Gallery Glass on TV in the UK!

This picture was taken a few weeks ago in Anaheim CA during the Craft and Hobby Association trade show and was broadcast live in the UK. The lovely lady to my left is Leoni Pujol, one of the competent hosts for Create and Craft Shopping Network. Of course, we were demonstrating the wondrous features and benefits of Gallery Glass!
And now, I'd like to officially welcome the television viewers from the UK who purchased the Gallery Glass kits--to our blog. We have been building the content of Gallery Glass Class for almost 4 years and our goal is to upload every known Gallery Glass Book and pattern and project that we possibly can. I think you will find that there is a wealth of information and inspiration among these blog files. You can find them categorized over on the right hand side under my story. For instance, if you are looking for a seasonal project, you will find them categorized: Spring, Winter, Summer, Fall and Christmas. You will also find everyday projects and a wonderful category entitled the Artists' Gallery where our readers have sent in projects that they have made. I post them along with their comments and stories. This is a teaching site - not a selling one. You will find product and surfaces available from plaidonline.com/store, but we don't sell from this site.
However, I will give you tips from time to time about how to adapt surfaces and create your own accessories, as well as how to create your own patterns, using your own furnishings as inspiration. A wonderful group avid Gallery Glass Crafters have put their heart and soul into these archives. Enjoy perusing the contents and let us hear from you.

Reena Returns to Glass Painting in India

I am continually amazed (and humbled) by the number of glass painters around the world who follow our blog. I have been corresponding with this lovely lady from India for several months and according to her--we have inspired her to pick up glass painting again--after a long absence. That's good news for us and hopefully, the happy return to a fulfilling pastime for her!

 In the first email from Reena she introduced herself, "I'm writing to you from Bombay, India. I just want to thank you for your wonderful site, so painstakingly put together with loads of warmth that shines through. I've been planning to revive my glass painting, which I used to do about a decade ago and was looking for tips on how to cure painted glass. After going though numerous blogs, I came across yours and found it such a Godsend. I was so happy with your explanations and illustrations."

"I have just one sun catcher, with a praying angel, that hangs in my bedroom window. This is one of the many pieces of glass--suncatchers, frames--that I had painted in the early 2000's when the glass painting bug had bitten. She's a picture of serenity, I tell you. She gives expression to my unspoken prayers as I look at her, first thing in the morning. She was painted at the turn of this century, if I may give it a slightly historical twist. It would also explain the fading of her robe and wings. I had painted the angel for my parents and let it hang in their window in Goa where they stayed, till my mum passed away. Then I brought it over to my place in Bombay. I'm in the process of getting back to glass painting after several years and it feels good. I'm hoping my hands are still steady. Thanks once again for your encouragement. I'll mail you pictures of my work as and when I churn out."

I didn't hear anything for a few months, then happily I received these additional images and this sweet email from Reena, "I have been enjoying glass painting since the time I last wrote to you. Thank you so much for the encouragement that your website provided. I'd like to attach a few pictures of glass paintings done with the help of pictures from your site. I hope you like them!"

Oh, how we like them! They are delicate and so well done. It's easy to see that she still has the delicate touch that characterizes the first piece that she sent us. I'm not sure that it's Gallery Glass, since it may not be available in India, but you could certainly use our product to get the same effect. Thank you, Reena, for sharing you "comeback" with us. I feel like we got to climb along on your road to success! Keep us in the loop on future projects! 

  

 

Gallery Glass--Mike Mooney Style!

I love it when our readers stay in touch. I just received this email from Mike Mooney with some of his recent projects. He probably did these pieces during 4th quarter (gift giving season) 2013.  His comment was, "I've been getting a lot of requests for pieces in all sizes, from sports logos, music themes, celebrity icons, etc. A very unique type of gift."

It's wonderful that he is willing to share them with us. As usual, Mike, very impressive! (I would love to know how you did the script lettering on the Marc and Lyn project.) Your talent is admirable. Keep 'em coming! We will enjoy seeing more of your fabulous work!

 

 

 

 

Mike Takes Personalizing to a Whole New Level

I would like to thank all my readers for their contributions to the blog. When you share--others are inspired to share their work, as well. Mike Mooney contacted me and asked about my posting policy. I filled him in on the procedure which is to send en email photo attachment  of your project to me at my email address csmith@plaidonline.com and I will post it to the blog. All you have to do is be able to take a picture of your project and upload it to your computer. Most people can accomplish this either with their camera or their phone. It is amazing what good pictures can be taken with phones, these days. (However, I miss my wide angle lens.) Here is what Mike wrote about his projects. 

"Here is one photo of my family crest. This was done as the centerpiece of a window box. It was framed out and boxed in, to attach to a window frame. A row of ceramic Irish ornaments line the top and bottom of the crest. It was made as a way of displaying the ornaments, however the faux stained glass crest became the focal point. I got the pattern by actually bringing a coaster with the picture on it to a Kinko's, and having it blown up to size. I attached the pattern to the back of an acrylic sheet and traced it with the Liquid Leading. I embellished it with some lines to give the look of stained glass, and added the colors of the Irish flag as a background."

What a beautiful project. I love the idea of the window box. I can just imagine what a stunning addition to the room--especially with space for their ornament collection. As impressive as the crest is--I was even more impressed with the Yankee's panel below.

"Here's another photo. I do a lot of sports themes. Just traced the Yankees logo, added the background and pinstripes, and lines to give a mosaic look. I framed it and used it to cover a friend's basement window. The crystal clear in the background looks great when the light shines through, and really sets off the rest of the picture."

Thank you, Mike, for sharing your wonderful personalized projects. I love the mosaidleading detail in the background of the Yankees panel. Most people hate to lead--so much--that they probably wouldn't even 'think" of using that technique. But the leading gives the project an antique quality that makes it look like it could have come from a neighborhood basement bar in Soho. Good work! Send us more!

More of Mike's Personalizing

Wow, we've had such great response to Mike's personalized projects, that I asked him to submit MORE--and they are wonderful, too. He has a great new "gift" idea that you can adapt to fit the profile of someone on your holiday or birthday  list. I love it! Very innovative--here's what he says about the projects.

"These two are designs are made on acrylic sheets placed into identical picture frames. I then hinge the two frames together, and attach a clasp. When its all put together, it opens and closes as a box. Here's an example of the whole set up."

  

"In the one below, I placed a printout of the history of the family name. Also, I make a stand which fits inside, that is used to display the piece opened up. I've made 3 of these--the other two held a birthday card in one and a hand written letter in the other. Again, I used the mosaic look--I like the antique look it gives the piece. However, another benefit is that it breaks up a large area giving your hand a rest while coloring the area."

Well, just about the time I think I've seen it all--one of you--comes up with a totally NEW idea! Thanks, again Mike, for sharing your creative ideas.