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  • Illuminating Our Home: The Journey of a Tiffany Glass Window

    A Home Inspired by Elegance and Memories When my wife and I purchased our rental house in the south of France in 2022, we were inspired by the elegance and intricacy of the Art Nouveau style to guide its decoration. This choice was more than an aesthetic decision; it reflected our love for the period's artistic flair and the desire to create a unique and welcoming space for our guests. Among the various projects we envisioned to bring this vision to life, creating a Tiffany glass window stood out as a labor of love and creativity. Luna The choice of motif was deeply personal. We wanted to pay tribute to our beloved black female cat "Luna", who had been a part of our lives for 12 years before passing away shortly after we bought the house in France. To adapt to the luminosity requirements of a glass window, we reimagined our cat in stunning shades of blue, blending seamlessly into an Art Nouveau-inspired design. Positioned above the main entrance, the window would not only enhance the house's charm but also serve as a meaningful centerpiece visible from both inside and outside the home. Breathing Life into a Vision: Designing the Motif The journey of creating our Tiffany glass window began with careful planning and design. To ensure a perfect fit above the entrance, we measured the dimensions of the existing windows in advance. The goal was to keep the original transparent windows in place while mounting the Tiffany windows from the inside. This arrangement created a double-glass effect, offering additional protection for the artwork and slightly improving thermal insulation. For the motif, I drew inspiration from various Art Nouveau designs, referencing period-specific patterns and ideas found online. My wife and I worked together to select the colors, aiming for a balance that retained a large amount of transparency to allow ample light to pass through. The initial concept was sketched using the Procreate app on an Apple tablet, where the fluid lines and intricate details of the design took shape. Once satisfied with the draft, I transferred it to Adobe Illustrator on a PC to finalize the layout with precise dimensions, preparing a 1:1 scale blueprint for the next steps. Design of the motif in Art Nouveau style. The number '22' at the top of the design is a subtle reference to the year we acquired the house and lost Luna, further tying this artwork to our story. Mastering the Art: Learning the Tiffany Technique For my 60th birthday, my wife surprised me with a workshop at Tiffany-Glaskünstler in Frankfurt-am-Main, run by Dieter and Ingeborg Gebauer-Milbradt. This experience marked the beginning of our hands-on journey into the world of Tiffany glass artistry. During the workshop, we received a brief introduction to the history of the Tiffany technique, a decorative art form popularized by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the late 19th century. Known for its vibrant colors and intricate designs, this technique has become a hallmark of Art Nouveau craftsmanship. Louis C. Tiffany; credit: https://www.tiffanystudios.org/ The workshop itself was intensive and engaging. Under the guidance of Dieter and Ingeborg, we completed a small project that covered the essential steps of the process. We learned how to cut glass into various convex and concave shapes, polish the edges, fix copper bands to the glass, and solder with tin to join the pieces together. We also practiced treating the solder joints to achieve the classic black patina finish. These few hours of focused practice gave me the confidence to tackle my larger project. With the right tools, I discovered that cutting glass was not only possible but also incredibly satisfying. Dieter's and Ingeborg's Atelier. A tiny artistic place at the end of a residential courtyard! In a follow-up meeting, I returned with my blueprints in hand. Together with my wife, we selected the glass colors for the project, ensuring they would align with our design vision. We also purchased the necessary tools and a polishing machine, setting the stage for the ambitious task ahead. Building the Foundation: Crafting Wooden Panels and Frames With the blueprint finalized, the next step was to create wooden panels and frames to facilitate the assembly process. One copy of the blueprint was cut into individual sections, serving as templates for cutting the glass pieces. Making cutting template from the blueprint. Another copy was glued onto a wooden panel to act as a positioning guide for each piece of glass. To encapsulate the window, I constructed a frame by gluing wooden strips along the edges of the panel, as shown in the photo. Building the positioning frame. While this method proved effective during assembly, I later realized it would have been better to screw the wooden strips into place rather than gluing them. This would have allowed for their removal, which became necessary after soldering added thickness to the glass edges, making it difficult to fit the finished pieces back into the frame. Despite this challenge, the panel and frame setup provided a sturdy foundation for the intricate work that lay ahead. Shaping the Colors: Cutting and Polishing the Glass The next phase was perhaps the most time-consuming yet rewarding part of the project: cutting and polishing the glass pieces. With the wooden panel and template ready, I carefully selected glass sheets in the colors we had chosen earlier. Each sheet held the potential to bring our vision to life, and precision was key to ensuring that every piece would fit seamlessly into the design. Pen, glass cutter, glass nippers (black and red), running pliers (grey) and pins to separate the glass pieces from each other. Using the individual blueprint sections as guides, I began cutting the glass into the intricate shapes required by the motif. Convex and concave curves presented particular challenges, but the skills I had learned during the workshop helped me approach these with confidence. Convex shapes were relatively easy to cut, as the process involved starting from the outside and making cuts that joined the tangents of the shape, following the contour briefly before exiting tangentially. Concave shapes, particularly strong ones like half-circle cuts within a larger shape, were more demanding. These required approximating the shape by removing material step by step, using larger cutting radii to gradually refine the curve. Left: marking the glass with a glass cutter. Next: Glass nippers in action. To assist with these precise tasks, I used specialized tools: a handheld glass cutter with a small hardened wheel to score the glass surface, running pliers to apply even pressure along the score for clean breaks (especially useful for concave cuts), and glass nippers to trim and shape edges during refinement. Removing small parts on the boundaries. The repetitive process of cutting, refining, and polishing the edges demanded both focus and patience. Polishing with a running glass grinder in water. Once cut, each glass piece underwent polishing to smooth the edges and achieve a perfect fit. This step ensured that the pieces could be safely handled and securely joined later on. The pieces are then placed on the board and separated with pins to ensure place for the cupper bands. Placement of the glass pieces on the board. Over 50 hours of meticulous work went into shaping the glass, and the satisfaction of seeing the design slowly come together made every moment worthwhile. Strengthening the Edges: Applying Copper Foil With the glass pieces precisely cut and polished, the next step was to prepare them for assembly by applying copper foil to their edges. The copper foil, an essential component of the Tiffany technique, creates a surface that allows the pieces to be soldered together seamlessly. Copper foil whose width should be chosen in function of the glass thickness (3mm in our case). Using rolls of adhesive-backed copper tape, I carefully wrapped each edge of the glass pieces. This step required a steady hand to ensure the foil was evenly applied, as uneven edges could compromise the final soldering process. The tape was then pressed firmly against the glass to eliminate any air bubbles or gaps, securing it in place (see photo below from top left to bottom right). The copper foil is applied on the edge of the polished glass. The copper foil not only acts as a functional layer but also contributes to the aesthetic of the finished piece, as the solder joints would later form a beautiful black patina. Over the course of 10 hours, I methodically foiled each piece of glass, taking care to maintain the clean, precise lines that would define the window's intricate design. The 135 pieces puzzle comes slowly to an end. One significant challenge arose with the piece numbered B36, which featured a strong concave shape. The hand-blown glass used for this piece proved particularly fragile and broke repeatedly during cutting. After four unsuccessful attempts, I decided to make a pause and delay this final cut to another day. Coming with a fresh mind I finally managed to cut and finish it. A success that required both patience and determination. B34 was done 3 times and B36 done 5 times before success. This is how skills are learned! Learning to Join: Mastering the Art of Soldering With the copper foil in place, the next step was to reinforce the structure of the window. This was achieved by incorporating stronger copper bands into some interstices between the glass pieces, particularly on long segments, to provide additional strength and stability. Reinforcing the window structure with stronger copper band. Once the reinforcement was in place, I proceeded to join the glass pieces together using solder. While I already had experience soldering electronic components, the technique required here was entirely different. The soldering iron used for this kind of project had a much larger tip, designed to distribute heat more evenly. Iron tip and target temperature for soldering. I worked with a specialized flux oil. This flux, composed of a base of isopropyl alcohol with 10% zinc chloride and 2% ammonium chloride, played a vital role in cleaning the metal surface, removing oxidation, and ensuring proper adhesion of the solder to the copper foil. Dispatching of flux over the cupper regions to solder. To refine my technique, I scheduled another session with the professionals in Frankfurt, where Dieter and Ingeborg guided me through the intricacies of soldering. In just a few hours, I learned how to achieve clean, smooth solder joints that would both secure the pieces and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the final window. Placing tin on the side of the iron and following slowly the contour to produce a brilliant, uniform, half-rounded solder. The soldering process required a steady hand and precision. Using a soldering iron and tin solder, I carefully joined the edges of the copper-foiled glass pieces. The tin flowed seamlessly along the foil, creating strong and durable connections. Attention to detail was key, as uneven or excess solder could detract from the final look. The practice session not only taught me the technical skills but also boosted my confidence to handle the soldering for the three panels of the window. By the end of the session, I felt equipped to tackle this critical step in the project. Once a face is done, the window is carefully turned and the process continues on the other face. Soldering the second face and removing the tin excess on the side. Adding the Final Touches: Patina and Cleaning With the soldering completed, the next step was to enhance the aesthetic of the solder joints by applying a black patina. For this, I used a specialized acid-based patina solution containing selenium dioxide. This compound reacts chemically with the tin in the solder, creating a uniform black finish that beautifully complemented the glass and gave the window an aged, authentic appearance. The application required careful handling due to the reactive nature of the acid. Using a small brush, I applied the patina evenly over all the soldered joints. The transformation was immediate, as the bright silver lines darkened to a deep, matte black, enhancing the visual depth and coherence of the design. The result of the patina. Once the patina was complete, I meticulously cleaned the window using a gentle glass cleaner and soft cloth to remove any residue from the soldering, flux, or patina process. This step ensured the glass sparkled and the intricate details of the design stood out, ready for framing and installation. Framing and Installation: Bringing the Window to Life The final stage of the project was framing and installing the completed window. The frame was composed of three panels of multiplex wood, each featuring three openings. The middle panel was cut to the exact dimensions of the glass panels, while the external panels were designed with slightly smaller openings, leaving a 3 mm margin on each side. This design allowed for a secure fit and added depth to the frame's appearance. To ensure durability and flexibility for future maintenance, two of the panels were glued together to form a stable base, while the third panel was screwed into place. This configuration allowed the frame to be disassembled if any repairs or adjustments were needed in the future. Windows put in their final frame, cleaned a last time before mounting. Once the frame was assembled, I carefully mounted the three glass panels, securing them with strong adhesive and small wooden stops. Special attention was given to aligning the panels evenly within the frame to avoid stress on the glass. Finally, just before Christmas, my daughter helped me to install the framed window above the entrance. The double-glass arrangement, with the Tiffany window placed behind the existing transparent panes, created an insulating layer and provided additional protection for the artwork. This final step took about an hour and marked the culmination of months of meticulous work and creativity. Final mounting of the existing windows. As sunlight streamed through the window, the vibrant colors of the glass came to life, casting intricate patterns and bringing a sense of warmth and artistry to the space. The finished window not only added beauty to our home but also served as a meaningful tribute to the memories and inspirations behind its creation. Final result from inside. Final result from outside.

  • Bringing Light and Art Nouveau Elegance to Our Home: A Tale of Transformation

    From a Practical Need to an Artistic Vision When my wife and I decided to decorate our 100-year-old house in the South of France in 2022, we were drawn to the elegance and charm of the Art Nouveau style. we infused this theme into the house with specific furniture choices and my some own paintings in the style of artists like Van Gogh, Klimt, Schiele, or Mucha. Yet, one area stood out as needing improvement: the double doors separating the living room from the entry corridor. These non-transparent doors limited light and perspective while the living room itself, though spacious enough for 13 guests, felt constrained during our family Christmas gatherings of 20 people. We envisioned a larger opening that could accommodate a table extending into the corridor, bring in more light, and enhance the space with Art Nouveau charm. And so, in January 2024, our renovation journey began. The old door separating the living room from the corridor. A Remarkable Find for a Unique Vision One of the pivotal moments in our renovation journey was discovering the perfect door. While browsing "Le Bon Coin," a popular French secondhand marketplace, we stumbled upon an exquisite 4-panel wooden door. Its design immediately resonated with our Art Nouveau theme. Featuring delicately sculpted floral motifs, a waved shape, and elegant hand-blown glass panels, the door embodied the style's signature blend of nature and artistry. The door’s natural cherrywood finish added warmth and character, and the textured glass brought a timeless charm. As it sat in our garage, waiting to be mounted, it became a tangible reminder of the transformation we were about to undertake—melding functionality with artistic beauty. The new door waiting in the garage to be mounted. Uncovering the Past: Removing the Old Door Although the wall between the living room and corridor wasn’t load-bearing, it housed two old tree-trunk beams supporting the first floor. Unsure of the impact of enlarging the opening, we consulted a structural architect. The recommendation was clear: support the beams during the work to prevent movement. Support for the wooden beam holding the first floor. The first step in the transformation was to remove the old double door. As we dismantled it, we uncovered the inner structure of the wall—a fascinating glimpse into the house’s history. The wall was a mix of materials: 5 cm-thick stones, an air gap, and a layer of plasterboard on the surface. The structure of the wall and the top beam in an old tree branch. Above the door, we discovered a thin 6 cm wooden beam—evidence of a non-carrying wall. This reassured us that the solution we had planned would be sufficient and safe for the renovation. The fragility of the old frame confirmed that our planned approach to enlarging the opening was not risky, aligning with the structural architect’s assessment. Preparing for the Work: A Dusty Surprise Before cutting into the wall, we set up a plastic sheet enclosure to protect the rest of the house from the inevitable dust. The sheets were carefully taped to the ceiling and walls, creating a sealed working zone. Confident in our precautions, we proceeded with the heavy cutting machines to enlarge the opening. Plastic sheets for dust protection, and how my friend and I looked after the wall cutting! Unfortunately, we quickly discovered that the enclosure wasn’t as airtight as we had hoped. The air pressure changes caused by the cutting machines forced fine dust particles through even the smallest gaps, spreading it across every corner of the house. The aftermath was a thorough cleaning effort on all floors—a less-than-glamorous but necessary task that came with the challenge of discovering by doing! Breaking Down the Wall: A Team Effort Once the wall cutting was complete, the next task was to carefully break and remove the wall in pieces. This phase required extra caution to avoid excessive vibrations that could disturb other parts of the house. It was a true team effort: my 90-year-old father, a pillar of determination, joined me and a close friend in this meticulous work. Armed with tools and a shared sense of purpose, we chipped away at the stone and plaster, piece by piece. Finally the cut wall. My 90-years-old father and my friend in action. Take care of your finger! The photo from that day captures a moment I’ll always treasure—two generations of hands shaping the future of our home. It wasn’t just about demolition; it was about building memories and honoring the history of the house as we prepared it for its next chapter. Framing the Future: Building the Structure With the wall cleared, the next step was to build the wooden pillars and beams to match the exact dimensions of the new door. Precision was crucial, as the structure needed to align perfectly with the Art Nouveau door while providing robust support for the enlarged opening. My father enjoying the new perspective. Building the wood pillars. In the right photo, you can see me and my mother standing by the completed wooden frame. She, ever-dedicated, took up the broom to help keep the workspace clean. The frame, crafted from sturdy 10x10 cm beams, was securely mounted with cement to ensure stability. Fitting the remaining space between the beams and the wall on top took us quite a time. Final shape of the opening. This phase was a satisfying turning point—seeing the opening take its final shape was a rewarding moment that brought our vision closer to reality. Finishing Touches: Refining the Threshold and Edges With the wooden frame in place, the next task was to address the floor at the base of the new opening. The tiles beneath the old door didn’t extend under the wall that had been removed, leaving an uneven surface. To create a seamless transition, we carefully cut the existing tiles at the threshold of the old door and cleared the area to align with the new opening. We selected two wood-look ceramic tiles to match the style of the house, cut them to size, and installed them to recreate a clean, continuous threshold. Finally, we applied joint tape and finishing plaster to smooth and refine the edges of the new opening. This meticulous attention to detail ensured that the enlarged space looked polished and harmonious with the rest of the room. Final threshold of the opening and smoothed edges. A Frame Designed with Love and Expertise The highlight of the project was the Art Nouveau-style frame and door. Our second daughter, currently studying architecture, joined us in designing the frame. Inspired by the floral motifs and flowing lines characteristic of Art Nouveau, we sketched a design that would complement the house’s existing decor. Design of the new frame for the door in Art Nouveau style. To bring our vision to life, we enlisted a skilled cabinetmaker who had the rare fortune of inheriting a supply of 30-year-old dried cherrywood from a retired fellow craftsman. This was a stroke of luck, as finding cherrywood in such a perfectly aged and dry state is quite rare. Using this exceptional material, the cabinetmaker crafted the frame and installed the 4-panel door with remarkable precision. The door itself, with its sculpted floral details, waved shape, and hand-blown glass panels, was a stunning piece of Art Nouveau artistry. Once installed, the frame was treated with wax to protect and highlight the wood’s natural beauty. A Space Transformed: Beauty and Function in Harmony The result exceeded our expectations. It is a stunning blend of functionality and artistry, perfectly suited to the Art Nouveau theme of the house. When the door is closed, the intricate floral carvings, waved shapes, and hand-blown glass panels exude timeless elegance, turning the living room into a warm and inviting space. When open, the large frame creates a seamless connection between the living room and corridor, allowing light to flood both areas and showcasing the natural stone walls beyond. The new door closed and opened. The new opening not only brought more light into both the living room and corridor but also created a beautiful visual perspective that celebrates the elegance of Art Nouveau. During family gatherings, the larger space now accommodates an extended table, allowing everyone to sit together comfortably. A new perspective ! Beyond its practical benefits, the door has become a centerpiece—a conversation starter that reflects the effort, vision, and love poured into this home. It’s a testament to how thoughtful design can honor the past while creating a welcoming space for the future. A glimpse into the hand-blown glass of the new door. This project was more than just a renovation—it was a labor of love that fused practicality with artistry. Every time we see the light filtering through the hand-blown glass panels, we marvel at how they transform the view beyond into an impressionist tableau, softening edges and blending colors like a painted dream. It’s a daily reminder of the creativity and effort that went into making our house a home, where functionality and beauty coexist in harmony. You too can come and discover this door at the center of our rental house !

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