Working with bevels for the Devils Lake Yacht Club

Sometimes it's fun to see what projects people are in the process of working on. So, I thought I would share today's project with you and explain a little about how we get from start to finish.

This window was requested by a customer for installation at the Devils Lake Yacht Club in Manitou Beach, Michigan. They are renovating their building and trying to bring it back to what it might have looked like when it was originally built.

The owners are finding a lot of interesting architectural pieces that were in place during different phases of the building. It was not always a yacht club.

Because they do not have photos from the earliest years, they are working with what they have and using a designer to help them create a look that would have been popular during that period.

The stained glass is actually being installed into a new opening. We chose a series of bevels (beveled glass pieces), clear textured glass, and a blue that matches the rest of the interior space.

We started with a series of computerized drawings and began with a design that was seen elsewhere that they liked the design of. That is the top drawing shown in the photo at the left. From there, the customer chose a design they like that worked with their budget, which is similar to the 2nd computerized drawing shown here.

Once the design and glass were finalized, the pattern was completed, bevels are being wrapped in foil, and glass is being cut. Over the next few days we will continue to cut glass, wrap in foil, solder, patina, clean and polish. We will be adding reinforcement bars to this window due to the size (28"x74"). The reinforcements will help keep the glass from bowing over time.

As the piece goes through the process, I will photograph and show you how it is going.

Custom Glasswork: Remember, if you would like a piece of stained glass custom designed for your home or business, contact Pat through this blog or her web site.

Students: If you are a stained glass artist working with bevels, feel free to contact her as well with any questions you may have. I am currently offering individual classes for interested students.

$ Bevels On Sale: While in Chicago, I picked up a number of really cute beveled glass clusters in the shape of little girls heads. Check my web site for photos of what is available and their sale prices.

Pat Deere