Century Studios

More New Showroom Lamps

2012-01-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

In our previous posting, we showed the 12" Dogwood and mentioned that we had completed two other lamps since the first of the year. All three shades were cut and fit during the holiday season, completed this past month, and are now available for purchase in our showroom.

Despite its small size, the 14" Geranium packs a color punch. Blue, green, red, amber, yellow and orange all blend together in lively harmony. The shade is shown on the Mushroom base. Standing 16" tall, this compact lamp would be a wonderful color accent on a side table, desk, or as a bedside lamp.

By contrast, the generously sized 20" Acorn shade could be used on as a floor lamp, chandelier, or table lamp. This shade is deeper than the other 20" shades, giving the piece the presence of a larger lamp. The shade is shown on the highly detailed Decorated Library base.

Composed in a butter yellow glass with orange undertones, the gently mottled background color has a warm, welcoming look. The acorns are rendered in a more transparent, orange/amber glass that compliments the background color.

12" Dogwood

2012-01-22T19:47:00.000-08:00

Since the first of the year, we have been working to complete three lamps for the showroom that were underway during the Holiday Season.

The first is a 12" Dogwood shade on a very unusual Lundberg Studios blown glass base. This base is much taller than standard Lundberg bases and is one of a pair we have had tucked away for a few years. The color palette for the shade was conceived by Bill to be something a little different for the showroom. The deeply colored confetti glass in the background was made in our studio, and compliments the lavenders and rich tones of the flowers. This lamp is currently available for purchase from our showroom.

Boreas Window

2012-01-16T09:32:00.000-08:00

While Irwin has been working on lamp orders, Bill has been busy creating a new showpiece for the studio. Inspired by the 1903 John William Waterhouse painting titled Boreas, this window will be a multi-layered, plated window, displayed in a custom made light box.

Boreas is the god of the North Wind, and the painting shows a girl in flowing draperies buffeted by the wind as she travels through a blustery spring landscape.

Bill designed the window with a multitude of pieces to represent the flowing gown. In the photo to the right, the under layer of purple & blue glass is in place which will tone her dress. The piecework will be on top of this layer. So far, only minimal painting has been done on the face, which will require multiple kiln firings.

Recent Projects

2012-01-08T06:58:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of projects we completed in December.
Pet portraits are popular, and many artists and painters specialize in this genre of art. We occasionally get requests for pet portraits in stained glass, and this window was commissioned by a local client. The delightful trio of pups are relaxing in a regional landscape.

Completed just before Christmas, this 18 Light Lily Chandelier is on display in our showroom. We now have examples of all three lily chandelier fixtures on display - 7 light, 12 light and 18 light. For the 18, we decided to add a lustre glass ball into the stem for variety, and the fixture can be created with or without the ball.

Thank You for a Fantastic Year!

2011-12-31T08:39:00.000-08:00

In 2011, we introduced 10 new shade designs to our list of available patterns. With the addition of these new patterns, we have increased our shade offerings to over 150 different designs. For more information on each of the patterns shown below, look at our blog entries from the month listed.

January - 20" Windswept Daffodil
April - 20" Acorn
March - 18" Turtleback shade (a variation on the 18" Turtleback shades we have created in the past - we now offer three versions of this shade)
June - 18" Alamander
14" Chestnut - (an original Century Studios' shade design created by Bill Campbell)July - 18" Oak Leaf
20" Daffodil TurbanAugust - 30" Lotus Blossom Chandelier
September - 12" Geometric Turban
November - 22" Chestnut (our version of a Tiffany Studios shade design which does not appear to have been produced, even though a sample panel was made)
We also had a busy year with introducing bases and metalwork. In addition to creating customized chandelier fixtures for several clients, we added several new lamp bases to our line. New bases include the Doric Column Torchiere, the Budding Urn Pottery & Bronze base (created with Ephraim Faience Pottery), and the Lustre Ball Base. We also created our first reproduction floor base; the Bamboo Jr. Floor base.

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-24T06:53:00.000-08:00

Century Studios is closed for the Holidays. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday January 3. Thank you to all our clients and friends for making 2011 a great year!

-Irwin & Bill

One Week Left!

2011-12-17T11:58:00.000-08:00

HOLIDAY HOURS
For the Week Before Christmas

Saturday Dec 17 10 - 4
Sunday Dec 18 12 - 4
Monday Dec 19 CLOSED
Tuesday Dec 20 10 - 6
Wednesday Dec 21 10 - 6
Thursday Dec 22 10 - 6
Friday Dec 23 10 - 6

Century Studios will be closed
Saturday Dec 24 through Monday Jan 2
We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday Jan 3

Lily Chandelier & Oz Window

2011-12-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

This week we completed the 12 Light Lily Chandelier for our showroom. As with the 7 Light Lily Chandelier featured last week, this fixture is created in our studio, finished in a verdigris patina, and can be made at different lengths. On this fixture, we have used two styles of blown glass lily shades - one type is gently fluted, the other is more trumpet shaped. Since the fixture is inspired by a blooming lily plant, we thought it would be nice to have the "blossoms" at different stages of openness on the fixture.

We completed the Oz window for our local client. The completed window was framed in wood to be used a free hanging piece in our client's home.

This is based on the endpapers drawn by John R. Neill for Ozma of Oz, L. Frank Baum's third book in the Oz book series. Bill spent a lot of time painting the details in the figures - painting on glass is achieved by using powdered minerals which are ground into a "paint" and have to be kiln fired onto the surface of the glass. Similar to china painting, the colors are built up gradually, and each piece of glass must be fired multiple times.

HOLIDAY HOURS
Now through December 23
Tuesday through Friday 10 - 6
Saturday 10 - 4
Sunday 12 - 4
Closed Mondays
651-699-4838

Lily Chandelier & More

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

This past week we completed two light fixtures, a chandelier and a small table lamp. Both are available for purchase in our showroom.

The first is a 7 Light Lily Chandelier. Blossoming from a cast bronze basket, each stem rhythmically twists upward and flares out, ending in a blown glass lily. This fixture is created in our studio, finished in a verdigris patina, and can be made at different lengths. We will also be finishing up a 12 Light Lily Chandelier and an 18 Light Lily Chandelier in the next week or so.

Also new to the showroom this week is a lovely 10" Azalea shade. This detailed Tiffany design features azalea flowers in full bloom within a trellis. The flowers play against the green trellis and blended orange/green coloration of the background glass. The 10" Azalea is shown on the Lustre Ball base.

The Lustre Ball Base is a brand new addition to our lamp offerings. This petite lamp base is Century Studios' own interpretation of a rare Tiffany Studios candlestick/lamp base, and is created in our studio. The cast bronze bottom has a feeling of open airiness and sits on 16 feet, while the 16 glass balls surrounding the foot of the base add further dimension to this sculptural casting. The lustre surface of the balls reflects light, and the look is completed with two larger lustre balls incorporated into the stem.

HOLIDAY HOURS
Now through December 23
Tuesday through Friday 10 - 6
Saturday 10 - 4
Sunday 12 - 4
Closed Mondays
651-699-4838

Letter Openers

2011-12-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Our reproduction Tiffany Letter Openers make the perfect Holiday Gift! Cast in solid bronze, these "paper knives"are functional and beautiful. Each comes boxed with a description of the pattern. We offer seven styles of letter opener. $95.00 each.

Adam - The Adam pattern takes its inspiration from the neoclassical designs of architect Robert Adam (1728 - 1792). This knife is designed with a single, asymmetrical cutting edge and a decorative rosette at the hilt.
Bookmark - This elegant, slender design features the typographical marks of early printers and publishers from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
Chinese - A highly stylized dragon motif decorates the Chinese letter opener.
9th Century - This knife features a friendly, bushy tailed animal on each side of the handle. The intricate scrolling recalls medieval churches and illuminated manuscripts.
Venetian - The highly decorative patterning on the handle gives this knife an expensive look and feel.
Early Zodiac - The Zodiac motif was Tiffany Studios most popular desk set pattern. The decoration on this knife has an elegant simplicity which suggests Celtic origins.

Zodiac - Due to the popularity of the Zodiac desk set, a more elaborately patterned paper knife was introduced with zodiac symbols on each side.HOLIDAY HOURS
Now through December 23
Tuesday through Friday 10 - 6
Saturday 10 - 4
Sunday 12 - 4
Closed Mondays
651-699-4838

16" Fern Shade

2011-11-28T06:25:00.000-08:00

We recently completed a 16" Fern shade for a client in Texas. This rare Tiffany Studios pattern is a mix between a naturalistic and a stylized design . Boldly symmetrical, the shade has a strong graphic sensibility while remaining true to the plant it represents.

The client requested a clear contrast between the ferns and the background color in this shade, with green ferns and a white background glass. The background was cut from a translucent white glass with green fracture/streamer. The fracture gives the shade an added interest, as if more plant stems can be seen through the fronds.

Shades of this type always take a bit of fortitude to create because there are so many small pieces which look very similar. Organization is key to keeping everything in its place throughout the construction process. It is easy to get confused when all the pieces start to look alike. To the right, Irwin is shown transferring the foiled pieces onto the waxed lamp form, and to the left he is shown soldering the inside of the shade.

The Fern is shown on the Cereus base. This distinctive bronze reproduction lamp base was created in our studio using molds taken from an original Tiffany Studios' example. The highly three dimensional design of the Cereus base takes its inspiration from a Nightblooming Cereus Cactus. Deep incuts define the ribs of the cactus while flowers bloom at the top of the casting.

Upon receiving the completed lamp, our client wrote, "The lamp is now in place and it is fantastic. It is not a well known design but it is one that I fell in love with the first time I saw a picture of it many years ago. I never thought I would have my own reproduction."

HOLIDAY HOURS
Now through December 23
Tuesday through Friday 10 - 6
Saturday 10 - 4
Sunday 12 - 4
Closed Mondays

Hooch Bottles

2011-11-25T06:59:00.000-08:00

As we kick off our first weekend of extra Holiday Hours, we are offering the distinctive Hooch Bottles by Turner & Scratch Pottery at a special price.

These fantastic bottles are hand thrown and decorated, and each is emblazoned with a Skull & Crossbone design. Glazed inside and out, the bottles are water/liquor tight and each comes with a cork. Hooch Bottles are generously sized and will hold almost a complete bottle of your favorite, or most feared liquor.

HOLIDAY HOURS
Now through December 23
Tuesday through Friday 10 - 6
Saturday 10 - 4
Sunday 12 - 4
Closed Mondays

Holiday Hours

2011-11-23T07:06:00.000-08:00

CENTURY STUDIOS
HOLIDAY HOURS
Now through December 23

Tuesday through Friday 10 - 6
Saturday 10 - 4
Sunday 12 - 4
Closed Mondays

We will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 24th

1816 St. Clair Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55105

651-699-4838

18" Poinsettia Trellis

2011-11-20T10:43:00.000-08:00

To kick off the Holiday Season, we have made up an 18" Poinsettia Trellis lamp. Completed just in time for our Holiday Open House this past Friday evening, the lamp was featured prominently in our showroom. Our Open House was well attended, and we ended up not leaving the studio until well after 10pm!

This richly colored 18" Poinsettia radiates warmth with a deep orange/amber background glass and yellow/amber trellis. Forming a band around the shade, the abundant poinsettias are rendered in jewel like tones of vibrant red and reds flecked with amber. In the photo to the left, Irwin is foiling a portion of the lamp.

This generously proportioned shade is shown on a Kendrick design pottery base. The pottery portion of the base was created by Ephraim Faience Pottery, and is a hand made reproduction of a Grueby Pottery base. Glazed in their distinctive Antique Green glaze, the base is a perfect compliment to this shade. The 18" Poinsettia lamp is currently available for purchase in our showroom.

Open House Tonight!

2011-11-18T06:32:00.000-08:00

Our Holiday Open House IS TONIGHT from 6pm to 9pm! Join us as we kick off our Holiday Season. Meet local potter Nick McArdell of Turner & Scratch Pottery and see his latest creations. Refreshments will be served.

Open House

2011-11-16T06:16:00.000-08:00

Our Holiday Open House is this Friday, November 18th from 6pm to 9pm! Join us as we kick off our Holiday Season. Refreshments will be served.

In addition to several new pieces by Century Studios, we will be showcasing new works by Turner & Scratch Pottery. Potter Nick McArdell from Turner & Scratch will be in the studio.

22" Chestnut

2011-11-13T20:20:00.000-08:00

This week, we introduce a new shade pattern which is a hybrid - the 22" Chestnut shade. This is a Century Studios' version of a Tiffany Studios shade design which does not appear to have been produced. For years, we have been fascinated by the salesman's sample panel of the Chestnut lamp which currently resides in the Morse Museum in Winter Park, Florida. The panel has appeared in several books on Tiffany lamps, but no completed shade seems to exist for this pattern and the lamp does not appear on the Tiffany price lists. This lack of concrete information for the lamp inspired us to work up our version of this unusual shade.

With only a photo of the panel and some general measurements to go by, we had to determine what size and shape would best fit the pattern. After much experimentation, we finally decided to create the shade as a 22" modified turban shape. The shape seemed to fit the pattern well and at the 22" shade size the flowers and leaves appeared to be life sized - something that is common in most Tiffany floral shade designs. Bill adapted the pattern to the form and we were able to commence creating the shade.
Using the original panel for color inspiration, our shade is rendered in richly saturated colors. At the top of the shade, the abundant flowers are viewed at the peak of bloom, and the colors are saturated with pinks, red tones and hints of off white. The large leaves overlap one another on the lower half, drawing the colors of the flowers down the shade. The background areas, viewed amongst the foliage and below the leaves was cut from fracture glass to give the shade additional color and interest. The fracture (or confetti) glass used on the top half of the shade was created in our studio specifically for this shade.

After completing this shade, it was surprising to us that there are no original Tiffany Studios' examples of this shade. The pattern is lush and has a vitality and movement that is the hallmark of the best of Tiffany Studios. The 22" Chestnut shade was created for a client in Illinois, and is shown on the Twisted Vine base. This stunning pattern would also make a wonderful chandelier fixture or floor lamp.

Oz Window & Holiday Open House

2011-11-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

Bill has been working on another Oz-themed stained glass window - see the posting from August 2, 2010 for a previous Oz-themed creation. Commissioned by a local client, here are a couple shots of the progress.

This window is based on the endpapers drawn by John R. Neill for Ozma of Oz, L. Frank Baum's third Oz title. Bill had to made some minor adjustments to the image, but it's a pretty straight-forward adaptation of the original illustration. To the right, you can see the pattern, or cartoon, for the window.

On the left, pieces are being cut and fit to create the window. Below, all the glass has been cut and fit, and painting on the characters is beginning. We will show the completed window in a future post.

Century Studios will be having a Holiday Open House on from Friday November 18th from 6pm to 9pm! Join us as we kick off our Holiday Season. Refreshments will be served.

In addition to several new pieces by Century Studios, we will be showcasing new works by Turner & Scratch Pottery. Potter Nick McArdell from Turner & Scratch will be in the studio. We are also expecting a shipment of new pieces from Bur Oak Pottery.

16" Geometric

2011-10-30T10:10:00.001-07:00

We recently completed a 16" Geometric shade for a client in Canada. The client requested deep red tone, and we made the shade in a rich, velvety red glass. The shade was mated with the Ribbed w/Arms base.

Bamboo Floor Base & Jeweled Feather Shade

2011-10-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

This week we introduce a new floor base to our offerings - the Bamboo Jr. Floor Base. Made in our studio using molds taken from an original Tiffany Studios' example, the Bamboo Jr. Floor Base is lost wax cast in solid bronze.
The base starts at the floor resting on eight cushion feet tucked under the bronze disk. The bamboo spays out over the disk as a three dimensional openwork cage, gathering into a realistically detailed stem which moves upwards, ending in a three pronged split tripod to support the shade. The base has six lights.

We are showing the base with the 22" Bamboo shade. The lamp is capped with a reproduction Bamboo Cap, which completes the look of the piece. This base lends an exotic flair to any of our 22" shade designs, and works especially well with peony shades. The 25" Rose Bush or Roman shades also look great on this base, as do any of our 28" cone shades.

Also new to our showroom is a recently competed 16" Jeweled Feather shade. This abstract shade design has chunky pressed glass jewels at the top and ripple glass in the teardrop shaped pieces at the center of the lamp, resulting in a very textured lamp. We are showing the shade on the Small Stick base.

Inverted Chandelier Fixtures

2011-10-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

We have had a run on chandelier fixtures lately. We have recently completed two pendant 7" Geometric shades to hang over a kitchen island, a ceiling flush mount 14" Geometric shade, and two inverted chandelier fixtures.

The first is a retrofit on a 22" Dogwood shade we created some years ago which was purchased by a local client. The client recently moved into a new home and decided to have the shade hung as an inverted chandelier fixture. This large fixture has a total length of 36" to hang from a 9' ceiling over a dining table.

The second is a 16" Woodbine shade which was commissioned by a couple in Maryland to hang over a table in their breakfast nook. The colors of the shade were chosen to be autumnal in flavor. The photo to the right shows one section of the lamp on our light table. Woodbine, or Virginia Creeper, turns fiery red in the fall, and this shade combines a stylized geometric honeycomb background with an abundance of lush foliage.

The ceiling in the area is 8' tall, and the fixture was made to be 25" in length. As with any inverted chandelier, the majority of the light is sent skyward to bounce off the ceiling and illuminate the room. This shade would work equally well on a table base. To the right we are showing the shade on the Mock Turtle base.

16" Dragonfly

2011-10-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

We have featured this 16" Dragonfly shade in a previous blog posting, but only recently completed this Pond Lily - Pottery & Bronze base. The base and shade perfectly compliment each other. The bronze portions for the Pond Lily base are created in our studio using molds taken from an original Tiffany Studios example, and represent one of the earliest lamp base designs offered by Tiffany Studios.

Created to our specifications by Ephraim Faience Pottery, the blue and purple glaze colors of the pottery insert mimic the colors of this lustrous shade. The red-eyed dragonflies skim the surface of this shimmering shade with its cool, watery tones of blue and green.

16" Geometric

2011-10-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

Now that we've finished our September show at the State Fairgrounds, we're back to work on commissions and new pieces for our showroom.

This 16" Geometric w/Triangles is a recently completed lampshade, shown here on the Vial base. This shade features heavily mottled glass in a forest green and smokey gray blue. The shade is currently available at our studio.

10" Acorn Torchiere Lamps

2011-09-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

This past weekend at the Arts & Crafts Show, we featured several newly made lamps in our booth. Of these recently created pieces, we introduced a new design to our line of bases - the Doric Column Torchiere base.

This reproduction Tiffany Studios base was made in our studio and is a variation on on the Doric Column base. On our yearly trips to New York City, we had noticed a pair of original examples at the Armory when we toured the Tiffany-designed rooms there.

The torchiere base is perfect for way to provide indirect lighting and can be used on a buffet, side table, atop a bookcase, or on a wide fireplace mantle. We are showing the lamps with a matching pair of 10" Acorn shades, and this base can also be created with 8" or 12" inverted shades. These lamps are sold individually are are currently available for purchase in our showroom.

2011 Arts & Crafts Show

2011-09-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

Our booth is set up and ready for the 2011 Arts & Crafts Show. The show takes place at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds in St. Paul, and is held in the Progress Center. Stop by and visit 50 dealers.

Show hours:
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm.
$7.00 admission for the show
Free parking on the grounds

12 Light Lily Lamp & Show

2011-09-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of the Arts & Crafts Show this coming weekend, we have put the finishing touches on a 12 Light Lily Table Lamp. The bronze lamp is created in our studio using molds taken from an original Tiffany Studios example. The lamp is shown with reproduction gold lustre lily shades. Feathered shades are also available for this lamp.

Century Studios will be exhibiting at the 12th Annual Arts & Crafts Show & Sale this coming weekend, Saturday and Sunday, September 24th & 25th. The show is held annually at the Progress Center on the Minnesota State Fair Grounds in St. Paul, MN. Our booth will be in a new location this year, just around the corner from our previous spot. We will be closed Friday September 23 to set up for the show. For more information on the show, go to Eastwood Gallery.

Commission Lamps

2011-09-12T18:38:00.001-07:00

This past week we completed a couple of lamps which were commissioned by clients in the Upper Midwest. The first was a 12" Geometric shade which was executed in red with linen white borders. The shade was used on the Torpedo Base, which was created at our studio.

We also completed a 16" Dragonfly shade that has a lot of blended color. While primarily green, the background has touches of yellow, orange and blue blended throughout. The dragonfly bodies and wings were made from ripple glass which gives the shade a lot of texture. Also unusual on the shade were the upper and lower border rows, which were executed from a pink glass. This look occurred occasionally on original Tiffany shades, and we really liked how the abrupt color shift accentuated the shade. The client provided his own base, but we are showing the shade on the Small Stick Base.

Letter Openers

2011-09-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

Century Studios is pleased to offer four new designs to our line of reproduction Tiffany Studios Letter Openers. Each letter opener (or Paper Knife) is cast in solid bronze and finished in a brown/green patina. Letter openers were originally included as part of Tiffany Studios' desk sets and remain one of the most functional and popular pieces from the sets. We currently offer seven styles to choose from. Each letter opener is priced at $95.00.

New! Adam - The Adam pattern takes its inspiration from the neoclassical designs of architect Robert Adam (1728 - 1792). This knife is designed with a single, asymmetrical cutting edge and a decorative rosette at the hilt.
New! Bookmark - This elegant, slender design features the typographical marks of early printers and publishers from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
Chinese - A highly stylized dragon motif decorates the Chinese letter opener.
9th Century - This knife features a friendly, bushy tailed animal on each side of the handle. The intricate scrolling recalls medieval churches and illuminated manuscripts.
New! Venetian - The highly decorative patterning on the handle gives this knife an expensive look and feel.
New! Early Zodiac - The Zodiac motif was Tiffany Studios most popular desk set pattern. The decoration on this knife has an elegant simplicity which suggests Celtic origins.
Zodiac - Due to the popularity of the Zodiac desk set, a more elaborately patterned paper knife was introduced with zodiac symbols on each side.

Arts & Crafts Show

2011-08-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Arts & Crafts Show, September 24th & 25th at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds. This is the 12th annual show, and we will be exhibiting again this year along with over 50 dealers of antique and reproduction furnishings and decorative arts.

For more information on the show, go to Eastwood Gallery.

30" Lotus Blossom Chandelier

2011-08-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

Blooming water plants were a favorite design inspiration for Louis Comfort Tiffany. Arrowhead, waterlily, lily pad, and lotus flowers appear in windows, as decorative elements on numerous items, and in several lamps created by Tiffany Studios. Tiffany's signature dragonfly shades, and several fish lamp designs continue the fascination with pond life. We have recently completed a reproduction of the 30" Lotus Blossom Chandelier, one of the most spectacular stained glass chandelier fixtures created by Tiffany Studios.

A beautiful flowering water plant, the lotus is often confused with the waterlily. Petals of the lotus flower have a distinctive shape, and most parts of the plant are edible and are used in international cuisines. The plants have strong roots and thrive in muddy streams and pools, inspiring many religious connections going back to ancient times. Lotus plants are heat producing (to attract cold blooded pollinators), and are one of the only plants which blooms and bears fruit at the same time. The flowers open at daybreak and close at nightfall.
Measuring an impressive 30" in diameter, the shade is one of the largest stained glass fixtures created by Tiffany Studios for domestic use. This design may have originally been a special order - only one original example of the Lotus Blossom chandelier is known to exist, and the lamp does not appear on the original price guides. The photo to the right shows Irwin soldering the outside of the shade.

This bold design showcases these showy flowers in bud and full bloom, and this design is a perfect vehicle to feature rare and unusual glass. To create this shade, we have pulled choice examples of rare glass made by Schlitz, Lins (both of these glassmakers are long out of business), Youghiogheny, Uroboros, and some very unusual sheet glass made at Century Studios. A strong mix of pink, purple, red/orange and yellow were used to create the spectacular flowers in this shade. To the left, Bill is seen picking a fracture glass that will be incorporated into the top of the shade.

The shade is suspended from six chains which hook onto a cast bronze crown. The reproduction crown and fixture are created in our studio and the length can be adjusted to a client's specifications. This impressive chandelier fixture is currently available for purchase in our showroom.

20" Nasturtium Shade

2011-08-14T09:54:00.000-07:00

A recent addition to our showroom is this colorful 20" Nasturtium Shade. The shade has a non-repeating pattern, and the saucer-like shape is the perfect vehicle for this Tiffany Studios design. Usually a shade will utilize three or four repeated sections to create the shade, although there are also two, five, seven and even nine repeat patterns. Non-repeating patterns offer the viewer the option of seeing something different from every viewing angle. The photo above shows one half of the shade on the light table while the other half has been foiled and transferred to the form.

At this time of year, nasturtiums can be seen creeping across the garden, climbing over rocky areas and mounding in colorful profusion. The flowers and leaves are edible, and offer a peppery kick to salads. This shade perfectly replicates the large lily pad shaped leaves and multicolored flowers of this cheerful plant. The pattern ebbs and flows across the surface of the shade with clusters of leaves prevalent in some areas, and an abundance of flowers blooming wildly in others.

We are showing this shade on our new Budding Urn Pottery Base. This shade works equally well on a number of different table bases. This lamp is currently available for purchase in our showroom.

Ceiling Fixture and New Lamp Base

2011-08-07T08:43:00.001-07:00

Today we introduce two new non-stained glass offerings to our showroom. The first is a 5 Light Ceiling Fixture. This ceiling light is 14" across and flush mounts to any ceiling box. It has 5 pendant blown trumpet shades interspersed with 5 gold lustre glass balls. The pendant balls are positioned to reflect the light from the shades. This fixture can be used with several styles of blown glass shades.

Our second addition is a new reproduction pottery lamp base design. Created to our specifications by Ephraim Faience Pottery, the Budding Urn Pottery Base is inspired by an original Grueby Pottery design. Our reproduction Tiffany Studios metalwork has three lights, and this base can be used with 18" or 20" shades. The base is shown with the 18" Oak Leaf currently available in our showroom.

15" Spider Lamp

2011-07-31T09:46:00.000-07:00

Deep amber glass was used to create this 15" Spider Lamp for an Illinois client. The glass used was a semi-transparent golden amber/red amber mix. The rich tones give this shade the warm glow of smoldering embers from a dying fire. The Spider lamp combines geometric and representational design sensibilities, and continues to be a favorite with our clients.

This Spider shade was mated with the Mushroom Base. Tiffany Studios almost always used this shade/base combination together, even though the shade can be put onto many different lamp bases.

Plum Blossom Window

2011-07-24T19:13:00.000-07:00

A recent addition to our showroom is this Plum Blossom window. The window pictures a flowering branch from a plum tree in a vase. Three layers of plated glass were used to create the vase, and additional plating was done on the table cloth.

The design on the vase was achieved by hand cutting a stencil on a piece of two layer flash glass, and then sand blasting the thinner layer of color to leave the design onto the surface of the glass. Bill is seen laying out the floral portions of this piece in the photo to the left.

The blue border consists of very three dimensional "iceberg" jewels. As you can see in the photo to the right, the jewels give a textural look to the window. This window is currently available in our showroom.

Wally Birds

2011-07-17T10:47:00.001-07:00

This past week, a new flock of Wally Birds flew in from Bur Oak Pottery in Wisconsin. Wally Birds were originally created by the Martin Brothers Pottery in England in the late 19th/early 20th century. They are named after creator Wallace Martin, the eldest of this eccentric family of potters.

Taking inspiration from the originals, each one of our exceptional bird jars is sculpted by hand using stoneware clay which is baked in a wood-fired kiln. Artist/creator Ed Klein then perches each bird on a painted, hand turned wooden base just like the originals. The heads lift off so you can stash your secret trinkets inside. Each bird is a one of a kind creation.

Our current flock includes:

H.R.H. the Majestic Bird - Standing a full 26" from tabletop to the crown of his feathered dome, this is by far the largest Wally Bird every created by Bur Oak Pottery.

Double Trouble - wooden base 6.5" x 12", 13" tall - This devilish duo is plotting their next raid on the bird feeder. Double birds are very uncommon and difficult to create. The head of each bird is removable and swivels to reflect the change in the conversation.

Shrewd Bird - 17.5" tall - This crafty fellow is larger than most of the other birds around him (see the group photo above) and is definitely considering something shady.

Shy Bird - 12" tall - This little fellow has reluctantly left the nest and is looking for a quiet, retiring perch to call his own.

Opera & Laughing Birds - each is 13" tall - The Opera Bird is in full song, content to let its aria wake the neighbors. The Laughing Bird is enjoying life to the fullest, finding amusement everywhere he goes. With his mop of unruly blue feathers atop his head, this is artist Ed Klein's favorite bird from this grouping.

Worried Bird - 13" tall - Unsure where his next worm or crust of bread is coming from, this dyspeptic fellow has an intense expression with dark rimmed pop eyes.

Frowning Bird - 13" tall - Surly, with an attitude that says, "Don't even try it", this little fellow means business.

Fat Friar (or Fryer) - 13" tall - This jovial, well fed monk has a double chin and a traditional tonsure haircut with a bald spot on the back of his head. Invite this bird for dinner, or to be the main course!

Wiley Bird - 13" tall - An evil grin, a sharp pointed beak, and crafty look says this bird has more than birdseed on his mind.

The Twins, Quincy & Martin - 10.5" tall - Named after our 4th and 6th presidents (whom they resemble strongly), this pair of baby birds are the early birds. Quincy, on the left, was earlier and got the worm...which explains why he is grinning. Martin wasn't early enough, missed breakfast, and is frowning.

Contact us at 651-699-4838 or centurystudios@visi.com for pricing and availability.

18" Oak Leaf

2011-07-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

New to our showroom is this 18" Oak Leaf shade. The pattern is one of the many "banded" shade designs created by Tiffany Studios. The decorative band consist of oak leaves and acorns swirling across the shade, while the geometric upper and lower borders provide a calming influence.
We created this example with a light green mottled glass. The acorns use a heavily mottled glass to cleverly create the caps and nuts within each piece of glass. The shade is shown on the Decorated Library base, and could be mated with many different table bases. This shade would also make an attractive chandelier fixture. This lamp is currently in our showroom and is available for purchase.

20" Daffodil Turban Shade

2011-07-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

This week we are very excited to add another new shade design to our lamp offerings - the 20" Daffodil Turban. This Tiffany Studios' design has a stylized naturalism which represents the best of the Tiffany floral shades. The flowers, while "growing" on the shade as if in a garden, are placed mirror image in such a way as to create an arching pattern around the shade.

The example pictured was created for an out of state client in tones of pale blues, purples and greens with vivid golden daffodil flowers. The many borders in the shade change color subtly from top to bottom.

With the addition of the 20" Daffodil Turban shade, we have increased our 20" daffodil shade offerings to include four designs! The ever popular 20" Daffodil remains one of our favorite Tiffany lamp designs and makes a fantastic table lamp or chandelier fixture.
The 20" Windswept Daffodil is a variation on the standard daffodil, but with more movement in the flowers.
The 20" Jonquil Daffodil is a generous dome that has features two different varieties of flower on the same shade.

22" Geometric Shade

2011-06-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

This past week we completed a 22" Geometric lamp for a Midwest client. This large "brickwork" design is often called the "O'Brien Brick", possibly because the original Tiffany Studios' client was named O'Brien. Our client requested a dramatic shift in color on the shade. The rich red at the top of the shade blends down to a lush verdant green at the bottom.

The shade is shown on the impressive Telescoping Library base. This highly detailed base features six lights and hand applied wire work on the stem.

Impressionist Window

2011-06-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

We recently completed a window for a local client which was inspired by a large Impressionist landscape painting by Monet. For our client's purposes, we trimmed the image down to a smaller detail of the overall painting. So, we have a bit of landscape with a riot of brightly colored flowers in the foreground - a very colorful window hanging! Windows can be designed at several pricing levels, and this represents the starting point of our window pricing and design.

18" Alamander

2011-06-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

At Century Studios, we have introduced a flurry of new shade designs this spring. The most recent reproduction Tiffany shade design is the 18" Alamander. This shallow cone features a wealth of flowers in full bloom across the surface of the shade. The shade is the same size and shape as the 18" Clematis cone.

The Alamander (also called Allamander and Allamanda) is a warm climate plant native to South and Central America which grows as a large flowering shrub. In the wild, Alamander is often found near streams and ponds and is a fast growing, sometimes invasive plant. It is often called "Golden Trumpet" even though cultivated varieties can have white or purple flowers.

For this shade, we created flowers in a multitude of amber and yellow glasses, taking advantage of the deep oranges to create shadow and depth. The background glass for this stunning shade is executed in a fracture glass made by Schlitz Studios (Schlitz was an exceptional glass maker that has been out of business for over a decade). The warm amber background glass is accentuated with green and orange fractures which lends a fullness to the design. Texture was added to the shade with ripple borders.

The shade is shown on the Flask Base. This exceptional base has green glass blown into the bronze openwork.

14" Chestnut Shade

2011-06-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

Century Studios is pleased to present another new original shade design, the 14" Chestnut. Taking our inspiration from an antique hand painted glass lamp base, Bill Campbell created this wonderful shade design.

Designing a new shade pattern is always a challenging prospect, even when the shade is small. Bill referenced not only the painted lamp base, but also photographs of chestnut trees in bloom. This shade has a three repeat design, and getting each third to flow harmoniously together took a lot of fiddling and skill. The resulting design has a fullness and depth, showing the leaves and flowers of the chestnut in full bloom.

The shade colors were chosen to work with the glass base. The light green background and pale pink/white flowers are contrasted with deeper greens in the leaves. This design would be equally stunning with bolder tones for the leaves, flowers, and background.

In the above photograph, Bill is shown moving the foiled pieces of glass onto the waxed form for soldering. Below, a close-up photograph shows the detail of the design.

20" Arrowhead Lamp

2011-05-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

We recently completed a 20" Arrowhead shade for a client in Texas. The client has an antique Grueby pottery base that the shade is now illuminating.

The arrowhead design has a distinctly arts and crafts feel to it. This design has a fairly unique Tiffany Studios approach - representational, yet stylized and rhythmic in its execution.

With a sunset orange sky at the top, through the lush green foliage, and continuing to the white flowers, the piece has strong colors throughout the shade. Bill is seen foiling a portion of the shade and Irwin is busy soldering in the second photo.

22" Peony Shade

2011-05-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

This past week we completed a 22" Peony shade for our showroom. The shade is now on display and available for purchase.

The color inspiration for this shade was based on the 22" Peony shade once owned by Barbara Striesand, with a rich amber/yellow background that supports a riot of peony flowers in full bloom. Flower colors range from white with hints of red/pink to deep crimson reds.

Tiffany Studios created two versions of the 22" Peony shade, along with a third 22" "Elaborate" Peony design. This is the first time we have created this second version of the 22" Peony shade, and we now offer this design in either variation.

It is not unusual to find several versions of the same shade pattern. Floral lamps were designed by Clara Driscoll and once the pattern was approved, thin copper templates were made for each piece in the lamp. After several shades were cut using these templates, they would become worn down and new templates would need to be made. This offered the lamp department the opportunity to implement changes to the designs.

Often, flowers and leaves were added or removed, and some shapes to the pieces would be altered. Sometimes the changes were dramatic (look at our 16" Tulip and 16" Tulip Field shades), but often it takes a keen eye to spot the differences between shades. Spotting differences becomes even more difficult because the lamps were made in so many different color schemes.

Chandeliers

2011-05-16T07:01:00.000-07:00

We completed our order for multiple chandelier fixtures and shipped them to New York state.
The 22" Turtleback shade has five lights inside and a large turtleback tile at the bottom of the shade. The amber turtleback tiles are complimented by the rich amber background glass.

The two other fixtures were a pair of inverted 16" Acorn chandeliers. We seem to be working in multiples this year, creating matchings pairs of lamps for clients. These two fixtures will hang in the same room and have a turtleback tile at the bottom of each shade. Each fixture has three lights illuminating the shade. In the photo at the top of the posting, you can see that the acorn band has a greener background than the rest of the shade, setting off the acorns themselves from the geometric rows.

Last week we sent out the 2011 Limited Edition Dragonfly Vases to everyone who ordered them. Our edition of 25 numbered pieces is sold out. Watch for delivery this week!

Owl Window

2011-05-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

A local client recently commissioned an owl window for her husband as a birthday gift. The completed window was approximately 27" x 30" and was finished in a cherry frame to hang in his home office/study.

Using a favorite print by John James Audubon as inspiration for the window, we were asked to add more color to the image since the original print shows owls against a fairly flat night sky. Bill added drama to the image with the background glass.

The owls are completely hand painted on the glass by Bill, using powdered minerals which are fired in a kiln to fuse the painting to the surface of the glass. Using the print as a guide, the details of feathers and faces are recreated on the glass.

Once the owls were completely painted and fired, the window was foiled and soldered together.

The completed window made a wonderful birthday surprise.

22" Turtleback Chandelier

2011-04-25T15:55:00.001-07:00

We have been working on a suite of chandelier fixtures for an East Coast client. The largest of the three is a 22" Turtleback shade. Irwin is seen soldering the band of turtleback tiles into position on the shade. We will show the completed suite of fixtures in a future posting.

20" Acorn Shade

2011-04-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

Large geometric shades are always impressive, and perfectly combine simplicity and detail without the lushness of their floral counterparts. The 20" Acorn shade is a perfect example of how a large shade can be entrancing, yet remain simple.

We recently completed a 20" Acorn shade for a client in Louisiana. The beginning of the process employed to create a geometric shade is slightly different from a floral. When we create a geometric shade, the pieces are cut and fit row by row, beginning at the top of the shade. The challenge to cutting a geometric shade is to keep the rows lined up both horizontally and vertically on the three dimensional surface of the form.

Once the geometric portion of the shade is cut and fit on the form, the decorative band is laid out and the entire lamp is foiled by hand in preparation for the soldering. Checking to make sure that the lines remain very straight, the shade is soldered, cleaned and patinated.

In the photo at the top of this posting, the completed lamp is shown on the highly detailed Decorated Library base. Upon receiving the shade, our client wrote to tell us, "Just got the shade in...LOVE IT!"

Glass and Lamps

2011-04-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

We often get asked how we get our sheet glass to the studio. After the sheets of glass are picked, they are shipped to Century Studios by truck in wooden crates with lots of padding. The crates of glass can be very heavy, but we have a basic system involving a two wheeler and a couple of boards to safely get the crate from the street, through the showroom, and into our work area for unpacking. Bill is shown uncrating our most recent case of 25 sheets of hand made art glass. Some of this glass is already being incorporated into shades we are working on.

We rarely get asked to create a matched pair of shades, but a local client commissioned us to make a pair of 16" Geometric Cones on Small Stick Bases to be used on matching bedside tables. The shades delighted our client who was anxious to take them home and set them up.

So Many Projects!

2011-04-03T08:16:00.000-07:00

Before we give a recap of the various projects we have been working on, please note that:

CENTURY STUDIOS
WILL BE CLOSED
THURSDAY APRIL 7
through
WEDNESDAY APRIL 13

Spring is always a busy time of year at Century Studios, and spring 2011 is no exception! We have recently completed and begun many different projects. An out of state client commissioned a 12 Light Lily Table Lamp with Blue Lustre shades. After receiving the lamp, the client wrote, "It's a blue Favrile lover's dream, and is the crown of my collection."

For a local client, we completed a 22" Drophead Dragonfly shade mentioned in our March 9, 2011 posting. This stunning shade has a background glass that shifts from red at the top, through fiery orange tones and down to greenish glass towards the bottom. The dragonfly bodies were created in green ripple glass, while the wings were a sunny yellow with ruby red streaking.

Large shades tend to take up every surface in the work space, and this shade at one point occupied our two light tables, the cutting table and our layout table! As we finalized our color selections, the light tables began to free up and soon the lamp was cut and fit to the pattern so the foiling could begin.

22" shades always take a bit of time at every step along the way. Soldering on a large shade will occupy Irwin for more than a week, especially when there are filigrees to be positioned on the dragonfly wings.

The completed shade delighted our clients. Shown on the impressive Turtleback Base, the shade was installed in our client's dining room as a chandelier fixture.

While Irwin was soldering the Dragonfly, Bill was busy drawing window cartoons and laying out a 22" Peony Shade for the showroom. The 22" Peony is cut and fit, but is patiently sitting off to the side as we work on commission orders. We are looking forward to foiling and finishing up this large floral shade soon.

18" Turtleback Shade

2011-03-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

We recently completed an 18" Turtleback shade which was commissioned by a client in Texas. The shade has different shape than the 18" Turtleback shades we have previously created. The finished lamp is shown on the Decorated Library base.

Tiffany Studios created turtleback shades in many different shapes and sizes. Referencing an original Tiffany Studios' shade, we were asked to closely match the shape, color, and texture of the original shade. Fortunately, the glass used in the original shade was made by the Kokomo Opalescent Glass Company, which sold glass to Tiffany Studios in the late 1800's and early 1900's.

What gives this shade its lively textural quality is the tight ripple glass which is used "smooth side out", giving the viewer a surprise when the shade is illuminated and the textural quality of the glass is revealed. We cut the turtleback tiles to be less square and more horizontal, once again taking our cue from the original example. The resulting shade has a compact, horizontal feel.

Upon receiving the completed lamp, the client wrote to say that, "The shade is awesome!".

Studio Tour

2011-03-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, March 17th Century Studios hosted a local antiques group for a studio tour and talk about how we create our reproduction Tiffany Studios shades and bases. The group enjoyed a St. Patrick's Day lunch at the nearby Groveland Tap, and then flooded our studio work space with over 20 enthusiastic attendees.

Irwin gave a brief outline of the history of Tiffany Studios, and Bill showed examples of sheet glass, and how we lay out, cut, and piece our shades together. After a brief soldering demonstration, questions were answered and the tour ended with group members moving around the work space and showroom having individual questions answered.

14" Arrowhead Shade

2011-03-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

Last week we completed a 14" Arrowhead shade for our showroom. This unusual Tiffany Studios design looks appears to be an abstract design when in fact, it is a fairly factual representation of a flowering plant (Syngonium podophyllum - see photo at left) which grows beside ponds and marshes. Nurseries and plant growers have created disease resistant house plant varieties of the Arrowhead. A popular landscaping specimen, "natural" versions of this highly decorative plant are often seen around ponds on golf courses.

The Arrowhead plant is a favorite motif of Arts & Crafts era designers, and is often mislabeled as "Arrowroot". Arrowroot plants (Maranta arundinacea - see drawing to the right) are a completely different plant species whose tubers provide a thickening starch used in cooking.

Taking our cue from the favorite places the Arrowhead grows, we chose a color scheme that subtly emphasizes the natural habitat for the plant. The bottom border of the lamp is rendered in a ripple textured green & blue water glass, while the "plants" grow on the shoreline.

Shown on the Swamp Flower base, this 14" cone shade is a perfect compliment to any decor where a floral or geometric accent lamp is needed. The somewhat stylized shade pattern is naturalistic, but has a geometric flavor that appeals to more masculine interiors. This shade design, along with larger 20" version of the pattern, is a favorite in Arts & Crafts and Prairie Style interiors.

22" Dragonfly

2011-03-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

For the past few weeks, we have been working on several projects at the same time. One of these projects is a large 22" Drophead Dragonfly shade. The photo shows Bill choosing pressed glass jewels for the background of the shade.

Limited Edition Dragonfly Vases

2011-03-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

This is the final week to pre-order our Century Studios/Ephraim Faience Pottery Limited Edition Dragonfly Vase. The vase is approximately 6.5" tall x 4" wide, and is priced at $200.00, this signed/numbered vase will be a unique addition to any pottery collection.

Call us at 651-699-4838 to place your order by Friday March 11!

18" Peony & Dragonfly Vase

2011-02-27T09:35:00.000-08:00

We completed an 18" Peony shade for a local client this past week. The glass used for the shade included some wonderful pale pinks in the flowers. The shade is pictured on a Kendrick design pottery base. The photo below shows the flat layout of the shade on our light table.
We are about mid way through the pre-order period for our 2011 Limited Edition Dragonfly Vase. Century Studios is offering this rare piece of Ephraim Pottery to our clients on a pre-order basis for $200.00. Due of our long standing relationship with Ephraim Pottery, Century Studios is the only dealer for which EFP creates a special edition vase. To pre-order this piece for your collection, contact us by FRIDAY MARCH 11, 2011 at 651-699-4838. Time is getting short to pre-order this year's vase, so call soon!

The design process for our limited edition vase begins in the late fall of each year. Before talking with Ephraim Faience Pottery, Irwin & Bill discuss what the proposed design might look like, the size of the vase, and what glaze the body of the piece will have. Irwin then creates a sketch which is forwarded to the pottery for their consideration and input. This year, we proposed making the vase with two dragonflies - one flying up and the other down. In the past, our vases always had the dragonflies swirling in the same direction.

After viewing the sketches and making the final decision on the background glaze, a prototype Artist's Proof piece was created by EFP. The choice of colors on the dragonfly bodies and wings was left to the glazer's imagination and we are thrilled with the color combination of the vase.

A Few Lamps

2011-02-20T08:35:00.000-08:00

Here are photos of a few lamps that we either recently completed, or have had the opportunity to re-photograph:

We created this fantastic 22" Laburnum on a Twisted Vine base for a client in St. Louis. We recently had the shade back in our studio and were able to re-photograph it.

Creatures of the night rarely appear on original Tiffany lamps, but they did produce a 17" Bat design! The studios made very few examples of this design. We recently completed a Bat shade for a local collection. The unusual bat base was supplied by the client and Bill Campbell did the blue lustre mosaic on the base.

Commissioned by an Illinois client, this 16" Turtleback shade is mounted on the unusual Turtleback Band Base. Both the shade and base were created at Century Studios. In previous postings, we have shown an example of this base which we made with a red turtleback band. A light inside the base illuminates the band of hand-cut turtlebacks.

18" Apple Blossom

2011-02-14T18:03:00.001-08:00

The 18" Apple Blossom lamp is now complete and awaiting delivery to its home in Illinois.

Referencing a rare Tiffany Studios original lamp, our clients requested that the metal branches extend into the body of the shade. These branches are usually rendered in a combination of metalwork (towards the top) and glass (in the lower portions). The allover metalwork gives the shade a distinctive look which highlights the delicate piecework in the flowers, leaves and background.

The glass for the background of this shade was chosen from many pieces of fracture glass, some transparent, some opalescent. The mixing of clear and denser glass imparts the natural look of a tree against a cloudy sky. The flowers and leaves are almost completely made from ripple and textured glass.

Limited Edition Dragonfly Vase #13

2011-02-10T07:05:00.000-08:00

CENTURY STUDIOS LIMITED EDITION DRAGONFLY VASE #13 PRE-ORDER PRICE $200.00

Century Studios is pleased to announce the next in our exclusive series of limited edition dragonfly pots, created annually by Ephraim Faience Pottery. This vase is the 13th in our ongoing series, and is approximately 6.5” tall and 4” wide. The vase features two polychrome dragonflies (one flying up, the other flying down with red bodies and multicolored wings) in relief, and is glazed in Autumn Reflections. This is a signed, numbered, limited edition vase that bears the Ephraim Faience Pottery hallmark as well as the Century Studios logo signifying that it is an exclusive piece for our studio.

Century Studios is offering this rare piece of Ephraim Pottery to our clients on a pre-order basis. No more than 50 pieces will be made! The exact number of pieces to be created in this pattern will be determined by how many vases are ordered in advance. We are limiting quantities to one per client.

To pre-order this piece for your collection, contact us by FRIDAY MARCH 11, 2011. All pre-ordered pieces must be prepaid in full. Once your payment has been received, a confirming receipt will be sent in the mail. Production time for this issue will be approximately 8 - 9 weeks and should arrive at Century Studios by late May 2011. We will then either ship the piece to you or contact you for pickup.

Century Studios
651-699-4838
centurystudios@visi.com

Hooch Bottles

2011-02-06T06:50:00.000-08:00

Artist Nick McArdell or Turner & Scratch Pottery has completed a new batch of Hooch Bottles. These fantastic bottles are hand thrown and decorated, and each is emblazoned with a Skull & Crossbone design. Glazed inside and out, they are water/liquor tight and each comes with a cork. Each bottle is generously sized and will hold almost a complete bottle of your favorite, or most feared liquor. Priced at $110.00 each, they make an unique Valentine's Day Gift.

Below, are pictured all the bottles currently available in our showroom!

18" Apple Blossom, part 2

2011-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

Work continues on the 18" Apple Blossom. After soldering the outside of the shade and attaching the cast crown at the top, the Fiberglas form was heated, the wax (which held the pieces in place before soldering) was melted, and the shade was removed from the form...Or more accurately, the form is removed from the shade, as can be seen in the short video clip below.

The video makes the process look much faster than it actually is! Heating a form of this type takes about 20 - 30 minutes. Once off the form, Irwin spent the past week soldering the interior of the shade and adding the reinforcing wires. In the photo below, Irwin can be seen attaching the copper wire to the irregular bottom edge of the shade. Much time is spent completely soldering the lower wire to provide support and a nice, finished lower edge.

18" Apple Blossom

2011-01-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

Work is progressing on the 18" Apple Blossom shade. The past week was spent completing the foiling, transferring the pieces and soldering the shade together. This coming week, much time will be spent by Irwin with his head inside the shade reinforcing and completing the soldering!

Lots Going On

2011-01-18T06:52:00.000-08:00

Last week at Century Studios was very busy...and productive! We worked on several projects during the week, completing some and making progress on others.

Two of our larger projects included a window panel for a door made almost entirely out of lustre glass (see photo to the left), and continued progress on an 18" Apple Blossom Shade. We will be showing the finished results of both projects in future posts. The photo to the right shows Irwin waxing the form for the lamp shade. The foiled pieces of glass will be transferred onto the form and held in place by the wax for soldering.

16" Fish Shade

2011-01-10T06:37:00.000-08:00

One of the final lamps we completed in 2010 was a 16" Fish Shade on the Bell Pepper Base. Commissioned by a client in North Carolina, this shade has lots of color in both the swimming Koi and in the background glass. As can be seen from the two photos of this lamp, each fish in the shade has a different color accent. This will give the shade a different look depending on which side faces forward.

The Bell Pepper base was created in our studio. This unusual Tiffany Studios' base design can be used with 14" or 16" shades.

20" Windswept Daffodil Shade

2011-01-02T09:16:00.000-08:00

Let's start the new year out by adding a new pattern to our lamp offerings! The 20" Windswept Daffodil shade (see photo below, right) is a naturalistic companion to the linear 20" Daffodil shade (see photo to the left). In this exciting Tiffany Studio's design, the flowers are still clustered towards the lower edge of the shade which makes it a perfect choice for a chandelier fixture.

Rather than being rendered in a tight, formal vertical format, the daffodils are being scattered by a strong wind and dance across the surface of the shade. The example shown was completed in December for an out of state client. The lamp base shown in the photo is a Grueby reproduction, Kendrick design pottery base created in conjunction with Ephraim Faience Pottery.

Last Day for 2010

2010-12-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day Century Studios will be open before Christmas!

We are open today until 6pm, so please stop by for your last minute Holiday shopping.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM IRWIN & BILL

Century Studios will be CLOSED
Friday December 24th
through
Monday January 3, 2011
We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday January 4, 2011

Leaf Jardiniere

2010-12-22T06:00:00.001-08:00

Hand thrown and decorated by the talented husband and wife team at Jemerick Art Pottery, our Sculpted Leaf Jardiniere is a beautiful three dimensional vase. This functional jardiniere is approximately 6" tall, 8" wide and is priced at $260.00.

HOLIDAY HOURS
Now through December 23
Wednesday Dec 22 10 - 6
Thursday Dec 23 10 - 6
Century Studios will be CLOSED
Friday Dec 24 through Monday Jan 3

Hooch Bottles

2010-12-21T06:00:00.002-08:00

Just in! St. Paul artist Nick McArdell has just delivered several more Hooch Bottles in time for last minute Christmas shopping. These whimsical bottles will hold your liquor, even if you can't! Each bottle is individually hand made and holds almost an entire bottle of your favorite (or most feared) liquor. Bottles are priced at $110.00 each. Shown are the bottles we currently have available.

HOLIDAY HOURS
Now through December 23
Tuesday Dec 21 10 - 6
Wednesday Dec 22 10 - 6
Thursday Dec 23 10 - 6
Century Studios will be CLOSED
Friday Dec 24 through Monday Jan 3

5 Light Lily Fixture

2010-12-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

At Century Studios, we create a number of different Lily Lamps and Fixtures. Our 5 Light Lily Ceiling Fixture is perfectly sized to be used as a hall or entry light. At approximately 10.5" wide, we will create this fixture to the length which best suits your needs. The example shown is in our showroom and is made to a total length of 22". The fixture is priced at $950.00.

HOLIDAY HOURS
Now through December 23
Monday Dec 20 Closed
Tuesday Dec 21 10 - 6
Wednesday Dec 22 10 - 6
Thursday Dec 23 10 - 6
Century Studios will be CLOSED
Friday Dec 24 through Monday Jan 3

Santa Wreath

2010-12-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hand made at Century Studios, our Old Fashioned Santa Wreath will bring a Holiday smile to any window in your home. The Santa in the wreath features a hand painted, kiln fired face. The wreath measures approximately 12.5" and is priced at $275.00

HOLIDAY HOURS
Now through December 23
Sunday Dec 19 12 - 4
Monday Dec 20 Closed
Tuesday Dec 21 10 - 6
Wednesday Dec 22 10 - 6
Thursday Dec 23 10 - 6
Century Studios will be CLOSED
Friday Dec 24 through Monday Jan 3

Christmas Ornaments

2010-12-18T06:00:00.001-08:00

Blown Glass Reflector Ornaments have a period look that gives a touch of an Old Fashioned Christmas to any tree. Our selections include many sizes, styles and colors to choose from ranging from $2.50 to $8.50 each.

HOLIDAY HOURS
Now through December 23
Saturday Dec 18 10 - 4
Sunday Dec 19 12 - 4
Monday Dec 20 Closed
Tuesday Dec 21 10 - 6
Wednesday Dec 22 10 - 6
Thursday Dec 23 10 - 6
Century Studios will be CLOSED
Friday Dec 24 through Monday Jan 3

Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom here on our blog.

Lily Lamp

2010-12-17T06:38:00.000-08:00

Lily lamps provide a warm golden glow to any room of the house. At Century Studios, we have created a limited number of Single Light Lily Lamps which feature solid bronze bases and lustre lily shades. These beautifully made shades were created years ago by an American glass blower and are larger than the shades we typically use in our Lily Lamps. Our Lily accent lamp is priced at $235.00.

Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom here on our blog.

Snowberry Vase

2010-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Created by hand at Ephraim Faience Pottery, the Snowberry Vase is the perfect gift for any pottery collector. Each vase created at Ephraim is completely hand made, and this colorful vase features three dimensional decoration and a multi-colored, satin glaze. The vase is approximately 5.5" tall and is priced at $238.00.

Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom here on our blog.

Letter Openers

2010-12-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Century Studios is pleased to offer Tiffany reproduction Letter Openers in three styles. Each letter opener (or Paper Knife) is cast in solid bronze and finished in a brown/green patina. Letter openers were originally sold as part of Tiffany Studios' desk sets and remain one of the most functional and popular pieces from the sets. We currently offer three styles to choose from. Each letter opener is priced at $95.00.

Zodiac - This was Tiffany Studios most popular desk set pattern.
9th Century - This knife features an ermine on each side of the handle.
Chinese - A highly stylized dragon motif decorates the Chinese letter opener.
Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom here on our blog.

Seahorse Vase

2010-12-14T06:00:00.001-08:00

Hand made by Turner & Scratch Pottery, our Denslow Seahorse Vase is priced at $225.00. W. W. Denslow was a popular early 20th century children's book and poster illustrator, who also worked with Elbert Hubbard and the Roycrofters. He signed his drawings with a distinctive seahorse, and is best known as the original illustrator of The Wizard of Oz. Taking this motif as inspiration, local artist Nick McArdell has created a vase with a vivid blue glaze.

Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom here on our blog.

Jemerick Vase

2010-12-13T06:00:00.001-08:00

Our Jemerick Art Pottery Large Yellow Vase conjures images of the future while reminding us of the World's Fairs of the 1930's. Finished in a butter yellow matte glaze, this hand made vase stands 10.5" tall and has a unique three dimensional look.

Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom here on our blog.

Closed Today

2010-12-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

Century Studios will not be open again today due to the snowstorm. The snow has stopped with a total of 17" accumulated! The roads are still largely impassable - especially the alley from our house to the street! We will resume regular Holiday Hours on Tuesday December 14th.

Shi Shi Plates

2010-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hand crafted by St. Paul, Minnesota artist Nick McArdell of Turner & Scratch Pottery, the Shi Shi Plate Set creates a unique grouping on any wall in your home. ShiShi (chinese lions) are symbols of loyalty and are the protectors of family and children. Shi Shi are depicted with a peony (a symbol of peace of beauty) to counteract the ferocity of lions. The three plate set is priced at $450.00.

Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom here on our blog.

Closed Today

2010-12-11T06:20:00.000-08:00

Because of a monster snowstorm, Century Studios will be closed today. We plan on being open tomorrow from noon to 4. We can answer questions via email - centurystudios@visi.com

Christmas Ornaments

2010-12-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of our favorite blown glass Christmas Ornaments which we have in our showroom this year.

Everybody wants a robot to command. Our colorful Robot Ornaments come in two sizes and are priced at $7.75 and $8.00 each (more styles are available than are shown here).

Our hooty Owl Ornaments look perfectly at home nestled amongst the branches of your Christmas tree. These sparkly birds are priced at $8.25 each,

Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom here on our blog.

Blown Glass Trumpet Vase

2010-12-10T06:00:00.001-08:00

Blown by Lundberg Studios in California, the Trumpet Vase with Metal Base is a beautifully crafted reproduction of a Tiffany Studios vase. This incredible vase stands 17" tall, has a fantastic patterned lustre surface, and is priced at $630.00.

Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom here on our blog.

Ephraim 7 Handled Vase

2010-12-09T06:00:00.001-08:00

The "granddaddy" the Ephraim Faience Pottery line, the Seven Handled Vase is a beautiful recreation of a signature vase originally offered by the early 20th Century Grueby Faience Pottery. Finished in Ephraim's distinctive Antique Green glaze, this impressive pot stands almost 12" tall and is priced at $800.00.

Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom here on our blog.

Peek A Boo Window

2010-12-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

Our Peek A Boo Window is the perfect gift for the arts & crafts lover in your life. Inspired by a window in the Purcell-Cutts House in Minneapolis, our version is 13.5" x 22.5". Created with several textured glasses, this delightful window is priced at $375.00.

Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom here on our blog.

Yarn Bowls

2010-12-07T06:00:00.001-08:00

Hand made by Turner & Scratch Pottery, our Yarn Bowls are a functional gift idea for the knitting enthusiast in your home. Simply place a ball of yarn in the bowl and thread the strand through the horns of the decorative ram's head. Place the bowl on the floor or on a nearby table and begin knitting! Our yarn bowls are priced at $180.00 each and come in several glaze colors.

Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom here on our blog.

Piano Lamp

2010-12-06T07:28:00.000-08:00

Century Studios' Piano Lamp makes a great accent lamp atop a piano, tall bookcase or shelf. The lamp is 12.5" tall, has a 6.5" round base, and the gold lustre poppy shade is 5.5" across. This lamp is priced at $455.00 (shade & base).

Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom here on our blog.

Lily Lamps

2010-12-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

At Century Studios, we make a wide variety of lily lamps and fixtures. The largest are the 49 Light & 31 Light Ceiling Lily Ceiling Fixtures. Currently in our showroom, we have a 31 Light Ceiling Fixture on display. This impressive fixture is priced at $8100.00.

Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom here on our blog.

We are open today from noon to 4!

CENTURY STUDIOS
HOLIDAY HOURS
Now through December 23

Tuesday through Friday 10 - 6
Saturday 10 - 4
Sunday 12 - 4
Closed Mondays

1816 St. Clair Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55105
651-699-4838
centurystudios.visi.com

Hooch Bottles

2010-12-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

New from Turner & Scratch Pottery - Hooch Bottles! Adorned with admonitory skull and cross bone designs, these whimsical bottles will hold your liquor, even if you can't! Each comes with a cork stopper, are water tight, and they are selling as fast as we get them into the studio. Completely hand made, no two bottles are alike in size or shape. Bottles hold almost one full bottle of of your favorite (or most feared) liquor and are priced at $110.00 each. We currently have two bottles available. The brown bottle on the left is 9.5" tall and the red bottle is 8.25" tall.

Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom here on our blog.

Moon Face Stars

2010-12-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Our Moon Face Stars make unique Holiday ornaments which can be moved from your Christmas tree to a nearby window to be enjoyed year round. Hand made at Century Studios, our stars feature an iridized "moon face" smiling out from each star. We hand make these popular gift items in several different colors, which are priced at $19.50 each.

During the Holiday Season, we also make our Moon Face Stars as tree toppers! These $25.00 tree top ornaments are on display in our showroom and are a fun way to put a smile on top of your Christmas tree.

Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom here on our blog.

Secret Pots

2010-12-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Individually hand crafted by St. Paul, Minnesota potter Nick McArdell of Turner & Scratch Pottery, Secret Pots are a whimsical gift item. Simply whisper your secret into one of the pot's tiny ears, and your secret is safe until the stopper is removed and the pot is ready to hold new tidbits of information. Each Secret Pot is unique and is priced at $75.00. Century Studios has a larger selection of Secret Pots in our showroom than is shown above.

Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom here on our blog.

Limited Edition Dragonfly Vases

2010-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Each year, Century Studios creates a Limited Edition Dragonfly Vase with Ephraim Faience Pottery. For our 2009 offering, we created an edition of 50 signed, numbered vases (to find out more about these vases, see our post from February 11, 2009) priced at $238.00 each.

Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom here on our blog.

Glass Scarab Paperweights

2010-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

Looking for a perfect stocking suffer or hostess gift this Holiday Season? Glass Scarab Paperweights make a wonderful gift for anyone on your list.
Cast in solid glass and finished with an iridized lustre surface, our Glass Scarabs come in two styles (smooth or ribbed) and several colors. At $30.00 each, these unique paperweights are an affordable, hand made gift idea.

Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom here on our blog.

Sock Monkey Ornaments

2010-11-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sock Monkey Ornaments
These delightful, happy monkeys are made of blown glass, come in four colors, and are priced at $7.50 each. Take one home today and add a smile to your Christmas tree!

Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom on our blog.

Holiday Gift Ideas

2010-11-28T06:43:00.000-08:00

Every day from now until December 23, Century Studios will showcase an item from our showroom here on our blog. Throughout this Holiday Season, we will occasionally offer limited time discounts - which can only be found on this blog, so check back daily!

Today we will feature the ultimate Christmas gift for someone very special, or perhaps for yourself - lamps from from Century Studios. Please call or email for more information on these shades, or stop in to our showroom and view them in person. 651-699-4838 centurystudios@visi.com

20" Dragonfly - A Tiffany Studios' signature design, the 20" Dragonfly can be used as a table lamp or as a chandelier fixture. This shade has a jeweled background. The 20" Dragonfly is priced at $2820.00.

26" Turtleback Chandelier - This impressive chandelier is made from reproduction Tiffany Turtleback Tiles. The hauntingly beautiful green shade includes a single chain, 6 light chandelier fixture. This chandelier is priced at $7500.00.

28" Wisteria - The ultimate Tiffany Studios lamp, this large shade is made from over 2000 individual pieces of glass. With over 300 hours of production time needed to create this shade, it is truly a work of patience and attention to detail. The 28" Wisteria shade makes a beautiful chandelier fixture or an impressive floor lamp when used with the Sr. Floor Base. The shade is priced at $8975.00.

Century Studios Gift Certificates

2010-11-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Not sure what to pick out at Century Studios for that certain someone on your list? Century Studios offers Gift Certificates!

Gift Certificates are available year round, can be purchased in any amount, and may be used on any in stock or custom made stained glass or for anything in our showroom. Call or stop by our studio/showroom today to purchase!

Holiday Hours

2010-11-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

CENTURY STUDIOS
HOLIDAY HOURS

Now through December 23

Tuesday through Friday 10 - 6
Saturday 10 - 4
Sunday 12 - 4
Closed Mondays

1816 St. Clair Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55105
651-699-4838

Spider Lamp & New Pots

2010-11-22T13:32:00.000-08:00

We recently completed a 15" Spider lamp for a client in Canada. This design features cast bronze spider "legs" and the vent cap represents the body of the spider.

Unlike real spiders, Tiffany Studios only designed the Spider shade with six legs rather than eight.

Bur Oak Pottery sent us a few new pieces, including two rare "Wally Birds". Each piece of Bur Oak stoneware pottery is individually hand made, and the final salt glaze firing is done in a wood-fired kiln. Here is a sampling of some of the new pieces:

Two Wally Birds, an Amused Bird and an Owl

A Horned Dragon Vase

A couple of Raven Vases

Three vases - Bonzai Lidded Jar, Oak Leaf Bowl, and Lizard Vase

Holiday Time

2010-11-15T06:51:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is now November already, with Thanksgiving & Christmas just around the corner. This means that Century Studios is decked out for the holidays with a tempting selection of lamps, stained glass suncatchers, pottery, blown glass, and lots of holiday decorations for the tree.

True to form for this time of year, just as we got the Christmas decorations up, the Twin Cities was hit with a whopper of a snowfall - our first snow this winter, and it was over 10" in some areas. While this gives everything festive holiday look, it did make getting around a little tricky this past weekend.

The restaurant space next to us has now opened as Scusi, an Italian restaurant and wine bar. Round off your stop at Century Studios with a nosh and a glass of wine next door! Scusi opens at 4pm every day and on weekends they are also open from 9am to 2pm.

18" Peony

2010-10-31T08:09:00.000-07:00

This week we completed an 18" Peony lamp for a local client. The client had asked us to create a shade that was full of color and personality. The challenge on a shade of this type is to put strong color into it, but to still have the colors blend. With its rich red flowers and the amber/green/red background, the completed shade has a warm glow. The blue/green borders give this piece the extra excitement our client was looking for.

The shade is pictured on the Ribbed base. The bottom of the lamp base mimics the shape of the shade, making it a perfect combination. The base rests on five balls, and the ribbed surface provides a subtle three dimensional quality to the metalwork.

Tobacco Leaf Base

2010-10-27T06:33:00.000-07:00

In our last posting, we showed the 14" Dragonfly shade on a base that has not appeared in our showroom before - the Tobacco Leaf base. Created in our studio from molds taken off a Tiffany Studios' original example, this base has an interesting shape and wonderful detailing. The Tobacco Leaf base works well with any 12" or 14" shade.

New Lamps

2010-10-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

For our recent show at the end of September, we created a number of new shades and bases, some of which are now on display in our showroom, available for purchase.

The 14" Dragonfly shade is the smallest of the Tiffany dragonfly designs. This design is perfect for showcasing vibrant color, and it makes a wonderful accent lamp. The jewels in the background of the shade were made by Century Studios, using molds taken from original Tiffany jewels. This exciting dragonfly was created in a fiery red/orange/yellow glass. It is pictured on the Tobacco Leaf base which was made in our studio using molds taken off an original Tiffany Studios' base.

Another dragonfly design created for our show is the 16" Dragonfly shade, pictured on the Swamp Flower base. The red-eyed dragonflies skim the surface of this shimmering shade with its cool, watery tones of blue and green. The Swamp Flower base works equally well with 14" shades.

The Chinese base supports our third shade, the 12" Apple Blossom. This surface of this reproduction four-sided base is incised with a stylized Chinese dragon motif which adorns the desk set pieces created by Tiffany Studios. This petite shade features flower centers that are hand chipped from thick pieces of golden yellow glass, giving the shade a jewel-like appearance.

20" Geometric Cone

2010-10-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

This week, we are pleased to add another Tiffany Studios design to our list of reproduction shade patterns. The 20" Geometric Cone is a larger version of the 16" Geometric Cone which we introduced this past spring (see our posting from May 29, 2010).

The 20" shade makes a perfect table lamp or chandelier fixture. The simplicity of the design works well in any interior with a look that is tasteful and elegant. An original Tiffany Studios' example in a color scheme similar to this one was used as set dressing in the movie My Fair Lady. In the film, the lamp can be seen on the piano in Professor Higgins' library/study.

The shade pictured is made in a medium amber tone that gives off a pleasant, golden glow. It is shown on the Ribbed Base.