An Addendum to this Month's Sale Post

We're working on rebuilding our website (yippee!), migrating it away from Windows (bigger yippee!), to a Mac (yippee! The ads really are true) and find the transition less than smooth at times. So please bear with us. One of the transitional moves involves posting our Monthly Sales Page as a PDF, which hopefully won't be discouragingly long for most of you.

To ease the download time of the Sales Flyer, we post a video here rather than there, from Figimodo, going through the list of bevel sizes and prices for our sale this month.

That is all...

Time To Post Another Embarrassing Zenia Picture

Oh, yeah, and we also take this opportunity to announce and post our monthly sale.
Gaze your eyes upon Zenia...

Go to our Monthly Sale here...

Music Makes Us Better Craftspeople

Listening to music makes us feel better - but many doctors are now beginning to believe that it does much more. There is emerging evidence that it can bring about physical changes to the body that can improve our health and ability to do glasswork. Famed stained glass and fusing glass emporium, Fantasy In Glass, in Canada has actually conducted a somewhat, kind of scientific study of this and has seen impressive results. Mikey and the staff of FIG Inc have found that students who listen to well recorded and reproduced music need less cutter lubricant, are able to cut Youghiogheny art glass with much less pressure and that, most significantly, grinder usage decreases dramatically compared to those who do not.

According to Dr Gary Brownoff who carried out the study (a Barry Manilow admirer), there is growing scientific evidence that music creates physical changes in the body which can help such things directly related to this craft of ours (like listening to Barry Manilow makes most fusers throw up?), such as evening out glass cutter excursion pressure. He said: "The physiological benefits have been measured. It is a fact. Music reduces blood pressure, the heart rate, and hormones related to stress."

It is primarily for this reason that Mikey, President (and lead researcher) of FIG Inc regularly plays a varied and eclectic mix of live and acoustic blues through a Wadia 170i (procured from those great people at Ovation Audio (tel: 905-727-2004), for his customers."
Fantasy In Glass is now carrying out clinical trials to see how exactly music affects the brain and the body on behalf of poorer cutting glass manufacturers. Mikey is hopeful that "We are approaching the point where a glass store owner would legitimately be negligent not to actually recommend music as a therapeutic intervention. And even more so should he not obtain said music from mymusic.com, a tremendously great on-line music store. It was actually mymusic.com that turned Mikey on to Little Axe, a group's music that has been instrumental in increasing the cutability of Bullseye fusible opals, and has even lessened the incidence of devitrification when slumping this glass!”

NB: Mikey’s Diary is usually a commercial-free area, but Ovation Audio and mymusic.com are two great retailers that really stand out. They have not only helped Mikey achieve a higher level of health and happiness, but his customers as well, and therefore warrant this free plug. Thanks guys.

A Regular Day at the Store

Brittania (our newest staff member) had a new customer in the store the other day. She said he wanted to learn stained glass as part of the rehabilitation process after a bad car accident. Apparently he lost his left arm and leg in the crash.

She said he's all right now...

What's It Going to Be? Shelves Or Staff Naked- Which Do You Prefer?

Coming back after a bit of a lull with vacation, we find ourselves bracing for a hopefully busy season, and are now starting to refill our shelves back to our normal levels. Just in last week as you can see below was a sizeable ceramic molds order as well as (literally) a ton of Sale Squares from Kokomo and Spectrum.

Coming next week are two truck shipment from a couple of suppliers in the States (hey, what are we going to do? The dollar is at 93 cents and our Canadian supplier still sees the need for a U.S. surcharge of 9.8%).

Due mid-October is a large supply of fusible glass (over 1000 Sq. ft) from a source best left unnamed for now...

Mikey Decides to Rethink His Disguise

Figus Rats Supply Molds to FIG

Fantasy in Glass has discovered that rats can be trained to help in the manufacture of their molds for glass slumping and fusing.
Apparently it's not just any rodents, but the "highly social, intelligent" figus- a small caviomorph rodent that is native to Toronto. And while they don't use tools in their natural habitats, they were taught by researchers as well as the staff of Fantasy In Glass to do so in captivity.
After several months of training and practice, researchers say, the figus can move a rake as smoothly and efficiently as croupiers in any Las Vegas casino- a handy skill when mixing the mud-like slurry that these molds for slumping glass are made of.
“This is first time rodents have been trained to wield tools”, said Gary Brownosley, a psydoscientist, who led the experiments at the Laboratory for Really Cool Science in Toronto. He elaborated about how they are so efficient and quality conscious that the Teamsters’ union has petitioned the mold manufacturer to either stop using these poor little helpless animals or to certify them to unionize the shop.
While these figus rodents are best at manufacturing molds 14” or smaller in diameter (a size that is easily accommodated by most of the kilns sold at FIG) scientists from the LRCS are considering training baboons in the manufacture of larger molds-1a specialty of Brownosley’s.
While it has long been thought that tool use is a hallmark of higher intelligence, Dr. Brownosley said, the brain structures that underlie such abilities may lie dormant in many animals with good hand-and-eye or paw-and-eye coordination. Training these figus to make molds in captivity provides insights into the plasticity of their brains, he said, and may even shed light on how early humans evolved tool use in the first place.
In separate studies, Dr. Brownosley notes they are examining gene expression in the brains of macaques and marmosets trained to check the coefficients of expansion in Bullseye glass.
To see the handiwork of these figus rodents, and the well over 600 molds we have in inventory, check out this video.

System 96 Dichroic Glass

Thinking that the staff were looking a little pale and withdrawn lately, Mikey realizes they might be suffering from the ‘D.W.’s’ or Dichroic Withdrawl. Zenia Herself has been known to be able to identify the 1 micron thick metallic coatings found on dichroic glass by taste alone (patterns she sadly admits need the assistance of smell…Pat The Wife)! Acknowledging that our 90 selection is strong, and our 96 not so, Mikey quickly rushes a large order together that arrives today containing way too much stuff to describe here, besides he’s got to get towels for the staff’s drooling. Turns out Zenia cannot be found for hours but eventually shows up at closing time with Styrofoam packing peanuts stuck in her hair, looking like her old self.

Bellagio Celiling

Not everything that happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Here's a video of the ceiling of the lobby at the Bellagio Hotel. Yup, that's over 2,000 hand-blown glass flowers of Dale Chihuly's that you're looking at. The entire piece covers more than 2,000 square feet.

What can you say about Kokomo Glass? It's the oldest manufacturer of machine made glass in North America going back to 1888. It has documented sales to the Louis Tiffany Studios going back to just after the turn of the last century, and today is a very popular line of glass at FIG because of its price, quality of colour, availability, and mostly, its easy cut-ability.

Just in is another shipment of their 12" sale squares, and there are some real stunners. See Britt and the piece she's carefully studying here.

Average price is $5.99/pc!

A Neat Fusing Project Using Spectrum's New Cord

While it's been very difficult to get hold of Spectrum Glass over the past couple of years (they really aren't a small boutique manufacturer although it's availability has made many think it is), new colours do seem to occasionally dribble in- usually through our steady supply of Rat Paks. If not for these boxes full of 12" pieces we'd have no white for fusers as we haven't seen that in many months. One that has caused us to get a little excited is Spectrum's popular Cord texture now coming in in Black (and FIG Tested White). Heck, Spectrum themselves even seem to be proud of being able to produce another new glass that of course, no one in Canada will likely be able to buy. Here's a pic of a plate Zenia made, and here's a link to the instructions on how to make your own (don't tell anyone but it works with Bullseye's textures as well, and those we can actually get).

Another Open Letter From Mikey In The First Person

‘It has been a very ‘interesting’ time these past few weeks.

Upon my return I find myself reflecting on many of the ‘cornerstones’ of our business and reviewing the status of all our inventory, the importance of our suppliers and our product mix- all relevant and important to our continuing success.

Manufacturers have disappointed us.

So has our supplier.’

That’s the start of a post I wrote on July 28, 2009.

Rereading my thoughts from that post, and reflecting on these interesting times, I find myself reconsidering and deciding on our dealership of Bullseye Glass…

Oh, the horror you say.

But Mikey, you’ve been one of their biggest boosters, I hear. Carried the entire line for years. The only one in Canada with a full line inventory. Told us how they have five times the selection of Sys96. That they actually make solid reds and pinks. They even make Aventurine Green in two shades. All their glass amazingly is even available in two thicknesses.

Yes, it’s true, they are great, but sadly, and frustratingly, things have changed significantly in Canada over the past four years.

Let me explain…

Fantasy In Glass is the only retailer in Canada that carries the full Bullseye sheet glass line. We also carry a substantial amount of their curious fusible glass, their frits and powders, confetti, Hot Rodz rods for torchwork (even though my sales rep seems unaware that we do), chemicals and their great fusing paper (2500 sheets and rolls due in September 1). Heck, we even bring in their great Tekta Clear by the case.

Why then, if Bullseye is such an amazing product, does no one else carry it?

Well, as most retailers can’t bring in Bullseye themselves their only option then is to get it from the nearest Bullseye distributor- that’s right, in Canada, there’s only one. That means then you’d be dependant upon our sole Canadian distributor to supply the entire line for you.

You guessed it- he doesn’t carry the entire line. Not even close.

And if that supplier doesn’t carry an acceptable selection of inventory, what would you do as a retailer?

Of course. You just wouldn’t bother with Bullseye. Only carry the Spectrum Sys96 line.

So since Spectrum 96 is available more consistently than Bullseye and there is no alternate source for Bullseye in Canada, retailers choose not to even consider Bullseye, and invest only in Spectrum.

So, how does this affect us you ask? Wouldn’t that mean that we’d have a lock on Bullseye in Canada?

Yes and no.

Because other stores don’t carry Bullseye, and we seem to be the only one carrying the torch at the retail level, this greatly limits our ability to grow Bullseye.

Why?

Well, as while we attract customers from elsewhere, they won't consider our Bullseye because they've 'already started with Spectrum' and when they return to their regular retailer that’s all he carries.

So, Bullseye, by not assuring that their distributor is doing his job, has hurt our and their potential for growth. And frankly, we’re getting a little frustrated trying to grow Bullseye here alone, without much support.

So are we dropping Bullseye?

No we’re not. The product is way too good.

But we are dropping our dealership at this time, and hope our distributor can fulfill our needs.

Better Late Than Never

Tonight is the start of a flurry of postings. We start with the revival of our Monthly Sale.

We are having some issues with our website (anyone willing to assist?) and as such are posting our sale flyer here as a PDF file ( a little big file, be patient, it's worth it)...

And as usual, accompanied the the appropriately, this month only mildly embarrassing, picture of Zenia...

Borax Overspray

Now available, in 4 oz bottles from us- $4.59.

Used to prevent devitrification when fusing/slumping...

Current Spectrum Score Magazine

Now easily available as a pdf file, with news from the glass manufacturer (when we can get the stuff- it's usually out of stock), helpful articles and free patterns. Grab it here...

Proof We Coddle Our Staff

Another day, another FIG staff member taking a much needed break, wrapped carefully and lovingly by Mikey in bubble wrap to assure she awakens fresh, unsullied and unbruised.

Found Item

Running out of places and ideas for your stained glass. Try this- stained glass PC cases

And Yet Another Customer Work

Another Customer Work

Another Customer Work

The Thing About Writing a Blog...

Is that it becomes way too easy to drop a note, or give advice, and makes it therefore seem so much more ponder-some to update the website.

Why are we saying this?

Well, our customers, friends and even some of our sly competitors send us pictures proudly of their work and it sometimes takes months to post them to our website, so we thought it best to make use of this blog to allow you to show off your work.

Here's some:

Closing August 18, Reopening September 1

Tomorrow is the start of a two week sabbatical for Ed the Editor, the wit and wisdom provider of this ongoing blog (since 2001 in one form or another- not counting the shreds of soggy cocktail napkins occasionally slipped under the door to the Ivory Tower (Mikey's office).
He might wax poetic while sipping a Weissbier from high atop the Alps surrounded by Bavarian beauties with lily white skin, or then again he might just scratch his armpit, while drinking a Bud, wearing his favourite Nascar t-shirt and pondering the length of his mullet down at the local legion. With Ed you never quite know what to expect. So maybe, possibly he might drop a pearl of wisdom here over the next two weeks, but then he may not. Depends on those beauties or how cold the beer is.

See you in two weeks!

Talk to the Hand Because the Glass Don't...

Just on our way out the door, for a short vacation, and Zenia thought we should show off the Spectrum Sys96 Opal, Crystal and Wispy Opal, OpalArt and Spirits Sale Square Rack she spent 3 weeks organizing (I know- but what can we do- she's family).

We point out that this is just sale glass and just Spectrum.

Coming up, our greatly expanded Sys 96 racks which will include all the Uroboros 96 glass we can get our hands on.

Always Pay Attention

This is what happens when you don't ask or don't read the labels.

It can end up being an expensive mistake as evident by by the picture above.

Sort of like not reading a fusible label...

The 100 grams of Pata Negra Prosciutto worked out to $9.00/slice...

The Second Nicest Person in this Industry

... don't make me say it out loud who the nicest is...

Tosca, the owner/operator of Nanopod a hands-on studio and teaching facility for metal and glass, is holding a Glass Fusing Workshop coming up on August 29 from 11am-2pm-

"This workshop is a great way to enter the world of art glass. The techniques of fusing and slumping offer almost limitless possibilities for creating with color and form. You’ll learn how to cut glass, emboss-it, embed things in it, paint on it and fuse-it. Pendants, cuff links, brooches, ring tops, magnets, and other jewelry accessories can be created. Techniques learned may be transfered to larger work. All materials included, no experience required."

Call her at 647-219-0585.

Bill Dick

Many of you wouldn't recognize this name. It's a shame. Because you see it's because of Bill Dick that many of you are reading this today. It's because of Bill Dick that stained glass became an industry and a popular vocation for some, a hobby for others.

It's because of Bill Dick that Mikey started Fantasy In Glass.

Bill Dick passed away the other day.

For many of us, our first exposure to him was through the stained glass store he opened known as Renaissance Glass back in the 1970's. Later it was through his opening of a stained glass wholesaler, which carries on today under a different owner.

Bill Dick really was a giant in our industry. He was respected. He understood his customers and cared about them. He helped make many of us a success in his time.

To Terry, Suzanne, Dominique and the rest of his family, we are very sorry for your loss.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening August the 11^th from 7:00pm until 9:00pm at The Turner and Porter Funeral Home 4933 Dundas St. W ( just west of Islington) 416-231-2283.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday August 12^th at 11:00am at St. Georges on the Hill 4600 Dundas St. W, 416-239-2341.

Coming Next Week

8"- 10"- 12"- 14" black metal stands in both round and square formats, to display finished stained glass, mosaic or fused artwork. All stands have a height from the base to the display channel of 3” with a channel measuring 7/16".

And too cheap!

Some New Spectrum Glass

The Spectrum Wispy family has long been popular in the stained glass market, so I guess it makes sense they'd start formulating some new fusible Wispies. These four new System 96 Wispies feature opalescent color stirred into a clear base. Pretty cool, and something that gives them a wider style line. Because of the high level of clear glass used in these mixes, you . can also create different effects by stacking wispy-over-wispy, or wispy over solid opalescent or transparent colors. Available in Cobalt, Amazon Green, Black, and White.

And remember, just 'cuzz it's fusible, that doesn't mean you can't use it for your stained glass projects. Cobalt Blue/Clear -- #403-96SF, White/Clear -- #409SF, Black/Clear -- #4000-9SF, Amazon Green/Clear -- #402-94S

Mikey's Economic Lesson of the Day

Most Canadian retail stores must buy from our One and Only Canadian Stained Glass Supplier, where there is a US Dollar Surcharge added.

Surcharges are as follows:

Oct. 15, 2008- (dollar at .845 cents)- surcharge is 7.9%
July 28, 2009- (dollar at .925 cents)- surcharge is 13.8%

Make sense? Justified?
It’s a strange and trying time to be a Canadian stained glass retailer.
Anybody out there care to comment- you can easily do it anonymously...

An Open Letter From Mikey In The First Person

I hadn’t planned to drone on about problems and changes in our industry as it might seem self-serving and of no interest to our blog followers.

But I started this blog not only to promote, but to provoke and give insight into the workings of a glass store owner. Hence the title 'Diary of a Demented Store Owner'.

Yes, we do tell you what’s new, give suggestions and promote stuff that’s appearing. We've even been accused of trying to inject a little humour into our industry now and then. But that’s something you might get elsewhere (excluding Mikey's bad sense of humour...Tina).

Something you can’t get anywhere else is how things are done, the behind-the-scene inner workings, the graft and corruption, the sex, drugs and women- namely, the trials and tribulations we as retailers face.

That’s maybe why this blog is a little different.

It hasn’t made us popular with some, but has hopefully caused some changes to occur for the betterment of our industry. I have stories- some I can share today, some best left for another day.

Here’s one for today...

You might have thought that I was here these past few weeks.

Sorry, but I wasn’t.

I was away, hard at work as the above picture clearly shows.

The great thing about writing a blog is that you can schedule entries to appear even when you aren’t here.

I wish I was here.

It has been a very ‘interesting’ time these past few weeks.

Upon my return I find myself reflecting on many of the ‘cornerstones’ of our business and reviewing the status of all our inventory, the importance of our suppliers and our product mix- all relevant and important to our continuing success.

Manufacturers have disappointed us.

So has our supplier.

The traditional manufacturer/distributor/retail supply chain no longer seems to be important to most players leaving the retailer to wonder why this distribution system continues to exist.

You see, a mainstream manufacturer sells only to a protected set of distributors. That’s okay. There is merit to this system. Or was.

That protected distributor in return receives best pricing so long as they promise to carry the manufacturer’s full line and carry a substantial quantity in inventory to adequately supply the retailer (and studios).

This is important, why?

Well, FIG as your retailer depends on the distributor (and the due diligence of the manufacturer) to make sure he upholds his end of the deal, does his job and actually has inventory for us to draw from.

As you know (ad nauseam), over the past four years we have had a progressively worsening time procuring supplies from these manufacturers’ distributor. Some to such an extent that once proud mainstream suppliers such as Spectrum are now viewed here in Canada as a minor boutique manufacturer that is unable to provide a consistent and reliable product.

While we have a lesser problem supplying Bullseye glass because we are a dealer and buy direct, there are sundry, and slow moving items that we won’t buy direct expecting our distributor in their role to provide this for us.

Not happening.

So, where am I going with all this?

I’m not sure.

It used to be that everyone in the supply chain knew their role.

It used to be that everyone followed the rules, provided product in a timely, accessible manner, at a reasonable cost. And for all that effort, of course, were entitled to and realized a reasonable profit.

Everything is changing. Loyalties are being tested and reevaluated. I think we must do so as well.

Keep tuned as I anticipate some big changes occurring at FIG.