The public has spoken: custom-made glass light fixtures are in demand. All you have to do is look at the prices on some of the lamps at Design Within Reach or its equivalent to see that people are eager to drop a lot of cash on their "house jewelry". Over the years I've made a replacement pendant or two, but I have consciously avoided the lighting category of glass-ware for several reasons. One reason is that there is a huge layout in time and money up front to familiarize yourself with all of the hardware and fittings that are available from the many companies, and which parts/sizes are compatible with other parts/pieces. Second, there is that whole electricity thing, and all the safety issues surrounding it. Third, and most vexing in my opinion, is the intimate specificity that people have surrounding their lighting whims, conditions, and existing fixtures and structural layouts. To be frank, folks can get really particular...

There are interesting aspects of glass light-making however. The thing I find most interesting, of course, is the potential for dramatic and dazzling optical effects, combined with the endlessly fascinating interplay between qualities of reflected and transmitted light. Add the entire color spectrum to nerd out on, and you have the recipe for some small amount of fun.

The "deco" pendants In the first two pictures come with pre-wired interchangeable colored cord sets, in any color. The bulbs are 10" long Edison filament bulbs in 40 and 60 watts. The filaments dance around a little in a charming manner. The teardrop pendants, above, are wired by myself with unfinished steel and antiqued bronze hardware. The bulbs are half-gold and come in 40 and 60 watts. These look good hanging up fairly high above, where the filaments are not glaring in your eyes. The range of glass colors is vast- I've been playing with some more muted ones with fun names like tourmaline, aubergine, smoky-topaz, and gold amethyst. Stop by the studio or the Portland Museum of Contemporary Craft and check 'em out! We'll see where this road leads us!