Here at Denver Stained Glass, we are lucky enough to be part of one of the most proficient stained glass studios in the country–Scottish Stained Glass. This means we get to be part of some pretty outstanding stained glass installations. While each is challenging in its own way–they are all equally fulfilling because we get to transform more than just windows but lives too. Take for example our most recent large installation at St. Andrew The Apostle Catholic Church located in Wray, CO.

The Scope of Our Custom Stained Glass Project

For a small town, stained glass installation was a big one. It took place in a newer church that was built about 30 years ago. As it happened this church did not have stained glass windows in the sanctuary and felt like this type of artwork would really make their place of worship feel more like a house of God. So they reached out to us to install five original large stained glass windows on the east side. This type of custom work is right up our alley.

Customizing Stained Glass to Be Historically Accurate and Beautiful

The church congregation wanted a depiction of the five Luminous Mysteries (baptism, wedding, proclamation, transfiguration, and last supper) –something that was very important to them. We decided to create custom artwork. This is because we have such an amazing painted glass specialist Maria–and skilled stained glass painters are hard to find. We used actual models to get the exact poses.
We also did extensive research for historical accuracy like:

• The Appropriate background and foliage for the region
• Authentic tile design for floors in that time-period
• A historically accurate depiction of the town of Cana

The Beauty of Custom Painted Stained Glass

The results of our custom, five-panel stained glass project in St. Andrew The Apostle Catholic Church were in a word–stunning. We used mostly black and brown paint with the majority of the color pulled from the glass background. We also harnessed the natural sunlight to create depth in things like the faces, hands, fauna, and flora. The result was a three-dimensional look that was not only authentic but breathtaking as well. In the end, the members of the congregation who watched (socially distanced were amazed and one member even said “Now we have a church”. It is this affirmation and the pride in a job well done that makes us love custom stained glass creation.

For more information on custom stained glass or breathing life into an old piece of stained glass with restoration–contact us at Denver Stained Glass today!