Aanraku Bails

Sometimes maybe they're just too small...

and sometimes perhaps they're just too big...

But now they should be just right as Aanraku's incredibly popular jewelry bails now come in a medium size.

And they are on sale this month too!

Glass Fusing with 90 Continues to Get Bigger

Uroboros is an equal opportunity manufacturer- they make 90 coe glass that 'fits' with Bullseye and System 96 glass that 'fits' with Spectrum. They've just announced the addition of another fifteen 2- colour streaky colours, but issued the picture above that shows just ten (?). I guess the others might be clears? (lame joke- sorry...Mikey).

They've also just announced the existence of this glass as a 90 although we've had it for awhile as a 96 glass.

Wine Bottle Stopper

Makes a nice personalized gift- just add your own glass work in the 1" circular recess.

But as Mikey has discovered, while it will work on a twist top bottle, it 'ain't worth a damn on a Box of Wine'(his fav' no doubt)...

New Store Hours

Well, not quite that bad, but we will be closed on Mondays for the summer starting Monday May 18th...

Just the Facts- No Editorializing

Our One and Only Canadian Stained Glass Supplier instituted a U.S. Dollar surcharge way back in November, 2008 when the Canadian Dollar made a dramatic drop.

Here's just the facts:

Nov. 21, 2008-

CDN Dollar is at 77 cents... surcharge is 19.5%

May 8, 2009-

CDN Dollar is at 86 cents (up 10%)... surcharge is 18.8%

(down less than 1%).

Just the facts...

The 'Why Can't We all Get Along' Rack- Bullseye, Spectrum, Uroboros and Wasser, but all very clearly labelled...

Spectrum fusible cathedrals...

Fusible Spectrum (96) opals, Mists and Opalarts with some fill-ins from Uroboros (for the colours Spectrum doesn't make like reds) ...

The Boneyard (remnants of Bullseye mottles, Chicago Art Glass and even Uroboros...

Bullseye fusible opal sale rack...

Bullseye fusible cathedral sale squares with some furious stuff at the top...

Another new rack...

A new front rack...

Another rack at the front of the store, a little more wild- ring mottles, catspaw opals and fracture/streamers...

Walk through the front door and look left, you see this rack. Predominately Spectrum with a few others like some fracture/streamers thrown in...

Mikey's Math Lesson for the Day

Fantasy In Glass has eleven 8' Sale Square Racks and one 4' rack.
That's 92' of Sale Racks
Each Rack is nine rows high.
That's 828 linear feet of Sale Racks.
Each Rack has an average of eight slots per row.
Tthat means there are about 800 slots in these Racks.
Each pocket holds an average of 14 pieces of glass.
These's also a dozen Rat Pack Boxes each holding about 90 pieces.
That means Fantasy In Glass has over 12,000 Sale Squares on sale ALL THE TIME!
On top of that, when you buy 5, you get 1 free, buy 9, get 2 free, buy 12, get 3 free...
And that applies to all 12,000 sale squares appropriate for your stained glass project
... and about 4,600 fusible glass sale squares (both System 96 and Bullseye 90)!
Here's some pics ably taken by Zenia yesterday...
Walk in our front door this is the rack to the right, containing mostly Spectrum Glass, from simple cathedrals of all textures, up to more exotic stuff like 2-colour baroques and iridescents.

"John predicted Bullseye Glass’ Newest Colour Releases’” claims Yoko

New York, New York - Yoko Ono, widow of slain Beatle John Lennon, claimed today that "my John" had foreseen the introduction of many of Bullesye Glass’ pending new colours over the years, before they were released and even more shocking- even before the formation of the Bullseye Glass Company. The latest colour correctly foreseen by John is their new and exciting Aventurine Blue. This assertion for predicting the production of BU#1140, which has shocked everyone in the industry, is based on an early, unrecorded version of a song that Lennon wrote in 1967, 13 years before his untimely death.
Ono unearthed the song while "rooting through a few drawers". Underneath an old Spectrum Glass stocklist, she discovered the song, recorded on a portable cassette player, entitled "Yer Blues" that predates its release on the Beatles’ White album (a reference to Bu #0113 no doubt).

"He just loved that colour and how it sparkled and made him forget about his less talented song writing partner Paul (letters to Ed at fig@fantasyinglass.com)".

"Many a night John and I would stay up, recording our own music, just the two of us ( you know, the really good stuff like Two Virgins), influenced by colours such as Aventurine Blue, never having yet been invented" she reminisced.

Famed record producer, Phil Spectrum exclaimed, “For all those years up until his tragic death, John waited anxiously for that day when Dan, Boyce and Ray at Bullseye would listen to his music and finally realize John’s dream and develop this colour.

Scientists have dismissed Ono's claim, stating that at the time of Lennon's death, the glass community was preoccupied with finding a really nice Honey Opal . One journalist, with no interest in stained glass, asked Yoko "Is it not obvious that McCartney was vastly more talented than your late husband?" and was told "Do you see any songs written about System 96 colours? Or any about Slumpy's fusing molds? Besides, what do the songs say eh? Lennon/McCartney. LENNON/McCartney, THAT'S what they say. McCartney never even foresaw the proliferation of reasonably priced Coneart kilns".

It’s also speculated that Lennon foresaw Bullseye’s manufacture of a line of rods for torchwork when he wrote a song with the working title of ‘Give Beads a Chance’.

Nurture or Nature

Are we a product of our environment, or of our genetic makeup? 

In other words, does the ability to do creative and technically proficient work come from instruction and guidance from organizations and people such as those found at Fantasy In Glass, or are peoples' level of ability predetermined based on who their parents are?  

Well, if you only shop and get your knowledge from the internet you might never find out. You see, bricks and mortar suppliers have so much more to offer aside from just selling you supplies. While some people have natural ability, there is so much your local retailer offers- like which cutter is best suited for you, whether that wheel is still good, or why you should reconsider some of the glass selections made (it may be end-of-stock, or unrepeatable, or difficult if  your pattern has lots of inside curves), all things that only they can properly help with. 

So, while this note might seem a little self-serving, remember, your local bricks and mortar supplier is actually the best source for help, advice and supplies, not always the internet, because sometimes when you think you might be saving money that might not actually be the case.

And that doesn't just mean us. We might be the first and still only officially sanctioned glass supplier in Canada, but there's still lots of competition out there keeping us all on our toes. Like Jennifer at Home and Haven, a fusing glass supplier and instructor in Kitchener at 817 Queen's Blvd (tel:519-579-7213). Drop in for a special Open House on Sat. May 9th and view her Spring line of giftware, crafts and jewelry..

New Month, New Set of Sales

Monthly Sale for May 2009 has been posted. 

More importantly we get to post another embarassing picture of Zenia- this time an early one...

Oh yeah, go to the sale here...

Stained Glass News #85

The latest issue of SGN is in. Leave work now and come in to get your own unsullied copy. 

In this issue, you'll find:

• find out what's new and due to be unavailable or out-of-stock in Canada, including: pattern books, pattern CD's, fusing mold release, professional series tools, lighted strip to backlight your projects, bevel clusters and fusible decals.
• reader hints, a reader's workshop and more on "The Readers' Page"
• Randy's Help Desk Randy Wardell—Dealing with Residue on Your Glass
• Mosaics & Stepping Stones Julie Bishop Day—Mosaic Birdhouses and Garden Art
• SGN Classic Column Carolyn Kyle—Design it Your Way
• this issue's Free Pattern: Summer Sunflower
• a page of photos from readers in The Readers' Gallery

Mikey Dispells Another Urban Myth

"On the first day of my first stained glass course, my instructor attempted to perpetuate the common myth that glass in windows flows over time, that's why glass is thicker at the bottom in church windows."

A few years ago, Edgar Dutra Zanotto published an article in the American Journal of Physics (#66, May 1998) in which he calculates the time it takes for glass to flow. He estimates it will take 100000000000000000000000000000000 (10 to the power of 32) years for the glass to show any noticeable change at normal temperatures.

Oh, by the way, the age of the universe is 10 to the power of 10.

Superman's Secret Identity a Sham

It seems that Superman's secret identity has been a hoax all these years. While Jerry Siegel was writing the back story to this comic book super hero, maintaining that Superman's alter-ego was mild-mannered newspaper reporter Clark Kent, Mikey and the staff at Fantasy In Glass have discovered his true secret identity!

Amazing but true, Superman's alter ego is Al Necrosomethingorother, a meek Latvian retired goat herder and current FIG Intermediate glass student (barely passing by the way...Theresa). And how was his secret discovered? What masterful sleuthing skills did Mikey use to uncover this secret that's eluded society for decades?
Check the photo attached closely for proof.
And if you tell us before May 1, get a permanent Undryupable marker free with any purchase.

As if coming to Fantasy In Glass wasn't reward enough, we also give you free stuff, like Stained Glass News. Issue #85 is due to be available around the first of May. Here's a preview of what you'll find:

• new items, including: pattern books, pattern CD's, fusing mold release, professional series tools, lighted strip to backlight your projects, bevel clusters, fusible decals, and lots of fusible glass
• reader hints, a reader's workshop and more on "The Readers' Page"
• Randy's Help Desk Randy Wardell—Dealing with Residue on Your Glass
• Mosaics & Stepping Stones Julie Bishop Day—Mosaic Birdhouses and Garden Art
• SGN Classic Column Carolyn Kyle—Design it Your Way
• this issue's Free Pattern: Summer Sunflower
• a page of photos from readers in The Readers' Gallery

Spectrum's New Persimmon Opalescent

As Spectrum rushes to get a colour selection this millennium somewhere near what Bullseye has already been offering for years, we see another couple dribble out as of late (letters to Ed at fig@fantasyinglass.com).

Very boring copywriter alert ahead:
'Like the earthy orange-hued fruit this glass is named for, Persimmon serves as a lovely reminder of all things Fall – fiery autumn leaves, freshly baked pumpkin pies, a cup of mulled apple cider. Persimmon is ideally suited for southwestern designs, dramatic landscapes, flora & fauna, and just about any art glass design where a rich, warm “spiced” orange hue is desired. Stock # 271-71SF'
We are the first to get this colour in Canada!

Remember, just like Mikey's run-in with Billy Bob Thornton, that whether glass is fusible or not, it can still be used in all your stained glass projects (Billy Bob chose Bullseye's Woodland Brown #0203 for the stomach of a teddy bear).

Coming soon is a Black with a Cord texture, for stained glass and fusing...

Three Kinda Sorta Maybe Cool New Books Just In

Lava & Cube Lanterns

- includes full-size patterns and instructions for 12 lanterns. Adding the electric to the lantern is made easy with instructions and clear illustrations.

Prairie Miniatures

-panels ranging from 3"x5" to 6"x10", these suncatchers are quick "one afternoon" projects that will add a touch of class to any small space in your home. All but one of the 24 designs are comprised of entirely straight lines making these projects perfect for beginners. All of the projects in Prairie Style Miniatures are shown in full color to help you choose color schemes.

Fused Glass & Wood Wildlife Projects
- what started as a fun way to use the cigar boxes that Don Greene collected has evolved into a book that combines fused glass wildlife patterns with wood settings. Don provides patterns for creating a variety of small fused glass panels that look especially at home when placed into a wooden box lid or wooden frame. You'll find patterns for deer, bear, eagles and rainbow trout, as well as a butterfly, dragonfly and bumblebee. Instructions are included for both creating the fused animals, as well as preparing a wooden box to accept your finished panel. Many of the projects in Fused Glass & Wood Wildlife Projects make great gifts for those "hard-to-shop-for" guys in your life. Cigar boxes easily available at your local cigar store.

Billy “don’t call me a fuser’ Bob Thornton

The latest celebrity hissy-fit occurred just this week at Fantasy In Glass a stained glass and fusing emporium in Toronto.
Thornton- screenwriter, Academy Award winner and stained glass hobbiest had come into the store to buy some supplies and to ask Mikey (the proprietor of said amazing establishment) about some artglass suggestions for a teddy bear nightlight he was planning to make. Mikey however made the mistake of suggesting some Bullseye 0203F Woodland Brown or Spectrum 211-74F Chestnut fusible glass as great colour choices for the bear’s stomach in Thornton’s copper foil project. Things went downhill from there.
“I told your staff not to bring up the topic of fusing to me. That whole Bullseye versus Spectrum thing was what caused me and Angelina to break up! She was the fuser. I only did copper foil. She was a hack. Brad Pitt deserves her. Him and his knowledge of the new Bullseye Reactive glasses. I never understood things like volume control and coefficients and stuff.”
Of course, as fusible glass is suitable for both stained glass and fusing, Mikey innocently and unawaringly had made the faux pas of mentioning these two fusible glasses as good colour choices for Thornton’s stained glass project.
Mikey was repeatedly stonewalled by Thornton, who pretended to not understand what Mikey was saying or ask questions totally unrelated to glass. Mikey persevered undaunted, and asked,”Given that you seem quite passionate about stained glass, would you consider incorporating a fused piece in your work?”

“Would you ask that of Louis Tiffany? Or Lani McGregor? Or even Gary Brown?” he spit back.
Rumours that Billy Bob is planning to give up stained glass for some lame musical career have not been confirmed.

Fusers Club Reminder

Without any sordid means of enticement Pam had convinced Mikey and Louie of the need for a Fusers' Club, where those so interested can come in one evening a week and experiment and play and learn more curious and unusual techniques all related to fused glass. Done the Fusing 101 or 201 with Louie? Done the Soldering in the Nude With Mikey (yuck! Mikey's Wife, Louie, Joody and every other female human being on this way too small planet) Got too much time on your hands? Then consider Mikey's new Pam's Fusing Club- details available in the store or by phone...

Easter Store Hours

Unable to suppress his glee at this gem of a pic, Mikey felt, given that the Easter holidays are upon us, this would be a suitable time to share this with all of you.

Oh yeah, we will be closed on Good Friday, April 10, and also on Easter Monday, April 13.

We will be open on Saturday April 11, as usual from 10am to 4pm.

Business Takeover Shocks Industry

Toronto, ON: It was announced today that Mikey Figgy of Fantasy In Glass (FIG) Glassworks has successfully completed a corporate takeover of Canada’s one and only Canadian Stained Glass Supplier (OOCSGS)! The move into wholesale supplier ownership was something in the planning stages for hours, and one that took deft planning and some financial wrangling.
In an interview with Gary Brown from the Financial News, Mikey revealed some of his plans for the future, “Yup, we got some big plans there coming up! I envision an industry full of love and cooperation. Where Birkenstocks are once again viewed as fashionable. One where everyone will learn to fuse using Bullseye. Where every purchase comes with a complimentary bottle of single malt scotch!”
He continued, “ As a matter of fact, I am so bullish on this industry that I plan to open a second wholesale supplier to compete with myself! Yes, it’s true, as I recognize that competition is important. That way I’ll have to worry about such things as stock outages to avoid the loss of sales to myself. And I’ll be forced to make sure my selection is large and varied enough that people don’t go to my competition, me. As a matter of fact, one of the first things I plan to do is to remove the U.S. dollar surcharge on Canadian goods to make myself more competitive with me.”