About this Product
Bring the paradise of sunny beaches inside with our enchanting Tommy the Parrot Stained Glass Suncatcher. Inspired by a design from my beloved grandfather, who was called Tommy by his friends, this vibrant piece radiates beachy charm with its vivid hues of palm tree green, sky blue, lemon yellow, tangerine orange, and hibiscus pink. Tommy is a delightfully playful parrot that adds an island touch to your decor.
Features
Measure approximately 3 by 6 inches
Meticulously crafted with 2 colors of rare vintage glass and 2 contemporary colors, lead came and solder, copper foil tape, wire, and a convenient hanging ribbon
Perfect for hanging in windows, on walls, or tropical Christmas ornament
Dive into a sea of color and bring home a piece of paradise with Tommy the Parrot Suncatcher. Brighten your living space with this tropical treasure and enjoy the coastal charm it brings. Add a splash of tropical paradise to your decor today!
Thomas Critchlow Art Glass
Meet the Maker
Hello and welcome! I'm Ailsa, the creative mind behind Thomas Critchlow Art Glass.
Decades ago, I found inspiration in my grandfather's stained glass suncatchers, beautifully crafted to dance with sunlight. The memories of my grandmother's joy and the magical colors inspired me to carry on his legacy.
Crafting Timeless Beauty:
In my studio, I breathe life into patterns, carefully selecting each glass piece to preserve timeless beauty. Using a blend of the traditional lead came method and the Tiffany-style copper foil technique, every piece becomes a testament to beauty and passion. Meticulously soldered, cleaned, patina-finished, and polished by hand, each artwork is packaged with care, ready to bring magic into your space.
My Journey:
With the support of my husband and children, I retired from a long career in Nursing to start a stained glass studio! More than a business, my studio is a celebration of tradition, creativity, and the enduring allure of stained glass. What began as a hobby has evolved into a second career... sharing the beauty of stained glass with the world.
Craftsmanship with a Modern Twist:
Every piece is a labor of love, crafted with skill and care. I prioritize high-quality materials, often choosing USA-made glass and supplies when available. Adorned with intricate copper wire details or left to let the glass speak for itself, the results are stunning ornaments and artworks that seamlessly blend tradition with innovation.
My Mission:
Bringing the magic of stained glass into your daily life is my mission. Be it a captivating window panel, a custom-made ornament, or a unique piece of art, I aim to enrich your space with the elegance and color that only stained glass can provide.
A Celebration of Art and History:
Whether you're an experienced collector or discovering stained glass for the first time, explore my collection and uncover the beauty within each piece. Thank you for considering Thomas Critchlow Art Glass for your artistic journey.
Warmest regards,
Ailsa Thomas-Getts
How it’s Made
Using a hand-drawn template, I trace the design onto a sheet of glass. Each piece is hand-cut and smoothed to eliminate sharp edges.
After a trip to the washstand to remove oil and debris, the glass is left to dry.
Next, copper foil tape is applied to the edges and burnished for excellent adhesion.
Then, it's back to the workstation for soldering and application of details.
After a second washstand visit, a dark patina is applied if needed, changing the metals from silver to a rich, dark brown.
The piece is washed once more. When dry, your artwork is buffed to a gentle shine before being carefully packed and shipped to you!
Shop Policies
Variations:
The colors and patterns displayed on your screen are representative of the art you will receive.
Each item is handmade and crafted with care and attention to detail. The artisanal nature means that slight variations in size, color, and design naturally occur. These nuances contribute to the uniqueness of each piece, ensuring that no two items are exactly alike. Celebrate these subtle differences as a testament to the authenticity and craftsmanship of your new handmade products. Embrace the unique character of each piece.
Caring for Your Stained Glass:
To clean your glass, use a soft cloth and wipe gently. If using a cleaner, ensure it is non-ammonia and non-abrasive, and use a soft cloth for gentle wiping. A drop or two of mild dish soap works well.
Avoid vinegar, ammonia (common in many glass cleaners), and acid-based cleansers, as these can harm the came and solder that hold the piece together. Abrasive materials may remove or scratch the patina on the metal.
For hanging, we recommend using a picture hanger, nail, or cup hook at the top of your window sill. Please refrain from using suction cups, as they are not reliable and may fail.
When storing, wrap the piece in tissue paper and then padding material/box, as bubble wrap and plastics can potentially damage the came and solder.
Care instructions are included with each order
Safety:
As a precautionary measure, please wash your hands after handling stained glass pieces due to the lead content in solder and came.
Glass can break, especially with rough handling or falls. Handle with care.
Not intended for use by children.
Shipping:
Shipping for stained glass work is via USPS Priority Mail, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. USPS Priority Mail includes tracking.If you require alternative or upgraded shipping options, please reach out before placing your order.
Small items (stickers, patches, etc.) are sent via USPS First Class, fitting into a standard envelope.
International shipping is NOT available.
Your order is carefully packaged, and I expect it to arrive in excellent condition.
We will send an email confirming your order and tracking information.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if there is any issue with your order. I want you to love your new art as much as I do! Your satisfaction is a priority, and I am here to assist with any concerns or questions you may have.
