The Visit

With snow being forecast, I thought I had better visit the stockist before the weekend. (Not that I really need an excuse - it's always exciting.) You never know what piece of glass will catch your eye. That's what makes it so dangerous. The list is essential.

I noticed that I wasn't the only person with a list.

'If I don't have one, I'm bound to forget something.'

My problem tends to be 'if I don't have one, I'm bound to come away with something that I hadn't intended'.

I admired a piece of glass that was destined for a window.

Someone else had a computer - generated image in hand. A painstaking search was being conducted amongst the racks of opalescent glass to find the 'perfect' shade to match the project.

Me? I had a list and a cartoon of the panel to be constructed with me. Thank goodness this was going to be in clear glass, not so many decisions. Although the choice was narrowed considerably, I did have to decide on the texture. Then there was which piece of glass? It's amazing how each piece varies so considerably. I held each piece against the light so all the features of it were visible and eventually made my choices.

I wanted an opulent look to the panel, so I made my way to the 'bevel' section. I tried two or three kinds on my cartoon. A circular bevel would be the best bet. These were only available in one size. I considered the 'roundels'. (Too large) What about 'globs'? I went to the 'glob' section. There were varying sizes and colours - and I found clear globs in differing sizes. I placed some of these on the cartoon - much better. They would give the look I was after. How many? I shifted the globs around the cartoon.

Back to the list. Lead and cement were the only other items. I was very good. I only gave the racks of coloured glass the briefest of looks. Only too soon, with my purchases carefully wedged in the car, was I making my return journey. Hopefully it wouldn't be too long before I would be revisiting the supplier.

Curvy

It is always good to start with a clean sheet - paper. It's a new beginning. Like all new beginnings it can be exciting and somewhat daunting.

No different, then, in starting a new design for a window.
I've decided on something abstract, something new. There are lots of ideas in pattern books. I've decided against something symmetrical. A mixture of standard grid with luxurious and generous curves.

All the glass will be clear. The background will be cut from a curvaceous baroque glass. Shapes will be made from a variety of textured glass. Long lead lines will attract the eye and draw it along the curves.

I've decided upon the lead thickness. The only thing left to consider is the inclusion, or not, of bevels or jewels, and the amount of materials needed.

It's all drawn out.

A visit to the stockist is required.
Oh dear!
Always dangerous.

Perhaps I ought to make a list.