We just installed a seascape stained glass window for a home in Manhattan Beach, CA. This commission was a little unusual because the original contact and designing was done 2 1/2 years prior. A very nice couple came in and were interested in a seascape window to replace a 20 year old window that was not only dated, but literally falling apart. We talked for some time, and I showed them numerous photos of both work we had done and other windows designs. We decoded it was best for me to draw original designs just for them. They wanted only the sea, sky and possibly the moon or sun. No sail boats, sea gulls, or fish. Usually people living by the ocean like to have sea birds, dolphins, or boats of some kind, so it was intriguing to design a window void of these features.
I began, as is my usual custom, to draw three designs, and either have the customer choose one or alter them as need be. They loved one of the designs as is, but other emergencies came up and although I held on to the designs I didn't hear back from them for 2 1/2 years. This is a good lesson to never give up on a commission.
When they contacted me again, via e-mail, and said they were ready to go I decided to update the drawing. I decision I am very thankful for. The new design is much more interesting. The window is 5 1/2' square, and is installed with the bottom over a set of sliding glass doors about 12' above the floor. The original window had a dual glazing of clear glass on the outside. Originally we decided to keep the exterior glass and install the new window just as the old one had been. The original window however did not have any reinforcing. This was the reason it virtually was falling apart. After the new window was made we decided to install without the exterior glass. Aesthetically this is a much nicer look, and with the reinforcing there was no problem with support. We used 5/8" steel reinforcing bars which we bent along the window leading lines. The only point we deviated from this was to make two vertical supports at the bottom to prevent folding of the window at the base.
Final Drawing Glass cut Window leaded up Glazing Window
When we went out to install the window, and took the exterior and interior stained glass down(these were installed in a single aluminum channel frame), we saw that the exterior glass was not only 1/8" and not 1/4", but it was not tempered. We are still amazed that over the 20 years it was installed the exterior glass did not break. We decided to install the stained glass by itself in the aluminum from with a vinyl seal.
I hate it when a picture does not show how well a project turns out, because this window was breath taking. When we finished the installation and I got off the scaffold and looked up all I could say was WOW! My client felt the same way. For the glass we used Wismach varigated blue green, variegated turquoise, and Kokomo variegated blue green translucent glass. The sky is a pale blue Spectrum cathedral, with Wismach white opalescent for the clouds, and Uroboros white mottled for the white caps. I have to go out again with a better camera.
