New door lite installed..just in case you did not see!

At the studio..this week is crazy..i am leaving for holidays Sunday morning and there just does not seem to be enough time to get everything done.... But is there ever?  At one point I thought i can do it and then by 3pm I was throwing in the towel....Nuts... Today was administrative with not much work complete in shop...hopefully tomorrow will be better...

There are a lot of great projects coming up...my beautiful roman column door lites are coming taking shape.  They are amazing..takes my breath away.



The new studio door lite (in the picture) dances in the sunlight with the Reds and Purple...acid etched, GNA and Bevels.  Not my usual style but I love it..

...Talk to ya soon! Kelly Anne

Glassworks Studio Toronto CANADA 2011

New Door lite at the studio.....

www.glassworksstudio.caglassworksstudio.blogspot.com

It has been a week of change...reflection...and completion....LIFE.  It is strange how one person can make you sit back and just think about what you have, your potential, what you will achieve....

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma -- which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice."    -Steve Jobs

At the studio..it was a hard week to stay focused...Andrea started the layout for the new door lite....I finished it...selected the glass and started to cut...and it was a huge distraction...calling me....

Here is a picture of it as it sits...hopefully I will get in there this weekend to foil and solder...and install.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Glassworks Studio, Toronto New Door lite.....October 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love when people "squeal with delight...

Hi..
Ok this morning I had an installation...my mom reminded me it was Sunday...i just stated that this day worked for me and the client and off I went...And it was great...

You know that feeling when your breath is taken...you just look at something in amazement..well it happened again...I love all of my projects but some just give back a little extra and this contemporary panel did...and of course it helps when the client is snapping photos from the moment they see it on the glass rack...then as it is being carried in and through the installation.  I know how they felt because I could not wait to step back and have the first look from a distance...i love that feeling...

I have to say my new studio space enables the client to experience more of what I feel thoughout the process...they visit their project as it develops..through glass cutting, assembly, and finishing....it is great to watch the excitement build... 

It is a great feeling that I have for all my projects...but to have clients receive their glass with such enthusiasm and pure joy just makes it so much better...Great way to start my week!

Today's installation panel..I know its Sunday...Glasswor... on Twitpic

Today's installation panel..I know its Sunday...Glasswor... on Twitpic

OH......SHE IS A BEAUTY!!!

Ok..you have seen the initial sketches..and then the progress...well she was completed today,  patina applied...and polished....BEAUTIFUL...I must admit...I am feeling pretty good..  :)

So the materials are....GNA in the background, Uroboros Red in the central red flag..(fusible) and Red with Gold Wissmach flanking the "Uro" top and bottom...the ribbons are a combination of the background GNA, custom bevels, and a brown and clear streaky by Kokomo.  LOVE IT!!!

It seems everyone that has seen it (clients, fellow trades, friends etc.) are intrigued by it..the more they look..the more they like...and I obviously love..since I have spent so much time on it..

Notice the artistic changes from the original artwork to the final cuts..CRAZY.

I know enough chat...here are the pics..enjoy...and let me know what you think!   k

during soldering

...being polished.....installation on Sunday.....will post!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND! 

KELLY

Stained Glass in historic renovation in downtown Toronto.

Here is a recently completed project in downtown Toronto.  Although there were a lot of us on this site..(Architects, Fine Home Builder, Designers, Me, Master Trades....)  it is absolutely amazing how everyone's visions come together in the end and work seamlessly...That was a great project to work on!  With these windows we actually removed the old sashes and built new sashes out of popular wood....installed thermal units (to create some "R" value...and the installed the leaded glass panels on side #4.   Amazing final result.

and the projects progress...

Ok...just so you don't think I sit around all day playing.... here is the progression of the projects on the table at the studio...The first one is probably going to be a favorite for a long time....and the second is the first of the 10 doorlites...

loving the kiln..

OK...I have been busy at the studio and at meetings this week....and I am actually tired and not at the top of my game  BUT I still have time to bake every morning...bake glass that is....  Lovin it! Yesterday I used one of my new reds for the background...played with some black and clears...and them used up some jewels that I made the previous day...Very cool...

finally some HOT glass...

Well..today was the day...I did it.  Primed my new kiln...and fired it up......wow..I love it....I have been doing cold glass for so long...and always learning and evolving... This just adds endless possibilities to what I already do.  Can you tell I am excited...

So today I picked though all the sheets of fusible glass I have been purchasing for so long....all the colors, textures...manufactures..hmmm..what to do..

I was suppose to be in the shop working on inserts and an absolutely fantastic contemporary piece..which I love...and I just could not get my kiln out of my mind...peering though the window in the top watching the process....so cool.  Well I did get the inserts done...Andrea did most of the foiling on the contemporary panel..and I fused my first project.  I would not call it an absolute work of art...but it is pretty cool.

It is amazing that something I already enjoy so much...just keeps getting better and better...too bad everything was not like this...

Anyway it was a fantastic day...starting this new process @ the studio...and of course I must thank Andrea who is a wealth of knowledge on hot glass.  Great to have her.

Hope I have not bored you with my uncontainable excitement.
Have a great night....cannot wait till tomorrow. 

OFF TO THE STUDIO.... :)

@justglass Kelly Anne

off to the studio to solder some inserts... get them ready for pickup tomorrow & help Andrea with the "contemporary panel we started." ....SWEET

 

Here is my sketch for this panel...finished pictures by the end of the week because install in the afternoon of the 22nd........Have a good one!!!

 

I need some studio time...

Ok..today I finalized my "rockstar" job...46 leaded lites in one kitchen..crazy...so now it is time to get to work...this project is to be complete mid next week...I also met up with a designer from Oakville and finalized her project and had 3 other commissions were picked up at the studio...and I received email confirmation that 2 other orders are proceeding...very productive day...

My afternoon meeting was delayed so I was able to go shopping and picked up some new bathing suits for my November trip. (50% off at The Bay) So I was pretty productive....some days we just have to keep busy and keep our minds far away from where they want to wander...and today was that day for me...I realize how lucky I am to love what I do because there are so many who do not... Hope you love what you do...

On a side note I know I have the right girl working for me at my studio when she telling me about big "sale" events.  I  definitely need some shopping therapy.

obviously not glass....but a beautiful picture...

It is all about the glass....GWS: Its been a busy week and it is only Wednesday... a...

It is all about the glass....GWS: Its been a busy week and it is only Wednesday... a...: First...Congratulation to Shannon and Don and the new addition to our family....Thea Riley... BUSY, BUSY, Busy...actually it is just a con...

Its been a busy week and it is only Wednesday... and it all started with the arrival of Thea Riley 5 lbs.9 ounces..Welcome!

First...Congratulation to Shannon and Don and the new addition to our family....Thea Riley...

BUSY, BUSY, Busy...actually it is just a continuation of last week... I have had a lot of positive feed back from many clients this week...positive feedback and compliments just make everything happier.  We should all remember to give them out more frequently. 

I have also covered a lot of distance...up to Bala and back for 3 custom builds..Nice......This was only the initial walk through during the early stages..but concepts were tossed around and I think I actually walked away with my game plan...This is good...... I caught up with a friend I had not seen in almost a year....time flies by and it is easy lose track of important things....  

So although it has been hectic and crazy.....jobs are being booked ...today was just a great day...I had a smile on my face..and just sailed though the city......I know I am a little crazy.

Here is a picture of a site completed not so long ago...and I had some issues....another is scheduled for October..only difference the next project is in the main entryway of a custom build in Burlington and larger in scale.. This is made from German Drawn Antique Glass that I silvered and then antiqued the silver.  A little complicated BUT beautiful!   When you put a little extra effort in it  makes the end result so much better.

                           

Hope that you have a great week too...Kelly

"no beginning..no ending.." Love the loop!

Hope the week is going well...my goal this week to to catch up on paperwork...see some new clients...finalize with some old clients, test fire my new kiln (I know ..it is about time) and try to figure out where to go to get some R&R...
enjoy the week!!!

Transom installed today...design detail throughout this proje... on Twitpic

Transom installed today...design detail throughout this project... on Twitpic

Hope all are having a great week...short weeks are always a little crazy...tomorrow the meetings continue...at least I am getting to wear some of my new dresses.....

It is all about the glass....GWS: What have I done this week???

It is all about the glass....GWS: What have I done this week???: OK....most of my "people" would not call me a nature girl...well this week I was. I took my kids up to the cottage and did some nature thin...

What have I done this week???

OK....most of my "people" would not call me a nature girl...well this week I was.  I took my kids up to the cottage and did some nature things...mostly I learned how to fish all over again...and not with a beer in hand...I spent  a lot of time in the canoe with my 7 year old...I spent way too much $$$ on fishing stuff ( Alot of money..I needed the right gear)..I put worms on many hooks...I re-threaded a fishing rod( or what ever that is called when you put new line on the reel...) and  I researched  how to tie a proper fishing knot..."I learned a lot."  And the biggest thing was that I taught my son how to properly take a fish off the hook without causing death to the fish...( as I was taught by my uncle, my godfather and my grandpa...it was the one thing I knew how to do... going into this weekend.)

As tomorrow is Friday I start my work week...that is the great thing about self employed...does not matter what day the work week starts on......Huge meeting with a new client tomorrow and then Monday...(yes holiday Monday but like that matters)...New projects on the tables and so September begins...Yeah!!...back to a regular schedule..AWESOME...Have a great long weekend and I will talk to you next week!

Looking forward to the Lynda Reeves and Elte night out the end of September....                                 Thanks Alison!  http://www.smda.ca       Strickland and Mateljan Design Associates, Oakville.

Bold and Beautiful ...and elegant..

This week on the work table at the studio is an contemporary privacy panel...  Composition is mostly drawn antique ( I know no privacy there....)  earthy browns with some stunning reds (one by Kokomo the other by Wissmach)  The privacy is achieved actually by location for this installation...which is about 30 feet up in a cutout in a wall...pictures to come....

Add caption

Happy Friday ...it is finally here...

Another exciting yet crazy week is complete ...and I am staying away from the studio this weekend....Yesterday was a really good day...completed the Signage for "The Bureau of Land Management" Washington State...very very exciting...it is actually the first glass sign that I have ever produced.  Nice.  All of the glass used was brought up from the States for this panel...all Kokomo and Spectrum System 96.  The reason I went with the fusible glass even though this was not a fused project was simply "color saturation."  In fact I think I will start using fusible for many of my stained glass panels where color is needed...the fusible lines of glass are rich in color intensity only comparable to the antiques in my opinion. (And this has nothing to do with my newly purchased kiln...well not much :)   So here is a picture of the completed panel... although the patina is not applied yet nor is it poilished..."rough and in the buff."  On the same table you can see a door lite for a house in downtown Toronto.  The door lite was actually installed today (Friday) by Whalerjack Design and Construction.  Greatly appreciated too!

Opps ..here is the picture

Project for State of Washington, August 2011 by Glassworks Studio Toronto

Today in the studio a lot was going on....

This morning when I arrived at the studio there was already a client waiting for me..in the studio...Problem....well we sorted that out...I made myself a coffee and restarted my day...and it was busy...with every table full ..my day had to focus on the artwork for the project going to the US..  so I completed my artwork..and it was quickly approved by the designer.. and the architectural company...Technology is an amazing thing and makes my life so much easier...so this afternoon I did what I love to do....CUT...how do you explain that feeling......being creative ....... be challenged...simple enjoyment of what you do......AMAZING... Here is the artwork photo...final product complete tomorrow..

Stained glass created in Toronto.

This week in the studio is going to be crazy...Monday a skylight panel that was completed on Friday is being picked up and then the first of "hopefully" a few signs is being built... This sign project (1 of 52) is heading to the USA once complete.  The first being for the State of Washington...very exciting.  The project is copperfoil technique but is being built mostly of spectrum fusible glass...not being fused...however the intense color pigment of this glass will look amazing...and we will have a lot of off cuts to go into the kiln....  NICE...

So here is to another exciting week...I hope yours is also...pictures will be up after the project ships Wednesday!

here is the initial mock up for a door lite project that hopefully will be started in a few weeks....k

Tomorrow @ the studio...

Tomorrow at the studio construction begins @ 7am...Doorways enlarged and finally the cutout for the medallion panel is being cut into the wall...Exciting...too bad I will be outside of Buffalo...well not "too bad" I will be having some fun too...

Our next projects coming up are very exciting....copper foiled contemporary panel with reds...earthy browns...custom bevels...another is a doorlite for a Victorian door in High Park..using St just "Crackle" as the background...as "glassers" know ..this glass in no longer in production at the St Just factory...but it was the only glass I wanted to use..so the hunt began...finally found some at another local studio..NICE..Anyway that panel is being installed next week...

Have a great night!
k 

"Attention to details....I might be fixated...

Today was another design day for me...and so is tomorrow.  If I can finish the design work for one client a day I am considering it a good ...well GREAT day!  Yes ...today was a great day..and  I hope tomorrow is too.

Today's design work was the layout for ten interior door lites...pretty intricate ones too...design is based off of Roman Columns...but in glass..strong bases..with a beautiful crown top...and in the middle a tall expanse of 12" pencil bevels seperated  by rows of 1" squares..I know sounds crazy but they are going to be simply beautiful...Regal....

Glass selection is still undecided..but there is already a lot of bevel work and 50mm round jewels...Technique on these doors is copper foil....Here are 2 photos...one is of the upper detail in the crowns and the second is just a detail of the base...more photos will come once we start to cut some of the glass...Let me know what you think...

oh ya... :)

OK...I know that I have said this before...but I love what I do....This past week I finished up on a site that I had worked on over a year ago..actually probably two...going back and seeing my previous projects is like see an old friend...I look at them, inspect them, and admire them. The light passes through...refracting through the room..dancing.  So cool...


I made a purchase in one of my favorite stores this past week...I bought an item that I have been looking at and wanting for a long time.  It was an investment not a simple purchase.  When I finally said.."Yes I want it..." the sales clerk (who I now know very well) looked sad.  She said that she had bonded with this item that I was now taking home...she was sad to see it leave.  I actually laughed because I know exactly how she feels....this is how I feel about all my glass projects...I reassured her that she would see her friend again..  :)

Here are some pictures of my latest projects...the transoms were installed first and the entry way has just been completed. 
  -the best thing about leaving an old friend is the anticipation of seeing them -at some point- again!

It is all about the glass....GWS: Preview "oh ya... :)"

It is all about the glass....GWS: Preview "oh ya... :)"

Stained Glass in the Closet....

Ok...yes it is true...I have installed stained glass panels almost everywhere....and this week was my first installation in a closet....I know sounds odd...but from the curb view of this updated "beautiful" Victorian Home...it simply looks gorgeous!  It is not a traditional Victorian design...but rather Victorian with a little "Kelly" flare.  Dominantly colorless with a touch of antique purple and some multi faceted jewels....infinity bevels and a "Beveled Crown" for the focus.....

And "yes" it does go with the door lite that I previously completed. 


For all of you glass people...the door lite was sealed in a tempered thermal unit....the window in the closet was installed on side #4 of the thermal. (which in my opinion is the best way to do a fixed panel (that is not in an operating door system)  The thermal creates the "r" value and the decorative glass "beautifies!"

 Hope you have a great weekend and here is the picture of my first "closet piece," and hopefully not my last :) K

 

Love the Heat!

Today was a great day for me...I was at the shop early...accomplished a lot..installed the art glass ceiling panels in a light fixture....did do a little socializing over coffee.  I  cancelled my last appointment...but why not add one more install to my Friday schedule...I can do it!  Hopefully tomorrow will not be quite as hot...Tomorrow I am wrapping up two sites in Oakville and then off to deliver panels for a historic reno...and then picking signed off details for the next..  Busy... busy... busy..that is how I stay our of trouble!

Here is a shot of today's installation.

Working on the weekend is not that bad...

One thing about working in the studio on the weekend...is that it is quiet...I really don't answer the phone....I just get things done... Saturday morning I made a coffee and looked at a project that was "complete" on the table..NICE..went through my black book to figure who I had seen this week (yes it is a bit of a blurr..) and who needs artwork done..pricing...what is coming up..All good stuff.  And of course looked at some new glass sheets that arrived this week...nothing too crazy except some Bullseye Cranberry and White streaky...a little too pink for me but is will fit in somewhere...

Then I started the first of 6 doors for a local architectural millwright company......and today I finished them...Long day...i think 12 hours...

This week is crazy again..starting tomorrow...I think I will start at the shop..then drop of some glass samples that are being shipped to Washington for final approval..hopefully...and to Oakville to finish up some repair work and deliver the door panels..

this pic is one of many projects that are complete ...where I need to get back and take final photos....

What a crazy week...

Ok..this was the craziest week in a long time...repair...replace...and then asked.."What is the best piece of advice I could give?"  hmmmm....  After this week I knew what to say..."When you make a mistake-which we all do-  1)Admit it      2)Own It       3)Fix It     4)Learn from it      5)and think about your process and change it if necessary.

One thing that I have realized again this week is that almost anything can be resolved...and that most situations we deem a crisis...REALLY are not.  Take a deep breath..that is what I am learning to do!

Glassworks Studio's first interior door designed and built...2nd door design completed this week..pictures to come...first view is for the client's eyes only...then I can share.

Creativity is part of the soul..in my opinion..

It is great when creative people get together...possibilities are endless...and it is so exciting...sometimes I think how could I love this more (and I am talking about glass-I know I have a problem)  So today I was so swamped with the business end of "the business" that I asked Andrea to do an art proposal for me...I know seems like nothing--but for me this was a BIG step..she did great....amazing..

So now I have this studio-a space that makes it happen- and now someone helping me- who has different tastes and art background-- but it works.   The bonus is the ability to let go and let someone help...What a great thing.. This project is only in the proposal stage...but even if by some chance the client declines I think we will build it anyway...let the sunlight filter through it...as it does through all art glass...in the studio windows..   :)

on trying to catch up...

Today started out well...sent the kids up to the cottage with my parents....thought this is going to be good.  Went to my first site that was "suppose" to be prepped and ready for my install...what was suppose to be a 1 hour installation took 4.  That's OK...I left and went to my next meeting...this  one was difficult...its hard when everyone has different visions....and it was not suppose to be a "creative conference" but decision time....NOT HAPPENING...YET...we did have great coffee and agreed to pick up next week.  My last stop of the day was at a major high manufacturer of cabinetry...trying to decide if a contract is just to big  is hard....especially for me -who I might add- wants it all..

So that was my day...it was really good in a sort of non-productive day sense....I am just glad I do not have many of these...they can be exhausting...mentally anyway.

one of my friends took me out for supper...so now I am in a food coma. Sitting here thinking I am going to read my book and have a glass of Red...RELAX....aka sleep!

This picture is is of one of my favorite coffee spots (Nov 2010)....too bad I have to get on a plane to get there....Maybe its time for another girls weekends ladies?


Have a great night...and of course HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Yeah...tomorrow is a shop day!!!

and no I did not mean shopping....I meant "shop" as in studio.  Sometimes it is like therapy "a shop day."  No scheduled meetings(well that I have entered in my scheduler anyway)...just my jeans and t-shirt and a lot of glass to cut.  Tomorrow's lineup is 1)drawn antique to cut for 12 french doors..2)and a door lite to complete for one of my custom interior doors..-this is the based off a door design I created a year ago-...every door is slightly different but all based off the same idea...straight lines, strong masculine, squares...just clean and classic. Nice.

And if I get that done.....maybe a little work on the skylight. Yes the skylight is not complete..so many sections..but lots of fun.

here is a shot of some of my doors....crystal clear...beveled starphire...GNA..German jewels and more custom beveled work!
Have a great night!   K

Glass that sparkles...

"Glass that sparkles"...I love this comment...it happens so often.  Today I have been working for three different clients...all three for new custom builds..all looking for something that "sparkles...." and I completely know what they are talking about.  Glass in itself sparkles...it has a life of it's own...whether it is completely clear or saturated with pigment.  I have a purple cathedral in my showroom window..it is the deepest and most brilliant purple I have seen...it is shocking and serene all in one breath... I doubt I will ever cut the sheet up.  My problem is my showroom is full of these sheets of glass...greens, azure, magenta, and combinations of...yellows, flashed, cadmium reds....Again...glass is amazing whether colored or colorless....it relaxes me, adds to my creativity...I hope it does the same for you.

Nice Glass... http://www.glasssworksstudio.ca

  Here are final pictures of a recent installation. Beveled starphire glass with Drawn Antique Glass and some Jewels..  The first shot is of Drawn Antique Glass that I applied a silvered finish on. Drawn Antique Glass becomes Drawn Antiqued Mirror.  Cool!

Fleur-de-Lis in some fanastic doors....

Stained Glass Toronto, by Glassworks Studio.

Here are some shots located recently of a previously completed project...I love this one!!

Stained Glass Projects Recently completed OR installed...

Here are some of the latest projects completed in studio...Or recently installed...

This week we are finishing up 8 panels for a skylight and bidding on the next...