July 2026

A Sunset, a Swing, and a Gift with a Lasting Memory

Every stained glass project has a story, but this one is especially meaningful.

Last year, a woman took one of my stained glass classes. A few months later, she reached out with a very special request.

She shared this photograph of her Uncle Dan sitting on his favorite swing, watching the sunset over the lake. After his passing, the image had become a treasured family memory. She wanted to give her aunt—who is herself a stained glass artist—a gift that would honor both Uncle Dan and the peaceful place he loved.

As I studied the photograph, I wasn't simply thinking about glass colors or cutting patterns. I was thinking about preserving the warmth of that evening, the glow of the setting sun, and the quiet feeling the photograph captures.

It also became a new way of constructing a piece as the swing was assembled first, and then I crafted the rest around the swing. One part that was a favorite of mine was the green glass on the left side that had gold sparkles in it. Glass selection for this piece was both fun and an artistic challenge.

Then came my favorite part.

When the finished piece caught the summer sunlight for the first time, it came alive in a way a photograph never could. The glass glowed, the colors deepened, and it reminded me why I love this art form so much.

Stained glass has a unique way of telling a story. It changes with the light, inviting us to pause, remember, and see familiar moments in a whole new way.

Summer reminds me of something stained glass artists know well: every piece changes as the light changes. It's one of the reasons I never tire of this art form.

💡 From my workbench

Does the Color on the Back of Copper Foil Matter?

This month, I pulled a terrarium project back onto the workbench after it had been waiting patiently for quite a while. As I started foiling the pieces, I was reminded of something every stained glass artist eventually learns—the color on the back of copper foil really does matter.

Copper foil comes with different backing colors: silver, copper, and black. The backing shows through transparent glass, so choosing the right one helps keep the finished piece looking clean and consistent.

This terrarium had been started with black-backed foil, but the foil had been sitting too long. Fresh foil makes the process much easier, and it's a good reminder that even our supplies have a shelf life. On the other hand, I wondered why I had chosen black-backed foil and I have disassembled the piece, and the foil choice was changed to... silver.

It's one of those little details that most people never notice—but stained glass artists certainly do!

👏 Studio Community

A great day at Whimsy Art Studio

Congratulations to everyone in my recent stained glass class at Whimsy Art Studio! Whether it's someone's very first time cutting glass or they're returning to create another project, it's always rewarding to watch confidence grow right alongside creativity.

In addition to teaching from my Oxford home studio, I'm also the stained glass instructor at Whimsy. I love introducing new artists to this timeless craft—one piece of glass at a time.

🌱 What's Taking Shape in the Studio?

One of my favorite parts of teaching is dreaming up what comes next.

Lately, my workbench has been filled with prototypes as I experiment with new class ideas for the coming months. Some will be perfect for beginners, while others are designed for returning students who are ready for a new challenge.

I can't wait to share these with you once they've been tested, refined, and are ready for the classroom. Here's a sneak peek:

🔗 Ready to Join In?

Whether you're curious about stained glass for the very first time or ready for your next creative project, there's a place to learn with me—in my Oxford studio, at Whimsy Art Studio, or through a community education class.

​👉 View the Current Class Schedule​

Until next time...

Thanks for being part of the Bryce Glass Art community. As a subscriber, you'll always be among the first to hear about new classes, pop-up workshops, and special events.

I'd love to hear from you! If you could create anything in stained glass, what would it be? Just hit Reply and tell me. Your ideas often inspire future classes!

May you find beauty in the light around you—and perhaps create a little of your own.

Warmly,

Margie Bryce​
Bryce Glass Art

810-338-2373