When our clients are considering adding stained glass windows or doors to their home, they are always curious about the installation aspect. Here are some of the questions we hear on a regular basis:

1.      Do my current windows need to be removed?

Usually not. In about 75% of our installations, the new stained glass panel has been custom made to the exact measurements of the existing window. We have developed a special bonding process that attaches the panel to the inside of the window. In this way, the stained glass is protected from the elements, the window actually receives a second layer of insulation, and the sealing process insures that no dust or moisture will come between the stained glass and the original glass.

2.      Will the installation process make a big mess?

Not at all. We build the stained glass panels in our own studio, and deliver a fully finished product to your home. Because your windows are usually not being removed, installation is a fairly clean and quick process. Offices and retail stores can easily have stained glass installed without any significant disruption of their daily business.

3.      How stable and durable will these stained glass windows be?

At least as stable and durable as your current windows – and probably more. However, if your windows are not in good condition, you may need them repaired or replaced before having the stained glass added. Scottish Stained Glass custom windows are designed to last for generations. The fact that stained glass is put together with lead, copper or brass caming strips and solder actually makes it very sturdy. Bonding the panel to a window makes the entire window stronger and more energy efficient at the same time.

 4.      If I want stained glass in the bathroom, such as a shower window or door, will the constant wetness destroy the stained glass?

 We take no chances with that happening. For this type of situation we actually install the stained glass between two other panes of glass, ensuring no moisture can enter.

 5.      If I move, is it possible to take my stained glass windows with me?

 Yes! We have helped many clients removed their custom stained glass artwork and take it to be reinstalled at their new home. If your windows are an odd size or shape, or if you think at some point in the future you might be moving, you could consider a different installation option. You can have the stained glass panel “hung” in the existing window with hooks. In this way, you could easily take it with you and hang it somewhere in your next home, even if the size match is not exact.

Obviously, our methods are different depending on where the panel is to be located, and whether it is a new home installation or existing, possibly much older homes. However, with over 40,000 installations under our belt in more than 20 years, we feel confident that you will be delighted with both the quality and workmanship of the stained glass, and the ease, practicality and longevity of the finished installation.

Stained glass windows are beautiful in and of themselves, whether colored or clear, because of the artistry and aesthetic of the work itself. The beautiful patterns of the glass, the colors, the textures and the exquisitely detailed workmanship leave you no doubt that you are looking at a piece of art. But there is one thing about stained glass that makes it very different to any other form of art and that is the way it interacts with any light, but sunlight in particular.

Although you certainly could install stained glass in an interior door or kitchen cabinet door, and many people do, the most common application is in windows – so the sun can shine through. This creates a variety of effects: rainbows, dancing patterns of color and light, which make the room look magical during all different times of the day. Although the effects caused by refraction of the sunlight through the glass are pretty fantastic, even lovelier is the gorgeous glow of the windows themselves.

Glass is a common substance, isn’t it, one that is in every home and generally taken for granted. But our clients tell us repeatedly that they never get tired of looking at their custom designed, hand crafted Scottish Stained Glass windows because they are just so spectacular with the sun shining through them.

By the way, although we call all of our work “stained glass” in general the term leaded glass refers to windows that have no color. They use a special type of glass with that uses lead added instead of the usual calcium – and no, this lead is not dangerous in any way. As for the term “beveled,” this indicates decorative glass in which the edges have been angled, allowing the sunlight to refract in spectacular patterns.

Stained glass windows have practical applications!

Aside from the gorgeousness aspect, were you aware that stained glass has a practical aspect as well? Many of our clients use clear, textured leaded glass to solve some privacy problems. If you don’t want callers to be able to see into your home when they come up your front walk, leaded glass provides the perfect solution while creating a distinctive entryway. If your neighbors are a bit too close, clear leaded glass in the bathroom or bedroom windows gives you that much needed privacy. But unlike other privacy solutions like shades and curtains – stained glass lets in the sun! It doesn’t darken your home for the sake of privacy.

And if you are looking for a bit of thermal efficiency, the addition of stained glass windows to your existing windows is like turning a single pane into a double pane! We have developed our own installation process to bond the stained glass panel to the inside of a window. This protects the stained glass from the elements, and keeps any dust or dirt from getting in between the two panes of glass.

If you love the look and feel of natural sun light in your home, you’ll be delighted even more by stained glass windows. Rather than blocking the light, they actually enhance it. Take a look at our galleries and you’ll see what we mean! Then contact us about creating your own custom Scottish Stained Glass.

Installation with your Scottish Stained Glass purchase is always included.  We have many methods of stained glass installation depending on your particular space and your glass piece.  Whether you need construction to add a completely new window and frame, or just want to replace an existing window, we will work with your needs to make sure your stained glass is installed correctly.

If you’re adding an entirely new window to your home, we can ensure that the project runs both smoothly for your home, and according to building code standards.  Different areas of a home may require different building methods, and Scottish Stained Glass will ensure that your install is completely safe, and that it will last.  We want to make this process as enjoyable as possible for you so that you can have complete satisfaction in your new stained glass window or door.

Preferred Method of Installation

Our preferred method of stained glass installation in Denver is to salvage your existing window frames.  If your current window has clear glass in it, we can bond our pane of stained or leaded glass to the inside, creating a double paned window.  This will add to the insulating value of your windows, and help to keep the weather where it should be; outside.   Another important reason we prefer this installation process is so that your previous window pane can protect the new piece from the elements.  When you look at the window after the stained glass has been bonded, it will simply look like stained glass!

Our Experience at Scottish Stained Glass

You can feel confident putting your installation in our hands.  We have over 20 years of experience in the industry, and our process has been proven effective.  No matter what your needs are, we can meet them and exceed them.  It is important to us to create lasting relationships with our customers while creating the best quality work in the industry.  We have an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau, and we’ve received a gold star for no complaints for seven straight years.

One of our talented designers will walk you through the process as they design your custom piece to ensure that your window or door is installed the best way possible for your particular project.  Each window we make is completely unique, and each installation is unique as well, but at Scottish Stained Glass Denver, we guarantee satisfaction with your end result.

By Patricia Stroud, Scottish Stained Glass Designer

As a designer, one of the most requested locations for a prized Scottish Stained Glass window is the bathroom. This may strike some as usual because stained glass is usually something to show off in the public areas of the home and make the Joneses a little envious. So why hide these treasures away in the bathroom? The answer may be more obvious than you think.

Stained glass can do more than just add style; it can also provide excellent privacy!  If you have large windows in a bathroom, or just windows with easy visibility, privacy may have become a problem. Homeowners often take back their privacy in these areas with blinds or curtains to cover a window. This eliminates the use of sunlight, and often creates the feeling of a closed off, dark space.  Instead, consider stained glass to give you the best of both worlds by blocking vision but not natural light.

What Makes a Stained Glass Window Private?

There are three factors by which to achieve privacy with stained glass window additions to a bathroom.  First, forget all color that is typically associated with stained glass windows and let’s focus on texture. Even colorless glass can block vision through any window.  We can achieve these dramatic results though selecting a colorless glass that features a heavy texture.

Scottish Stained Glass stocks a large variety of textures including our most popular types; waterglass, granite, hammered, vecchio, gluechip, corded, seedy and rough rolled. Each ranks somewhere on our 1-10 privacy scale to give our clients the precise distortion level needed to put their minds as ease, especially while taking a long bubbly soak in that garden tub.

Now let’s talk about colors. Many of our clients request stained glass windows precisely for the color that they add to the room. Colored glass sparkling in the sunlight may be one of the most beautiful sights in the world, but don’t just take my opinion- ask one of the millions of people attending places of worship around the world that feature stained glass windows. Colors are where stained glass windows come to life.

Lastly, there is opacity, which is how clear your glass is. Some colored glass is the faintest tint resembling something to a soft watercolor painting. Gazing through a translucent window of this gentle nature can actually have you looking at the world through rose colored glass(es). At the other end of the spectrum we have opaque colored glass which is a pure shock of color that is completely unable to see past. While difficult for natural light to illuminate past, opaque colored glass provides complete privacy for those who need extreme measures.  There are those many levels in between that can feature translucent tints with colored swirls allowing light to pass, but providing enough of a pattern to limit visibility.

Bathroom Stained Glass with Scottish

With so many options, and many different levels of privacy, you’ll be able to create a work of art while adding much needed privacy to any bathroom in your home.  You’ll work with an experienced designer, like myself, to select the best glass choices and design for your home.  Give us a call today to learn more, and to get started on your bathroom stained glass!

While windows let in great, functional natural light to any space in your home, many windows also allow unwanted glances into your home from neighbors, visitors, or just passersby.  Window treatments may be in order for your home, and if you’re looking for something that actually looks great in addition to adding privacy and functionality, Scottish Stained Glass offers a unique window treatment option.

Window Treatment Options

There are a few major choices for window treatments.  The two most commonly thought of are usually blinds or curtains. Blinds work to block vision into your home, but at the same time will block natural light from coming in.  Blinds can also be difficult to clean, and depending on what type you get, can be easily damaged.

Curtains are another option for privacy.  While they can be an inexpensive fix to your privacy problem, they also block natural light, and require that you put up a curtain rod to hang them, causing damage to your walls.

At Scottish Stained Glass, we offer a unique solution to common window problems, as well as window treatment problems.  Stained glass can prevent vision through your windows, but still allows natural light to come into your home.  You can have your glass permanently bonded to the inside of your window, or even create a piece that hands inside your window for the same effect, with the permanent bond.

A leaded glass piece solves the problem of privacy for any home, and also goes further to add a unique and beautiful piece of art to any space.  Every piece that we build is custom, so you’ll be able to choose the types of glass we use, as well as the design of your piece.  You’ll be working with one of our expert designers to find the best look for your personal style, modern or traditional, and your home as a whole.  It’s like adding your own custom work of glass art to your home.

Window Treatments with Scottish Stained Glass

At Scottish Stained Glass, we build every piece using traditional methods.  This process creates stained glass that, if cared for properly, can essentially last forever.  Our team of talented designers and builders will help you through the design process and ensure that you love the stained glass piece that you end up with.  Feel free to give us a call or send an email today to learn more about getting your privacy back, and adding something beautiful to your home at the same time!

So you’re looking to decorate your home, and add some wonderful inspirational art—the kind with real value, the kind you will not grow tired of looking at. Perhaps you cannot afford an original Picasso; neither can we. But there is an original form of custom hand-made art that you could afford, that might give your home or business exactly what you have been looking for. We’re talking, of course, about stained glass art in the form of windows or door panels.

Sometimes people look confused by this suggestion. They are familiar with stained glass mainly in churches, and have no interest in adding any religious or bible scenes to their bay window. They cannot imagine that those vivid primary colors used for church stained glass would suit their modern suburban ranch home. But in fact because our stained glass is custom made, it can be done in any style that suits you, from Art Deco to Victorian, from Prairie Style inspired to the legendary style of Greene and Greene.

(People are even more confused when we tell them that around 90% of the custom stained glass work we do is colorless, using clear glass with various textures and finishes.) We’d like to show you some photos of stained glass, some that we have made and some that other artists have made, and see if we can’t show you why we insist that stained glass is the perfect, practical art form for today’s modern homes and offices, not just the churches of yesteryear.

Boulderado Hotel Stained Glass

One of the projects we are most proud of is the restoration of the lobby ceiling in the Boulderado Hotel. This gorgeous masterpiece has quite a long history, but was in need of serious restoration by the time we got our hands on it… and we spent considerable time lovingly restoring it back to its original glory. Take a look at this photo and see if you don’t agree that it’s a wonderful example of modern art! (Insert photo of Boulderado)

If this has whetted your stained glass appetite, it’s only the beginning. We’d like to show you just how beautiful, unique, and striking this art can be. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, if you’d like to see more pictures, please check us out on Pinterest or Flickr.  In fact, if you go on either of those sites and put “stained glass” into the search box, we think the results will blow any of your preconceptions about what stained glass can look like out of the water.

By the way, our Flickr photo stream has some stunning examples of antique stained glass. We do sell antique stained glass windows, imported from Scotland, in case antique art is to your taste. There is a style of stained glass to suit any taste. You can choose from modern, geometric, abstract, flowers or trees, colorful or clear, textured or beveled, or even painted glass — or any combination of the above. Working directly with Scottish Stained Glass, can you furnish your home with art masterpieces crafted especially for you.

If you ever find yourself visiting England, one “off the beaten track” attraction that we cannot recommend too highly is The Stained Glass Museum. Their wonderful galleries show the evolution of over eight hundred years of stained glass windows, collected from all over Europe.

View Beautiful Stained Glass

The Stained Glass Museum opened back in the seventies, when many stained glass windows were in danger of being lost. Their mission is to rescue these treasures and exhibit them in a way that allows the public to learn about them and appreciate them. Located inside the spectacular Ely Cathedral, the museum features more than one hundred stained glass panels, dating back as far as the year 1200. These artworks come from both religious institutions and secular buildings.

With many stained glass windows, particularly in cathedrals with huge heights, the windows are very high off the ground, but the museum carefully displays their collection at eye level. It is a stunning sight, not to be missed if you are an art lover, a history lover, or of course, a stained glass lover.

Where Is the Stained Glass Museum?

Located north of Cambridge, the Stained Glass Museum can be reached by train from London in a little over an hour.

If you have no plans to get to the UK any time soon, don’t be disappointed. The museum has a website where you can tour their galleries “virtually” and see many of these gorgeous stained glass masterpieces.

By the way, Scottish Stained Glass also has some extensive galleries you might like to take a look at. In our gallery we have many of the stained glass window designs that we have custom made for our 15,000+ customers over the past twenty years.

You might like to check out their “brief history of stained glass” page for its amazing glimpse through history, complete with photos of some of the most ancient yet masterful stained glass pieces.

Inspiring Stained Glass in Your Home?

If you are considering adding some stained glass windows, doors or hanging panels to your home or commercial space, learning about the history and evolution of this well-loved art form can be a lot of fun. But perhaps ancient medieval artwork is not your idea of a good time? Or perhaps you love looking at it and admiring the skill, artistry and craftsmanship that went into it, but want something more modern for your home?

Here at Scottish Stained Glass, we offer the best combination of ancient and modern techniques, still hand crafting our custom designed stained glass pieces, but using modern materials and installation procedures. Because of our great love and respect for the stained glass masters of old, we bring that same skill, artistry and craftsmanship to every window or door panel.

And our designs can be anything you’d like. From geometric to floral, from vividly colored to clear and textured, your imagination is the only limit! We hope you’ll visit The Stained Glass Museum if you ever have the chance, but even if you have no intention of leaving home, contact us for a free in-home consultation with a stained glass designer today!

If you love stained glass and have been perusing our sites looking at all the lovely photos of our work, then you already know that every stained glass window we produce is custom made, and built to last for generations. But there is another kind of stained glass we are excited to tell you about – the kind that already has successfully withstood the test of time – antique stained glass!

On June 21^st, Scottish Stained Glass will be hosting a benefit for Project C.U.R.E, a highly regarded charity that takes in donations of used, new or reusable medical equipment and supplies, and ships it off to needy clinics in third world countries around the globe.

To date, they have collected around $1,000,000 worth of supplies for the recently finished pediatric ICU in the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. This is one of that nation’s primary health care facilities, located in Belize City, Belize.  But although these much needed supplies have been donated free of charge, shipping that amount of tonnage to Belize is another matter entirely.
And that’s where we come in! Scottish Stained Glass founder, Martin Faith, has collected over 150 antique stained glass windows from his native Glasgow. They were “rescued” when many homeowners modernized their windows in the seventies and eighties, perhaps not realizing the worth of these lovely antiques. And although Martin dearly loves this stunning collection of 100+ year old windows, when he realized that selling it could potentially save hundreds of lives – his decision to sell them was easy.

During the 19^th century, Glasgow Scotland was a mecca of stained glass art, the city filled with master craftsman plying their ancient trade and outfitting the Victorian homes and castles of the day with their amazing artworks. Stained glass has a long history across Europe, and particularly in Glasgow, home of master architect and stained glass artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

The windows in Martin Faith’s personal collection are one of-a-kind treasures of all sizes, colors and types of glass. In fact, many of them are made out of types of glass that are no longer possible to produce today, so not only are they beautiful, they are a tangible chunk of history. If you’d like to add one of these treasures to your home, it can be hung in a larger existing window via hooks, so you can let the sun shine through it, always the best way to view stained glass windows.

To see what these antique windows look like please view our stained glass samples.

Please visit Project C.U.R.E to make a donation or learn more about this wonderful cause.

The bulk of them will be viewed and then sold at our cocktail party fundraiser, to be held at our main Centennial, CO showroom on the evening of the summer solstice. We chose that particular evening so our guests would have the longest possible amount of daylight to admire their beauty, and choose the one they love the most to purchase. We’re expecting a great evening, complete with Glass, Grapes and Gruyere! The prices range from $500 to $20,000 for these beauties.

Please contact us for more information!

In our 20+ years of experience designing, building and installing stained glass windows in peoples’ homes and offices, many of the same questions arise. People are concerned about the installation of stained glass windows, or how to care for them once they’ve been installed.

Some of the Top Stained Glass Window Questions:

Do I have to pick one of your stained glass designs or can I have one custom designed?

People are surprised to hear that all our stained glass windows and doors are custom designed with your input. You can pick an existing design as a starting point, work with one of our designers from a completely unique idea of your own – or anything in between.

If I am on a tight budget, is there any way I can still have stained glass in my home?

There are various ways we can work within your budget. One of the main costs is square footage. If our estimate is way beyond your budget, consider adding stained glass to a smaller window or perhaps a door panel instead of an entire door. The intricacy of the pattern is the other main factor. Once our designers get a sense of what you want, they can adjust the pattern, perhaps using fewer pieces, to bring it within your budget but still create the look you want.

How long does stained glass last?

Your stained glass windows or doors should last for generations. We use the most modern and technologically advanced methods of construction and installation. However, even before modern times, stained glass was pretty durable. Panels have been found intact dating back hundreds of years. We suspect your stained glass panels will outlive you, looking as beautiful as the day they were installed.

Do my stained glass windows need any special care?

Usually, our windows are installed on the inside of the existing window. The original pane acts to protect the stained glass from the elements. Dusting or cleaning with a mild cleanser is all the maintenance these windows require.

What happens if I invest all this money in stained glass and then decide to sell my home?

Many realtors believe that stained glass is a terrific investment, adding to the overall value of the home. The unique beauty of this investment might be what sells your home! Furthermore, you can always take your stained glass panels with you when you move.

My home is filled with antiques. Is it possible to purchase genuine, antique stained glass?

Yes, we have a lovely selection imported from Scotland that will be available on our website soon. And if you come across an antique stained glass window or other type of panel that needs repair, we also provide restoration services. The work we do will be indistinguishable from the original, preserving the weather, antique appearance. Contact us for more information!

I Don’t See My Question On This List

We are here to answer every question and allay any concern. If your stained glass window question isn’t on this list, take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions for even more information!

Although most of our clients’ usually focus on the design and production of their new stained glass windows, in fact, the installation process is equally important. Our stained glass is hand built with the highest quality materials and the most efficient techniques, but installation is another area in which Scottish Stained Glass excels.

Over the years, we have developed our own methods to meet the needs of our clients and their homes. Our most popular method of installation is a process whereby the new stained glass window panel is actually bonded to the inside of the existing pane of glass. This method provides superior insulation, effectively providing a single paned window with the thermal efficiency of a double. By keeping the existing window in place, we also protect the stained glass from the elements, the wind, hail, or even flying debris that could otherwise damage it.

Our bonding process assures you that your stained glass windows can be installed very cleanly and quickly. We use a specially developed bonding tape, and finish it off with a tiny amount of caulk around the edge of the stained glass panel. This has two purposes – it matches the color of the window trim, so no separation between the panel and the window frame is seen, and it prevents any dust or debris from somehow finding its way behind the stained glass and dulling its beauty.

Stained Glass Installation Methods

However, this method is not appropriate 100% of the time. In some cases, the existing windows are not in good enough condition, so they need to be replaced before the stained glass windows can be installed.

For other uses, such as shower doors or bathroom windows where there is constant exposure to moisture, we prefer to sandwich the stained glass in between two panels of clear glass, effectively creating a factory sealed, triple paned unit that is easy to clean, and protects the stained glass art from the damaging effects of moisture over time. For this type of installation we use tempered glass, and always comply with all local building codes and new construction safety regulations.

It’s not the glass itself that is negatively impacted by moisture, it’s the metal strips that hold it together which could become corroded or weakened over time.

There’s another method of stained glass installation which most people have never considered. This is actually less of an installation, than simply hanging the panel in the window from hooks, as if you were hanging a painting. For this method, we could construct a metal or wooden frame around the stained glass panel, and attach the hooks.

If you’re wondering why anyone would prefer this method, there are a few good reasons. Many people move over the course of their lives, and you might be very sorry to have to leave your gorgeous stained glass windows behind if that becomes your situation! Simply unhooking the panel and taking it with you to your new home is a lot easier than having to uninstall the entire window pane. (Although this is a service we offer as well!)

Get The Right Stained Glass Installation Method For Your Home

When you work with Scottish Stained Glass to custom design a window or door, our designers will discuss the installation options with you. Contact us today for more information.

Traditional stained glass windows in Europe’s churches and cathedrals reached their heyday in the middle ages, as gothic architecture used massive vertical windows to provide more light. These early stained glass windows portrayed biblical history and church dogma in the form of gorgeous glass mosaics, many of which remain in situ today, to the delight of art connoisseurs and tourists alike. It is a testament to the craftsmanship and methods of these early stained glass artisans that their work has lasted, admired and respected through the centuries, although their names have been long forgotten.

Europe’s Stained Glass Masterpieces

One of the most impressive examples is the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, in Chartres, France, where almost all of the 176 windows contains awe inspiring stained glass “paintings.” Another amazing architectural masterpiece is Sainte-Chapelle, (The Holy Chapel) the only building left of the Capetian royal palace in Paris, France. This chapel is famous specifically for its stained glass windows, which give the illusion of entire walls made of superbly crafted stained glass.

Given Europe’s tumultuous history, it’s amazing that any of these stained glass window masterpieces are still intact! Indeed, only two thirds of the stained glass in Sainte-Chapelle is still the original work, with the rest having been restored and replicated over the years.

Stained Glass Traditions

Scottish Stained Glass follows this ancient tradition of glass crafting when we make our thoroughly modern stained glass windows, panels and doors for our clients, whether churches, residential or commercial. The custom design and hand crafting of each piece have not changed at all!

Several things about the art of stained glass have changed though, most notably in terms of the tools and equipment used to make it.

Medeival glaziers followed a sketched “cartoon” (pattern) for their stained glass window design, as do our builders. But the cartoons we use today, although started by hand, are perfected on the computer, down to the millimeter.

In medieval times, a re-hot iron of some sort was used to cut the glass into the necessary shapes. Sounds unappealing and a bit dangerous, doesn’t it? Today, we use a hand held glass cutter that scores the glass, and the perfect shaped piece can simply be “snapped off.”

When the pieces of glass were ready to be assembled by medieval artists, they were fitted into caming, lead strips with channels that held them into place, then they were soldered together at the junction points. This has not changed very much to this day, although the solder and caming are much more modern versions.

Modern Stained Glass Techniques

There has been much advancement in the production of colored glass itself. However, the roughness of the surface and uneven thickness of medieval glass afforded a stunning array of refracted light when the sunlight passed through them. Many types of ancient stained glass are simply not made today… however, when we do a stained glass restoration, we do our best to match the exact color and look of the original glass.

If you’d like some thoroughly modern stained glass windows to grace your home, why not give us a call today? Our designers are ready to work with you, and we think you’ll be surprised at just how affordable stained glass windows can be!

• “They give the house a more individual touch…”
• “Makes my remodeled kitchen look so elegant…”
• “Absolutely exquisite! I LOVE it! I knew it would be gorgeous, but the completed work far exceeded my expectations….”
• “Designing my door was so much fun and seeing the upshot completely exceeded my imagination …”
• “We waited years … thought it would be a lot more expensive (than it was)… “
• “Exactly what we had wanted – giving us some privacy while letting in the light in our master bath…”

By now you’ve probably guessed that these are comments from our clients, talking about their new, custom designed and hand built stained glass windows from Scottish Stained Glass. With over twenty years in business and over 40,000 windows installed to more than 15,000 delighted customers, we’ve started to notice something – a trend, you might say.

Giving Customers What They Want in Stained Glass

Many of our customers love their stained glass so much that they can’t wait to order more. They want it in the entryway… in the bedroom… in their kitchen cabinet doors… even in the basement to hide those ugly well windows while still letting in every precious bit of light!

They want new stained glass and sometimes they even want antique stained glass. They want floral stained glass and they want Mission Style stained glass. They want Deco stained glass and they want Art Nouveau stained glass. They want vividly colored stained glass and they want earth toned, neutral stained glass.

They want clear leaded glass, textured glass, beveled glass and some of them even want etched or painted stained glass!

What is going on here?

Plain glass windows – be afraid! Be very afraid!

Of course we like to toot our own horn, and pride ourselves on our exquisite craftsmanship, professional installation, and top-notch customer service, but why believe us? Take it from your peers, our clients, who are continually thrilled with what we offer, how we do it, and what it does to their home or commercial space.

We wish we had a nickel for each time we’ve heard the word “perfect” about one of our stained glass window or door installations – we could go on vacation!

But since we are not on vacation, perhaps now is the time to order the stained glass windows you’ve been dreaming of? Our professional designers come to your home, showing you a stunning array of styles, patterns and colors of glass to choose from. Or help you design your own original pattern. Imagine the fun of participating in the design of a unique piece of art that will likely be in your family for generations.

Isn’t It Time You Loved Your Home’s Windows?

If you’ve always wanted stained glass windows but were afraid you could never afford them, why not give us a call for an estimate? We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. We look forward to earning your business, and promise not to say “I told you so” when it’s all said and done and you’re gushing over how much you love your new windows.

The general assumption of stained glass is that it must replace a window, or at least be fully attached to a window.  However, stained glass panels are a great option that often goes unnoticed by many homeowners today.

Stained Glass Panel Options

If you’re interested in stained glass windows, but worried that you may not live in your current home forever, a custom designed stained glass window panel is a great solution.  This is a modification of traditional stained glass, and stained glass panels are usually hanging stained glass pieces that either hang inside of a window, or are attached to a window with removable brackets.

One of the most popular options for this type of stained glass is to get a family crest.  We can help you research your family name, and come up with a beautiful design that represents the history of your family.  This crest can be pasted on from generation to generation to your loved ones.

Stained Glass Panels Are a Great Choice for Homeowners

Stained glass can be an investment, and no matter where your life takes you, it may be important to take that investment with you.  Since our normal installation process involves bonding the stained glass to the inside of an existing, clear glass window, you can still achieve a similar look with a panel.  If you end up moving, you can add the same stained glass panel to a window in your new home.

One of the most amazing things about stained glass panels is that, if properly cared for, they can essentially last forever.  This means that you pass your unique work of glass art through your family for years to come.  Of course, if your panel is damaged, you can always contact us to have it repaired.

We often frame our leaded glass panels, and since we usually frame with wood, you can have it stained to match the look of your home.  When it comes to our custom stained glass, in fact, every aspect will personalized to the look of your home, and your own personal styles. We’ll pair you with one of our expert designers to work through this process, and ensure that you end up with stained glass panels that you truly love.

Let Scottish Create a Stained Glass Panel for You

If you have any questions about stained glass panels, or to set up a consultation with a designer in your area today, feel free to give us a call or send an email.  We can’t wait to help you add a beautiful, long lasting, family heirloom to your home today!

Wandering through an outdoor art show in Denver the other day, I enjoyed seeing the pastels, the mixed media and the oil paintings. Then, unexpectedly, in one booth I came across a lovely, detailed stained glass window that had been installed into an old wooden frame. It took me by surprise, and I stopped to admire it.

And just like my favorite paintings, I found that the more I looked at it, the more beautiful it became. The more I studied it, the more amazed I was by the workmanship and talent involved. And the more I admired it, the more I lusted for it!

Stained Glass Fine Art

I must admit that I’ve always thought stained glass was pretty, and some pieces even gorgeous, but I never really stopped and looked at it in the same way that I’ve looked at other “fine art” such as the masters’ paintings hanging in museums. Although I myself am an artist, and have the greatest respect for other artists and all kinds of art expressions, I am embarrassed now to admit that I seem to have taken stained glass for granted! Have you?

Since I’ve been working for Scottish Stained Glass, the largest custom stained glass studio of its kind in the country, I’ve developed a new appreciation for this ancient art form that dates back to medieval times. The design, talent and craftsmanship that goes into making a “painting” out of tiny pieces of colored glass held together by equally tiny strips of metal is truly extraordinary!

The design must fit into a specified set of dimensions—that of the window frame—and yet must be balanced, composed, and use a color palate that complements the existing décor. In fact, stained glass windows or doors are a double threat, because they provide functional beauty that enhances your home not just visually but in its actual value as well.

Imagine the skill and precise attention to detail that must be followed to cut those tiny pieces of glass into the precise shapes that form the precise pattern, and have the entire thing come together as one seamless whole, a finished, polished and sophisticated piece of art!

Stained Glass Artists

Some of the artists who’ve worked in stained glass are quite famous, including the Scottish water colorist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and the famed California duo of Greene and Greene. They saw stained glass windows not as a separate art form, but as an organic and vital part of the overall design and aesthetic value of the buildings they designed.

Are you a casual admirer of stained glass, or have you ever stopped and really taken a close look at a stained glass window the same way you might look at an oil painting done by a master? Stained glass window designs run the gamut from floral to geometric to abstract. Indeed, just as with any art form, the only limit is the imagination, talent and skill of the artist!

Intrigued? Want to hear more? Please contact us about having this beautiful art form added to your fine art collection in the form of stained glass windows or doors in your home!

Does your home have a glass panel in the front door? Or how about two sidelights on either side of the front door, or a transom window at the top of the door? These are one of the most popular places for people to add stained glass windows, for a wide variety of reasons.

Entryway Stained Glass

Your home’s entryway is the first thing a visitor sees when coming to your home. It is their first impression of you and the way you live. In fact, it is also the first thing you see when you get home, so you’d like it to be warm and inviting. You want it to “welcome” you home. Many homeowners jazz up that area with flowers, interestingly sculpted bushes, or even painting their front door a brighter, more dramatic contrasting color than the rest of the house, such as cherry red or forest green.

Another option which will really make your home stand out is the addition of either colored stained glass, or clear leaded glass.

Here are the top 5 benefits of having custom stained glass in your home’s entryway:

1. Make a striking first – and last – impression on friends, visitors and family. It will be obvious to all who see it that your home is well loved and cared for, a prized possession and reflection of its owner’s great taste.
2. Give your home an individual, personalized look in today’s oh-so-similar housing developments. You know, the ones where every house looks exactly the same as the ones next to it – except yours!
3. Add privacy, without blocking the light.  When people come to your front door, they cannot see into your home from the outside. You can see them through the peephole, but no one will know if you are home or not in case you decide not to answer the door.
4. Add value to your home. Custom stained glass windows from Scottish Stained Glass add value just like any other home improvement. They might be the very thing that sells your house, if the time should come that you decide to put it on the market. (On the other hand, you can have us remove your stained glass windows and take them with you, if you simply cannot bear to part with them!)
5. Add the beauty of fine, hand crafted and custom designed artwork to your home in a way that is not just lovely and decorative, it’s practical as well for all the preceding reasons!

We have a wide variety of options for entryways, including traditional colored stained glass patterns in many different styles, as well as beveled and textured glass with varying degrees of transparency. If your front door is solid wood, we can even create a new, custom door with a cutout for a stained glass panel in the center.

Custom Stained Glass Options Available

And speaking of custom, all of our stained glass windows and doors are custom made, to your tastes and specific needs. You’ll be working with one of our designers to get the exact look and style for your entryway that will complement your décor and delight your aesthetic senses.

Take a look at some of the entryways we have already designed for our clients and see if you can imagine them in your home. Or perhaps you are imagining something completely different? Many of our most stunning designs come from clients’ ideas, so we’d love to hear yours!

Stained glass windows and designs have an ancient and distinguished history. Examples of this time honored craft have been found in Europe’s ancient churches dating back centuries. In fact, when U.S. citizens go abroad, one of Europe’s main attractions are those imposing and venerated churches with their jaw-dropping stained glass windows.

Tourists everywhere are stunned by the colors, still so vivid despite the passing of hundreds of years, as well as the intricate detail and the moving depictions of religious symbolism. It’s likely that more photos are snapped of stained glass masterpieces than of any other architectural wonder throughout Europe.

Take a look at some of these stained glass marvels and see for yourself!

Stained Glass Design Is An Art Of Its Own

If you love the work of Vincent van Gogh or Monet, you might have a reproduction or tastefully framed poster in your home.  You might have even purchased original work painted in that style as an heirloom to treasure for generations to come.

With stained glass, there’s no need to get a reproduction or work that pays homage to the greats.  Stained glass window designs are affordable treasures that allow you to actually have an original masterpiece!  Made with a combination of both ancient and thoroughly modern methodologies, stained glass art work is guaranteed to add beauty to your home.

Perhaps you’ve always loved and admired ancient stained glass, but never considered that you could have modern stained glass in your home. Think about it… is it really such a far-fetched idea that you could add an artistic glass treasure to your home’s decor?

One of the missions of Scottish Stained Glass is to bring the art form we are so passionate about into American homes. (And offices, and churches, and just about anywhere else, of course!) All of our pieces are indeed custom made and hand built, by experienced and highly trained American artisans.

You are likely wondering “if stained glass windows are all custom made and hand-built, with today’s labor prices, how can I afford it?”

How Affordable Is Stained Glass Artwork?

Let’s take a look at the main factors that influence the cost of an original stained glass panel, whether for a window or a door.

1. The square footage: our prices start at $150 per square foot, so the bigger the space or the more windows you desire, the more expensive it will be. But part of having a stained glass window custom made includes working with a Scottish Stained Glass designer. They are used to showing clients how to get what they want at a price they can afford. If your estimate comes in too high, perhaps there is a smaller window you could add stained glass to, or just a cut out in the center of a door instead of an entire door panel.
2. Intricacy of the pattern: It stands to reason that the more detailed the pattern, and the more pieces involved, the more expensive it will be to produce. Tweaking your design to make it slightly simpler, with fewer pieces of glass and larger shapes can bring down the price substantially, while still giving you a stunning, beautiful piece of stained glass art that will add great aesthetic beauty and value to your home.

Interestingly, the type of glass, texture, or color does not really impact the price at all.

If you have never imagined that you could afford original stained glass in your home, we invite you to contact us. One of our designers will call on you at your home or office, and work up a sketch and an estimate on the spot. We think you will be surprised and delighted by the outcome!

Here at Scottish Stained Glass, all of our windows are custom designed to your exact specifications, hand crafted using traditional techniques combined with modern materials, and installed in the most durable and efficient manner.
If you are considering stained glass windows for your entryway, your sliding patio door, your transoms, or anywhere else in your home, here are some things to consider:

1. Design: Our custom design process allows you to choose from the many hundreds of stained glass window styles we have already created, or imagine something entirely new and see that come to life. You can choose from Art Deco, floral, Aspen, Prairie Style inspired designs and many more — and we have 600 colors of glass to choose from! Depending on your tastes, your current décor, or the architecture of your home, you could choose between colored stained glass, clear textured stained glass, beveled or etched glass, or any combination of these beautiful styles. If you can dream it, we can first sketch it and then build it!

See the various different styles we offer here. We also offer in-home consultation if you live near any of our showrooms, so give us a call for an appointment. If you don’t live near one of our studios, no problem! We have extensive experience working with out-of-town clients via phone, computer and mail.

2. Quality: Of course you want stained glass windows of the highest quality, ones that will last for generations and add to the value of your home. The fact is, not all stained glass is created equal. At Scottish Stained Glass, we pride ourselves on use the highest quality materials available. Our builders are artists with special training and experience in using our unique methods.

Over our twenty years in business, we’ve incorporated CAD computer technology to make sure each and every pattern is perfect, we’ve perfected precise soldering temperatures and specialized polishing methods – and we even have developed our own installation techniques. For instance, our stained glass windows are bonded to the inside of an existing window. This allows you to keep your windows (assuming they are in good enough condition) and makes the installation process quick and clean. It also protects the stained glass panel from the elements, and as an added bonus increases the thermal efficiency of the window!

All of these factors ensure that you will find no higher quality stained glass windows made anywhere.

3. Cost: It is our mission to make stained glass affordable, and our prices start as low as $150 per square foot. If you wonder if you can actually afford the stained glass project you have in mind, remember that along with the square footage, it’s the detail or intricacy of the pattern that adds to the cost. A simple pattern will always be less expensive than one using many tiny pieces, but that doesn’t mean it has to be any less beautiful.

Contact us so one of our stained glass designers can give you an estimate for what you have in mind, and work with you to create something you will be thrilled with at a price you can afford.

For more stained glass information, check out our FAQ or give us a call today.

Working in solid, non-bendable but highly breakable glass would not seem like a very versatile craft. But through the ages, master craftsman have done an absolutely astounding array of styles and forms using glass as their medium. Many of these stained glass windows rank right up there with the world’s most famed paintings in terms of timeless beauty and artistic mastery.

On the popular social site Quora, we came across someone asking,“What and where are the most beautiful stained glass windows in the world?” Different people offered photos of their choices, and others voted on their favorites. As stained glass artists and historians, we were frankly delighted to see this amount of interest in stained glass art.

Many of the “nominated” stained glass works are truly classics, masterpieces even, so we are thrilled to see the interest and respect for these works of fine art.

We were not surprised that the windows which received the most votes from viewers were that of Sainte Chapelle, in Paris. This mid-13th century gothic chapel is the only building remaining of the Capetian royal palace. It was designed and constructed to give the appearance of walls of stained glass, and the photos of it are quite spectacular. Here are some more photos of this architectural wonder.

Although in olden times, churches used stained glass windows to tell biblical tales, today modern stained glass artists are using stained glass to tell modern tales of equal importance to their culture, such as the striking “Windows of Hope” at the Genocide Memorial in Kigali, Rwanda.

The photos people posted on this page are quite amazing, showcasing both ancient and modern stained glass of a wide array of styles. One that we particularly liked was a stunning glass portrait of a horse, done by the artist Marc Chagall. This piece is currently on display at the MuséesNationaux duXXe Siècle des Alpes-Maritimes in France. There is also a spectacular Prairie Style piece, Saguaro Forms and Cactus Flowers, loaded withvivid color and intricate detail. This stained glass window was part of Wright’s organic design of the famed Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix. See another photo of this panel, a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanenglish/6717554375/” target=”_blank”>here.

If you like the look of Prairie Style stained glass, or any other style, you can work with a Scottish Stained Glass designer to have a custom stained glass window done in that style. Over the years we have done hundreds of Wright inspired stained glass, along with pieces inspired by Greene and Greene and many other influences.

We hope looking at all these lovely photos has opened up your idea of what stained glass can be. If you can imagine it, we can build it! Contact us today for more information or to get an estimate on stained glass art for your home, church or commercial space.

Did you know that our “builders,” the craftsmen who actually cut and assemble each piece of glass for stained glass windows, train for up to ten years? Our methods are somewhat different than those used for “plain old stained glass” so we like to train and certify our artists, ensuring their work meets our standards.

Once a stained glass artisan has mastered our specific methods, they produce precise, stunning, highly detailed, pieces of stained glass, including beveling and etching as well as both clear, texured leaded glass and the traditional colored panels you think of when you think “stained glass windows.” These dedicated and talented artists may take weeks building one stained glass panel!

If you know anything about the history of stained glass windows, you might think that its production has not changed much over the centuries — and you would be correct! Scottish Stained Glass founder Martin Faith was trained in the traditional methods in his native Scotland. However, although each piece of Scottish Stained Glass is still custom designed and built by hand as it was centuries ago, Martin has spent the past twenty years refining and improving this process.

In this way, Scottish Stained Glass incorporates the age old tradition of stained glass making with the most modern computer technologies and improved materials, to bring clients modern, yet classic stained glass windows that are both a works of art and a practical home improvements adding value to your home.

All Stained Glass Windows are not the Same!

We’ve seen many pieces that look mass produced, with lines that don’t match up and the solder in the joints a completely different color than the “caming” or lead strips. Much of this stained glass looks great from afar, but when you see it up close, to be perfectly frank, it looks cheap. It doesn’t give the sense of being lovingly made by a master craftsman. And we have to wonder it its construction would stand the test of time.

Some of the Scottish Stained Glass differences include:

• Work one on one with a designer, to create your stained glass window design and supervise your project
• Meticulous design, with the final pattern done to exact specs via computer
• Highly trained, experienced and certified stained glass artists
• One “builder” to cut, join, solder, and polish your entire stained glass panel. No assembly line work!
• Highest possible accuracy of glass cutting, ensuring each piece is the exact shape and size to fit the pattern
• Use of dark leads to give a more expensive look
• Hidden soldering joints and precise soldering temperatures, so the lead looks seamless and the joints are stable
• Our own unique glass polishing process removes any excess solder and gives the finished piece a gorgeous, gasp-worthy glow – even before the sun hits it

Because of our certification process, our attention to detail, our use of computer technologies and best available materials, our clients are ensured of receiving beautiful, high quality and long lasting pieces of art.

Scottish Stained Glass might take longer to produce, indeed it might cost a bit more, but our mission has always been to make stained glass windows of the highest quality that are affordable to everyone – not just the monarchy, the uber-wealthy, or churches whose congregations have deep pockets. So why not contact us today about custom stained glass windows for your home, and experience the Scottish difference for yourself?

The term “stained glass” can refer to the colored glass itself or the finished products that are produced when talented craftsmen combine pieces of this colored glass together in beautiful, intricate patterns, all held together with strips of metal which is soldered at the joins. Stained glass can be installed in windows, doors, or uses as a free hanging panel. Because glass is transparent or translucent, stained glass can be best appreciated in a place where either artificial or natural light can stream through it, such as the beautiful church windows of ancient European cathedrals or the well-known and still popular Tiffany lamps.

Or installed in a modern entryway, bay window, or door panel.

Although we usually think of stained glass as vividly colored, here at Scottish Stained Glass around 90% of our installations actually consist of clear glass. We still refer to these panels as stained glass windows, although perhaps the more specific term would be “leaded glass.” Calcium is one of the ingredients of glass, but in traditional leaded glass, it is replaced with a type of lead, hence the name! These type of stained glass windows can use textured glass, patterned glass, opaque glass, etched glass or beveling to add interest without clashing with any décor or color scheme.

To further confuse you, there is also a type of stained glass wherein color is painted onto clear glass, then made permanent by firing it in a kiln! What ties all these different forms of stained glass together is their history, their beauty and their artistry. Whether colored or clear, it takes a skilled craftsman with great training, patience, precision and attention to detail, along with an artist’s eye, to make a stained glass masterpiece.

The Versatility & Endurance of Stained Glass Windows

Although glass is considered a fragile, easily destroyed substance, the art form of stained glass is enduring throughout the ages. As are many ancient yet well preserved specimens of this beautiful art form. Many European stained glass masterpieces have survived in situ, remaining more or less intact for all the world to admire since their construction in the Middle Ages. Pretty amazing, when you think about it!

Stained glass in all its forms remains a popular addition to modern homes, churches and commercial spaces, adding value, uniqueness and loveliness. In our twenty years in business, we’ve installed approximately 40,000 custom made stained glass windows for over 15,000 delighted clients across the country.

Once upon a time, a stained glass pattern started out as a sketch or a painting. Today, our custom stained glass windows might still come from a sketch, or a photo. But we use modern computer technology to perfect the pattern, ensuring that it is the exact right size and shape, that all the lines of the pattern match up, and so that the client can see exactly what they’ll be getting.

All stained glass window used to be pieced together by hand with the utmost artistry. Today, all of Scottish Stained Glass’s windows and doors are still custom designed and hand built. Our artists are specially trained and revere the history of this art… so you can be guaranteed that your modern stained glass windows will have the same care and attention to every detail as afforded by the masters of old.

Contact us today for a modern stained glass masterpiece, perfect for home, retail, offices or anywhere you want a touch of modern elegance with a touch of history attached.

Are you tired of your mailman peaking in your sidelight at the entryway while dropping off the mail, or solicitors looking in to see if you are home to try and make a sale?  What about that large bathroom window that sold you on your home because it allowed natural light in, just to find out that natural light meant natural nosy neighbors?

Stained glass windows have become a popular alternative to window treatments Denver, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio.  This is especially true in areas where natural light is preferred, but privacy is necessary.  For example, take the common sidelight, window to the side of the door, at the entryway.  This is a great element to make a first impression to anyone entering the home.  The only downfall is sidelight windows usually consist of clear glass that allows anyone to see into the home.  When blinds are installed on these windows, it takes away from the design intent, natural light, and adds another item on the list to clean.  The best alternative is the use of stained glass windows.  Depending on the design of the stained glass windows, the window will no longer entice people to peak into your home and will provide a stunning show piece for all your visitors to enjoy!

Because each piece is handmade to custom fit each window perfectly, stained glass windows allow for many design options and can match any style or décor.  Not only do the stained glass windows get installed directly to the existing glass making the installation process easy and fast, they allow for all the natural light to come in, but keep the interior of the home private to outside onlookers.  The glass is smooth to the touch making cleaning way easier than a set of blinds.

The next question that is commonly presented when discussing stained glass windows is “do I have to use color?”  The answer is no.  In fact most stained glass windows are made without color as this provides a timeless look and many home owners prefer not to limit the interior color palate.  Privacy can even be achieved without the use of colored glass, and just using textured glass to make shapes and patterns.   Another type of glass commonly used to maximize light is beveled glass.  Beveled glass refracts light, helping to increase the amount of light in the room while offering a nice touch to the overall stained glass window.  With a mixture of textures, bevels, and of course some lead, you can achieve as much privacy as you need to feel comfortable in your home.

Most importantly, natural light keeps the home  happy, bright, and airy.  When the environment that you’re living, working, or entertaining in puts off a positive vibe, the people in that environment reflect it as well.  Stained glass windows not only allow the natural light in, it brings character, art, and most importantly privacy to your home.  So let the light in, keep the wondering eyes out, and be happy in your home.
Contact Scottish Stained Glass today for your free in home estimate and visit our Stained Glass Windows page to begin looking at all the different style and applications that are possible.

This beautiful stained glass window is one of the most stunning works of stained glass in all of Philadelphia. While some of the churches throughout the city might disagree, we pay this one special regards because of it’s juxtaposition. Installed in on old firehouse, which has now been converted into one of the nation’s premier firefighting museums, the Fireman’s Hall stained glass is a tribute to all of Philadelphia’s brave men and women who have protected the city over the centuries.

To learn more about Fireman’s Hall, visit their website. http://www.firemanshall.org/.
To learn more about completing a stained glass project follow this link to see Scottish’s Philadelphia Stained Glass page.

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This beautiful stained glass ceiling is worth stopping and seeing for any stained glass enthusiast who is traveling in the Salem or Eugene regions of Oregon. While Oregon is not thought of as having lots of stained glass, this beautiful reuse of a ceiling is a sight to see. See exact directions in the map below, or call Ken Scott Studios 541-896-3774.

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One of the most beautiful pieces of stained glass we’ve seen in Mexico is the butterfly ceiling at the Xcaret Resort outside Playa del Carmen. The craftsmanship in both the design and installation of this stained glass ceiling is extraordinary. We applaud it’s creators!

While we at Scottish haven’t done a stained glass ceiling of that size, we did a complete restoration of the stained glass ceiling at the Boulderado Hotel in Boulder, Colorado.

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Established in 1889 and expanded substantially over the next 5 decades, the majority of University of Idaho buildings were built with beautiful hand crafted stained glass windows. These particular examples were directly inspired by the Tiffany Stained Glass that was so popular in the beginning of the 20th century. Specifically notice the rich greens, blues, and opaque white stained glass. These colors as well as the ways the design and complimentary elements are signatures of the Tiffany style.

While we were unable to trace the origins of these particular windows, it’s very likely they were imported from New York City as a great majority of the stained glass throughout the United States was in the early 20th century.

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Scottish Stained Glass hasn’t build our own stained glass bevels for quite awhile now, but on occasion we have received questions about it. Here are some great resources that will help you create your own stained glass bevels.

1. Here’s a great article from Ebay summarizing the different machinery you might want to use.
Choosing a Grinder

2. This is a description by a stained glass studio owner concerning best practices for using an maintaining a grinder.
Grinder Use & Care

3. Finally, here is a chapter of a book devoted to the personal thoughts of an experience beveling artist.
Beveler’s Thoughts.

We hope this helps any of you out there who may be thinking about creating your own glass bevels. If you ever do have any questions feel free to get in contact with us and we can answer any questions you might have.

Do you want to come see some of our beautiful Scottish Stained Glass in person. Come to one of these Spring or Summer home shows. If you would like to visit us at any of these show, we do have a limited number of tickets we are able to provide. Hope to see you there!

MAR 18-20: DENVER HOME SHOW @ National Western Complex (Brighton Blvd. & north side of I-70, across from Coliseum). Fri 10 am-9 pm, Sat 10 am-9 pm, Sun 10 am-5 pm.

MAR 25-27: BOULDER COUNTY HOME SHOW @ Boulder County Fairgrounds Exhibit Building (NE Corner of Nelson Rd. & Hover Rd.), in Longmont. Fri Noon-6 pm, Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm.
Free Parking. Free Admission.

APR 30-May 1: HIGHLANDS RANCH HOME IMPROVEMENT EXPO @ Recreation Center at Eastridge, 9568 S. University, Highlands Ranch. Sat 9 am-5 pm, Sun 9 am-5 pm. Free Parking in Rec Center lot. Free Admission.

MAY 21: ERIE TOWN FAIR, downtown Erie. Sat Only 9:30 am-4:30 pm. Booth #436, middle of block by alley on Moffat St. Outdoors. Rain or Shine. Variety of food concessions and restaurants at show. Free Parking on streets in area. Free Admission.

MAY 28-30: BOULDER CREEK FESTIVAL, downtown Boulder. Booth is in Boulder Creek Bazaar area at 11th & Arapahoe, near Library. Sat 10 am-8 pm, Sun 10 am-8 pm, Mon 10 am-7 pm. Free Admission. Free Parking on streets in area.

JUNE 4-5: PEOPLES FAIR @ Civic Center Park, downtown Denver (Colfax & Broadway). Sat 10 am-8 pm, Sun 10 am-7 pm. Location to be determined. Outdoors. Rain or Shine. Free admission. Pay Parking in area lots or on street at meters. Meters are free on Sunday. Bus and Light Rail to and from area.

JUNE 10-12: PARKER DAYS FESTIVAL, downtown Parker (on Main St, east of Parker Rd). Fri 5-8 pm, Sat 9 am-8 pm, Sun 9 am-7 pm. Outdoors. Rain or Shine. Free Parking on area streets. Free Admission.

Chagall’s windows are perhaps the most famous stained glass windows to a younger generation of Americans. Designed as a gift for Chicago mayor Richard Daly and displayed at the Art Institute of Chicago, Chagall’s window have always served as a state side inspiration for some of the beautiful painted stained glass windows that Scottish Stained Glass has produced. The vibrant colors and great placement allow the light to sparkle with a special vibrancy.

While I haven’t gotten to see the stained glass since the restoration and redisplay mentioned in this article the one time I did see them, I remember thinking about how beautiful the combination of the paint and glass really were.

Below is an excerpt from the article in tablet. To read the full article click here..

“Back in 1977, when the windows were installed, the self-celebration was America’s, the work had been planned for the 1976 Bicentennial and conceived as a special gift to Chicago’s Mayor Richard Daley, a man better known for encouraging his law enforcement officers to test their billy-clubs out on Yippies than for his adoration of the vitreous harmonics of stained glass. Daley died in May 1976 before he could see the windows in situ.

In June 1986, the windows got a big lift when Ferris Bueller and his inamorata, Sloane, stood in awe before them during a time-out on his energetic day off. The viewing area briefly became a hot dating spot for young Chicagoans. Five years ago the museum, about to begin the construction of a new gallery, dismantled the windows for cleaning and restoration, and late last year, amid much hoopla, they were put back on display, all bright and sparkly.

The major difference in the new installation is that the windows are no longer functioning windows in walls but free standing in front of actual windows. Stephanie D’Alessandro, a curator at the Institute, explained that now “the entire installation is lit with a special internal lighting system … to protect it from the elements and further wear and tear.” In terms of preservation, this is clearly good news; the extraordinarily vibrant blues, yellows, and reds will not fade or accumulate residue of any kind. On the other hand, much as I loved seeing the windows in their new setting, some subtle shift in ambiance accrues when they are presented, albeit for good reasons, more like paintings. This is not to say that the soaped up, washed off, and newly nitid panels aren’t stunning.”

We often get clients from all across the United States and Canada asking us about designing and installing stained glass in their home. Often they ask for references from happy clients for whom we have installed windows out of state. Just recently we had a great project in Illinois that we wanted to showcase for you.

Ms. Lou Koch of Columbia, Illinois found Scottish Stained Glass online as she was looking for a solution for her bathroom window. As she was in the process of remodeling her bathroom, she decided that it was finally time to get rid of the blinds that had made her bathroom so dark and dreary. Obviously however she needed the privacy as her bathtub window looked directly onto her neighbor back yard. After doing a little bit of research she decided that stained glass would be a great choice to meet her needs. After doing a little bit more research she found that Scottish Stained Glass had completed thousands of bathroom windows that were very similar to what she had in mind.

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