Design of the Month
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"The Tree of Life"
Not long after I began designing leaded glass 26 years ago, I downloaded the free trial of Glass Eye 2000. Within a week, I knew it was exactly what I needed. I bought the software and have relied on it ever since. Several artists in my area also adopted it, and in those early days we often compared notes as we discovered its many powerful features. Glass Eye 2000 quickly became an essential part of my daily workflow for both leaded and etched glass projects.
A year later, I upgraded to the Enterprise Edition. It offers a wide range of advanced capabilities, and has been absolutely worth the investment. Without this software, creating my designs would be far more time-consuming.
For this project, I used Oceanside (Spectrum) clear pattern glass along with both stock and custom bevels made in-house. I operate as a sole proprietor, hiring help only for installations or for moving larger pieces. My work tables are designed to tilt manually, making it easier to handle and rotate panels during construction. I incorporated horizontal and vertical zinc came for strength and added a pair of 3/8″ steel brace bars.
I titled this design The Tree of Life, depicting three birds on branches: mother, father, and baby. The finished panel measures 50.25″ × 69.25″. Because my plotter is 48″ wide, I divided the pattern into two sections, plotted each one, and taped them together. I also do my own custom beveling. In addition to creating leaded and etched glass panels, I supply patterned glass to several cabinet companies. More examples of my work can be found on my website.
~ Edward B. Sanders Jr.
About the artist
Edward, a 72-year-old stained glass artist based in Kentucky, is the owner of Brooks Beveled Edges. Working from his studio behind his home, he creates custom stained glass pieces, handles repairs, and serves clients within a 75-mile radius. A lifelong artist, he also enjoys oil painting and glass etching, and supplies patterned glass to cabinet companies. Edward's business thrives on referrals, returning customers, and his website. He sources materials from Franklin Art Glass and Ed Hoy's International, and collaborates with fellow artists when installations require additional support. He credits Glass Eye 2000 with significantly improving his workflow and recommends it to anyone in the craft.
This pattern may be used to make one or more artworks for sale or personal enjoyment. This pattern may be printed for personal use only and may not be sold or given away in printed or electronic form.
Each month we feature a project designed using Glass Eye 2000. Do you have a project to share with the world? Contact Dragonfly Software and your creation might be our next Design of the Month.