Eve Goes "Pro" with Gallery Glass

One of the most gratifying services that our blog provides--is the showcase for the talents of our readers. Eve had been following us for a while and I was pleasantly surprised to get this email yesterday.

"I was looking at some of the submissions that others have shared with your Gallery Glass website. I thought I would share with you what I consider to be my very first "professional" Gallery Glass job. This kitchen window is in 1,000+ high-end penthouses; a community known as 'The Meridian" (which is nestled just behind Las Vegas Blvd. and the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.)
In each of The Meridian suites these windows are 21:x27" and they are not only unattractive, but also fail to provide enough privacy for their tenants from the people who walk by. I also attached an image which is an example of a modular window cling technique. I called it 'Ladies In Conversations'." 

What a beautiful piece!I love to share the directions that inspiration takes our wonderful Gallery Glass artists. This panel is somewhat contemporary in feel, but the clothing is reminiscent of Victorian styles. It certainly appeals to a large segment of our Gallery Glass enthusiasts. I appreciate how the portrait style subjects are layered into the colorful background. The shading of the clothing helps to define the figures. The faces show expression by their angle and placement, without the presence of leaded features--a good trick that's not easy to achieve.

Great job, Eve. Thank you for sharing your work. We would love to see other projects as you continue to develop your talent.

A Gallery Glass Front Door that Speaks for Itself!

 

Jenifer blew me away with this one. Not only did she craft this fabulous front door and sidelights, but she drew the design. Wow! I love the abstract sun and rays breaking into rainbow colors. It makes quite a statement. The movement of the design is so beautiful, it brings tears to my eyes. Graceful lines are not easy to accomplish in a doorway and sidelights, because the sections are so far apart. Jenifer's talent for design is admirable. I wonder if she has formal training. If not, we can all eat our hearts out. Her natural talent is hard to beat. Here's what she says about the experience.

 

 

"I wanted to share a project I just finished on my front door. It is about 7 feet tall and 4.5 feet wide and so the pieces are rather large. I went through over 50 bottles of Gallery Glass to finish it. It took me about 4 months to draw, cut the Plexiglas, lead and then paint the three pieces."

 "I decided to paint on Plexiglas for a few reasons, one being there was no way I was going to be able to do all the work needed with it up in the wall. Two, I wanted the extra insulation that Plexiglas gives, which was the original reason for doing this--to add insulation to our rather large front entry way.

 

When I asked Jenifer if she drew the design, she elaborated some on the designing phase of some of her projects. I decided to include them with her story because (1) they are wonderful and (2) allowing you to see her creative process may prompt you to realize that your own efforts could turn out equally as well. Here are some of the steps she went through to complete her door design.

"Thank you so much for your praise. It is my own design. I based it on about three of my favorite art nouveau stained glass pictures. I wanted a sun burst that's rays turned colder as they moved away from the sun, but with pretty swirl --and since the piece was going to be so large (again, my door is over 7 foot tall) I needed a lot of detail work inside the sun and rays. "


"After doing the drawing, which took me about a month of tweaking to complete, I cut the Plexiglas and leaded the top piece first. The leading alone took a week. Coloring took me about three weeks. The side pieces ended up being about 84" tall and took over a month each to complete. All in all, I went through three large bottles of leading and over 50 bottles of Gallery Glass paint."

 

"This was, my first time to do the leading and painting. What a challenge! I learned the hard way that unless you have enough color to finish a whole working area, just don't! I am sure it's a rookie mistake, but I learned how to cut out my mistakes with efficiency. The doorway was a labor of love (and required a lot of patience from my husband). I am honored to be included in the Gallery Glass blog. I enjoy reading stories of others around the world who have contributed to the site. And I spent a lot of time watching the Gallery Glass videos on technique and application--over and over--every time I made a mistake, actually."

"This was not my first project to design. I have made mermaids (right) for my daughters and mother, and then a smaller sun for privacy at a rental we lived in. (above)"

"I was planning on doing another project in my dining room, but decided that since the space to be filled is a 5'x4' section, it is too simple of a plan. I expect to redraw it with TWO swirling peacocks, some day. Also here are some pictures of other designs that I never got around to actually making."

 

Estelle Creates a New Look with Gallery Glass

 

I'm excited for you to read about Estelle. She is an enthusiastic Gallery Glass fan who lives in Atlanta and was a frequent customer of our Plaid Outlet Store in Discover Mills at Suwanee, GA--which is closed, so don't rush out to find it. Here's what she says about her experience with Gallery Glass.

"I just had an AMAZING conversation with your customer service representative wherein she told me you have original GALLERY GLASS patterns from the 90's posted on your blog. I am OBSESSED with Gallery Glass!!! It is so much fun to work with!  I have a few photos of my finished pieces and I am working on more. I have used GALLERY GLASS in unconventional ways. I use it on decorator plates, vases and Plexiglas panels. GALLERY GLASS has always been user friendly for me. Even the original kit that allowed me to custom blend my colors was fun. I have used GALLERY GLASS to simulate outdoor scenery, windows on a set and to decorate my daughter's middle School showcase. Although you frown on it, I have also used GALLERY GLASS for the lower panel of my storm door. It's about six years old and still looks pretty good."

"My biggest challenges have been finding Ethnic images to use the GALLERY GLASS on. Fortunately, Paned Expressions had a solution. Plus, once we relocated to Georgia, I met a very talented artist who allowed me to interpret her work in GALLERY GLASS. I apologize for my photography but ENJOY!"

Now, that you've read her story, you can appreciate her enthusiasm. Her story could resemble yours. Many of you were introduced to Gallery Glass by QVC. I am eternally grateful to them for allowing us to develop so many sets of product that were unique and functional for the viewers. And you, the wonderful viewers of our show in the 90's allowed us to stay on the air. THANK YOU for being faithful back then. We had a good run. I have some other pictures of Estelle's amazing work to share. I especially like her use of color and texture in the picture at the top of this post. It's quite unusual. I also love her decorative plates. The one above has a special message that you can see in detail - at the end. It is good advice for all of us. Thanks, Estelle, for sharing your amazing story and your creative projects.

A Gallery Glass Toast--to Mary's Talent

 

Occasionally, our blog brings us together through another person. Mary's husband emailed me looking for colors that have been discontinued and we were able to hear of Mary's wonderful business and infinite talent. Here is her story and some of her stunning work. Her work will be an inspiration to you--to follow your heart!

Mary received her Master of Education Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and had planned to make a career of teaching. However, after several years of teaching, the artist in her wanted to be unleashed. She originally started with craftwork; hand-painting t-shirts, and making seasonal craft baskets. During a farmers' market, on the Northern Neck of Virginia, she saw someone hand-painting "sunset" windows, and thought, "I can do that." She started not only hand-painting sunset windows, but also wineglasses, cocktail glasses, and even martini glasses, all with her "signature" blue crab design. She now has increased her artistic repertoire to include striped bass, mahi-mahi, flounder, ospreys and snowy egrets.

A short time ago, she an her husband were coming back from a 2 day even, Arts in the Park (in Richmond), and they encountered 5 peacocks coming across a four lane highway. They literally had to stop their vehicle, to allow the peacocks to stroll across the highway. Because of that impromptu inspiration, Mary started painting peacock ice tea pitchers. And was also inspired to create  Peacock window.

 

 Mary shares this comment, "Many customers have asked me what I use (for the artwork) and I always tell them about Gallery Glass paint. They have even asked why I don't use the glass paint that you bake on. Other paints have an acrylic look--they don't have a 'stained glass' look. I would much rather sell a glass that has to be hand washed because of the beautiful stained glass effect, than switch to one that is dishwasher safe and has the flat acrylic look."

 

 

 



 

 

Amanda's Gallery Glass Enchanted Entrance

 

It is wonderful to know that our blog is read around the world. I got an inquiry from this lovely lady, Amanda, a few weeks ago and swapped emails for a couple of days, to discover that she lives in Australia. Here's how she found us and what she was encouraged to do--based on the information on our blog. Amazing, I couldn't have done it better myself!

Amanda writes, "Your site is what made me choose Plaid, when I was researching on the net to see what I should use! I’ve thrown myself into the deep end, choosing as my first project a massive stained glass window for our entrance. It’s almost done… just the rest of the sky to go (going to be a mix of clear, hologram glitter and etching)."
"I think the hardest bit was printing my design on a bunch of paper sheets and then sticky taping them together. I do all my design work on the computer so it made sense to do it with this one too."
It’s going to be facing inwards, in a little entrance to our house. So… not exactly inside like inside a house inside, but definitely protected (roof, walls). We don’t freeze down here, but it can get pretty hot. Hopefully it’ll cope. We don’t get very humid down here in the south either (not like the north of Australia) so that sounds like a good thing. I’ve got some redilead (that’s how I did the octagon) so I’ll see if I think the outside would look better with (the design outlined on) it. I will definitely send a photo when it’s in place. (I have told hubby I’m going to be ‘away’ that day - I don’t think I could cope with seeing it go in!!) I can’t wait to see what it looks like with light coming through it! By the way, Hubby’s grandmother wants to play with my paint now that I’ve told her about it - you may have another convert!"

 

"Here it is, I designed and painted the dragon for the new entrance to my house that we've just finished (the window edges are coming-- but I couldn't wait to send this!). I love 'real' lead-light glass but I didn't have time for classes and I definitely wanted to make something myself. After a bit of internet research I thought Gallery Glass would be my best go. A huge thanks to Carol for her blog and YouTube videos that made me think, eh, this might not be to hard! It was a super fun project and I'm itching to do some more."

Amanda's story is not typical. People often start with a small project, and gradually work up to their target - a window in their home. But occasionally a new beginner will just "go for it" like Amanda did--with incredible results. So what are YOU waiting for newbie glass crafters--start today, planning your next project. Good job, Amanda! We love it!

 

 

　　
 

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.



Welcome Ellen, An Amazing Gallery Glass Crafter

Gallery Glass Class brings me endless pleasure. From writing the stories and searching for old images, then cropping and uploading - I enjoy the whole process. But, by far, the greatest thrill is getting a surprise email from someone who has been a friend of Gallery Glass for years and suddenly finds us! I would love to think that there are thousands of you out there, but if you are--you're too quiet. Yesterday, I got lucky with this email introducing me to Ellen.
"I have been a Gallery Glass fan since I saw you on the TV promoting the product. I have been painting with this media for a long time now and wanted to show you some of the artwork I have created. These are just a few samples of the work I have done. The larger pieces have a shadow box frame behind them so I can light them up at night."  

  

 

 

"I am a wife, mother of four, and grandmother of two. I have been an artist all my life.  I have never been trained in the arts per se, but have enveloped myself in several genres throughout my life.  I have used acrylics, watercolors, folk art paints, tinkered with stain glass, created and painted outdoor garden displays and made jewelry. 

I ran my own business making and selling handcrafted wooden dolls and specialty designs for over fifteen years.  It was during this time while continuing my business, raising my children and going back to school for a degree in education that I decided to venture into the gallery glass paints.  I have always loved the look of stained glass and dabbled in it but it was expensive, not sold locally and hard for me to clip the glass.  When I saw you promoting the gallery glass product I knew this was the art medium for me.  I was ready to try something new.  I did and I’ve been painting with it ever since.  I’ve created designs on mirrors, glass stereo covers, lamps, and paintings from some of your patterns. 

Over the past several years though, I’ve started to experiment with my own designs.  I started doing my own designs to challenge myself as an artist.  In your letter you asked me how I do my designs.  Each painting is a result of an inspiration from something I’ve seen or an idea that has popped into my head as I’m trying to sleep at night.  LOL (Laugh out Loud)

When I am ready to create a particular type of painting I do several things.  First I’ll pull from nature and my gardens. I look to see how I can incorporate my natural surroundings into my artwork. Next I research the subject matter using library books and then the internet.  When I am completely satisfied that the painting is something I am going to like and can create, I then visualize how I want the painting to look.   After that, I choose a styleline panel size and then draw out the entire design according to the panel on paper using pencil to sketch, outlining it in marker and coloring it in using colored pencils. I do this so I have a pattern to follow.  When I am satisfied with the sketching, I start applying the leading lines around the styleline panel and wherever there are straight lines.  I apply the liquid leading to all other parts of the painting and when that is dry, I apply the gallery glass paints.

When I first started with gallery glass I was putting my work on glass, but when I started to travel with it to my vacation home, I knew I had to have something more durable.  I started using the plastic off the Studio Décor Styleline poster boards.  This works for me because it’s easy to cut and is sold at my local craft store (sometimes for half off).   Plexiglass can be rather expensive.   It comes in a variety of sizes, the larger sizes being 24x36 and 27x40.  The larger size I have cut in half and created paintings that are 13 1/2 by 20.  I used this size to complete a series of seasonal light house landscapes which I will send you pictures of.

What drew me to the gallery glass paints was the finished look.  The paints apply cloudy but then transform into these beautiful stunning bright, shiny, textured colors. Each painting is a challenge, so that I can experiment with new techniques.  I have incorporated into my paintings glass pieces, seed beads, glitter, glitter paint, fabric paint, marbles, sequins, and acrylic gems,  anything that will reflect  off light, shine really well, and add more dimension to the painting.  

As I grew as an artist and was now painting on special cut pieces, I knew I had to create the frames.  I created a simple box like frame that raised the painting up off the wall (sort of like a shadow box).  Once the frame is assembled, it is painted and often glittered; anything to add more sparkle.  Once the frame is dry, I apply silicone around the top perimeter and place the painting on top of the frame; creating the shadow box effect. This type of framing allows me to illuminate the paintings at night by putting in twinkle lights or electric candles.  I place hooks at the top of the frame and the painting can hang in the windows and on the walls and still reflect light.

You asked me if I sold my paintings.  When I started doing gallery glass, it was for the pure enjoyment of doing artwork for just me.  I was specializing in so much work for others that I needed something for myself.  To date, I have not sold my paintings because they give me so much joy.  Many of the people who have seen my work have told me I should sell and I would, but I’m not exactly sure where I should start. 

For me, gallery glass paints are so much more than painted images on glass objects.  They have allowed me to paint beautiful glass like landscapes and designs, something I never would have been able to do with cut glass.  The paintings look as beautiful today as they did years ago and continue to amaze me especially when the morning light reflects through them."

 

Can you believe Ellen's incredible artwork? I was blown away. First of all, her amazing skill at leading is readily apparent. These are large pieces--24"x36" and they probably took multiple bottles of leading and several hours of work, just to complete the outline. Her color choices are bold and beautiful. My favorite part of Ellen's technique is the shading. The subtle gradation from dark to light in the flowers--is an advanced technique that is easy to accomplish, but takes forethought and planning. I love that it adds dimensionality to the vibrant whimsical flowers. Imagine how two sidelights done in a variation of this design, could add drama to a dark entry hall. She appears to be a master at the "sampler" type project, but don't think that's all she does. Look at the large lighthouse--another sterling example of her versatility. Amazing. Ellen, you've stolen my heart. You are my new "favorite" Gallery Glass Crafter.