The Benefits of Art Glass as a New Hobby for the New Year!

Art glass is an artistic object that can have a purpose or can be used simply for decoration. There are many different techniques when it comes to art glass, for example, stained glass windows, glass blowing, sandblasted glass and copper foil work. “Art glass has grown in popularity over recent years with many artists becoming famous because of their work, and also as a result of colleges that offer courses in glass work. Many amateurs now undertake making art glass as a hobby.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_glass Making glass art has many positive attributes; it can be a rewarding hobby learning a new technique and using your glass art once finished is equally rewarding. Secondly, if you find yourself continuously bored or nervous making glass art can keep you busy and calm while bringing out a creative side you thought you never had. Thirdly, making glass art can also get you out of the house and provide social interaction - by meeting new people if you consider taking a group class learning all the techniques needed to create your glass art. Furthermore, you can make unique glass art items for family and friends which make great Christmas or Birthday presents. Also, if you see that you have a great talent in producing glass art you may even be able to sell your piece to earn a little extra income. Most important of all, making glass art as a hobby offers many pleasant hours of enjoyment and fun. As we end this year and enter 2013 maybe a new hobby for the New Year is exactly what you need to have a little fun while acquiring a new skill and who knows maybe meeting a new interesting friend! Castle Designer Glass works hand in hand with designers, architects, contractors, and corporations to produce unique and elegant glass installations. Commercial installations include hotel lobbies, casino wall murals, restaurant feature walls, and many other functional and artistic designs. Our artists work hand in hand with your staff to meet all your specific needs of your project, no matter how large or small. Please don’t hesitate to e-mail Castle Designer Glass today for any questions related to glass or glass art at http://www.castledesignerglass.com/contact.html

Interior Home Door Decor

What does every home have? If you answered a toaster think again. The answer I was looking for was interior doors. Regardless if we rent or buy a new home or existing home we tend to overlook interior home door décor. The reason may be that the home already came with those plain white or traditional rustic wood color doors and they are efficient enough that décor does not even cross our minds. On the other hand, changing interior doors can indeed alter the way the room looks. Unique materials and innovative design can make a door not just a privacy provider or room separator, but also an integral part of a room's décor, creating beautiful homes. “A beautiful door is one of those subtle necessities that can make a big difference in your home's style. Like trim or molding, most doors go fairly unnoticed, but they can have a dramatic effect on the look of the room. Since most of us purchase or rent homes with the doors already installed, we often look right past them.” Furthermore, interior doors are a vital part of a home, just like choosing the right palette for your walls, your choice of furnishings, decorative items, and lighting. Choosing an interior door you have a wide selection of styles, materials and diversity of colors and with a little thought a right choice of interior door can significantly improve the look of your dwelling! Castle Designer Glass over the years has replaced in homes regular mundane doors. We see doors with glass inserts all the time- but imagine your plain door with custom one-of-a-kind glass artwork installed, rather than plain clear or frosted glass! Possibilities are endless, as individual panels can be created to your specifications, and installed in your current doors. Both interior and exterior applications are possible, such as front doors, pantry doors, cupboards/cabinets, closets, bathrooms, bedrooms, and more.

When Lightning Creates Glass

If you haven’t already seen the movie “Sweet Home Alabama” you missed out on some beautiful glass sculptures. Sculptures are made naturally when lightning hits the sand making the sand hot enough; transforming glass in the natural shape of lightning forms. When lightning hits sand we will see a shape of fragile rock called fulgurite being created. The University of Florida’s Dr. Vladimir A. Rakov stated that, “there are two phenomena that are responsible for making natural glass on Earth: meteorites and lightning.” Glass that is made as a result of the collision of a meteorite with the Earth's surface is called meteoritic glass or tektite. Glass (a glassy object, to be exact) that is made as a result of a cloud-to-ground lightning discharge is called a fulgurite (from the Latin "fulgur" which means lightning). Fulgurites come in a great variety of forms and can be viewed as “nature's own works of art.” Although this is fascinating, I would not suggest you try it yourself using a rod, a bucket and pure composites such as silca, quarts and carbon, as it is very dangerous and not the easiest way to making glass or beautiful glass items for your home. The architectural glass used in your home comes in different shapes and sizes. If you are in need of a change maybe using glass for your stairs, balconies and decks could be the answer. Today, glass is the hottest trend to take hold of the industry. Glass is often used as railings on stairs, balconies, and decks for its tough components because it is easy-to-maintain and makes any space seem larger. At Castle Designer Glass, we can custom design and install any style of glass railing in your space. Combinations of texture, paint, and frosting can be used to create a design to match your unique application. If you’d like a custom quote; visit us at http://www.castledesignerglass.com/category/11-glass-railings.html

Redecorating or Remodeling Your Bathroom with Glass

Planning on redecorating or remodeling your bathroom? Maybe you wish to only add some color towels and hang a work of art to bring a little pop to detail. On the other hand, if remodeling is an option and getting a new shower or bath tub is in the future plans; did you ever think of incorporating glass into your design? Remodeling your bathroom has many benefits. For one if your bathroom is outdated with wall to ceiling pink tiles maybe a little revamping would not hurt. As we quickly approach to a new year, a new concept might be more appealing to your household. There are many benefits of remodeling your bathroom besides improving the appearance of your bathroom. Don’t get me wrong it is very important that your bathroom should reflect the ideal place to unwind and relax while you either take a shower or a bath and pleases whose ever eyes while entering-in. On the other hand, at the same time, you can increase your home in value and make better use of space. An increase in home value is one of the biggest benefits you'll enjoy when you remodel your bathroom. “When you remodel the bathroom, you end up with an even better home, and larger remodeling projects can really make a difference in the amount that your home is worth.” Another benefit is that you can make better use of space; choosing what goes where and what does not belong can be finally pushed aside allowing you to make the best out of the space you have. Remodeling is a great idea if you wish to create a pleasing and relaxing environment; increase the value to your home and make better use of space. Adding a touch of glass and art will only make it better. Glass is one of the easiest surfaces to keep clean, and as such, can be a fantastic artistic touch to any shower stall. Clear glass can be embellished with glass elements, frosting, or painting, and back-painted panels can serve as shower walls. Picture yourself showering while surrounded by a serene piece of art, such as a waterfall scene, a let me know how relaxing that would be! At Castle Designer Glass we provide glass shower doors and walls that can be incorporated in your bathroom redecorating or remodeling project. If you wish to remodel your bathroom and would like to add a modern, unique, and glass touches come take a look at our shower doors and walls we have to offer at: http://www.castledesignerglass.com/category/5-shower-doors-and-walls.html

Customize Glass in Your Home as You Would Customize Your Dream Glass Home

Presently, we see home design turn in a different direction where Glass Homes are becoming more and more popular. Glass homes are being built as well as being lived in by families around the world. My interest as well as my curiosity in glass homes has increased. Beyond adoring their aesthetical structure and architectural design, my interest and curiosity stems from their advantages over the more traditional home. Living in a glass home will provide you with all the sunlight you wish to receive. Vitamin D is essential to human health and your environment. Getting enough sun will ultimately allow you to avoid taking Vitamin D as a supplement. There are many health benefits in receiving balanced exposure to sunlight for example; helps the intestine absorb nutrients, regulates blood pressure, reduces stress and respiratory infections, aids in insulin secretion, helps fight depression, etc. James Muir states “natural light is the best light we can get. It varies through the day, and psychologically stops fatigue in many environments, and makes the internal environment much more interesting.” http://www.abc.net.au/tv/newinventors/txt/s1343223.htm Unless you are building a home from scratch, Glass homes offer a mass customization ideology rather than a mass production ideology. Glass homes are the future as they enable the homeowner to incorporate their unique wants and needs of sunlight and sustainability. Homes can incorporate solar design, natural cross- ventilation, minimal energy consumption, recycled & recyclable materials, stormwater detention, indoor-outdoor flow & so on in their glass home design. Depending on your needs and desires your customized glass home can align uniquely with the importance of your lifestyle. Glass homes provide you unlimited choice! Regardless, if your necessity is to maximize on privacy and sunlight like the Portuguese courtyard house or to engage with nature on many levels as does the insanely cool house located in Cape Town, South Africa (shown at http://www.trendir.com/house-design/) it can be constructed with the right architect. More importantly, Glass homes reflect modern uniqueness rather than the traditional ordinary. Castle designer Glass understands variety, choice and uniqueness. On one hand, if building a dream glasshouse today is not yet a reality you can on the other hand, incorporate different aspects of glass into your home emphasizing on characteristics of innovation and design. One of the many products we offer are backsplashes which are made using 6mm strengthened glass. Strengthened glass can be subjected to much more heat and impact than regular float glass. This unique custom glass is certainly a popular feature for a kitchen or bathroom. You no longer have to settle for the plain-color glass panels that most backsplash manufacturers supply. There is no limit to the design possibilities at Castle Designer Glass as there are no limits in building a Glass Home with the right architect.

Transforming Glass to Art is Eye Delight

Glass is one of the most useful materials that has been used in the past and will surely be continuously used in the future. It is interesting to note what makes glass so useful and the importance of glass being displayed properly to enhance the fundamentals of transforming glass into art. Glass has been around for centuries and as we evolve we continue to use this relatively inexpensive raw material; glass is a non-crystalline solid material made from silica (silicon dioxide), soda ash (sodium carbonate), and limestone (calcium carbonate). In simple terms, the process of making glass is melting these three inexpensive ingredients together usually in large furnaces at very high temperatures until all three ingredients blend together to form a syrupy texture. Although glass is used for its practical components it is also used for aesthetic purposes. For example, glass paintings, glass blowing and contemporary works using glass if you have not already seen some, are so beautiful! Furthermore, when glass is combined with paint or light, they create amazing works of art. The art of glass is becoming more popular each day, museums provide collections where impressive glass art can be displayed and popularity stems from those especially who want to decorate their homes with an artistic touch. The Toledo Museum of Art has given glass a special moment marking the 50th anniversary of the Studio Glass movement. They have not only established themselves as one of the world’s largest facilities for glassblowing demonstrations and live glass design sessions; but have also, chosen a preliminary design for its proposed new North Wing where it has already featured light-filled galleries for its collection of contemporary works in glass. Thomas Phifer and Partners, the architects has created a 100,000-square-foot expansion that will have the purpose of dramatically enhancing the visitor experience for the Museum’s local and international audiences. The building is scheduled to open in 2014 and expecting an increase amount of visitors in the future. http://www.fingerlakes.org/latest-news-information/2012/6/6/corning-museum-of-glass-unveils-plans-for-64-million-expansion Castle Designer Glass, is a true believer of transforming glass to art and have created a stunning wildlife, nature, and native themed art exhibition in collaboration with our artists Gary Natomagan. The show included large stand-alone artworks, as well as paintings and drawings. Each of the pieces is available for sale for more information please inquire by e-mail to castledesignerglass@gmail.com.

Have We Underestimated the Use of Glass?

Glass has been used throughout history and continues to be an important element in today’s world. It is more than likely that in the near future we will continue to use glass to develop new innovative products. Products that may surprise you and that will have an important role of organizing, interacting and staying connected with each other. Glass has been recorded in use and first created around 3000BC. Glass is a tough material that resists the effects of wind, rain or sun; it is used for the making of bottles and jars, windows and mirrors. We see glass being used in skyscrapers to Christmas decorations. Today, as I have watched A Day Made of Glass on youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHqrrki47ec; I realize that glass will not disappear but only become more prominent in our daily lives. Wendell Weeks provides a vision for the future that “includes a world in which myriad ordinary surfaces transform from one-dimensional utility into sophisticated electronic devices.” Imagine organizing your daily schedule with a few touches on your bathroom mirror, or chatting with far-away relatives through interactive video on your kitchen counter. I know hard to believe! http://www.corning.com/news_center/features/A_Day_Made_of_Glass.aspx On one hand, it is difficult to understand the technicalities of these technologies if you have seen the video. On the other hand, we understand why we have seen glass century to century and more importantly why we will continue to see glass in our daily lives. Castle Designer Glass understands the importance of glass playing a role in our lives and creates products that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing and can be incorporated in a traditional or modern style. Glass is functional, durable, recyclable, practical, aesthetically pleasing and multifunctional. All significant characteristics of why glass usage in the future will continue to be of use.

Inspiring Creativity with Glass Dividers

Glass dividers, what a lovely and simple item that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing in nature. Whether it is for the office or for the home, glass dividers can add a creative and convenient way to divide a room, keep privacy and add beauty.“If you feel like your home has too much open space and you need to create divisions, room dividers can offer the perfect solution. By using room dividers in your home, you can create extra living space as you can have a room that is separate.” On the other hand, in my years of experience I have seen many office owners who do not pay much attention to the design and look of the room. Glass dividers in the office can be useful for two reasons. It can act as a practical tool to divide a room but also, aesthetically it can impress potential investors and enforce company’s integrity and credibility. Glass Dividers can act as an advertising strategy attracting attention. Both big and small companies can easily combine glass dividers into their office design for its practical and aesthetic functions. Furthermore, other benefits of using glass dividers in the office are: glass dividers offer privacy, provides the feel of a more spacious area, and allows natural light to enter the room. You will be able to enhance lighting conditions within the room and enhance working productivity for your employees. At Castle Designer Glass, glass patterns can often span several panels, and when installed side by side can create a fantastic room divider, viewable from both sides. Thick paint and texture will create privacy, and varying amounts of light can be let through depending on the desired application. Inquire about your space for a custom quote at http://www.castledesignerglass.com/contact.html

Glass Whiteboards, More Functional and Healthier Alternative than Blackboards

When I was in elementary class I remembered those big black chalk boards my teacher used to write on; my teacher’s sleeves, hands and clothes were always full of white chalk. The use of traditional boards did not prevent to spread white dust on floor, in air, and on fingers of the writer. As I remember the past how messy and untidy writing and erasing with chalk is, I realize how Glass whiteboards are quite phenomenal. Today, glass white boards are increasing in popularity more than the traditional chalk boards. Glass whiteboards are fabulous, durable, elegant, modern, and sleek; it brings some prestige. They are also, environmentally friendly, easy to wipe clean without streaking or staining, and transform a space while engaging their audience. This exciting and versatile glass alternative to the traditional blackboard can be used in countless settings, such as the office, boardroom, hospitals, schools, and even in the home! The number one feature why glass boards are preferable is for health reasons. “Chalk dust can and does accumulate in the human respiratory system, which means it can create long-term health problems due to overexposure. In short, swallowing a piece of white chalk won't kill you, but breathing in chalk dust for a number of years can create or trigger respiratory problems.” http://www.wisegeek.com/is-chalk-dust-harmful.htm If you need a sophisticated, unique and cutting edge look for your office, school or healthcare facility, our glass whiteboards will transform your space. Castle Designer Glass is a fully equipped production facility, and our team of highly skilled artists is committed to superior artisanship and can create stunning functional glass designs that will enhance the elegance and style of any space. Visit us here on our website, http://www.castledesignerglass.com/index.html.

Winning Your Customers Over With Glass Art

The Business Exchange Restaurant Industry, states that “The average American eats out five times a week, from a latte and muffin at Starbucks in the morning, to a Big Mac and fries for lunch, to a nice meal at a sit-down place for dinner, and maybe a snack in between.” We eat out more often than before. Considering the uncertainties and slowdown of the economy people are presently searching for the experience of dining. So why not give your customers an experience they will never forget? Customers eat at restaurants because of the great food, friendly service, and a memorable atmosphere. If you are a restaurant owner that has succeeded in achieving all three, you’re getting customers into your restaurant. As for all the other restaurant owners out there I would like to ask you to take a step back and look at the interior design of your restaurant. What are the words that come to mind when looking top to bottom? Does it get people talking about your restaurant for the right reasons? If you are still reading this it probably means the answer is no, not really and you are looking for answers. Having a killer menu and great tasting delicious food is fantastic, having friendly staff with big smiles is exceptional, but think about it the customer will only see the menu, taste the food and exchange words with staff only once he is already inside your restaurant. The question is....What is attracting and pulling customers from the street into your restaurant? Interior design and glass art is an important marketing tool and increases the amount of walk-ins annually. What’s the first thing your customers see when they come in your restaurant? How many people enter your restaurant and then leave abruptly after they take a good look around? At Castle Designer Glass our artists are at creating art that draws attention and get you customers. . Custom pieces are made to order, matching your most imaginative style in textured and painted glass. Pieces can be framed and hung on the walls, mounted directly on the wall with clips, or even displayed on an easel. Pieces range from abstract patterns to detailed realistic paintings – the possibilities are endless! Today, the goal of a restaurant owner is to create a unique space for their customer that is cozy and welcoming, sophisticated but not overly snobby; restaurants are now incorporating many windows, bright lights, unique art, and glass into their interior design. People are on the hunt for the experience of dining. So grab their attention with unique glass art and then smother with tasty food and incredible service!!

Instead of revamping your kitchen - Add a splash of glass

I bet many have spent much time near the oven taking care of a roasting turkey for Thanksgiving feast. The kitchen is a multifunctional room where countless hours are spent preparing, cooking, and entertaining family and friends. Regardless, being on special occasions or on a regular daily basis; year after year your kitchen is the center of the home that gets much visitors attention. Did you know that when guests enter your kitchen they are automatically drawn to the kitchen counters? Do you think it is the time to refresh your kitchen? If you answered yes, instead of running to tear down all walls of the entire kitchen with a sledge hammer try changing a focal point of the room giving it a new innovative vibe. Then why not change your backsplash? Backsplashes are a great and simple way to brighten up a space, make a space come alive with color, or relaxing with soft tones. Consider using glass backsplashes where you wish to add the fine ingredients of creative energy and conversation to the room. Why not choose a backsplash that draws attention and conversation with cherished and loved ones? Castle Designer Glass provides custom glass backsplashes that create a unique and artistic feel to any home. Each piece is custom made for your space, utilizing large continuous pieces of kiln-textured glass, back-painted by hand with an endless variety of colors and metallic pigments to create any desired look. Sometimes simple is best and a little spice can go a long way. Instead of revamping your entire kitchen add a splash of glass to create a change from life’s mundane moments that will go a long way. A little cinnamon with your coffee?

The Colorful Language of Glass Art

Although I don’t want to list all of the terms that we use in the trade, I thought that my blog would be a great opportunity to provide my readers with a list of definitions that are used to describe the different techniques. Kiln-formed glass is usually referred to as hot glass and can be broken down into glass that has been slumped or fused. For centuries it was used to shape glass until the Romans developed glassblowing, which has since become the more widely used method. Many modern day glass artists are rediscovering its versatility to produce their glass art works. Glass slumping is the technique of placing hot glass over a mold over which the is being formed,(which can be made of either ceramic, sand or metal and coated with a release agent that will stop the molten glass from sticking to the mold. We use glass slumping techniques to create our backsplash tiles. Glass fusing methods involve stacking, or layering thin sheets of glass, that are mostly different colors to create patterns or simple images. One the glass sheets are layered correctly, they are placed inside the kiln and then heated through a series of ramps (rapid heating cycles) and soaks (holding the temperature at a specific point) until the separate pieces begin to bond together. Sandblasting is a common technique that we use mostly when we are creating our glass whiteboards. By sandblasting the layers of glass away with a sandblaster, a machine that uses compressed air to propel particles of abrasive sand, a design will stand out with every layer removed. Painting is another term that takes on a new significance in the glass art world. Our glass art would look pretty plain if we didn’t paint them using a variety of techniques, employing many types and styles of color. Some of the paints that we use are in a powder form while others including acrylic paints are baked onto the glass creating a permanent hard finish. As you can see there are many ways that we can shape, mould and color your glass art to your liking. Whether your project involves a backsplash, countertop, wall art, glass furniture or glass whiteboard, Castle Designer Glass can help turn your glass idea into a reality.

Creating Glass Art at The Sherbrooke Community Center

We heard about a wonderful project a few months ago at the Sherbrooke Community Center, and we knew that we had to help out. The many talented artists at the Center wanted to create a mosaic to hang in the chapel that would represent the North and Native Spirituality. We couldn't help ourselves and we volunteered resources, materials and time. Since the Sherbrooke Nursing Home was opened February 7, 1966 by Mr. R. B. (Bob) Beavis, it has sought to create a community that supports people to live full and abundant lives.In Saskatchewan, it has represented many first's including the first Adult Community Day Program, the first Respite Care Program, the first facility to offer Physical, Occupational and Music therapy to residents and the first specialized unit for the cognitively impaired. We knew that there was a great need for art to help individuals feel a sense of accomplishment and express themselves artistically. Donald Royal was the lead artist but he couldn't have done it alone and others such as John Pattinson etc... helped him out. This was a collaborative effort and we want to pay tribute to all of the artists that put their time an effort into an art piece that will live on. This project was led by the Center's amazing artist in residence,Jeff Nachtigall who has been a practicing artist for 17 years. After having had his work shown in major galleries throughout Canada and the United States. Upon completing his fine arts studies at the University of Regina and Illinois State University, Jeff has come back to us to help use art in a health care setting. If this story touched you, you can donate to the Sherbrooke Community Center. http://www.sherbrookecommunitycentre.ca/index.php

Designer Glass for Your Bathroom

When everybody thinks about high quality kiln-formed glass applications kitchens get all of the attention in the industry. Backsplashes, countertops, wall art are the glass applications that will standout visually. And since we’re always in the kitchen, why wouldn’t we want to make it the most visually appealing room in the house? Because we’re spending more time in the bathroom We’ll most likely never spend the same amount of time in the bathroom as in the kitchen, but a refined bathroom is at the top of the list of must-haves for prospective house buyers. I have seen some stats that indicate that we spend as much as 30 minutes a day, 210 minutes a week and almost 7-1/2 days a year in the bathroom. And that’s just time spent on hygiene and facilities. What about that end of the week baths that we use to unwind? You could easily add another day a year to the total. There’s no doubt that beauty and refinement in a bathroom will make you want to spend as much time as you can in there. With that thought in mind Castle Designer Glass developed a line of high quality products for the bathroom. Our creative artists create professionally engineered, high quality, elegant framed or semi-framed shower enclosures. We can customize your shower enclosure to the finish or texture of your choice. Since all of our work is done in house we don’t depend on outside contractors which allow us to make sure that your project is completed on-time. And like our beautiful glass countertops in the kitchen, we thought that a bathroom wouldn’t be complete without its own glass countertop. That same tempered, durable glass that is ideal for the everyday kitchen use is an ideal complement to a glass shower enclosure in the bathroom. If you’re interested in having us quote you on your bathroom, you’ll just have to provide us with the dimensions and a drawing.

Glass Wall Art Can Enhance Your Living Space

There are many ways to add beauty to a home and its walls, including hanging picture frames and works of art. Another way that homeowners can create a visual focal point in a room is with glass wall art. Throughout history glass wall art has always been very popular in different parts of the world. The colors and textures that can be made into glass enhance the overall aesthetics of any living space. When it comes to picking out glass wall art for your home you need to decide a number of things before setting out to shop for the actual piece. You have to consider the size of the wall as well as the activities that take place inside that room. A quiet reading room or library wouldn’t be a good fit for wild and loud glass wall art. You’ll have to choose glass wall art that is calming that will put you at ease. Then you have to consider the color palette you will be using for this room. You can either decide to go with a neutral color of glass wall art or you can decide to include some contrast into the room. When you’re planning to buy wall art, your interior designer can help you find the right colors, textures and design. Your designer will help you plan your space and work within price range to realize your project. You’ll also have to determine which wall should display your art. High traffic areas might not be the best place to display glass wall art. It’s important to make sure that you clean your new glass wall art each week to prevent dust from staying on it for too long. It will be much harder to remove if you allow it to settle into the cracks. Glass wall art doesn't usually require a frame because glass wall art can hang onto the wall its own. Because it’s heavier than traditional wall art because of the materials used to make it, it will have to use strong supports and hardware attach it to the wall. If you really want to add beauty to your living space and are looking for an original piece of art, we can design a glass wall art piece that will make you proud.

Inspired by Nature

As I was driving back from Regina earlier today, I couldn't help but notice the changing autumn colors, especially the leaves in the trees. Oranges mixing with greens and browns mixing with reds inspire the artist in all of us to create our next piece of art using nature's vibrant colour palette. Whether I am driving by the Evergreen Parks such as the George Dyck Park or John Brockelbank Park or a Stonebridge Park like the Patricia Roe Park, I am always fascinated by the beautiful tones and shades of colour. And the wonderful thing about these colours is that I will be able to create new textures for backsplashes, wall art, countertops with them in mind. At Castle Designer Glass, the textures that we create will have a large influence in the overall vision of the piece that we're working on. More than ever, customers are trying to recreate nature's beauty through the colours and furniture that they have in their homes. With some pieces they will be limited by technology. But with glass art, it can be customized as to the shape, colour and texture. Without texture, glass would just be plain and not interesting in any way. If you look through our website at www.castledesignerglass.com you'll see a sample of the textures that we can create. Our only limit is your imagination.

The Parade of Homes Makes Dreams Come True

I can't tell you how pleased I am that Castle Designer Glass is exhibiting its glass wall art, glass countertops and glass backsplashes with the Saskatoon Parade of Homes. The Parade of Homes is an initiative of the Home Builders Association and the Make a Wish Foundation to raise funds through the Wish Home Lottery. These funds have helped grant the most heartfelt wishes of children suffering from life-threatening diseases such as cancer an opportunity to enjoy life after an illness or can simply provide the time and support a family's needs after a lengthy medical crisis. We've teamed up with local builders including Haven Builders, Decora Homes Ltd. and Selkirk Developments Inc. to stage participating homes in the Parade of Homes. One of the homes is located at 1726 Pohorecky Rise and is a luxurious two storey 2345 sq. ft. home full of unique, exclusive features. Since we partnered up with the Wish Home Lottery, we've been receiving a steady stream of builders, designers and stagers who have been impressed by the endurance qualities of our glass countertops and glass backsplashes. We stand behind all of our products and we can ensure our customers that they are designed to handle normal wear and tear. If you're a designer or home stager we would love it if you could visit us at our studio and we can show you the fabrication process and the full range of glass products. If you would like to make a difference in the life of someone who has survived a serious illness, please participate in the Wish Home Lottery.

Add Light to Your Kitchen with Eco-Friendly Glass Backsplashes

These days, we are all aware of the need to preserve our limited natural resources. I don’t think that there is another industry that is more conscious of integrating recycling and sustainable building design and building materials practices than the building materials industry. From the installation of solar energy panels to the use of bamboo and straw building materials, consumers are asking for eco-friendly products in the construction of their homes. Our beautiful glass tiles can be used on countertops and backsplashes. Choosing glass tiles for your home can have a number of benefits, both for the planet and for your family’s health. Because glass tiles are non-porous, they resist mold, mildew and staining. With less dirt accumulating, on your backsplash, your family won’t be exposed to as many germs. And you won’t have to spend your time scrubbing with harmful detergents just to keep them clean. Glass tiles reflect light, making the area look brighter and larger; reducing the amount of energy you need to light your kitchen. Glass tiles are more eco-friendly because it takes half the energy to produce a glass tile compared to a ceramic tile. Another advantage is that glass tiles can be customized to any color, shape or texture. You won’t have to waste your time looking for the perfect color or texture. We can match them up with your existing furniture of countertops to create a visual impact in your kitchen. Glass backsplashes are a great way to green up any home.

The Great Thing About Glass

I've always been a big fan of glass, almost as much as I am of jewellery! In modern day society glass has been used for more functional roles such as to hold a liquid or allow light to enter a building. But glass art has always appealed to me. In fact, the use of glass for practical and decorative purposes dates back to Ancient Egypt and Rome. Glass was most likely discovered by accident when melted sand (silica)was fused in cooking fires. Glassblowing, was used in Jerusalem in the first century BC and spread throughout the Roman Empire. Other glass art techniques, such as stained glass, casting, fusing, and mosaic, evolved over time (i.e. stained glass was a very popular technique used in the cathedrals of Europe during the Middle Ages; 5th to 16th centuries AD). Eventually, glassblowing became the dominant technique with the production of glass art pieces and the industry concentrated in Murano, Italy. Many of the technologies used then including crystalline glass, enamelled glass (smalto), glass with threads of gold (aventurine), multicoloured glass (millefiori), milk glass (lattimo), and imitation gemstones made of glass are still be used today in everything from contemporary art glass and glass figurines to Murano glass chandeliers and wine stoppers. When I founded Castle Designer Glass a few years ago, I was inspired to bring the beautiful designs that I had encountered on my travels back to my hometown of Saskatoon. The versatility of glass allows it to be used in a wide variety of surfaces including backsplashes. glass boards, freestanding or wall art, door inserts, tables, countertops, etc... in the home, the office or in a casino, spa, airport, hotel or store. Glass art gives a piece that special something that makes people take notice. When someone wants their room to standout, I can't think of a better way than with glass art.

Glass Breaks Through a Cluttered Retail Landscape

If you’ve been to a shopping mall lately, you probably feel that every store looks the same. Whether you’re shopping for fashionable clothes with your daughter, jewellery for your significant other or shoes for yourself, every store has that same old feeling to it. There just isn’t anything at the entrance that gets your attention and makes you want to stop and go in. And if you’re a retailer, that’s a bad thing. Your store entrance has to engage your potential customers and communicate your brand and concept before they even step inside your shop. Your product has to be front and centre but you need something to break through their consciousness. Customized, colorful and conversational, architectural glass solutions will lead visitors into your store. There are many glass products that are visually appealing and will maintain the consistency of your brand values. A glass panel feature will create flow to your interior design layout and can be complemented by custom designed surface and soft lighting. Glass inserts that come in many colors and textures will add color and enhance a visitor’s sense of curiosity. Glass signage combined with beautiful lighting will draw attention to the logo and name for the right reasons. Glass wall or freestanding art will generate buzz and get people talking. Architectural glass products are aesthetically pleasing to the eye, can open up even the smallest of spaces and are much more environmentally friendly than many other products. If you want to differentiate your store from the competition, architectural glass has many distinctive advantages.

Glass Railings Can Really Open Up Your Space

Glass railings have been called many things over the years. From glass balustrades to staircase glass panels, they have many names but they all do essentially the same thing, provide security and safety for staircases while maximizing the perception of space. Not all rooms are created equal, especially if you happen to live in the city. With the increase in condominiums being built in Canada's cities (have you been to Toronto lately?) builders and designers have to maximize the space that they have been given to work with. And that's where architectural glass and glass furniture can make a difference. Not only do glass railings look fantastic around staircases but they can give them a floating impression and really open up a small living space. They can give a truly modern and contemporary feel to any home or office. A professional glass designer will suggest the right installation hardware that minimizes their impact and provides an unobstructed view of the the glass panels. It would be a shame to hide our work with bulky hardware! Many glass products are made overseas and if that's the type of product that a consumer will be pleased with, I am sure that she will find something that suits her style. But for customers that want a customized, unique glass railing or glass panel, there are glass designers that will design a product to the consumer's specifications. Our customers always tell us that working with a local company helps them make a better choice. We aren't limited by geography as we can ship to anywhere in Canada or the US. And if there are any problems, we're just a phone call away. So if you want Inspirational Glass, Custom Designed For True Connoisseurs, Think Castle Designer Glass.

Celebrating Glass at the London Olympics

I am really amazed at the amount of detail that the artists created the art featured in the Swansea Olympic Games art display http://bbc.in/Mb9wNd. From soccer and discus throwing to a spectacular piece that pays homage to the Games beginnings in Greece, the artists have captured the spirit and emotion of the competition. The exhibition will only open officially for a private viewing today by Gwyn L Williams, the Creative Programmer for Wales for London 2012 at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea but it is already getting worldwide attention for its creative use of glass. A jury of four judges whittled the exhibit down to thirty seven panels, after receiving over sixty entries. I would have hated to be one of the judges for that competition! Most of the glass art was created by students at the Swansea School of Glass, and painters from the British Society of Master Glass. I really think that the power of art is its ability to stimulate the senses and create conversation. Love it or hate it, everybody has to have an opinion on a piece of art! Glass art is unique because light can play a role in the interpretation of the piece. The world is full of great art. Whether its “Bent of Mind” by British artist Tony Cragg at the Nangang Software Park or John McEwen's Search Light, Star Light, Spot Light in Toronto, art is meant to be shared and enjoyed by everyone. In the spirit of the world's Olympic Games, art is the best way to promote the values of the games, Excellence, Respect and Friendship.

Architectural Glass is Like Commuting at an Art Gallery

You really don't know what to expect from one day to the next. When I started my glass design studio a couple of years ago, I never would have imagined that I would see my art at an airport. And when I was approached by the Aspen Pitkin County Airport, in Aspen, Colorado and the Bismarck Airport in Bismarck, North Dakota, that's exactly what happened. When we step out into the world each morning, either walking on the street or taking a bus or subway, we're surrounded by art. From the famous “Whirls and Twirls” by artist Sol LeWitt at the Columbus Avenue/59th Street station in New York to the beautiful statues at the Bangkok Airport, art is everywhere that people commute. In their infinite wisdom, city planners, architects and designers have all realized that art doesn't only belong in an art gallery but where people can enjoy it. And airports are definitely a major touchpoint for art and the community. Airport terminals are becoming the go-to places for contemporary art. While visitors are waiting to pick up relatives from their international excursions or passengers milling about the terminal, on their way to a connecting flight, glass art can add to the airport experience. Airports can be a confusing place, but glass art can make someone stop and relax for a moment. And for people that have a fear of flying, relaxing is a good thing. An airport terminal is the perfect mirror to the world of the contemporary artist. She can offer peace and tranquility in a busy space and make the real world of delays and lost baggage go away, at least for a minute.

The History of Slumping

As glass designers we spend a lot of our time slumping. You heard me right we love to slump. Slumping is the term that is used to describe how we form warm glass into a shape that our customers will want for their backsplashes, wall or stand alone pieces of art, countertops or glass boards. By applying heat to the point where the glass will soften, our glass designers increase the fluidity of the glass causing the glass to 'slump' into or onto the mold underneath. Here's how we do it. Once the oven reaches the right temperature we put a sheet of glass in, 'slumping' it over a form or into a mold. We use molds that are made of plaster, clay coated with plaster, graphite, sand or steel. Once the glass is formed, we reduce the temperature so that it can cool off or anneal. Slumping has been around since the days of the the Romans. They used slumping on everything from vessels to bowls and plates. They would place a sheet of glass over a mold which produced vessels with rough surfaces, which could then be ground or polished to a smooth finish. Some of the other techniques that they used to get their unique pillar-molded bowls was through the use of a special slotted tool to for the glass into a ribbed shape before it would go to slumping. This helped create a ribbed effect on the exterior of the bowl. Glass is a malleable material that can be made into almost any shape that you want. In my coming posts I'll write about them to give you a better idea of the techniques that we use.

Why I Just Love Glass

My love for glass goes back many years ago, when I was visiting Europe and some other parts of the world. I was enamored with the beautiful glass art that I saw on my voyages. When I came back to lovely Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 2008, I started my business, wanting to share my passion for artistic glass work with others. So I purchased my first kiln, and decided to try it for myself. Today,four years later Castle Designer Glass has earned the reputation for creating custom designer glassworks that will get people talking about our customers, for the right reasons. We're well known for our innovative approach to glasswork, and we have most recently added the extremely practical and versatile glass whiteboards that can be installed in different interior spaces, including offices, board rooms, schools or hospitals. Our glass whiteboards come are manufactured in two ways 1) back painting the glass white or 2) sandblasting the glass. We also frame it with some shiny hardware to make it standout. Our glass whiteboards are highly functional and pleasing to the eye. I guess that the educational philosophy behind our the glass whiteboards is that the more students like their surroundings, the more they'll be motivated to learn. And cleaning is a snap, using mild detergents will keep your glass whiteboard stain free! Designer glass is a stunning way to add value and distinction to any space. It is a diverse material that can be used in door inserts, dining tables, countertops, wall décor and feature walls.

Using Your Entrance to Attract Customers

I was doing some online surfing the other day and I came across this great photo of the Artifacts retail shop by that was designed by Taiwanese interior designers Michelle Wei and Cheng Chia Hao. a http://retaildesignblog.net/tag/glass-doors/. They created a futuristic shopping gallery with nine rotating glass doors at the clothing store's entrance. I thought to myself "Self...that`s what I call myself when I'm asking tough questions, this is a really creative use of glass to give the store a WOW factor. It gets people to stop and take notice and it highlights the merchandise. By letting people look in the store, they know exactly what they're getting. " And that's where I realized that although they used out-of-the box thinking. There's no questioning who the star of the show is - the brand. But the objective of the entrance is to be inviting and get the customer to take the next step. If you let them see everything at the front entrance, they won't bother walking in the store. By using glass creatively and artistically you can have the best of both worlds.

Your Sign Tells Your Brand's Story

When companies are seeking to differentiate themselves in the market, they use several marketing tools to identify their brand including a logo, a tag line and marketing collateral. Whether you're a retailer or a service provider, one of the first things that your potential client sees is your sign. It is the most cost efficient marketing tool for a business just getting off the ground or a company that's rebranding its image. Small businesses need to immediately gain visibility and build brand recognition in the minds of consumers in an easy and rapid way: through the use of effective signage. By putting a company name and logo on an attractive sign made with weather-resistant materials, you'll break through the advertising clutter that each consumer is bombarded with, in some cases up to 5.000 marketing messages daily! At Castle Designer Glass, we know how to design a glass sign that will draw foot traffic to your location. Our talented glass designers will take the time to understand your products and services, identify your marketing needs and design a glass sign that will work in different lighting settings and with your interior and exterior design. According to survey results from the BrandSpark/Better Homes and Gardens American Shopper Study at the University of Cincinnati, indoor and outdoor signage are the second and third most effective source of new product information. The study also goes on to mention that 50% of respondents drove past a business because they couldn't find it! Don't let this happen to you, let us design a sign that makes you standout from the pack!

Helping Out Our Community the Best We Can

I have been very lucky in life. Aside from having the love and support of my family, I own my glass art studio. I spend all day creating glass art in the shape of glass counters, glass backsplashes, glass signage, glass railings, glass wall art and glass furniture. Many of the artists that work at my studio have exhibited their work throughout Saskatchewan and Canada. But I would like to talk to you all about something very serious. There are many members of our communities that are mentally challenged. And as the old saying goes "God helps those who help themselves", some members of our society are dealing with too much and need some help. The great staff at the Sherbrooke Community Center in Saskatoon are those angels from heaven that help those that are less fortunate. Each day, they make a difference in the lives of the citizens of the Sherbrooke district in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. They provide each resident with companionship, opportunities to give and receive care and seek to provide a diverse environment rich with spontaneity and variety. They support the individual community members and encourage them to develop their strengths and passions through meaningful and rewarding pursuits. We've gotten involved with the Sherbrooke Community Center in order to contribute as best we can, to their overall mission. Art therapy emerged in the middle of the 20th century that art to express emotions and concerns. We have donated our time as well as the glass in order for residents to create art that will help them heal. Not only do we feel good about what we're doing but we can help others feel good about themselves and that's the ultimate reward. If you would like to learn how you can help or donate, please visit the Sherbrooke Community Centre's website at http://www.sherbrookecommunitycentre.ca/

U of S Students are Learning on Castle Designer Glass

You never know where Castle Designer Glass will show up. The University of Saskatchewan, called us up a few months back to see if were interested in creating glass whiteboards for their classrooms. A little bit of history, the University of Saskatchewan was founded in 1907 and located on the east side of the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It began its life as an agricultural school (hey, we are in the Prairies) but now boasts more than 200 academic programs and is home to The University of Saskatchewan's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) facility which develops DNA-enhanced immunization vaccines for both humans and animals. Some of its famous alumni include Diane Jones-Konihowski, the Canadian Pentathlete, the late Sandra Schmirler, a three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and fiction-writer Guy Vanderhaeghe. We were approached by the Facilities Team at the U of S because they wanted to beautify their learning backgrounds. White is OK but Castle Designer Glass is better! So we set about installing the first 10 glass whiteboards the project manager had requested. Our glass whiteboards come in two styles 1) back painting the glass white or 2) sandblasting the glass. We also frame it with some shiny hardware to make it standout. The advantage of our glass whiteboards is that they serve two purposes. They're highly functional and pleasing to the eye. I guess the thinking goes that the more students like their surroundings, the more they'll be motivated to learn. Or something like that. In any case, glass whiteboards are a whole new product line for Castle Designer Glass. For those who aren't aware of what we do, you can always take a look at http://www.castledesignerglass.com/products.html. We create a wide variety of glass products including backsplashes and countertops, dorr inserts, freestanding wall art etc... You can find some of our work in commercial installations like hotel lobbies, casino wall murals, restaurant feature walls, and many other functional and artistic designs. But with glass whiteboards we're breaking new ground, who thought that school could be this much fun.

Casinos keep it Fresh with Spectacular Art

Barry Thalden of Thalden, Boyd, Emery architects wrote a great piece in Casino Design last year about how casinos have to find new ways to keep it fresh. Based in Arizona, Thalden, Boyd Emery Architects has worked on over 400 hotels and more than 100 casinos over the last 37 years. He feels that to stay competitive and keep customers coming back for more, casinos have to innovate by following the old amusement park rule by adding one new ride a year. Customers have high expectations and they like everything that is new. He goes onto say that keeping customers on the casino floor should be the most important goal of casino design. And he's right in saying so. But even before a customer touches a slot machine or pulls up a chair at a poker table, they have to be in a good mood. Everything from the valet parking to the aesthetic beauty of the lobby to how their greeted by the staff plays just as an important role in their overall experience. At Castle Designer Glass we tend to believe that customers form their initial impressions by what they see at the entrance of the casino. All the successful casinos, such as the Dakota Dunes Casino in Saskatoon use glass to create a focal point for visitors when they enter the casino. At Dakota Dunes they used glass to create a conic shape to commemorate water. Glass is one of the most flexible materials, helping us see what could be while serving functional purposes.

Why Your Kitchen should have a Glass Countertop

Most of our customers are redesigning their existing spaces. The kitchen is serves many purposes and in most cases is the main family gathering area. Homeowners are willing to invest a large portion of their budget. Before committing to a specific material for countertops, I’d like to explain the advantages of investing in a glass countertop for your kitchen work surface. One of the most surprising benefits of glass worktops for kitchens are their durability. When people here glass they think that all glass is fragile and hesitate to use them in their kitchens out of concern that they won’t last. However glass is an extremely strong and robust material that is ideal for use in the kitchen. It can easily withstand the spills, knocks and temperature changes that it will most likely endure. Parents with younger children know that, hygienic kitchen surfaces are a must, as little ones are known to eat their snacks straight off the worktops. Recent media reports have confirmed that counters can be breeding grounds for mould and bacteria, particularly wooden surfaces which allow germs to hide in them. Glass worktops are the best choice for kitchens. Because glass is non-porous; there is nowhere for bacteria to hide. All you have to do is wipe the countertop down with an anti-bacterial spray and you’ll have a hygienically clean worktop on which to tonight’s supper on. Glass is the best choice for homeowners that want clean surfaces that will last a lifetime.

Make Any Space Larger with Glass Railings

For new home and new condo owners it doesn't take long to realize that there living space might look and feel small, after they've moved their stuff in. One way that you can make that space seem larger, without knocking down some walls is by remodeling your space with a new staircase and/or railings. Stairways can become the focal point of any room. with elegant railings that give an additional accent to the space and clear up sight lines. And railings are a great opportunity to break from a traditional look and try something new. Modern design places an emphasis on clean lines and simple elements to create that open feel. By using steel railings with glass panels you can create a clean look and at the same time you can make a smaller room seem larger. One advantage of combining metal with glass is its ability to reflect light. At Castle Designer Glass, we can combine texture, paint, and frosting to create a design to match your unique application. Our glass panels come in a wide range of color options, styles and custom designs. Furthermore, they can be used with steel or thermoplastics railings, are maintenance free and meet all municpal building codes. Homeowners can copy the design elements used in railings and repeat in other areas of the home, such as balconies, decks or mezzanines.

Castle Designer Glass' Special Visitor

Two weeks ago, it was a typical spring day in Saskatoon. The birds were singing, the sun was peaking through the clouds and then the phone rang."Is this Castle Designer Glass" the voice at the other end said "are you the store that's carrying some of them beautiful glass art that we saw earlier in the day?"Yes is really the easiest word to say in the English language."We represent a famous local businessman/venture capitalist who has a strong interest in native art and would like to come and visit your store tomorrow" Once again, I know how to say yes. Tomorrow became the end of that day and W. Brett Wilson, the philanthropist,entrepreneur and one of the star's of CBC's Dragon's Den came an visited me at my store. Brett is a personable guy, easy to talk to in real life and he was very interested in a rod iron table that had a tree trunk base covered by beautiful glass that was created by one of our artist's. He had become enamored by our glass art earlier in the day when he was in town visiting his W.Brett Wilson Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence at the the University of Saskatchewan. He just needed to have one of our glass tables after having seen one at a local coffee house. We had a great talk about the potential applications of our glass art and retail products. He felt that with the growing economy in Western Canada that our glass countertops and backsplashes wouldn't look out of place in high end retail stores. After he purchased the tree trunk table;we worked out the details to have it delivered to his Calgary home. It's not everyday that we have a Canadian celebrity walk into our store but it's a tradition that I'd like to keep up!

Castle Designer Glass Creates Saskatchewan Roughrider Art for Sports Fans

Happy Father's Day to Dad's all around the world. June is one of the best month's of the year. The sun is shining and the flowers are blooming. People are walking around with great big smiles because of the nice weather. And one of the favourite past times of folks on the Prairies is about to kick off. CFL football is about to begin! Soon we'll be hearing the crashing helmets and witness the fine athletic displays put on by some extremely talented football players. The Saskatchewan Roughriders might play out of Regina but they are Saskatchewan's team. Saskatchewan has the best fans in the league. Rain, sleet or snow won't stop mailmen from delivering mail and it won't stop our Rider Nation from attending a Roughriders game. Castle Designer Glass creates tables shaped in the logo of the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League! For the 100 years that the team has been in the league, Rider Pride has burned deep inside the team's loyal fans. And to do our part to keep Rider Pride alive and give the fans something to put their beverages on (football fans don't only drink beer!) we decided to create glass table tops in the logo of our and your favourite team - the Saskatchewan Roughriders. And why stop at tables, we can also create glass wall art for your wall in the basement. We are licensed by the team to create their replica logo, so fans know that they're getting the real thing. The next time that you want to give something special to that Rider fan in the family,remember Castle Designer Glass Saskatchewan Roughrider Glass table art!