Church Windows

[Judy K]

This has been quite the learning experience, ..... and a bit nerve wracking.

September 2009 I was called to enter a design contest for two new church windows going into an old church with Meyer of Munich type existing windows. The contest was to be judged in December, they extended it a month. I won both designs and then began lobbing them to accept my contract to build the windows too. The contract was signed in May 2010 and they want them installed May 2011.

The window opening was going to change with the installation of new Thermal Panes. From March on I told them I needed dimensions in June, so I could do the drawings and start the painting before the sun left for the winter. Natural light is important when painting. We came up with dimensions before the windows were changed out. And I begand to draw.

The windows were finally changed out in Early September. I went up with the drawings and they were 3 inches to wide, Eeeeeeeeeeeek! I am now redrawing them because it changes the dimension ratio considerably .

To add insult to injury, now 2/3's of the Lamberts German Antique glass has been lost by UPS. They put a "Locator" on it yesterday and promised to call me by 7:50am this morning. 24 hours after the locator was put in place. ..... It is 9am and no CALL. Eeeeeeek I am envisioning a fork lift went through my crate. Eeeeeeeek!

Well, time to go back to work on the drawings .................... I'll give you photos when I am happier with them.

I am also now building a big up right light box from a shower door, since the sun is soon to be gone again.

I am looking forward to installation day :)

[ct4mom]

Wow sounds exciting and frustrating at the same time. I hope they find the glass safe and sound. Cant wait to see the picture as I'm sure they will be spectacular.

[Malinda]

wow, I'd be stressed....but it will all work out.

[Kev]

I look forward to seeing them in progress.

[Judy K]

I have still not heard from UPS , but my glass supplier, Bendheim West, just emailed a new delivery date of 11/3 Wednesday. So they must have found it :) .... intact

[Kev]

That's a relief!

[TodB]

Judy:
I agree, that's a big relief. Stained glass windows without stained glass just aren't the same! Esp if you gotta paint 'em...

So, when does the big lightbulb in the sky go out? That's gotta be a real bummer in many ways. I can't imagine it but I guess one gets used to how it is. I'd really miss the sun, tho, I gotta say...  - Tod

[Glassic]

I was Eeeeeking with you and just about to go out and get a supply of throat lozenges when it seems all is now well.
Will sit quietly and eek softly 'til then.

[Judy K]

Judy:
I agree, that's a big relief. Stained glass windows without stained glass just aren't the same! Esp if you gotta paint 'em...

 

So, when does the big lightbulb in the sky go out? That's gotta be a real bummer in many ways. I can't imagine it but I guess one gets used to how it is. I'd really miss the sun, tho, I gotta say...  - Tod

One gets familiar with the sky but never used to it! We loose the sun the first week of December until mid January. But the days get real short before then with the sun only low on the horizon. I MISS THE SUN! But the last few years I have not been crushed by it , because I have been too busy playing with glass :)  And all of you crazies. 

[Wayne]

My first winter in Anchorage was a shock.  I think it was late December when the sun rose about 11 something in the morning and went back down about 1 pm in the afternoon.

[Kev]

I am sure to someone not used to it it must be really weird!

[Glassic]

I can relate in a way, but would like to experience the reverse of what I know.
After months in Scandinavia and travelling south to Oslo, the night sky was a shock. Added to the experience was that I hadn't seen the Big Dipper/Plough in many years, I just laid on my back and soaked it all in.

[Judy K]

It's weird to someone who is used to it, too. It is inhuman, you never fully think it's OK. My husband was born here and still talks about the decreasing light. Dec 21, Winter solstice is a true time of Party's up here, and people are heard to say, "We gained 3 minutes of light today". ... At the equinox's, the change is roughly 7 minutes a day. Cold and dark is good for the skin however. Where I grew up old folks have leather with melanoma spots. Here we are snow white , soft as a baby, and no spots. If you like white, it is not a bad deal. I say it is like living in the refrigerator, it keeps the meat nicely .

I have spent the last hour on the phone. UPS is no help on the phone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They never called back, I called them.

Then I called the contract supplier at my end. They are much better!!!!!!!!! The Fairbanks Lady transferred me to the doc in Seattle. Lynden picked up my crate from UPS Central in Seattle yesterday. UPS did not even take it to them. It is being loaded on tonight's boat. I asked her to go shake it and look for glass dust. She is doing it now. At least I will Know who to place the claim against if it is shards. If none is missing. I am placing no claim and using the tiny pieces. I don't have time to mess with this any more and I work tiny anyway.

So the phone should rings soon with the crate shakers news :)  

This is all positive. I have hated UPS for a long time. This adds one more nail in their coffin. Their customer support people are so nice on the phone but useless, instructed to give NO info, just calm the customer.

[Wayne]

Judy, when you say the glass crate, are you talking about a UPS package of glass or a wooden, full sheet type of case we get from suppliers?

[Judy K]

Full sheet crate with 21 sheets of lamberts, strapped to a pallet. Hopefully it is fine. But the last one came with two corners broken about an inch. God only knows how many tmes this has been handled in the last 3 weeks. Or where else it went?

[Wayne]

Full sheet crate with 21 sheets of lamberts, strapped to a pallet. Hopefully it is fine. But the last one came with two corners broken about an inch. God only knows how many tmes this has been handled in the last 3 weeks. Or where else it went?

A pallet is necessary but there was a time when they used to ship single cases without them.  Actually, if the glass is packed correctly, the glass and pallet can be moved around a lot without damage.  Though I have had a forklift which stabbed the case too and they would not pay for the 100% damage without taking them to court.  Also, most freight companies don't talk to their clients much for some reason.....

[Judy K]

Eeeeek! For a week I have dreamed that a fork lift speared it.

They called back and said everything looks good as far as they can tell. That is good news. Lynden Transport has been great with info. It's UPS that has been terrible. It now has a new schedule of Fairbanks on Wednesday, and Healy on Friday. :)

[TodB]

"They called back and said everything looks good as far as they can tell. That is good news. Lynden Transport has been great with info. It's UPS that has been terrible. It now has a new schedule of Fairbanks on Wednesday, and Healy on Friday. :)"

....fingers crossed...

[ct4mom]

Everything that can be crossed is...Hope all goes well!!!

[Judy K]