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Photograph by Flickr member Miltonmic

Lately, I've been embossing into recycled silver and gold a 19th century bird from one of my antique tools.

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Machines cannot replicate the touch of human hands

It appears to be a dove, and for its age and small size the detail is wonderful.

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This recycled 18K gold ring is hand created at my bench

With my attention on antique birds, it was a delight to stumble upon Kristen Hudgik's night lights.

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Nashville Warbler image, transferred onto a piece of light amber glass

She is also inspired by the beauty and amazing effect of pure light captured in colored glass from another time.

 
Glowing Details 08/19/2009
 
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Photo by Flickr member Aidan McRae Thomson

When the sun shines and every detail glows, stained glass windows invite us to stay awhile. This butterfly is in Wytham Church, designed by
Robert Anning Bell c1930.

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Photo by Flickr member Simon_K

Striations in mouth-blown glass make it sparkle. This butterfly among flowers is part of a window in St. John the Baptist, a church in the seaside town of Felixstowe in Suffolk, England.

 
 
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Making something unwanted, broken or discarded into a work of art, excites us. If you have visited our web site, online portfolio, daily Twitter updates, Facebook page and jewelry shop, then you already know this! From this blog you also know how we are inspired by the art of light, and of course that includes the magnificant works of Louis Comfort Tiffany. So when I learned about John D'Agostino's exhibition, Empire of Glass, I had to share with you right away!

The Griffin Museum of Photography in Winchester, Massachusetts is hosting this exhibition. Paula Tognarelli, the museum's Executive Director, wrote about it, and here is an extract from her article:

"John D’Agostino photographs discarded pieces of Tiffany glass. He was destined to do so. The stained glass of Louis Comfort Tiffany has inspired three generations of the D’Agostino family. John’s grandfather, Vito D’Agostino (1898-1968), had a passion for Tiffany glass and through scavenging and installment payments, amassed, piece by piece, a handsome Tiffany glass collection. When the Tiffany Studios were liquidated in 1933, workman removed large sheets of glass from the demolition and smashed the glass into pieces on the streets, dumping the remnants into the East River in New York. Vito D’Agostino rescued many large sheets of glass that would eventually be photographed by his grandson. John’s father, John E. D’Agostino, safeguarded his father’s Tiffany collection. As an abstract painter and collagist, Tiffany glass has influenced his understanding of 20th century abstract painting as well as the characteristic nature of his artwork. John E. D’Agostino says that his work is suggestive of stained glass."

We're planning a trip and recommend that if you are nearby Winchester, MA do visit this exhibition too and let us know what you think! -Caroline

 
Angelic 05/26/2009
 
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The center photo shows a handmade English steel stamp from the 1800s, which I'm excited to share with you. It is in wonderful condition, and the detail is incredible. Even tendrils of hair delicately frame her lovely face. I wonder if the maker of this stamp was inspired by glistening gem-colored windows similar to the ones here. The features and countenance are similar. What is most amazing about this steel stamp is that it is under 1/4 of an inch! Part of my collection of antique steel stamps used in my work, but aside from admiring the workmanship and beauty, I have not yet decided how I will feature this one.

 
 

Searching "stained glass" on Etsy , these wonderful finds turned up. Starting from the top left: A handpainted candle holder, fine art print of stunning reflections behind ornate grating, beautiful gothic window photo notecards, and bright-colored vegan soap.

 
 

Beautiful glass gathered, blown, shaped and finished by skilled craftsmen done in the same way as when Blenko Glass Co. opened its doors in 1921.

The National Cathedral in Washington and many famous cathedrals in Europe are decorated with Blenko stained glass. It is one of only two U.S. companies that makes the one inch thick Dalle de Verre glass used in cathedrals and famous buildings around the world.

It was shocking news to learn about its closing this past January. But in just a few weeks, light is shining brighter on Blenko. The courage and fortitude that carried this company through the Great Depression has emerged because Blenko is resuming partial operation!
The mettle of American stained glass is alive.

 
Grand Staircase 01/20/2009
 

One of the most popular travel destinations in Europe right now is Belfast, and its City Hall dominates the skyline. In 1888 Queen Victoria bestowed city status on Belfast, and immediately plans for this majestic classical renaissance building began. This photo shows part of its grand staircase, which features stained glass portraits of British sovereigns, rescued from bombing during the Second World War.

 
Favorite Window 12/15/2008
 

We blogged about this window last year, and decided to post our favorite photo we've taken thus far. This exquisite opalescent Tiffany angel is the perfect choice for this time of year too! Enjoy!

 
Coat of Arms 10/29/2008
 

Our friend Heidi recently returned from a long trip around the world and gave us so many wonderful photos of stained glass from France, Scotland and Ireland. In this photo, the red sword in hand is an Irish Christian symbol, so we're guessing this gorgeous window is from an old church in Ireland.

Colored light shining through windows in sacred places, rich in beauty and meaning, is an experience that never tires. This is true for the devout, for the historian and for the art lover. Thank you, Heidi!

 
 

We promised to post stained glass photographed by our friend Rachel from her trip to Australia.  And she did send us this photo of a beautiful stained glass window from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Sydney.  Thank you Rachel!

 

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