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Memorialize your Beloved Pet in a Stained Glass Pet Portrait
A photograph encompasses much more than the mere image of the subject. It tells a story of the day, of the life of the pet, and the impact that it had on the owner. Thanks to the shortened life span of most animals, in just a short while that is all most people have of their cherished companions. The sad thing about these pet portraits is that they may be become damaged with time, and fade with the seasons.
Thankfully, there are alternatives available. Custom mosaics can bring longevity to the memory of the cherished companion and act as a stepping-stone to pleasant memories of days gone by. Here is how stained glass windows can help an owner honor the memory of his favorite four legged companions.
Make the memorial a part of the home
Decorations add character and style to any house, and something custom made (with a picture of the pet as a guide) will stand out in any home. A simple photograph can become misplaced, and fades with time. A stained glass window will last as long as you wish.
Beyond the memorial, it can lead to conversations with guests and loved ones. A window can serve as a starting point, introducing your beloved companion to others.
Bring life to a room
A pet brings light into any room he wanders in. It is common for a dog to stimulate smiles from children, and bring visitors closer to hosts. They are a source of comfort, and help turn a house into a home. When regular, white, light hits these stained glass panels, the tinted panes sparkle with the color of the rainbow. Much like the honored pet, these windows will bring a sense of character to the room it resides in, helping turn a dwelling into a home.
Visit A Glass Menagerie’s Pet Portrait page to see many of the pet portraits we have done or contact us to have a custom design of your dog done.
Capture the Magic of Your Home with a Fantasy Stained Glass Window
Most people associate stained glass windows with churches, but did you know it can also be installed in your home? More and more people realize the value of having stained glass panels installed in doors or windows, bearing simple designs inspired by fantasy.
The creation of stained glass is a form of art that can be traced back for centuries, and it is believed that it originated in Egypt. A stained glass window is, in fact, only a painting created by means of cut glass, light and a sturdy metal frame.
A short history on stained glass panels
The first stained glass art can be traced back to the twelfth century and a man by the name of Theophilus, a monk. He wrote a book about the designing and crafting of stained glass panels, and this indicates that even in such an early age, the fascination of stained glass and its uses had captured the attention of many people, and with good reason.
In the fifteenth century, instead of using stained glass to create panels, artists began to paint on glass. This was mainly because it allowed them the freedom to add more detail to their work, but it nevertheless eliminated the magic offered by stained glass windows.
Enter the nineteenth century, when a sudden interest arose in the traditional making of stained glass items. Pioneers such as Alfred Bell and William Morris actively set about the task to rediscover the techniques involved in the creation of stained glass and by doing so, paved the way for this form of art to enter the twentieth century as modern additions to homes and public buildings alike.
Introducing fantasy stained glass panels
The modern improvement of general glassmaking and different tastes of individuals when choosing stained glass make it possible to incorporate fantasy symbols in our stained glass works of art. Simple designs such as dragons and fairies are very popular, as it makes a bold statement without too much fuss.
Our stained glass expertise doesn’t stop there. We also create fantasy stained glass mosaic stepping stones, which can be used throughout many a garden. We can think of no better place to set your fantasy creatures “free”.
Capture your childhood fantasy in stained glass panels
Whether it is mermaids or castles, we have the expertise to create your fantasy ideas in stained glass. We work in accordance with your specifications; therefore, we can create your masterpiece in any size and fit it professionally.
No one is too old for a fantasy, and besides, a fine piece of art is always a good investment. Why not capture yours in stained glass?
Stained Glass Fantasy
I recently had the pleasure of designing and fabricating a stained glass window for a man who wanted a fantasy life scene for his wife’s anniversary gift. Based on Beauty and the Beast, it was to have 5 panels with each depicting a story in his life. He married his wife in a different location every year so 3 of the panels were of the places he had married her; one of a wind mill, another with dolphins and another in a hot air balloon. The 4th panel would depict his two children standing on the beach in front of Catalina Island. The main panel is based on the design of Beauty and the Beast dancing together. The resulting stained glass window is pictured. What a lovely way for a man to show his love for his wife.
If you would be interested in creating a life story window you may contact me at: glassm2@yahoo.com or see my other designs at A Glass Menagerie
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Stained Glass for the Home
Stained glass has been a part of history for at least a thousand years. It is created when metallic salts are added to glass, and those colored pieces of glass are arranged to form pictures. Color can also be added to glass by being painted on in various colors and then fused into the glass with a kiln. High quality stained glass is held together using the copper foil method made popular by the makers of Tiffany lamps. Copper foil is superior to lead because copper foil is stronger than lead, so the stained glass lasts longer. It also allows for more intricate designs.
Stained Glass and Life
Stained glass windows used to be most commonly seen in churches or other prestigious buildings, but now you can have stained glass in your own home. Stained glass fixtures are a great option for a custom built home, or an attractive modification to your existing home. Stained glass windows, stained glass cabinet door inserts or stained glass transoms for your front or back door provide a touch of elegance and grace that make family and visitors feel at ease. There is nothing more peaceful than admiring the beauty and craftsmanship of a stained glass window. Watching the way the sunlight filters through transoms, especially right before sunset, inspires a feeling of warmth and comfort. Keep your most prized keepsakes behind the gorgeous stained glass cabinet door inserts of your home cabinet. Including upscale stained glass attributes for your home will not only increase your present and future enjoyment of your home, but also increase the property value if you sell your home.
Stained Glass Styles
Some popular styles for stained glass windows, cabinet door inserts and transoms are Art Deco, Victorian, and Contemporary Geometric. Many people enjoy stained glass pictures of nature scenes, flowers, animals (especially portraits of their pets), or fantasy figures like mermaids and dragons. The stunning variety of colors available to incorporate into stained glass windows allows you to portray a classic or more modern style in your home, according to your own taste.
The Beauty of Stained Glass
The happiest people in life surround themselves with beauty and images that inspire them. Thoughtfully chosen or custom designed stained glass windows, cabinet door inserts, and transoms in your home will surround you with beauty every day, helping you to always be at your best.
To see more designs and have one custom made for you check out: Stained Glass Windows by A Glass Menagerie.
Creative Ways of Using Stained Glass

Sunset Tree Silhouette
When you think of stained glass, what do you see? We usually picture churches, cathedrals and temples with large art glass windows depicting images of religious significance. We probably imagine that warm colored light that shines through on Sundays as we sit in the pews. Stained glass is an art form that has been around for centuries; the main use being windows. However, stained glass is an art that spans much farther and wider than just windows in houses of worship. Stained glass can enhance the beauty of a home, or even a business, in windows, hanging panels, transoms, cabinet doors, stepping stones and many more architectural and interior designs.

Stained glass Ivy Arched window
WINDOW PANELS
Stained glass windows are a great way to bring out the uniqueness and personality of your home. The glass itself varies in many colors, textures, and styles that will allow you a great amount of creativity in design. When the windows catch the sun, they bring out warmth and beauty making the room come alive. Having stained glass windows is akin to having fine paintings on the walls of your home. The artistry and liveliness that shine through is unparalleled.
STEPPING STONES
Mosaic style designs used for outdoor stepping stones are an excellent way to instantly turn your patio, garden, backyard or any outdoor seating place into a gorgeous retreat. A theme can be created, giving homage to your favorite flowers, animals, country or to your family. Stained glass stepping stones incorporate lively colors and pattern to your outdoor relaxation or recreation area.
SUNCATCHERS
Suncatchers are like floating works of art that can be placed anywhere. Hanging in a sunroom is an excellent choice to bring out the colors in the design. They can be hung in windows, on porches, placed on a mantle or a bookcase. Suncatchers are an excellent way to bring the beauty and creativity of stained glass into your home without spending a lot of money, and they make the best gifts or stocking stuffers.
These are just a few of the ideas that encompass all that is the art of stained glass. So when you think of stained glass now, you can picture your home enhanced with the color, light, beauty and artistry that it can bring in a variety of ways.
To see our styles of stained glass visit us at: AGlassMenagerie.net
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Ways of Using Stained Glass
When you think of stained glass, what do you see? We usually picture churches, cathedrals and temples with large art glass windows depicting images of religious significance. We probably imagine that warm colored light that shines through on Sundays as we sit in the pews. Stained glass is an art form that has been around for centuries; the main use being windows. However, stained glass is an art that spans much farther and wider than just windows in houses of worship. Stained glass can enhance the beauty of a home, or even a business, in windows, hanging panels, transoms, cabinet doors, stepping stones and many more architectural and interior designs.
WINDOW PANELS
Stained glass windows are a great way to bring out the uniqueness and personality of your home. The glass itself varies in many colors, textures, and styles that will allow you a great amount of creativity in design. When the windows catch the sun, they bring out warmth and beauty making the room come alive. Having stained glass windows is akin to having fine paintings on the walls of your home. The artistry and liveliness that shine through is unparalleled.
STEPPING STONES
Mosaic style designs used for outdoor stepping stones are an excellent way to instantly turn your patio, garden, backyard or any outdoor seating place into a gorgeous retreat. A theme can be created, giving homage to your favorite flowers, animals, country or to your family. Stained glass stepping stones incorporate lively colors and pattern to your outdoor relaxation or recreation area.
SUNCATCHERS
Suncatchers are like floating works of art that can be placed anywhere. Hanging in a sunroom is an excellent choice to bring out the colors in the design. They can be hung in windows, on porches, placed on a mantle or a bookcase. Suncatchers are an excellent way to bring the beauty and creativity of stained glass into your home without spending a lot of money, and they make the best gifts or stocking stuffers.
These are just a few of the ideas that encompass all that is the art of stained glass. So when you think of stained glass now, you can picture your home enhanced with the color, light, beauty and artistry that it can bring in a variety of ways.
To see our styles of stained glass visit us at: AGlassMenagerie.net
Related articles
- Stained Glass – A Forever Gift (stainedglasswindowsetc.wordpress.com)
- Stained Glass – Custom Unique Christmas Gifts (stainedglasswindowsetc.wordpress.com)
- How to Get Stained Glass Window Repairs: All About Window Glass Repair (sbwire.com)