” It was only at the end of last year I decided to give it a go and I haven’t stopped since”
It’s funny because I’ve loved ‘painting’ for many years and actually trained as an illustrator and graphic designer back in the day… So when it came to ‘painting on glass’ I was really excited at the prospect and immediately began experimenting
That’s the thing though, as soon as I had my online shop the floodgate of imagination and product possibilities and options started to flow from me, my only problem is having enough time in the day to actually complete designs. Yes, I have ideas backing up, but I promise you; I will get to them… eventually!
Painting on glass
Anyone who’s tried glass painting knows how difficult it can be. The specialist paint behaves quite differently from other paints. It dries really quickly and doesn’t have a solid coverage. I’ve found; you not only have to be quick but you have to have a vision of your final design in mind, to work towards as you layer the paint and bring the design to life!
It was only at the end of last year I decided to give it a go and I haven’t stopped since. The 1st attempt was a large glass flower vase. Subjects vary and will probably continue to do so! Vases can be used for flowers or candles (don’t leave unattended) and are designed to look great with or without flowers inside.
Gaining in confidence and encouraged by the fantastic feedback (thank you so much!) I then moved onto Gin glasses and tumblers, to add to my range. So far I’ve chosen to make the tumblers more ‘fun’ with subjects such as goldfish and seals. I think these glasses could be used for your orange juice at breakfast or a Gin & Tonic in the evening, the choice is yours – but I’ll be led by you, please feel free to give me some feedback anytime!
Hand made drinking straws – reusable and dishwasher safe!
More recently I’ve added 2 x styles of beautiful handmade reusable glass straws by glass artist Scarlet Leonard. I felt they went so well with my hand painted glasses. I have 2 x styles to suit each stemmed and tumbler glasses and we’re a happy stockist
Quality of the drinking glasses and vases
Quality is important to me. I like to choose good quality glass to work with. Most of the drinking glasses are actually Crystal and most of the vases are hand blown. That to me makes them extra special.
Caring for hand painted glass
Some people are worried about washing and caring for the products. They’re not dishwasher safe; that would damage the painted area, but they are washable in warm water with a soft cloth. I do try to keep the paint away from the mouth / drinking area so this part of the glass can be washed more vigorously. Just remember not to soak the glasses in water as this could cause damage to the painted area.
I try to take a variety of photos to show off my designs to their best on my website. I make sure I include a close up so you get a good idea of the finish of each design. A highlight for me was people looking at the designs close up, when we had a Christmas stall at the Piecehall in Halifax. Several people actually got so close they had to touch the design to believe it was ‘stuck on’! It made me smile but it’s amazing the 3d affects you can create with a flick of the brush in the right place to create the illusion of a shadow!
These designs are actually sold now, they are one-offs so everyone is completely unique. But of course, any time you see a design you like I am open for commissions at no extra cost to you. Although I am creating some consistencies, the shape of the glass or vase may differ from the sold designs, it’s all down to what I can get at the time. If this is the case of course, I will show you what I plan to use to paint your commissioned design, so you can choose or see it in advance of me beginning the painting.
If something has sold before you get a chance to buy; then please message me as I said; I’m always happy to paint another at no extra cost to you
Find out more about the specification of each design view our shop
Unique designs painted individually
It takes me quite a while to paint each design, then they have to cure to ensure the painted area hardens enough for use. Designs on my website are all available buy as you see them.
Angela x
