February Newsletter

The last few weeks have been a bit of a time of reflection for me as I will be celebrating my 60th birthday in February. I have been totally committed to Prairie Stained Glass for over half of that time - a large part of my life. The rewards are difficult to articulate, but include: Pride in having helped create a business which has helped thousands of people release their (often unrecognised!) creative side. Satisfaction in being able to work with family members and long time staff doing something we all love. Freedom to wear many different hats - entrepreneur, craftsman, parent, employer, husband, and teacher. Hope for the future as one constantly meets people who not only have big hearts but live their lives with purpose and interest.

Thankful for all the people I have met along the way. -- Brian

The panel above - Boats on Lake Winnipeg - was designed by Lucinda. It was inspired by time spent in Gimli watching the sail boats on the horizon. This pattern (#187) is available in our store for purchase.

This tobogganer panel was designed and made by Lucinda a couple weeks ago. It features antique and fusible glass. Lucinda hand-painted all of the details, including the tobogganer, the trees, and the dog.

She also created a number of hand-painted three dimensional angels. These angels are available in our gallery, or you can see them on our Facebook page.

We currently have lots of glass scraps that have been donated for the use of schools. The glass would be perfect for doing mosaics or stained glass with your students. If you are a teacher and are interested in some of this glass, please call Brad at (204)783-1117 or email us at psg@mts.net

Pattern of the Month: #249

The pattern of the month for February is #249 ("The Harrison"). Remember, every month we will feature a different pattern, which will be free for that month with purchase of the glass to make the project. This window (42 1/2 inches by 11 inches) would look fantastic hung vertically for a sidelight or horizontally in a living room window. The bevels for this pattern are only $35.00 (regular price $61.99) for the month of February . All glass purchased for this project will be 25% off for the month of February.

This month we also have a lamp pattern of the month! This lamp pattern (the Byron, which is included in our book Elegant Lamps One) is our most popular lamp design ever. This lamp looks great, and the bevels cast beautiful prisms on the wall for added atmosphere. The bevels for this lamp are 30% off the regular price for the month of February, the craquelle glass that we used is 40% off , and all of the other glass purchased for this lamp is 25% off ! We will even throw the book, Elegant Lamps One, in for free.

Upcoming Classes:

Fusing Level 1 (Feb 4) : Fusing is the process of creating a glass design by fusing glass pieces together in a kiln. There's no foiling or soldering! This is a great way to make jewellery, wall pieces, functional art, etc. In this class, students will learn how to make coasters, trivets, and wall hangings. Basic fusing principles will also be discussed. There is no experience necessary for this class, so why not bring a friend? This class takes place on Saturday, February 4th, from 10am until 4pm. Tuition for this class is $99.00. Teenagers are welcome with an adult.

Introduction to Lead Came (Feb 11) : In this class, you will make a simple stained glass window using the lead came assembly technique. Lead came gives you the crisp architectural look which is so popular with Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiasts. Cutting considerations, proper assembly techniques, use of tools, cementing and reinforcement will be covered. On the first Saturday, (February 11th) students will attend an intro class from 10am until 12 noon. Brad will do a demo and give instructions on how to cut your glass for lead came. The second class (March 17th) is when you will build your piece under Brad's supervision from 10am until 4pm. Tuition for this class is $99.00. Students are required to have completed at least one Beginner Stained Glass course before taking this class.

Working Thick in Fused Glass (Feb 15) : Students will learn how to make pattern bars, cut them with a tile saw, and reconfigure the pieces to make a sophisticated design. Students will also learn how to fuse together glass strips and how to achieve a professional looking edge using the lap wheel. Firing Schedules and other considerations will be discussed. This class will run on Wednesday, February 15th, until Wednesday, March 7th, 5pm-8pm. Tuition is $400.00. Students are required to have taken a Beginner Fusing Class prior to taking this class.

Bead Making Level 2 (Feb 18) : Using a lampworking torch, you will take your lampworking skills to the next level of bead creation. This class will cover all of the basics, in addition to making and applying stringers, raking, and feathering. Students are encouraged to bring ideas to the class to work out with Cathy's expert advice to guide you. This class will take place on Saturday, February 18th, from 10am until 4pm. Tuition for this class is $125.00 and does not include materials.

Mosaics Level 1 (Feb 25) : In this class, Sylvia will help you create a mosaic wall piece, which is approximately 8 inches by 8 inches. Students will learn how to cut glass using glass cutters and mosaic nippers, and how to adhere the glass to the wood backing. Sylvia will demonstrate the grouting process. No previous glass working experience is needed, so bring a friend! All materials are included. A glass cutter is required. This class will run on Saturday, February 25th, from 10am until 4pm. Tuition for this class is $99.00