Decorative Glass – The Local Advantage

May 19th, 2010

Think Local

There are many reasons to support local businesses and artists within your community. These reasons are even more compelling when one considers the economic and environmental issues facing our communities today. Investing in the local community supports the individuals that live there and creates a society that is more engaged in the community’s future. By encouraging local prosperity, entrepreneurs and skilled artisans are more likely to invest and reside in communities that preserve their unique businesses.

Classic Glass  embodies this “one of a kind” characterization as the only decorative glass company in the metropolitan Washington, DC area to offer an expansive selection of unique products and services. Since opening its doors in 1981, Classic Glass has maintained its independent status and continues to support local designers, artists, glaziers and distributors. Additionally, Classic Glass assists area schools, charities and organizations by donating time, money or materials necessary for growth through local fundraisers. Classic Glass is Washington, DC’s local decorative glass company and area artists have come to rely on our quality craftsmanship, knowledgeable customer service and quick turnaround.

When you purchase locally you support your fellow citizens and enrich your community’s economic resources. These efforts help to reduce your carbon footprint by avoiding unnecessary transportation of goods; your support helps maintain the unique character of your community and the talented individuals found within. Buy local!

Tags: Decorative Glass Company, Washington DC
Comments Off

Classic Glass is an approved SWaM vendor

March 11th, 2010
In August, 2006, then Governor Tim Kaine of Virginia signed an Executive Order focusing on initiatives for state agencies and departments to enhance SWaM participation in procurement activities.  SWaM is an acronym for Small, Women-and-Minority owned businesses.
The Executive Order, known as the SWaM Procurement Initiative was established to enhance business opportunities for small, women-and-minority owned businesses and to ensure a level playing field for all small businesses in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
A SWaM vendor is a business that has been certified by the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise and is listed in the SWaM Vendor Directory.
Classic Glass, Inc. is an approved SWaM vendor and is currently on file with the Virginia DMBE (Department of Minority Business Enterprises)
The SWaM Vendor Directory is posted on the Virginia DMBW website www.dmbe.virginia.gov   You can find Classic Glass, Inc (certification #682725) listed under Architectural Glass, Decorative Glass, and under the NGIP Code 96232 for Manufacturer/Producer.

SWam Certified Business
In August, 2006, then Governor Tim Kaine of Virginia signed an Executive Order focusing on initiatives for state agencies and departments to enhance minority participation in procurement activities. SWaM is an acronym for Small, Women-and-Minority owned businesses.

The Executive Order, known as the SWaM Procurement Initiative was established to enhance business opportunities for small, women-and-minority owned businesses and to ensure a level playing field for all small businesses in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  A SWaM vendor is a business that has been certified by the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise and is listed in the vendor directory.

Classic Glass, Inc. is an approved SWaM vendor and is currently on file with the Virginia DMBE (Department of Minority Business Enterprises) The vendor directory is posted on the Virginia DMBW website www.dmbe.virginia.gov You can find Classic Glass, Inc (certification #682725) listed under Architectural Glass, Decorative Glass, and under the NGIP Code 96232 for Manufacturer/Producer.

Comments Off

Stained Glass Restoration

February 25th, 2010

For hundreds of years, stained glass windows have been a fundamental design element of churches and cathedrals. Besides being colorful and attractive, these beautiful works of art often tell a story to anyone who views them. Stained glass remains popular in Liturgical settings, homes and offices, dramatically transforming a space  into a wonderfully inviting environment. Doors, windows, sidelights and skylights are just a few of the many applications well suited for stained/leaded glass. Stained glass can also be encapsulated within an insulated glass unit which will increase energy efficiency and aid in the protection of the stained glass itself.

Stained Glass Panel before restoration

Stained Glass Panel before restoration

Classic Glass has been restoring stained/leaded glass for over 29 years. Our expert craftsmen have repaired everything from Tiffany lamps to large scale cathedral windows. In some cases leaded glass can be repaired in place, however extensive restoration requires that the glass be removed and brought to our facility. An evaluation must be conducted to assess the damage and labor involved and an estimate will be provided .

Stained Glass Panel with wood border after restoration

Stained Glass Panel with wood frame after restoration

The images shown are from a recent stained glass restoration performed at our studio in Virginia. One challenging aspect of this repair was that the original glass used was no longer available. Artist, Rudi Waros “plated” two pieces of glass (blue opalescent + clear textured iridescent) to achieve a nearly perfect match. In addition, Rudi built the wooden frame. Authentic stained glass fabricated at Classic Glass is hand cut and assembled using traditional techniques. We stock a large selection of cathedral and opalescent glass including many clear textures.

Custom Stained Glass

Clear Patterned Glass

Tags: Stained Glass Repair, Stained Glass Restoration
Comments Off

After all these years

January 21st, 2010

Twenty-nine years ago today Robert O’ Toole and I opened the doors of Classic Glass. We’ve come a long way from our original studio in Old Town, Alexandria where Robert and I did it all. Over time our small glass shop grew to become the areas leading decorative glass manufacturer. Building upon those early etching and stained glass services, we moved to our current location and expanded production to include custom laminated glass, backpainted glass and cast glass. “The opportunity to collaborate with so many talented architectural and design professionals has been a wonderful experience. It allowed our company to leave a legacy by creating many high profile works of art at DC’s most famous landmarks. Although running a small business certainly has its challenges, I still love coming to work everyday and look forward to the next twenty-nine years. A very sincere thank you goes out to all of our friends and associates for your business and support. Most of all I would like to thank my many loyal and talented co-workers, past and present. I could not do it without you!”

-Karen Elkin

ClassicGlasslogo

Comments Off

Etched Glass

December 9th, 2009
Etched Glass Awards

Etched Glass Awards

Classic Glass recently created 17 awards for the National Kitchen and Bath Association, Baltimore-Washington Chapter. The etched glass awards were presented at the NKBA, BWC annual holiday social. They were given to the 2009 sponsors  in recognition of their generosity and support as well as officers/committee members for their dedication to the chapter. Etched glass is an elegant, cost effective product that can be customized for glassware such as bowls, wine glasses and vases.

Tags: Etched Glass
Comments Off

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »