Weekend Wanderings: Shopping for Stained Glass Windows

Hubby and I were lucky enough to take a vacation earlier this fall. We took advantage of off-season rates and enjoyed a week of gazing at the ocean in the Outer Banks. We explored the length and breadth of the island chain and found some interesting places that I'm sure I'll share in Weekend Wanderings to come.

One place in particular - The Elegant Attic in Buxton - caught our eye. Perhaps it was the lovely Victorian cottage whose columns were painted green? Or perhaps it was the selection of stained glass windows hanging from a tree in the front yard? I'm going to go with the latter!

We made a point of going when we knew we had time to explore just by looking at the cottage and the windows hanging in the yard. As we walked in we were cheerily greeted by the owner, Shirley Weeks. A stained glass panel hung over the entry while little nooks to the right and left were a shabby chic lover's paradise - pink depression glass plates, paired with Homer Laughlin china on lace covered tables. The shop is PACKED with lovelies.

But the store is known for the stained glass windows, and you can find them everywhere. They hang from the ceiling, are tacked to the walls and are stacked in corners. Shirley has collected about 100 years worth of stained glass by traveling to England every year and picking up a new shipment. She told us that last year business was so good she sold a piece of property to bring back roughly 200,000 windows because she's seen the prices go up every time she goes. After all, they ain't making this stuff anymore - at least not this quality.

If you do get to Hatteras and get to check out the shop, ask Shirley if she'll show you her home. She often offers tours to those visiting to show how you can "live with stained glass." Her home is gorgeous - and full of windows. She proudly recounts that she has no curtains because she's covered all her windows with stained glass. If you're a stained glass lover, I'm sure you'll enjoy this stop. And she told us her son is helping her set up a website soon, so hopefully you'll be able to experience some of this beauty online some day soon!

Vintage Wednesday: Shopping for Stained Glass Windows

As I mentioned Monday, finding stained glass windows can be difficult - especially in the United States. It's all about knowing where to look. I'd say if you're in the market, you could keep your eyes open in antique stores. I've been in many stores that specialize in antique windows and have them hanging from the ceiling as you walk through the stores. I'd also look at stained glass shops as sometimes they have examples of old windows. The best places in the U.S., however, are probably architectural salvage yards.

If you search online for just the terms "salvage yards" you'll probably get a smattering of places to get auto parts. If, however, you put in the magic word "architectural" in from of salvage yards and then add the closest major city, you're more likely to find the right places.

For example, I found The Brass Knob when I searched the DC area. They've collected mostly from DC area properties. I also found Caravati's in the Richmond, VA area. And though I've not explored these myself, OldHouseJournal.com seems to have collected a pretty exhaustive list of architectural salvage stores across the U.S. I'd imagine any place that had an enclave of homes built around the turn of the last century will have stained glass somewhere in the community.

But if you're lucky enough to travel to England, I'd check out UK Architectural Heritage. I've spent quite a bit of time on their site just looking at the pretties. Since I won't be traveling to England anytime soon, I'm left to dream...

DIY Monday: Restoring Stained Glass Windows

Hubby and I have looked for a stained glass window since we were married. You see, there's a place in my house that's begging for a window. Begging. Trust me.

We've poked through antique stores pointing them out. We've stopped at random roadside shops touting stained glass while traveling. We've even sought out stained glass stores online and gone exploring.

Our problem - okay, so really MY problem - is that I wanted something particular. I wanted something I thought impossible to find. I wanted a window that was red, white and blue.

You see, my house is red, white and blue. And yes, there are flags. Not over the top flags, but for a girl who could recite the pledge of allegiance before she was two I'd say just enough flags. And stars. I love stars too.

But have you ever tried to find a red, white and blue ONLY stained glass window? The search ain't for sissies let me tell you. It's taken us 3 years, but we finally found one in our travels. But I'll tell you more about that in this week's Weekend Wanderings.

The window itself is fantastic-ly wonderful (yes, I made that word up). The color is amazing and when the light shines through the pressed glass it looks like crystal - it just lights up the room. But this is a real window, taken out of a real house. It's got layers of paint globbed on the glass and it's been dinged up.

I contacted an appraiser and asked if "restoring" the window would affect the value and he said as long as we do it carefully, it should be fine. So for the next several weeks, I'm going to walk through the process of how we restore the window. For now, I leave you with pictures of what we're working with... it's gonna take some work.