Many clients have decided that they would like some kind of art glass for their home or business, for decoration or privacy or both. The client may visit the studio, or we might go to their home or business and show them some photos, samples and drawings to get the design process started. We would then create a scale drawing, present it to the client and upon approval, get a deposit for fabrication to begin.
Some clients come with their own drawing or artwork. We can use that either replicating it exactly, or as a place to start the design process.
For sandblasted designs we order the materials needed and enlarge the scale drawing approved by the client to full size. The glass is covered with the appropriate sandblast resist. The full size drawing is then glued on top of the resist, and the design cut out by hand with an exacto knife. Then a creative eye is required as the artist has to evaluate the design and decide in which sequence the pattern pieces will be peeled and sandblasted to achieve the desired effect. The sandblasting process cannot be rushed. It takes great care to ensure that the pattern piece just blasted does not get obscured by the blasting of the piece next to it. When the piece is finished, the remaining resist is carefully removed and the glass cleaned. Then it is ready to install or to be made into an insulated unit.
For very small, fine letters, or situations that require duplicate pieces such as awards, we have stencils made from a photo-chemically sensitive resist, which we then carefully layout and apply to the glass. If we have a lot of copy to sandblast, such as names on a donor wall, we have stencils cut on a computer assisted plotter and then we apply them to the glass.
For leaded and beveled windows, we draw up a full size pattern, including a copy on manila pattern paper. The pattern is cut out with special three bladed scissors. Each pattern piece is laid on the glass and scored with a glass cutter. The pieces are assembled with lead came and the joints are soldered to create the window. It is then cleaned and glazing putty is applied to the caming to seal the glass. This also produces a nice dark patina. After setting up for a few days the excess putty is meticulously cleaned out of the corners with a dental tool. Then any residue is cleaned off with a rag and sharpened chop stick and polished with a shoe shine brush. It is now ready for installation. Leaded glass can also be made into an insulated unit.
Cutting Edge Glass Studio installs most of the art glass we produce. We have found that most customers would rather not take the risk of damaging the glass during installation, but instead choose to entrust the installation to experienced glass installers.
Customers are welcome to visit the studio. Please call to make an appointment.