Castle Designer Glass

Art Can be a Part of Community Support

2013-02-10T12:04:00.000-06:00

Inspiration, innovation, design, practical and aesthetically pleasing is the combination of ingredients used at Castle Designer Glass when transforming glass into art. From the commencing of a project to the very end we value most the support we provide our clients and friends through our artists and staff. Come to us with an idea and we will transform it into a reality, come to us without an idea and we will help you choose what you need for your commercial, residential, retail, business or community environment. Sherbrooke Community Center not only supports quality of life and growth of each individual their support reaches the community as a whole. Their effort to strive providing each resident with companionship, opportunities to give and receive care is endless and continuous throughout their years of their existence. Changes have taken place at Sherbrooke Community Center since 1960; in their third stage of construction they have included a living environment for 103 residents plus a chapel, auditorium, community day program space, a gift shop and coffee kiosk, a child day care, and therapy areas. Castle Designer Glass is proud to be in support of Sherbrooke Community Center by contributing materials, resources and time to one of their splendid projects. The Community Center with talented artists (who have taken art to a new level) will be using materials for the creation of a mosaic that will hang in its chapel.

One of a Kind Custom Made Furniture/Product or Art Piece Just the Way You Like It

2013-02-03T10:39:00.000-06:00

Having a hard time finding the perfect furniture/product piece or art piece for your home, office, school, or business? Well forget about shopping and have your furniture or art piece custom made. There are many benefits of having a custom made anything….. For example a custom made suit can fit perfectly to shape your body. Similarly, custom made furniture/product or a custom made art piece can fit perfectly within your home, office, school or business decor. Furthermore, when made correctly custom made pieces can cost the same or even less than shopping retail. Secondly, buying custom made rather than retail can be more satisfying, assuming it is made correctly because the final product is exactly what you wanted regardless if the piece is used for aesthetic or functional purposes. Moreover, having a piece custom made provides you with plenty of options and plenty of choices while lending room for creativity and imagination. Lastly, the overall feeling of getting something tailored; specifically to your needs or/and wants, being a part of the process or having a unique item, has made many turn from shopping retail to shopping custom-made. On the other hand, many designers would suggest that if you decide to go in the direction of having items custom made it is better to do some homework to make sure that what you want is what you will receive as a final product. Castle Designer Glass understands the notion that every customer is unique and therefore items are custom and uniquely made to fit the necessary needs and wants of each individual. Don’t have the time or experience to do your homework or find ways of making it fit in size, color or taste – Don’t fret; our artists work hand in hand with you and your staff to meet the specific demands of your project, no matter how large or small. We arrange a meeting to discuss how we can help you create a one-of-a-kind space, help you with colors, textures and size throughout the project. Once the project is completed even installation is provided by us. As for choice we offer textures, depths, patterns, shapes, and designs that are endless and most importantly each piece is unique and one-of-a-kind.

The Hidden Benefits of Art in Your Environment

2013-01-27T11:22:00.000-06:00

I bet that the room you are presently standing in has everything from functional to practical; perhaps something is missing? Is there any art in the room that is pleasing or catches your eye? If you don’t already know… a piece of art in your home, chalet, business office, restaurant or school can provide some hidden benefits. It is stated that pieces of art displayed around your environment gives you a sense of culture, relaxation, improves cognitive functions, and even improves one's self-esteem. In an office environment a piece of art provides a cozy welcome to customers and clients; it can help also communicate your company’s brand values; but most importantly it can provide life to dead spaces and energize colleagues and employees. If you are a mom, “Introducing your child to art can play a pivotal role in your child's development. Art can help develop a child's creativity, imagination, cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, fine motor skills, and much more.” Furthermore, it can help your child with their boredom and your stress levels. For example, your little one can channel their energy by painting a picture instead of bouncing up and down and all around. If you are new to the world of art, don’t stress art comes in many forms from paintings to sculptures and even figurines. Choose a piece of art that can blend nicely with the colors, the textures and the decor already in place; this is always a great way to start. If you wish to try using art that is unique, why not use glass and art at the same time. Castle Designer Glass provides unique freestanding glass art that can be a great piece for any room at home, business, etc. Glass art is only limited by the size of the kiln, allowing for large free-standing pieces (often displayed with custom made stands to hold them upright). Any variety of texture, paint, and frosting is applied to create the desired effects, and large pieces such as these serve well as room dividers and conversation pieces. They are best seen in person for their sheer scale and impressiveness. Visit our examples of freestanding glass art already made at http://www.castledesignerglass.com/category/22-glass-art-freestanding-other.html

Incorporating an Art Glass Logo in Your Retail or Commerce Business Today

2013-01-21T06:35:00.000-06:00

The competitive market of standing out in today’s market is sometimes a difficult and always necessary task. In the retail and in the commerce business alike sometimes a logo is the critical breaking point of distinguishing your service and products from your competitors. What should your logo represent you may be asking? Well a logo is a graphic representation of your company so it is important that it illustrates or represents your company correctly; reducing the amount of confusion to customers when they see your company’s logo. In other words “A strong logo can do wonders for the image of your company, not to mention how your logo affects your brand recognition and marketing strategies.” Think about it…, your logo is sometimes the first contact a consumer has with your company. A logo has the power to create brand recognition before you have even a chance of interacting with a potential customer. Your logo should not only represent your company, it should be unforgettable. When choosing your logo pay attention to colors that you choose and the font you wish to incorporate. If you are not an expert at putting colors and icons together, get some advice and feedback. Ask relatives, how they feel when they hear and see your logo; do they get a sense of understanding of what your company does; and most importantly does your logo provide a feel of positivity. If family does not help find a professional they can surely help the process of finding a perfect logo for your needs. Castle Designer Glass provides glass signage and logos for your retail, commerce business and even your home. Glass signs and logos that you choose can be created with any logo and color scheme, incorporating textures, paint, or a variety of styles. They are easily wall-mounted with stylish clips, or directly mounted on a wall or in a wall cut-out. This is definitely a unique way to brand your company, or even put numbers on your house; allowing you to stand out from the crowd, and leaving an unforgettable first impression. Visit us at http://www.castledesignerglass.com/category/15-glass-signage-and-logos.html

Make a Difference in the World by Helping Dogs in Need

2013-01-15T15:14:00.000-06:00

Have you ever had a dog that you weren’t able to take care of? Or your dog had to undergo an expensive medical treatment and you couldn’t afford to pay for it? The Konan Koalition, www.thekonankoalition.com, is a Saskatoon, Saskatchewan-based non-profit organization that was created by Doug Ramage, to help individuals and families financially when their dog requires expensive, emergency services and/or surgery. It serves Western Canadian communities and has helped families from Winnipeg, MB to Saltspring Island, BC. It was created because of Doug’s dog Konan was misdiagnosed with torn ACL's in two of his legs on Feb 14th, 2011. Although the surgery to have them repaired was expensive, the family’s love for Konan made them proceed with the operation. The Konan Koalition has two goals: 1) Mitigating unnecessary pain and suffering in animals that cannot access veterinary treatment because of financial constraints facing their owners 2) Assisting pet owners in making animal care decisions based upon the needs of the animal rather than financial limitations. Helping pet owners in this way will go a long way to reduce unnecessary euthanasia. Konan was one lucky dog, many others aren’t. For the most part the organization raises money for families facing expensive, emergency vet bills through the sales of Koalition clothing and accessories. You can visit the online store at http://the-konan-koalition.myshopify.com/collections/all But it isn’t always enough, and that’s why Castle Designer Glass is getting involved. In order to help the Konan Koalition raise funds to continue their amazing work, on Thursday, February 14, 2013 Castle Designer Glass will be holding a public fundraising event at its facilities where it will give 15% of its sales towards helping the organization with its operations costs. Please set aside this special day in your calendar to help us make a difference in the community it can make a world of difference for a Canadian family with a sick animal. For more information about how you can help the Konan Koalition, please visit http://thekonankoalition.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/KonanKoalition. Please feel free to contact us at CastleDesignerGlass@gmail.com or call us at (306) 477-0098 for more details.

Are You Thinking of Putting your Home for Sale in 2013?

2013-01-11T07:53:00.000-06:00

As the holiday season is now wrapped up, we are comfortably returning to our work schedule routine and look forward to a great start of a new year. In Saskatoon there is prediction that “commodity prices, base metals and energy prices will improve this year as the global economy picks up," says BMO Capital Markets senior economist Sal Guatieri. Sal continues speaking on BMO's Canadian Housing Outlook for 2013, and states that Saskatchewan is on solid economic ground, which in turn bodes well for the housing sector. Read more at http://www.thestarphoenix.com/business/Housing+market+stay+strong+2013/7793585/story.html. Moreover, despite absence of job growth we saw a healthy and strong market activity in the fourth quarter especially among single-family homes. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation highlights; “Moving forward, price gains from previous years will continue to encourage more homeowners to list their homes.” Therefore, MLS expects sales to continue to advance in 2013. If the possibility is running through your mind of maybe putting your house on the market there are some ideas that can help you add more value to your home allowing you to increase your asking price. For example, you can increase the amount of light that enters your home. Furthermore, you can remodel your basement or create a home office increasing space in your home. If you do not have an extra room the possibility of a glass divider can come into play. Castle Designer Glass offers glass dividers with patterns that can often span several panels, and when installed side by side can create a fantastic room divider, viewable from both sides. Thick paint and texture will create privacy, and varying amounts of light can be let through depending on the desired application. Lastly, products of glass such as: glass backsplashes, glass counters, decorative glass walls, glass door inserts, glass shower doors, and glass railings can be added to your kitchen, bathroom and surrounding areas of your home. This can help increase the value of your home and in turn allow you to increase your asking price when putting your home on the market. Please feel free to contact us at http://www.castledesignerglass.com/category/6-glass-dividers.html for any questions regarding adding glass elements to your home. Wishing you all the best in the New Year!!!

The Benefits of Art Glass as a New Hobby for the New Year!

2012-12-27T19:06:00.001-06:00

Art glass is an artistic object that can have a purpose or can be used simply for decoration. There are many different techniques when it comes to art glass, for example, stained glass windows, glass blowing, sandblasted glass and copper foil work. “Art glass has grown in popularity over recent years with many artists becoming famous because of their work, and also as a result of colleges that offer courses in glass work. Many amateurs now undertake making art glass as a hobby.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_glass Making glass art has many positive attributes; it can be a rewarding hobby learning a new technique and using your glass art once finished is equally rewarding. Secondly, if you find yourself continuously bored or nervous making glass art can keep you busy and calm while bringing out a creative side you thought you never had. Thirdly, making glass art can also get you out of the house and provide social interaction - by meeting new people if you consider taking a group class learning all the techniques needed to create your glass art. Furthermore, you can make unique glass art items for family and friends which make great Christmas or Birthday presents. Also, if you see that you have a great talent in producing glass art you may even be able to sell your piece to earn a little extra income. Most important of all, making glass art as a hobby offers many pleasant hours of enjoyment and fun. As we end this year and enter 2013 maybe a new hobby for the New Year is exactly what you need to have a little fun while acquiring a new skill and who knows maybe meeting a new interesting friend! Castle Designer Glass works hand in hand with designers, architects, contractors, and corporations to produce unique and elegant glass installations. Commercial installations include hotel lobbies, casino wall murals, restaurant feature walls, and many other functional and artistic designs. Our artists work hand in hand with your staff to meet all your specific needs of your project, no matter how large or small. Please don’t hesitate to e-mail Castle Designer Glass today for any questions related to glass or glass art at http://www.castledesignerglass.com/contact.html

Interior Home Door Decor

2012-12-17T07:15:00.001-06:00

What does every home have? If you answered a toaster think again. The answer I was looking for was interior doors. Regardless if we rent or buy a new home or existing home we tend to overlook interior home door décor. The reason may be that the home already came with those plain white or traditional rustic wood color doors and they are efficient enough that décor does not even cross our minds. On the other hand, changing interior doors can indeed alter the way the room looks. Unique materials and innovative design can make a door not just a privacy provider or room separator, but also an integral part of a room's décor, creating beautiful homes. “A beautiful door is one of those subtle necessities that can make a big difference in your home's style. Like trim or molding, most doors go fairly unnoticed, but they can have a dramatic effect on the look of the room. Since most of us purchase or rent homes with the doors already installed, we often look right past them.” Furthermore, interior doors are a vital part of a home, just like choosing the right palette for your walls, your choice of furnishings, decorative items, and lighting. Choosing an interior door you have a wide selection of styles, materials and diversity of colors and with a little thought a right choice of interior door can significantly improve the look of your dwelling! Castle Designer Glass over the years has replaced in homes regular mundane doors. We see doors with glass inserts all the time- but imagine your plain door with custom one-of-a-kind glass artwork installed, rather than plain clear or frosted glass! Possibilities are endless, as individual panels can be created to your specifications, and installed in your current doors. Both interior and exterior applications are possible, such as front doors, pantry doors, cupboards/cabinets, closets, bathrooms, bedrooms, and more.

When Lightning Creates Glass

2012-12-12T15:41:00.002-06:00

If you haven’t already seen the movie “Sweet Home Alabama” you missed out on some beautiful glass sculptures. Sculptures are made naturally when lightning hits the sand making the sand hot enough; transforming glass in the natural shape of lightning forms. When lightning hits sand we will see a shape of fragile rock called fulgurite being created. The University of Florida’s Dr. Vladimir A. Rakov stated that, “there are two phenomena that are responsible for making natural glass on Earth: meteorites and lightning.” Glass that is made as a result of the collision of a meteorite with the Earth's surface is called meteoritic glass or tektite. Glass (a glassy object, to be exact) that is made as a result of a cloud-to-ground lightning discharge is called a fulgurite (from the Latin "fulgur" which means lightning). Fulgurites come in a great variety of forms and can be viewed as “nature's own works of art.” Although this is fascinating, I would not suggest you try it yourself using a rod, a bucket and pure composites such as silca, quarts and carbon, as it is very dangerous and not the easiest way to making glass or beautiful glass items for your home. The architectural glass used in your home comes in different shapes and sizes. If you are in need of a change maybe using glass for your stairs, balconies and decks could be the answer. Today, glass is the hottest trend to take hold of the industry. Glass is often used as railings on stairs, balconies, and decks for its tough components because it is easy-to-maintain and makes any space seem larger. At Castle Designer Glass, we can custom design and install any style of glass railing in your space. Combinations of texture, paint, and frosting can be used to create a design to match your unique application. If you’d like a custom quote; visit us at http://www.castledesignerglass.com/category/11-glass-railings.html

Redecorating or Remodeling Your Bathroom with Glass

2012-12-04T09:57:00.000-06:00

Planning on redecorating or remodeling your bathroom? Maybe you wish to only add some color towels and hang a work of art to bring a little pop to detail. On the other hand, if remodeling is an option and getting a new shower or bath tub is in the future plans; did you ever think of incorporating glass into your design? Remodeling your bathroom has many benefits. For one if your bathroom is outdated with wall to ceiling pink tiles maybe a little revamping would not hurt. As we quickly approach to a new year, a new concept might be more appealing to your household. There are many benefits of remodeling your bathroom besides improving the appearance of your bathroom. Don’t get me wrong it is very important that your bathroom should reflect the ideal place to unwind and relax while you either take a shower or a bath and pleases whose ever eyes while entering-in. On the other hand, at the same time, you can increase your home in value and make better use of space. An increase in home value is one of the biggest benefits you'll enjoy when you remodel your bathroom. “When you remodel the bathroom, you end up with an even better home, and larger remodeling projects can really make a difference in the amount that your home is worth.” Another benefit is that you can make better use of space; choosing what goes where and what does not belong can be finally pushed aside allowing you to make the best out of the space you have. Remodeling is a great idea if you wish to create a pleasing and relaxing environment; increase the value to your home and make better use of space. Adding a touch of glass and art will only make it better. Glass is one of the easiest surfaces to keep clean, and as such, can be a fantastic artistic touch to any shower stall. Clear glass can be embellished with glass elements, frosting, or painting, and back-painted panels can serve as shower walls. Picture yourself showering while surrounded by a serene piece of art, such as a waterfall scene, a let me know how relaxing that would be! At Castle Designer Glass we provide glass shower doors and walls that can be incorporated in your bathroom redecorating or remodeling project. If you wish to remodel your bathroom and would like to add a modern, unique, and glass touches come take a look at our shower doors and walls we have to offer at: http://www.castledesignerglass.com/category/5-shower-doors-and-walls.html

Customize Glass in Your Home as You Would Customize Your Dream Glass Home

2012-11-25T09:06:00.000-06:00

Presently, we see home design turn in a different direction where Glass Homes are becoming more and more popular. Glass homes are being built as well as being lived in by families around the world. My interest as well as my curiosity in glass homes has increased. Beyond adoring their aesthetical structure and architectural design, my interest and curiosity stems from their advantages over the more traditional home. Living in a glass home will provide you with all the sunlight you wish to receive. Vitamin D is essential to human health and your environment. Getting enough sun will ultimately allow you to avoid taking Vitamin D as a supplement. There are many health benefits in receiving balanced exposure to sunlight for example; helps the intestine absorb nutrients, regulates blood pressure, reduces stress and respiratory infections, aids in insulin secretion, helps fight depression, etc. James Muir states “natural light is the best light we can get. It varies through the day, and psychologically stops fatigue in many environments, and makes the internal environment much more interesting.” http://www.abc.net.au/tv/newinventors/txt/s1343223.htm Unless you are building a home from scratch, Glass homes offer a mass customization ideology rather than a mass production ideology. Glass homes are the future as they enable the homeowner to incorporate their unique wants and needs of sunlight and sustainability. Homes can incorporate solar design, natural cross- ventilation, minimal energy consumption, recycled & recyclable materials, stormwater detention, indoor-outdoor flow & so on in their glass home design. Depending on your needs and desires your customized glass home can align uniquely with the importance of your lifestyle. Glass homes provide you unlimited choice! Regardless, if your necessity is to maximize on privacy and sunlight like the Portuguese courtyard house or to engage with nature on many levels as does the insanely cool house located in Cape Town, South Africa (shown at http://www.trendir.com/house-design/) it can be constructed with the right architect. More importantly, Glass homes reflect modern uniqueness rather than the traditional ordinary. Castle designer Glass understands variety, choice and uniqueness. On one hand, if building a dream glasshouse today is not yet a reality you can on the other hand, incorporate different aspects of glass into your home emphasizing on characteristics of innovation and design. One of the many products we offer are backsplashes which are made using 6mm strengthened glass. Strengthened glass can be subjected to much more heat and impact than regular float glass. This unique custom glass is certainly a popular feature for a kitchen or bathroom. You no longer have to settle for the plain-color glass panels that most backsplash manufacturers supply. There is no limit to the design possibilities at Castle Designer Glass as there are no limits in building a Glass Home with the right architect.

Transforming Glass to Art is Eye Delight

2012-11-19T10:26:00.000-06:00

Glass is one of the most useful materials that has been used in the past and will surely be continuously used in the future. It is interesting to note what makes glass so useful and the importance of glass being displayed properly to enhance the fundamentals of transforming glass into art. Glass has been around for centuries and as we evolve we continue to use this relatively inexpensive raw material; glass is a non-crystalline solid material made from silica (silicon dioxide), soda ash (sodium carbonate), and limestone (calcium carbonate). In simple terms, the process of making glass is melting these three inexpensive ingredients together usually in large furnaces at very high temperatures until all three ingredients blend together to form a syrupy texture. Although glass is used for its practical components it is also used for aesthetic purposes. For example, glass paintings, glass blowing and contemporary works using glass if you have not already seen some, are so beautiful! Furthermore, when glass is combined with paint or light, they create amazing works of art. The art of glass is becoming more popular each day, museums provide collections where impressive glass art can be displayed and popularity stems from those especially who want to decorate their homes with an artistic touch. The Toledo Museum of Art has given glass a special moment marking the 50th anniversary of the Studio Glass movement. They have not only established themselves as one of the world’s largest facilities for glassblowing demonstrations and live glass design sessions; but have also, chosen a preliminary design for its proposed new North Wing where it has already featured light-filled galleries for its collection of contemporary works in glass. Thomas Phifer and Partners, the architects has created a 100,000-square-foot expansion that will have the purpose of dramatically enhancing the visitor experience for the Museum’s local and international audiences. The building is scheduled to open in 2014 and expecting an increase amount of visitors in the future. http://www.fingerlakes.org/latest-news-information/2012/6/6/corning-museum-of-glass-unveils-plans-for-64-million-expansion Castle Designer Glass, is a true believer of transforming glass to art and have created a stunning wildlife, nature, and native themed art exhibition in collaboration with our artists Gary Natomagan. The show included large stand-alone artworks, as well as paintings and drawings. Each of the pieces is available for sale for more information please inquire by e-mail to castledesignerglass@gmail.com.

Have We Underestimated the Use of Glass?

2012-11-11T16:05:00.000-06:00

Glass has been used throughout history and continues to be an important element in today’s world. It is more than likely that in the near future we will continue to use glass to develop new innovative products. Products that may surprise you and that will have an important role of organizing, interacting and staying connected with each other. Glass has been recorded in use and first created around 3000BC. Glass is a tough material that resists the effects of wind, rain or sun; it is used for the making of bottles and jars, windows and mirrors. We see glass being used in skyscrapers to Christmas decorations. Today, as I have watched A Day Made of Glass on youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHqrrki47ec; I realize that glass will not disappear but only become more prominent in our daily lives. Wendell Weeks provides a vision for the future that “includes a world in which myriad ordinary surfaces transform from one-dimensional utility into sophisticated electronic devices.” Imagine organizing your daily schedule with a few touches on your bathroom mirror, or chatting with far-away relatives through interactive video on your kitchen counter. I know hard to believe! http://www.corning.com/news_center/features/A_Day_Made_of_Glass.aspx On one hand, it is difficult to understand the technicalities of these technologies if you have seen the video. On the other hand, we understand why we have seen glass century to century and more importantly why we will continue to see glass in our daily lives. Castle Designer Glass understands the importance of glass playing a role in our lives and creates products that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing and can be incorporated in a traditional or modern style. Glass is functional, durable, recyclable, practical, aesthetically pleasing and multifunctional. All significant characteristics of why glass usage in the future will continue to be of use.

Inspiring Creativity with Glass Dividers

2012-11-03T15:07:00.003-06:00

Glass dividers, what a lovely and simple item that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing in nature. Whether it is for the office or for the home, glass dividers can add a creative and convenient way to divide a room, keep privacy and add beauty.“If you feel like your home has too much open space and you need to create divisions, room dividers can offer the perfect solution. By using room dividers in your home, you can create extra living space as you can have a room that is separate.” On the other hand, in my years of experience I have seen many office owners who do not pay much attention to the design and look of the room. Glass dividers in the office can be useful for two reasons. It can act as a practical tool to divide a room but also, aesthetically it can impress potential investors and enforce company’s integrity and credibility. Glass Dividers can act as an advertising strategy attracting attention. Both big and small companies can easily combine glass dividers into their office design for its practical and aesthetic functions. Furthermore, other benefits of using glass dividers in the office are: glass dividers offer privacy, provides the feel of a more spacious area, and allows natural light to enter the room. You will be able to enhance lighting conditions within the room and enhance working productivity for your employees. At Castle Designer Glass, glass patterns can often span several panels, and when installed side by side can create a fantastic room divider, viewable from both sides. Thick paint and texture will create privacy, and varying amounts of light can be let through depending on the desired application. Inquire about your space for a custom quote at http://www.castledesignerglass.com/contact.html

Glass Whiteboards, More Functional and Healthier Alternative than Blackboards

2012-10-30T13:25:00.001-06:00

When I was in elementary class I remembered those big black chalk boards my teacher used to write on; my teacher’s sleeves, hands and clothes were always full of white chalk. The use of traditional boards did not prevent to spread white dust on floor, in air, and on fingers of the writer. As I remember the past how messy and untidy writing and erasing with chalk is, I realize how Glass whiteboards are quite phenomenal. Today, glass white boards are increasing in popularity more than the traditional chalk boards. Glass whiteboards are fabulous, durable, elegant, modern, and sleek; it brings some prestige. They are also, environmentally friendly, easy to wipe clean without streaking or staining, and transform a space while engaging their audience. This exciting and versatile glass alternative to the traditional blackboard can be used in countless settings, such as the office, boardroom, hospitals, schools, and even in the home! The number one feature why glass boards are preferable is for health reasons. “Chalk dust can and does accumulate in the human respiratory system, which means it can create long-term health problems due to overexposure. In short, swallowing a piece of white chalk won't kill you, but breathing in chalk dust for a number of years can create or trigger respiratory problems.” http://www.wisegeek.com/is-chalk-dust-harmful.htm If you need a sophisticated, unique and cutting edge look for your office, school or healthcare facility, our glass whiteboards will transform your space. Castle Designer Glass is a fully equipped production facility, and our team of highly skilled artists is committed to superior artisanship and can create stunning functional glass designs that will enhance the elegance and style of any space. Visit us here on our website, http://www.castledesignerglass.com/index.html.

Winning Your Customers Over With Glass Art

2012-10-26T10:30:00.001-06:00

The Business Exchange Restaurant Industry, states that “The average American eats out five times a week, from a latte and muffin at Starbucks in the morning, to a Big Mac and fries for lunch, to a nice meal at a sit-down place for dinner, and maybe a snack in between.” We eat out more often than before. Considering the uncertainties and slowdown of the economy people are presently searching for the experience of dining. So why not give your customers an experience they will never forget? Customers eat at restaurants because of the great food, friendly service, and a memorable atmosphere. If you are a restaurant owner that has succeeded in achieving all three, you’re getting customers into your restaurant. As for all the other restaurant owners out there I would like to ask you to take a step back and look at the interior design of your restaurant. What are the words that come to mind when looking top to bottom? Does it get people talking about your restaurant for the right reasons? If you are still reading this it probably means the answer is no, not really and you are looking for answers. Having a killer menu and great tasting delicious food is fantastic, having friendly staff with big smiles is exceptional, but think about it the customer will only see the menu, taste the food and exchange words with staff only once he is already inside your restaurant. The question is....What is attracting and pulling customers from the street into your restaurant? Interior design and glass art is an important marketing tool and increases the amount of walk-ins annually. What’s the first thing your customers see when they come in your restaurant? How many people enter your restaurant and then leave abruptly after they take a good look around? At Castle Designer Glass our artists are at creating art that draws attention and get you customers. . Custom pieces are made to order, matching your most imaginative style in textured and painted glass. Pieces can be framed and hung on the walls, mounted directly on the wall with clips, or even displayed on an easel. Pieces range from abstract patterns to detailed realistic paintings – the possibilities are endless! Today, the goal of a restaurant owner is to create a unique space for their customer that is cozy and welcoming, sophisticated but not overly snobby; restaurants are now incorporating many windows, bright lights, unique art, and glass into their interior design. People are on the hunt for the experience of dining. So grab their attention with unique glass art and then smother with tasty food and incredible service!!

Instead of revamping your kitchen - Add a splash of glass

2012-10-14T11:09:00.002-06:00

I bet many have spent much time near the oven taking care of a roasting turkey for Thanksgiving feast. The kitchen is a multifunctional room where countless hours are spent preparing, cooking, and entertaining family and friends. Regardless, being on special occasions or on a regular daily basis; year after year your kitchen is the center of the home that gets much visitors attention. Did you know that when guests enter your kitchen they are automatically drawn to the kitchen counters? Do you think it is the time to refresh your kitchen? If you answered yes, instead of running to tear down all walls of the entire kitchen with a sledge hammer try changing a focal point of the room giving it a new innovative vibe. Then why not change your backsplash? Backsplashes are a great and simple way to brighten up a space, make a space come alive with color, or relaxing with soft tones. Consider using glass backsplashes where you wish to add the fine ingredients of creative energy and conversation to the room. Why not choose a backsplash that draws attention and conversation with cherished and loved ones? Castle Designer Glass provides custom glass backsplashes that create a unique and artistic feel to any home. Each piece is custom made for your space, utilizing large continuous pieces of kiln-textured glass, back-painted by hand with an endless variety of colors and metallic pigments to create any desired look. Sometimes simple is best and a little spice can go a long way. Instead of revamping your entire kitchen add a splash of glass to create a change from life’s mundane moments that will go a long way. A little cinnamon with your coffee?

The Colorful Language of Glass Art

2012-10-08T17:48:00.001-06:00

Although I don’t want to list all of the terms that we use in the trade, I thought that my blog would be a great opportunity to provide my readers with a list of definitions that are used to describe the different techniques. Kiln-formed glass is usually referred to as hot glass and can be broken down into glass that has been slumped or fused. For centuries it was used to shape glass until the Romans developed glassblowing, which has since become the more widely used method. Many modern day glass artists are rediscovering its versatility to produce their glass art works. Glass slumping is the technique of placing hot glass over a mold over which the is being formed,(which can be made of either ceramic, sand or metal and coated with a release agent that will stop the molten glass from sticking to the mold. We use glass slumping techniques to create our backsplash tiles. Glass fusing methods involve stacking, or layering thin sheets of glass, that are mostly different colors to create patterns or simple images. One the glass sheets are layered correctly, they are placed inside the kiln and then heated through a series of ramps (rapid heating cycles) and soaks (holding the temperature at a specific point) until the separate pieces begin to bond together. Sandblasting is a common technique that we use mostly when we are creating our glass whiteboards. By sandblasting the layers of glass away with a sandblaster, a machine that uses compressed air to propel particles of abrasive sand, a design will stand out with every layer removed. Painting is another term that takes on a new significance in the glass art world. Our glass art would look pretty plain if we didn’t paint them using a variety of techniques, employing many types and styles of color. Some of the paints that we use are in a powder form while others including acrylic paints are baked onto the glass creating a permanent hard finish. As you can see there are many ways that we can shape, mould and color your glass art to your liking. Whether your project involves a backsplash, countertop, wall art, glass furniture or glass whiteboard, Castle Designer Glass can help turn your glass idea into a reality.

Creating Glass Art at The Sherbrooke Community Center

2012-10-07T23:21:00.002-06:00

We heard about a wonderful project a few months ago at the Sherbrooke Community Center, and we knew that we had to help out. The many talented artists at the Center wanted to create a mosaic to hang in the chapel that would represent the North and Native Spirituality. We couldn't help ourselves and we volunteered resources, materials and time. Since the Sherbrooke Nursing Home was opened February 7, 1966 by Mr. R. B. (Bob) Beavis, it has sought to create a community that supports people to live full and abundant lives.In Saskatchewan, it has represented many first's including the first Adult Community Day Program, the first Respite Care Program, the first facility to offer Physical, Occupational and Music therapy to residents and the first specialized unit for the cognitively impaired. We knew that there was a great need for art to help individuals feel a sense of accomplishment and express themselves artistically. Donald Royal was the lead artist but he couldn't have done it alone and others such as John Pattinson etc... helped him out. This was a collaborative effort and we want to pay tribute to all of the artists that put their time an effort into an art piece that will live on. This project was led by the Center's amazing artist in residence,Jeff Nachtigall who has been a practicing artist for 17 years. After having had his work shown in major galleries throughout Canada and the United States. Upon completing his fine arts studies at the University of Regina and Illinois State University, Jeff has come back to us to help use art in a health care setting. If this story touched you, you can donate to the Sherbrooke Community Center. http://www.sherbrookecommunitycentre.ca/index.php

Designer Glass for Your Bathroom

2012-09-22T22:50:00.000-06:00

When everybody thinks about high quality kiln-formed glass applications kitchens get all of the attention in the industry. Backsplashes, countertops, wall art are the glass applications that will standout visually. And since we’re always in the kitchen, why wouldn’t we want to make it the most visually appealing room in the house? Because we’re spending more time in the bathroom We’ll most likely never spend the same amount of time in the bathroom as in the kitchen, but a refined bathroom is at the top of the list of must-haves for prospective house buyers. I have seen some stats that indicate that we spend as much as 30 minutes a day, 210 minutes a week and almost 7-1/2 days a year in the bathroom. And that’s just time spent on hygiene and facilities. What about that end of the week baths that we use to unwind? You could easily add another day a year to the total. There’s no doubt that beauty and refinement in a bathroom will make you want to spend as much time as you can in there. With that thought in mind Castle Designer Glass developed a line of high quality products for the bathroom. Our creative artists create professionally engineered, high quality, elegant framed or semi-framed shower enclosures. We can customize your shower enclosure to the finish or texture of your choice. Since all of our work is done in house we don’t depend on outside contractors which allow us to make sure that your project is completed on-time. And like our beautiful glass countertops in the kitchen, we thought that a bathroom wouldn’t be complete without its own glass countertop. That same tempered, durable glass that is ideal for the everyday kitchen use is an ideal complement to a glass shower enclosure in the bathroom. If you’re interested in having us quote you on your bathroom, you’ll just have to provide us with the dimensions and a drawing.

Glass Wall Art Can Enhance Your Living Space

2012-09-16T13:23:00.001-06:00

There are many ways to add beauty to a home and its walls, including hanging picture frames and works of art. Another way that homeowners can create a visual focal point in a room is with glass wall art. Throughout history glass wall art has always been very popular in different parts of the world. The colors and textures that can be made into glass enhance the overall aesthetics of any living space. When it comes to picking out glass wall art for your home you need to decide a number of things before setting out to shop for the actual piece. You have to consider the size of the wall as well as the activities that take place inside that room. A quiet reading room or library wouldn’t be a good fit for wild and loud glass wall art. You’ll have to choose glass wall art that is calming that will put you at ease. Then you have to consider the color palette you will be using for this room. You can either decide to go with a neutral color of glass wall art or you can decide to include some contrast into the room. When you’re planning to buy wall art, your interior designer can help you find the right colors, textures and design. Your designer will help you plan your space and work within price range to realize your project. You’ll also have to determine which wall should display your art. High traffic areas might not be the best place to display glass wall art. It’s important to make sure that you clean your new glass wall art each week to prevent dust from staying on it for too long. It will be much harder to remove if you allow it to settle into the cracks. Glass wall art doesn't usually require a frame because glass wall art can hang onto the wall its own. Because it’s heavier than traditional wall art because of the materials used to make it, it will have to use strong supports and hardware attach it to the wall. If you really want to add beauty to your living space and are looking for an original piece of art, we can design a glass wall art piece that will make you proud.

Inspired by Nature

2012-09-09T14:25:00.000-06:00

As I was driving back from Regina earlier today, I couldn't help but notice the changing autumn colors, especially the leaves in the trees. Oranges mixing with greens and browns mixing with reds inspire the artist in all of us to create our next piece of art using nature's vibrant colour palette. Whether I am driving by the Evergreen Parks such as the George Dyck Park or John Brockelbank Park or a Stonebridge Park like the Patricia Roe Park, I am always fascinated by the beautiful tones and shades of colour. And the wonderful thing about these colours is that I will be able to create new textures for backsplashes, wall art, countertops with them in mind. At Castle Designer Glass, the textures that we create will have a large influence in the overall vision of the piece that we're working on. More than ever, customers are trying to recreate nature's beauty through the colours and furniture that they have in their homes. With some pieces they will be limited by technology. But with glass art, it can be customized as to the shape, colour and texture. Without texture, glass would just be plain and not interesting in any way. If you look through our website at www.castledesignerglass.com you'll see a sample of the textures that we can create. Our only limit is your imagination.

The Parade of Homes Makes Dreams Come True

2012-09-02T21:01:00.001-06:00

I can't tell you how pleased I am that Castle Designer Glass is exhibiting its glass wall art, glass countertops and glass backsplashes with the Saskatoon Parade of Homes. The Parade of Homes is an initiative of the Home Builders Association and the Make a Wish Foundation to raise funds through the Wish Home Lottery. These funds have helped grant the most heartfelt wishes of children suffering from life-threatening diseases such as cancer an opportunity to enjoy life after an illness or can simply provide the time and support a family's needs after a lengthy medical crisis. We've teamed up with local builders including Haven Builders, Decora Homes Ltd. and Selkirk Developments Inc. to stage participating homes in the Parade of Homes. One of the homes is located at 1726 Pohorecky Rise and is a luxurious two storey 2345 sq. ft. home full of unique, exclusive features. Since we partnered up with the Wish Home Lottery, we've been receiving a steady stream of builders, designers and stagers who have been impressed by the endurance qualities of our glass countertops and glass backsplashes. We stand behind all of our products and we can ensure our customers that they are designed to handle normal wear and tear. If you're a designer or home stager we would love it if you could visit us at our studio and we can show you the fabrication process and the full range of glass products. If you would like to make a difference in the life of someone who has survived a serious illness, please participate in the Wish Home Lottery.

Add Light to Your Kitchen with Eco-Friendly Glass Backsplashes

2012-08-26T14:47:00.001-06:00

These days, we are all aware of the need to preserve our limited natural resources. I don’t think that there is another industry that is more conscious of integrating recycling and sustainable building design and building materials practices than the building materials industry. From the installation of solar energy panels to the use of bamboo and straw building materials, consumers are asking for eco-friendly products in the construction of their homes. Our beautiful glass tiles can be used on countertops and backsplashes. Choosing glass tiles for your home can have a number of benefits, both for the planet and for your family’s health. Because glass tiles are non-porous, they resist mold, mildew and staining. With less dirt accumulating, on your backsplash, your family won’t be exposed to as many germs. And you won’t have to spend your time scrubbing with harmful detergents just to keep them clean. Glass tiles reflect light, making the area look brighter and larger; reducing the amount of energy you need to light your kitchen. Glass tiles are more eco-friendly because it takes half the energy to produce a glass tile compared to a ceramic tile. Another advantage is that glass tiles can be customized to any color, shape or texture. You won’t have to waste your time looking for the perfect color or texture. We can match them up with your existing furniture of countertops to create a visual impact in your kitchen. Glass backsplashes are a great way to green up any home.

The Great Thing About Glass

2012-08-20T08:56:00.002-06:00

I've always been a big fan of glass, almost as much as I am of jewellery! In modern day society glass has been used for more functional roles such as to hold a liquid or allow light to enter a building. But glass art has always appealed to me. In fact, the use of glass for practical and decorative purposes dates back to Ancient Egypt and Rome. Glass was most likely discovered by accident when melted sand (silica)was fused in cooking fires. Glassblowing, was used in Jerusalem in the first century BC and spread throughout the Roman Empire. Other glass art techniques, such as stained glass, casting, fusing, and mosaic, evolved over time (i.e. stained glass was a very popular technique used in the cathedrals of Europe during the Middle Ages; 5th to 16th centuries AD). Eventually, glassblowing became the dominant technique with the production of glass art pieces and the industry concentrated in Murano, Italy. Many of the technologies used then including crystalline glass, enamelled glass (smalto), glass with threads of gold (aventurine), multicoloured glass (millefiori), milk glass (lattimo), and imitation gemstones made of glass are still be used today in everything from contemporary art glass and glass figurines to Murano glass chandeliers and wine stoppers. When I founded Castle Designer Glass a few years ago, I was inspired to bring the beautiful designs that I had encountered on my travels back to my hometown of Saskatoon. The versatility of glass allows it to be used in a wide variety of surfaces including backsplashes. glass boards, freestanding or wall art, door inserts, tables, countertops, etc... in the home, the office or in a casino, spa, airport, hotel or store. Glass art gives a piece that special something that makes people take notice. When someone wants their room to standout, I can't think of a better way than with glass art.