Nana Chelles Glass Studio
This is what I do when I'm not with our loyal loving Labradors!
I make unique stained glass pieces, that can be posted anywhere in Australia.
I can create stained glass projects using photographs of your dog. If you want to know more please send me a message via my Facebook page or email.
What do I do? I use a form of craft called the 'Tiffany Technique". The Tiffany technique of creating stained glass pieces, also known as the copper foil method, was first started by Louis Comfort Tiffany, an American artist and designer, in the late 1800's. Louis Tiffany provided a method that would allow fore greater intricacy, precision, and flexibility in design, which would also make the stained glass items less fragile.
Using the Tiffany technique provides me with artistic freedom it offers in design. I can handcraft unique patterns, exquisits details, and use a wide colour spectrum that would be challenging to achieve with lead came alone. I also do lead came projects but not as many as the 'Tiffany Technique'.
Here is the Coppor Foiling process:-
Patterns: I can purchase an already made pattern, or design a unique pattern from a photo or idea. Once the pattern is drawn, I reproduce it on my printer, trace it using carbon paper onto cardboard, then cutout the cardboard to the precise size and shape of the pattern. Once you have approved the design I ask for a 25% deposit.
Glass: I select the most appropriate glass for the pattern / subject, I source this from Australian outlets or if I'm lucky I find vintage glass. I trace around the cardboard pattern on the glass, I score the glass using my glass cutter. I then use my running pliers or groziers to remove the piece from the glass sheet.
NOTE: If you know of any vintage glass let me know.
Grinding: I then grind the sharp edges from the glass and ensure that the glass piece fits perfectly into the pattern leaving enough space for the copper foil. This is what the pins are for in my photos of my unique pieces of work.
Copper Foil: I wrap this around the edges of every glass piece, which provides integrity of the item as a whole. After wrapping I also burnish the foil using a fid, this ensures the foil and later solder is adhered to the glass. Copper foil allows for a more delicate and detailed design than a lead came project.
Opalescent Glass: Tiffany is known for his use of opalescent glass, which contains multiple colours and textures within a single sheet. Such type of glass helps create a marvellous interplay of light and colour when lit by the sun rays, adding depth and dimension to the masterpiece. I use a combination of both opalescent, clear and coloured glass with or without textures, depending on the subject.
Soldering: I then solder the copper foil-wrapped tiny glass pieces together. This soldering process does not only ensure the integrity of the stained-glass piece, but also creates decorative lines that can be further enhanced with patina to achieve a desired finish effect.
Patina and Polish: I then use either black or copper patina which makes the glass 'Pop' and brings out the design of the piece. Some pieces are left without patina giving a 'sliver' look to the piece. I then polish the solder and glass and it is ready for the new owner.
Timber: Some of my unique pieces may include wood. This wood has been sourced from our local area. It has been naturally felled timber (old age or fire). I cut, shape, sand and varnish each piece to complement the glass design.
I'm very happy to discuss any ideas you might have for your new dog portrait in stained glass.
Happy In Glass
You can find me on Facebook at Nana Chelle's Glass Studio
Here are some examples of my unique stained glass pet portraits
Best In Show Trophy for the Labrador Retriever Club of Queensland - 2024
Contact Details
Brett and Michelle Wheeler
PO Box 1345
WEIPA QUEENSLAND 4874
Phone: 0447515896
Email: [email protected]
Find us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mahelulabradors