MEMORIAL PIECES

CUSTOM - MEMORIAL PIECES

There are many options to explore in the creation of a memorial piece. I have created traditional memorial windows such as you find in churches that have memorial plaques as well as windows for those that have lost their "fuzz babies".

These projects are very special to me, as they hold such a profound meaning to my clients. I take the time to listen to you and guide you through every step of the process, this is after all something that is being made to memorialize your loved one.

I can create full sized windows or smaller panels to hang within a window. In addition, I can create suncatcher sized pieces. I can also create "memorial beads" which are glass beads created with ashes from your beloved added into them, which can then be turned into jewelry or other items.

And if you have an "item" that you would like to have incorporated into a piece, I can normally do that as well. Say for instance you wanted to use; a piece of jewelry, tool, automobile emblem, trophy, coin etc... I will find a way to incorporate those items into a panel, suncatcher, box, kaleidoscope, sculptural piece etc...

If you would like the image of your dearly departed turned into a memorial piece, I can do that as well for you.

If I am creating a leaded window/panel for you I can also incorporate some of your dearly departed's ashes into the piece.

Prices vary depending upon what is being done, contact me for a quote and to discuss the possibilities. Generally speaking I can work with most budgets.

Scroll down to read more about some of the services I offer and see examples. And click HERE to read comments and letters from clients and others about my work.

WINDOW PANELS

This is an example of a copper foil panel that I created for a client. The client had some existing art glass panels in their home and they wanted to have this piece created to go with them. Looking over the photos of existing glass I decided to keep a "flow" of the designs in the form of the interior border. Keeping it to scale with what was to the left and right of where this panel would go.

Then in talking to the client we decided to add in a rose for the main design element, as her mother loved roses and red was a favorite color. And lastly we put her mothers name into the piece. The client came and picked up the panel and installed themselves. They had provided me a template of the opening they wanted the piece to go into, so I could create it with the proper size and shape to fit in without issue.

FULL SIZED PANELS & FREE STANDING PANELS

Julia Cannon, Ozark Mountain Publishing, commissioned me to create a memorial panel for her mother Dolores Cannon. She wanted to have the piece be a recreation of their logo for Ozark Mountain Publishing.

In talking to her and their General Manager Nancy Vernon we determined that a painted and fired "plaque" would be included in this piece. Once the full sized drawing was completed the clients came to my studio to discuss and pick glass. At that time I mentioned to them an idea I had, where I wanted to incorporate "something" of Dolores's within the panel. My idea was to keep the sky portion of the mountain scene in the logo open, and then incorporate some of Dolores's crystals at the peak of each mountain, to take the place of the "star" that was part of their logo design. They loved the idea and sent me several to choose from. I ended up picking the three that I felt would be right for this project.

The piece was created with "legs" so that it would be a free standing panel that would be displayed in their main office lobby at Ozark Mountain Publishing. This is a picture of Julia Cannon standing next to the piece, it was presented during the 2016 Transformation Conference.

The legs are also designed so that they may be removed and hooks added to the top of the piece to hang in a window.

ASHES INCORPORATED INTO PANEL

I can also take a piece like this and incorporate the ashes of your dearly departed. The way I do this is to add the ashes into the "cement" that is used to seal the piece up once it is constructed.

MEMORIAL BEADS

I can also take the ashes of your dearly departed and incorporate them into a bead. This bead can then be taken and turned into a piece of jewelry, art etc... Generally these are made into necklaces so that you can keep a your dearly departed always close to your heart.

As you can see from the above photo, the ashes create a very distinct and unique "swirl" within the bead. I generally add some hints of color within the bead, but they can be made completely void of color other than that of the ashes.

SUNCATCHERS

I was contacted by a client that had designed a ribbon that was worn at the funeral of a young man that had passed away. She wanted to get it duplicated in glass, one for her and one for her sister who was the one that lost her son.

I was very touched by the kind words I received from her sister after she had received her ribbon to place in her window. I can create smaller suncatcher's such as this to fit your needs as well.

Remember, when you purchase from an independent artist, you are supporting someone that has worked hard to develop their skills, knowledge and creativity. With those dollars, the artist is able to pay their bills, buy food for their family and in return keep those dollars in the local market.

I appreciate all of you who have purchased my work and are about to, without you I could not do this!

NOTE IN REGARDS TO CLEANING

Do not use a cleaning product that contains ammonia as this will create oxidation (a white powdery build up on the metal) of the piece. A soft cloth and mild dishwashing detergent may be used, wring out excess and dry immediately.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

I have been doing Stained Glass work, and working with glass as a medium, off and on since 1988. I was very heavy into art while in school which lead my shop trades teacher to ask me if I would volunteer some of my time to do artwork and help in the production of some stained glass panels for a display to compete in a state championship for VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America).

I said yes and found myself working in a local stained glass studio, with one of the sweetest little ole ladies around, her name was Beatrice Stebbing. I guess she saw something in me because she contacted me and asked me if I would like to come to work for her, and I said yes. So while still in High School I started working for her, and there began my career in stained glass.

In the years since I have worked for other studios as well as operating my own studio for many years.

I am known for my unique 3 dimensional glass sculptures as well as very unique one of a kind designs. I enjoy creating "interactive" art, which is why you will find me creating items such as; pyramids that open, wands that can be held or sculptures that contain kaleidoscopes, which promotes the "viewer" of the art to actually interact with the art.

I utilize age old techniques and combine those techniques with modern materials. Adding to that my years of experience, my goal is to create works of art that will stand the test of time, which will allow them to be handed down from generation to generation.

I am skilled in not only the production, but the instruction of the following;

- Leading (Traditional leaded glass work using lead construct as well as zinc, copper, brass and more)

- Copper foil (aka Tiffany style)

- Dalle de verre glass (aka faceted slab glass)

- English weaving (a solderless technique of construction where all but he border is "woven")

- Beveled and custom beveling

- Etching (multi layer sandblast etching as well as acid etching)

- Carving (carving into thick glass using a sandblaster which gives depth and detail)

- Torch work (aka lamp working and glass bead making)

- Kiln work (fusing and slumping)

- Painting and firing (age old techniques that allows the addition of detail to glass via painting and then firing in kiln)

- 3 dimensional work (kaleidoscopes, boxes, lampshades and sculptural type work)

- Restorations (skilled in the restoration of turn of the century works)

- Repairs (if it is broken, I can almost always fix it)

If you are wanting a custom piece created, or have a piece that is damaged and requires repair, contact me for a quote.

Growing up in Northwest Arkansas ( NWA ) I consider this area my home. I currently reside in Northeast Oklahoma and still consider the Ozarks my home. I am available and can provide service anywhere, for any project. I ship through out the United States as well as Internationally.

To contact me you can email at frank@creationsbyelder.com

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