so there will be no way of the mirror being scratched. When the client’s send me a picture of the mirror installed I’ll be sure to post it. It was shipped to Jackson, Wyoming!
My First Painted Stained Glass Window, Part 3
January 6th, 2010
Completed hanging window
I love how the window turned out and am waiting for the sun to come out to take a better picture! The firing went perfectly. The red glass did flash to a burnt orange, but I like it. For the clear background glass, I used Spectrum’s baroque. I’m planning on making a series of windows with rondels and painted borders, so look keep checking my store for new windows!
Stained Glass Lamp Shade Repair
January 6th, 2010
Before repair
During repair
After repair
Before repair
During repair
After repair
Before repair
After repair
- Lampshade after repairs
There were nearly 10 pieces broken when this lampshade fell from the ceiling where it hung in it’s owner’s home. Fortunately I was able to find nearly exact matches for the glass. The lampshade was made by Stanford as shown by a small metal plaque on the inside. After using steel wool to clean off the patina, I was able to melt the solder so that I could pull out the broken pieces. I either taped the pieces together to make templates for the new pieces, or made paper templates to cut new ones. Soldering the pieces back was challenging in that the shade was so large. I used plenty of props. I’m anxious to install the shade so that the owner can again enjoy it’s beauty.
Cutting Background Glass For Bluebird Leaded Stained Glass Window
December 20th, 2009
Cut pieces of glass on top of full sheet of background glass
Cut pieces on light table
Completed Window
This window was nerve wracking to cut! I had large piece of Uroboros glass I wanted to use and the background had to all flow together. It took awhile to figure out how to make the bluebird stand out and when I turned the glass so that the yellow surrounded the bird’s head, that was it. Thankfully it all worked. I love the final look!
My First Painted Stained Glass Window, Part 2
November 21st, 2009
Painted pieces layed out before firing with rondels
Close up of painted pieces
I painted these border pieces today and am anxious to open the kiln tomorrow to see how they look. I’ve done samples, so I know that the red glass is going to turn a deep orange. I used Reusche’s tracing black paint with water and gum arabic to create the look. I like the combination with the rondels Chris made the other day. I haven’t decided what the background glass is going to be. Next blog will be the finished window, so come back for part 3!
Completion of Painted Stained Glass Windows Restoration
November 20th, 2009
Comparison of completed painted piece
Painted piece leaded into window
- Stained Glass window restored
I am so happy with the way the painted piece was reproduced. Lynda Marshall did a great job. She’s my painting teacher, so I think I’m in good hands! The major work I did aside from replacing the painted piece was to replace the border lead with zinc. The lead was falling apart and using zinc helped to make a much more stable window. There was also a lot of paint splatter and cleaning that off helped to make the window look like it did when it was first put together. I can’t wait until the church installs the windows when the space is completed. I’ll be sure to take pictures.