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