Inspired-glass
Stained glass, fused glass and greetings cards - all handmade in Sunny West Cork, Ireland
Inspired-glass ~ Adrian & Chris Brentnall ~ Ballydehob, Co Cork, Ireland ~ adrian@inspired-glass.com ~ 028 37593
the Inspired-glass Glass Gallery
This Gallery will give you an idea of the range of items we design and produce.
Items from our ‘standard’ range can be purchased from the website - and we welcome your enquires about ‘bespoke’ items. Everything here is hand-made by us - unlike some so-called ‘Irish craft shops’ we don’t sell cheap, imported stained glass or mass-produced ‘handmade’ cards. So there ! <grin>
Please take a look at our gallery of recent work - which is updated regularly.
Prices for smaller items include postage (via An Post, within Ireland).
If you would prefer courier delivery, or postage overseas, please contact us.
Courier delivery (guaranteed next working day) within Ireland typically costs an extra €15.
Small angels
A delightfully simple suncatcher design that has ‘evolved’ over the last ten years or so. Each handmade angel is slightly different, they tend to have clear, irridescent wings, and wispy coloured bodies - but have also been spotted with wispy white wings and/or solid coloured-bodies. Please specify your colour preference when ordering - or leave it up to us and we’ll pick one for you.
Size 4” x 4.5” (10 x 12cm) - €25 each
Decorative fused & stained glass
Angels.
We firmly believe that every home needs at least one angel....
We are often asked ‘Do you believe in angels..?’ - and our answer is always the same :- There are so many Bad Things in this world that there must be some Good Things to balance them out - and if people like to imagine those Good Things as angels then why not?
We have two styles of stained glass angel....
Large Angels
A more elaborate design, that makes a real impact when hung in a sunny window. Recently I’ve been making these from a very ‘ethereal’ wispy glass in either white, pale blue or brown-gold, all with irridescent / clear textured wings - but all things are possible - so please ask if you require a different colour scheme for your angel.
She can carry a variety of coloured glass shapes (butterfly, fish, heart, flower, nugget), a selection of sparkly coloured crystal beads or even a Swarovski crystal! Angels can be facing left or facing right - or even one of each to make a pair. Size 11” x 6.5” (28cm x 17cm) - €65 each.
Contact us to discuss exactly what you’d like before ordering...
These angels look particularly beautiful when built into a larger panel - great for doors, windows etc. (some examples further down this page).
Suncatchers
A general term for anything that you hang up in a window and the suns shines through it.
Many of our suncatchers end up with the seven ‘chakra’ colours in them somewhere - we believe that colour had a profound effect in our lives and general wellbeing - and we hope that these suncatchers can help to lift your spirits.
Petal Chakra Suncatcher
Spiderweb Chakra Suncatcher
Stained-glass suncatchers
The Petal and Spiderweb suncatchers always have the 7 chakra colours, although the centre colour will vary. Made from a variety of different types & textures of glass. Both types can have different size / colour of centre piece, the centre of the Spiderweb suncatcher can be fixed, hanging or suspended on a chain.
Ask if you have a particular centre colour preference.
7” (18cm) diameter €30
The Petal and Spiderweb suncatchers always have the 7 chakra colours, although the centre colour will vary. Made from a variety of different types & textures of glass. Both types can have different size / colour of centre piece, the centre of the Spiderweb suncatcher can be fixed, hanging or suspended on a chain.
Ask if you have a particular centre colour preference.
7” (18cm) diameter €30
Fused chakra suncatchers
Kiln-fused at temperatures up to 800c in a process that take seven hours from start to finish - includes the rainbow or chakra colours, and makes a stunning decorative piece that can also be helpful in healing or meditation.
Comes complete with a fused in wire hanging loop or a bonded-on hanger.
Kiln-fused at temperatures up to 800c in a process that take seven hours from start to finish - includes the rainbow or chakra colours, and makes a stunning decorative piece that can also be helpful in healing or meditation.
Comes complete with a fused in wire hanging loop or a bonded-on hanger.
Diamond chakra -
7” (19cm) long €25
7” (19cm) long €25
Chakra bar -
7” (19cm) long €25
7” (19cm) long €25
Chakra sun-star -
7” (19cm) diameter €25
7” (19cm) diameter €25
West Cork Pyramids
I’ve been making these little stained-glass pyramids and selling them at markets and craft fairs for quite a while now - but such is their popularity that I’ve not managed to get enough of them together to photograph until recently.
Each hand-made pyramid stands between 8 and 10cm tall, and contains a unique mix of genuine West Cork sea-sand, seashells, tiny gemstones, glass shapes and confetti angels.
Best of all - there’s a legend that goes with them....
Best of all - there’s a legend that goes with them....
The Legend of the West Cork Pyramids (cue drum-roll!)
“It is well-known that trade-routes between the Mediterranean and certain locations in West Cork have existed for many thousands of years - and recent archaeological studies have shown evidence of early long-distance trading in caves on Mount Gabriel. What is less well known, is that wise people from West Cork had a hand in the design of the Egyptian pyramids.
Way back around 2600 BC, Pharaoh decided that pyramids were the way to go.
He summoned his Chief Architect, Imhotep, and demanded that suitable designs be drawn up. As these were the first pyramids ever constructed, it follows that Imhotep was starting from a blank sheet of papyrus. He explained his problem to Pharaoh, “We’ve never built such a thing before - and wouldn’t know how to start”. Pharaoh told him to sail to Schull, and consult the legendary wise man who lived in a cave on top of Mount Gabriel.
Realising that disappointing the Pharaoh could be bad for his career, Imhotep set sail - and, some three months later, arrived in West Cork. Dropping anchor in what is nowadays known as Schull Harbour, he set off to climb Mount Gabriel. Almost at the top of the mountain, he found the wise man, in long white robes with an equally long white beard, and with a wild glint in his eye.
After the customary exchange of gifts, polished beads and strong liquor, Imhotep explained his quest - and, to his surprise, the wise man disappeared into the cave, coming back a few minutes later with a rolled-up vellum scroll - which he handed to the startled architect, saying “Pyramid plans - there you go, so!”
(Now every set of plans you’ve ever seen has a little box in the bottom right-hand corner, that gives the scale of the plans. Remember that - it becomes important later on....) Imhotep lost no time in scampering back down the sides of Mount Gabriel, and setting sail on the return leg of his journey. Unfortunately, half-way across the Bay of Biscay, a hurricane blew up, and an amount of seawater came over the side of the boat. Only the Egyptians’ expert seamanship, and a lot of frantic baling, saved the ship from sinking. Unfortunately some of the seawater found its way onto the vellum plans, and the section showing the scale became illegible.
Some months time later, Imhotep’s ship drew up in Egypt, where Pharaoh was standing waiting on the shore. Clearing his throat nervously, Imhotep bowed low to the ground, and greeted his ruler.
“Oh mighty Pharaoh, we have travelled far and wide on your quest, and we have Good News and some Bad News.....”
“Fair enough,” said Pharaoh. “Let’s have the Good News first”
“Oh mighty Pharaoh, we have the plans for the Pyramids......”
Pharaoh, puzzled.... “So what’s the Bad News ?”
Imhotep, holding up the water-stained and partly illegible plans.....
“Trouble is - I can’t remember just how BIG they said we had to make them...!”
“It is well-known that trade-routes between the Mediterranean and certain locations in West Cork have existed for many thousands of years - and recent archaeological studies have shown evidence of early long-distance trading in caves on Mount Gabriel. What is less well known, is that wise people from West Cork had a hand in the design of the Egyptian pyramids.
Way back around 2600 BC, Pharaoh decided that pyramids were the way to go.
He summoned his Chief Architect, Imhotep, and demanded that suitable designs be drawn up. As these were the first pyramids ever constructed, it follows that Imhotep was starting from a blank sheet of papyrus. He explained his problem to Pharaoh, “We’ve never built such a thing before - and wouldn’t know how to start”. Pharaoh told him to sail to Schull, and consult the legendary wise man who lived in a cave on top of Mount Gabriel.
Realising that disappointing the Pharaoh could be bad for his career, Imhotep set sail - and, some three months later, arrived in West Cork. Dropping anchor in what is nowadays known as Schull Harbour, he set off to climb Mount Gabriel. Almost at the top of the mountain, he found the wise man, in long white robes with an equally long white beard, and with a wild glint in his eye.
After the customary exchange of gifts, polished beads and strong liquor, Imhotep explained his quest - and, to his surprise, the wise man disappeared into the cave, coming back a few minutes later with a rolled-up vellum scroll - which he handed to the startled architect, saying “Pyramid plans - there you go, so!”
(Now every set of plans you’ve ever seen has a little box in the bottom right-hand corner, that gives the scale of the plans. Remember that - it becomes important later on....) Imhotep lost no time in scampering back down the sides of Mount Gabriel, and setting sail on the return leg of his journey. Unfortunately, half-way across the Bay of Biscay, a hurricane blew up, and an amount of seawater came over the side of the boat. Only the Egyptians’ expert seamanship, and a lot of frantic baling, saved the ship from sinking. Unfortunately some of the seawater found its way onto the vellum plans, and the section showing the scale became illegible.
Some months time later, Imhotep’s ship drew up in Egypt, where Pharaoh was standing waiting on the shore. Clearing his throat nervously, Imhotep bowed low to the ground, and greeted his ruler.
“Oh mighty Pharaoh, we have travelled far and wide on your quest, and we have Good News and some Bad News.....”
“Fair enough,” said Pharaoh. “Let’s have the Good News first”
“Oh mighty Pharaoh, we have the plans for the Pyramids......”
Pharaoh, puzzled.... “So what’s the Bad News ?”
Imhotep, holding up the water-stained and partly illegible plans.....
“Trouble is - I can’t remember just how BIG they said we had to make them...!”
And that, my friends is why our little stained-glass pyramids are the correct size (only ten centimeters tall), while the ones that they built in Egypt ended up being so enormous, and took so many years and thousands of Nubian slaves to complete.
(And to the lovely, trusting folk who listen to this story at the Markets and Craft Shows of West Cork, and then turn to me, wide-eyed, saying ‘Gee - is that true...?’ - I can only say ‘Would I lie to you ?’)
Now you can purchase your very own, hand-crafted, authentic, right-sized, West Cork Pyramid - for the very reasonable price of only €25 including p&p.
If you have particular requirements for the contents and/or colours then please ask.
All pyramids contain a spoonful of West Cork sea-sand, but can also contain your choice of seashells, confetti angels, glass shapes (fish, stars, moons, pebbles, hearts etc) and tiny polished gemstones (hematite, carnelian, tiger eye, rose quartz, blue lace agate, sodalite, amethyst)
To Order your own personal West Cork Pyramid - please contact us!
(And to the lovely, trusting folk who listen to this story at the Markets and Craft Shows of West Cork, and then turn to me, wide-eyed, saying ‘Gee - is that true...?’ - I can only say ‘Would I lie to you ?’)
Now you can purchase your very own, hand-crafted, authentic, right-sized, West Cork Pyramid - for the very reasonable price of only €25 including p&p.
If you have particular requirements for the contents and/or colours then please ask.
All pyramids contain a spoonful of West Cork sea-sand, but can also contain your choice of seashells, confetti angels, glass shapes (fish, stars, moons, pebbles, hearts etc) and tiny polished gemstones (hematite, carnelian, tiger eye, rose quartz, blue lace agate, sodalite, amethyst)
To Order your own personal West Cork Pyramid - please contact us!
Celtic Chakra panel
“Cedars” panel
The Gift of Love”
Larger panels
These tend to be made to order - but we usually have one or two ready-made examples available. These offer a convenient alternative to a permanently-installed panel. We can, of course, create a panel to suit your design / colour scheme / whatever - please email us to enquire.
“The Gift of Love”
- one of my large angels in shades of amber & gold with wispy pink and white wings, carrying a turquoise-blue heart. She is set in a colourful surround of red, green. blue and gold ‘hammered’ glass. All in a ‘pewter’ timber frame, ready to display.
Size - 18” x 12” (46 x 31cm) - SOLD - although I’m happy to create a similar piece for you
- please contact us to discuss - guide price €160 - depending on glass selected)
“Celtic Chakra” Panel
- Celtic-influenced geometric design with fused-glass nuggets and pale green ‘hammered’-effect glass border. Finished in black patina
Size - 15” x 12” (73 x 31cm) - approx €120 - €140 - SOLD - although I’m happy to create a similar piece for you - please contact us to discuss
Cedars panel - my very first ‘commission’ piece - one of a series of small panels designed to fit into the panes of an old timber ‘sash’ window. Once installed, the panel and its partners face South, and in the sunlight they throw beautiful pools of colour onto the floor in the Church Healing Room. Chakra colours and square ‘prism’ corner and centre pieces - look at the beautiful deep blue - lovely!
Size 8” x 12” - Price - priceless !
Doors & windows in stained glass
We can design door / window panels in stained glass to suit your colour scheme, location and fancy. Prices start from around €300 for a standard-sized 2-panel wooden door, or €600 for a four-panel door - and depend very much on the complexity of your design and the type of glass you want to use. At the Studio we have samples of more than 400 different types and colours of glass - and we can match your windows to your existing colour scheme.
For use with external doors / windows we can supply stand-alone framed panels which can be fitted to the inside of existing windows.
We can use our specialised computer program to design your panels, and show the effect of different types of glass before we agree the final design.
Please take a look at some examples of our recent work, read our section on 'commissioning a stained-glass window', and then contact us for more information.
Stained-glass lamps
These lamps make stunning feature in any room. Each lamp is an unique design, inspired by a handful of glass nuggets, a piece of natural agate slab, or the 'grain' in a sheet of glass.
The lamps are mounted on a base hand-carved from sustainable Irish hardwood, and fitted with a low-energy compact fluorescent lamp and switched mains lead.
We always have a selection of lamps in stock – or commissioned lamps can be made to coordinate with your own colour scheme or design preferences.
Lamps are also available with a hand-etched logo design - great for prizes, gifts, birthdays, weddings etc.
Lamp measure 10cm wide and about 25 – 30 cm tall.
Prices from €75 - please contact us for more information and to discuss a commission or order..
Colour-change
stained-glass moodlights
Similar to our standard stained-glass lamps - but with a soft, low-power, colour-changing mains led lamp.
These make really great moodlights, or a nice nightlight / hall light - or just a lovely light to sit and dream by!
Set on a square timber base, with four stained-glass sides in the colour of your choice, or, like this example, with three sides in stained glass and the fourth in textured clear glass to project the maximum amount of light onto a wall behind the lamp.
Measuring 10cm square and about 25cm tall. Prices from €85 - please contact us for more information and to discuss a commission or order..
Tealights
Very much ‘inspired’ - these lovely little tealight holders are made from mirror-glass on the backs and the bases, in order to reflect the light from the candle through the coloured glass at the front of the tealight.
I never have any idea how these items will turn out - I am simply ‘guided’ to a particular piece of agate, glass, crystal or whatever - and the rest of the tealight sort of ‘falls into place’ around it. Each one is named and signed. (Unfortunately they are also a nightmare to photograph!)
We always have a selection of these beautiful little tealights in stock - but if you have a particular idea, design or colour in mind then please contact us to discuss it.
Size 4” x 4” x 4” (10cm cube) - price €25 each
There’s more.....
We also have a range of fused glass items - including dishes / trays and some amazing dichroic glass jewellery (which is ever so difficult to photograph). Boxed sets of dichroic pendant and earrings are just €35 euro - and we’ll try to get some photos that do this amazing material justice. Trouble is - they’re so lovely that they sell almost as soon as we make them - so your best bet is to catch up with us at one of our Fairs or Shows, and see for yourself - or contact us with your requirements!
Please take a look at our gallery of recent work - which is updated regularly.
