Memories in stained glass

Memories are magical; a sight, a sound, a song, a smell, the slightest thing can trigger it and we are transported back to a moment in time. Some memories are so special that we like to keep permanent reminders of them. This next project falls into that category. 

Happy and very poignant memories of a Holliday on StMartins in the Scillies, captured in a photograph by one of the navigational day marks. The challenge, to make a permanent reminder  in glass. Also very poignant to the client was the appearance of three swallows , which are to be incorporated as well. 

It is a simple suncatcher, made by the copper foil method, with the swallows painted on a styled cloud and fired in the kiln. A lead came border conceals a copper wire, which both supports the picture and provides two hanging loops. 

I hope you like it. 

Stained glass portrait

Ok, just a quick wash up on the stained glass portrait. Finally finished. I use a white pollyfiller type of powder to grout the glass, this allows me to control how deep and far it penetrates beneath, and allows me to use it as a very subtle highlight. I then use a good quality black water paint to darken the grout where necessary, and all that is left is some serious elbow grease to clean it all up. 

The two photos are with light from behind and in front, this shows really well how the different glasses perform, not just chosen for colour, but also how they illuminate the picture. The hair and shirt in particular really perform well. I am so pleased with it, really worth the time and effort, I'll be really sad to see an old friend go, but happy he is going to a better home.