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PDF pages 9, 11, 12
Welcome & Henk du Plessis
Mission Statement
We endeavor to use and enhance the beauty and wonder of glass to promote the joy and
satisfaction it can bring into a sometimes clinical, harsh and dreary world. We strive to utilize the
virtually unlimited and fantastic ranges of colours and textures of glass available, to the fullest.
Activities
Commissions, restorations, design and manufacture of lamp shades, stained- or leaded glass
panels, windows and doors. Glass fusing and slumping. Manufacture of warm glass Objets d’art and
Beads. Tuition in the above disciplines.
HENK DU PLESSIS
After obtaining a Masters Degree in Economics and having followed a chosen career in the
economic and financial fields in the hustle and bustle of Pretoria, Henk was lucky enough to retire
and for a number of years pursue one of his big passions in life in taking tour groups all over the
world as tour leader. After eventually settling down in the tranquil environment of Great Brak River,
Pearl of the Garden Route in the Western Cape, he was also finally able to explore his longtime
lingering artistic need to express himself in doing projects and in the creation of objets d’art using
stained- or leaded glass and wood as primary medium.
Having gone through the processes of studying and understanding the medium and the nuances of
the associated technology, a personal style and signature soon immerged as the projects and
objects evolved.
His compassion, commitment and love for this life of colour, textures and form however could never
be replaced by the understanding of the medium and his strive for perfection dominates the
signature of his work. The quality and his personal flare to really bring life to the medium can easily
be recognized. This is further underpinned by the inspiration gained by numerous visits to related
activities and places all over the world.
Henk’s personal motto is, and has always been: “If it is worth doing, it is worth
doing it well”.
PDF pages 13
Coasters
Colourful, sturdy and strong, thickly fused coasters compliment any occasion and being specially
grooved, eliminates sticking to the drinking glass caused by condensation.
NOTE : See also TUITION
PDF pages 18, 19
Client Comments
COMMENTS FROM CLIENTS :
“What can I say, you are a magician!!!! The windows looks (sic) fantastic – thank you so much for all
your hard work and true dedication”. LS
“Henk besides your workmanship, the factor most striking and impressive is the success with which
you fully captured the wooden crafted face with the different textures of glass. The detail is beyond
expectation . It truly is the only one in the world. I am sure it will be a talking point forever
hereafter”. JM
“My voordeure lok baie komplimente uit. Jy is baie profesioneel (sic) in jou werk”. MT
“The stained glass window that you made and installed next to my front door really came out
beautifully and being of a more modern style with contempory (sic) colours is very suitable for the
front entrance of our home. Your work is different to the normal run of the mill, and I think you
understand the concept of creative and stylish stained glass work thoroughly. The finish and
neatness of your work is very professional and so are your communication skills and realiability (sic).
I will certainly approach you to do some more work at our house again and recommend you very
highly to any person who needs this type of Decor (sic) work done” RH
“Ek stuur vir jou die foto van my voordeur, soos belowe. Die foto laat nie reg geskied oor hoe mooi
dit werklik lyk nie. Dit is ongelooflik mooi. Ek het sedert ons hom ingsit (sic) het al soveel
komplimente gekry. Ek wil weereens vir jou dankie se (sic) vir al die moeite en harde werk wat jy hier
ingesit het. Ek waardeer dit ongelooflik baie. Ons gee hierdie foto ook aan … en vir … wat die deur
gemaak het. Hulle het dan iets om vir mense te wys as daar nog is wat ‘n man soek wat loodglas
KAN doen”. G&A V
“Henk made us 3 glass panes for a teak door. We decided on a classical style and with his expert
advice and creative suggestions finally made a choice of the colours and types of glass we wanted to
use. The end result is amazing. The colours are clean and blend together very well. When the early
morning light shines through the panes it looks beautiful! The standard and quality of Henk’s work is
excellent, the finishes are neat, clean and strong Thank you Henk! We’re already looking around our
house for some more ideas for stained glass windows!” L&A T
“I write this comment with great pleasure. Henk made two artistic stained-glass panels for our large
front doors. From the first moment we met Henk we sensed professionalism and excellence. I think
I have the most beautiful doors in the world. Wonderful to experience such talent and expertise.
Thank you Henk!”. A. J van N
“From his first warm handshake and enthusiastic welcome to the final delivery and installation of
our beautiful door dealing with Henk has been a very positive experience. Because of his empathy
the design process was easy and delightful. We are so thrilled with our finished product, it enhances
our surroundings and produces exclamations of admiration from our visitors. What more can I say!
Thank you”. S&M H
“Ons het ‘n huis in Knysna gebou en Henk het vir ons glaspanele vir die voordeur en ‘n venster
gemaak. Alhoewel ‘n loodglas venster in die nuwe huis vir ons ‘n droom was, het ons eers op ‘n baie
laat stadium dit ondersoek en moes vinnige besluite neem. Henk het reeds op daardie stadium sy
werk vir die jaar afgesluit. Hy het egter sonder om te skroom weer sy studio oopgesluit en gesê hy
sal ons help. Nadat ek van sy werk in sy huis gesien het, het ek geweet ek moes so iets in my huis
hê…en hy het ons nie teleurgestel nie. In ‘n kort tyd het hy ons op ‘n baie professionele manier
gehelp en toe dit op ‘n stadium lyk of dit nie haalbaar gaan wees nie, het hy agteroor gebuig om ons
droom waar te maak. Sy werk is van uitstaande gehalte en ons het al menige komplimente daarvoor
ontvang. Die venster en voordeur maak inderdaad die huis uitsonderlik. Baie dankie Henk!” J&L R
“From our first contact with Henk we could experience his passion for his trade and excitement to
deliver my wife’s dream of having a stained-glass front door. Henk was very accommodating in the
design of the different panels and also provided much needed guidance by times. It was a great
moment when the panels were installed and now is a focal point of our house. Thanks, Henk, for
your professionalism, patience, guidance and friendship during this journey”. R&M B
PDF pages 21
Contact
Contact us :
Name *
First
Last
Email *
Comment or Message *
Submit
PDF pages 22
Exhibitions
EXHIBITIONS :
Due to time- and logistical constraints regarding the whole spectrum of Glass Art, exhibitions and
talks spanning two decades, had to be mainly limited to the Garden Route. Regrettably, many
requests and invitations had to be turned down in the process.
Those that did take place were concentrated in and around Great Brak River, Mossel Bay, George,
Port Elizabeth and Oudtshoorn and mainly formed part of Arts- and Crafts Festivals, Art Galleries,
Shows and Special Exhibitions.
PDF pages 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33
General / Studio
GENERAL :
“Viv-acious” Seasons
Murano, Italy
Hot Kiln
In Studio
Warm Glass Poster
Warm Glass Logo
Hot Moment of Truth
Leaded Glass Panel Poster
Engraving for Catalogue
PDF pages 34, 35
Glass Castings & Moulds
GLASS CASTINGS & MOULDS :
The art of casting glass can be very exciting and rewarding and a beautiful- and colourful end
product makes the day of every glass artist. It makes all the time, effort and anxiety involved to be
worthwhile.
After deciding on the kind, nature, purpose and desired appearance and size of the project, the
planning phase includes drawings and decisions regarding the type and colour of the glass and the
necessary form and type of mould/s to be used.
The actual sculpting process requires a good knowledge of techniques, proportions (general or
anatomical), skills, tools, materials and lots of patience, depending on the object or project. Clay or
Wax are the most commonly materials used.
Depending on the above, the next phase would be about the mould itself. In the case of over- or
into slumping, own- or off-the-shelf bought moulds can be used or if not available, can be made in
the studio /workshop. A wide variety of items that can withstand the appropriate kiln temperatures
can be used and could include steel, clay, plaster (or combinations thereof), special fiber paper, kiln
bricks and others.
PDF pages 62, 63
Lamps, Shades & Wall Sconces
LAMPS, SHADES AND WALL SCONCES :
Lamp shades and wall sconces are manufactured using the copper foiling method. All stained- or
leaded glass and materials used are genuine and from registered brand names. A large range of
patterns and colour combinations are available to choose from.
Clients are assured of the best quality of materials and workmanship. Choosing the right pattern
and colour combinations can be relatively easy. Special ideas and tastes can be catered for.
Prices are calculated according to proper recognized costing methods and depend on the type of
glass and level of difficulty of the ordered item.
NOTE : See also TUITION
LSH101
LSS112
PDF pages 85
Leaded Glass Panels
Leaded Glass Panels
The leaded glass panels are manufactured according to the traditional method using stained- or
leaded glass, lead came in a variety of profiles, solder and appropriate tools and techniques. All
stained- or leaded glass, lead came and materials used are genuine and from registered brand
names.
Special care in the process of restoration and repairs assures the preservation of the existing
character and appearance of the project. Small and large projects are undertaken in the domestic-,
corporate-, specialist- and industrial fields. Special and individual requests are catered for. Clients
are assured of the best quality of materials and workmanship.
Prices are calculated according to proper, recognized costing methods and depend on the type and
scope of the materials used.
Note: The Project Code LPR denotes restoration of existing panels or windows.
PDF pages 142
News
NEWS :
Previous visitors to our Site will no doubt be pleasantly surprised by the new and fresh
style and format of the current presentation. New visitors are welcomed and we trust
that you will all enjoy the visit and that it will conform to your requirements. You are
still most welcome to contact us regarding any requirements you might have in the
exciting and colourful world of glass art.
Over the years our regular Christmas visits of New Zealand have offered the
opportunity of keeping up with developments and happenings on their art front, and in
particular regarding those in the warm- and stained glass fields. The most recent one
has once again offered fresh and new inspiration with their local culture and life styles.
That could most probably have an effect on themes and styles of our own projects and
products in future and we would love to also share that with you.
So just go ahead and “Press the button and ring the bell”!
PDF pages 144
Objets d'Art & Themes
OBJETS D’ART & THEMES :
The process of designing and manufacturing of warm glass items, objects and projects of a good
standard requires a lot of time, patience and experience in the field. It includes both warm- and cold
working techniques and can, due to the requirements of glass as an art form, be frustrating and
disappointing as well as rewarding and fulfilling. Experimenting is essential and can also, more often
than not, lead to pleasantly surprising results.
Stained- or lead glass of different brands and compatibility requirements have by preference mostly
been used in the process of manufacturing of the above, but plate- or sheet glass can also be
accommodated successfully, should the client or the project require it.
Although the nature of the items are mostly original and one-offs, occasional adaptations must be
done, in which case due credit is given unreservedly. Except in the case of a client ordering a set of
identical original items, all items will purposely differ from each other to a certain degree in order to
preserve originality and freshness.
Clients can be assured of the best quality of materials and workmanship. Special requests, ideas and
individual designs can be catered for. Prices are calculated according to proper, recognized costing
methods and depend on the type and scope of the project and the materials used.
NOTE : Also see TUITION
PDF pages 200
Plate Stands
PLATE STANDS :
Plate stands are manufactured from top quality genuine 6mm solid stainless steel rods and are
silver soldered for strength, durable and neat in appearance. The current styles cater for different
styles and sizes of items.
Clients can be assured of the best quality of materials and workmanship. Items are original or one-
offs, but certain adaptations can be effected as needed. Special requests, ideas and individual
designs can be catered for.
Prices are calculated according to proper, recognized costing methods and depending on the type
and scope of the project and the materials used.
PDF pages 204
Round Plates & Bowls
ROUND PLATES & BOWLS :
The process of designing and manufacturing of warm glass items, objects and projects of a good
standard requires a lot of time, patience and experience in the field. It includes both warm- and cold
working techniques and can, due to the requirements of glass as an art form, be frustrating and
disappointing as well as rewarding and fulfilling. Experimenting is essential ans can also, more often
than not, lead to pleasantly surprising results.
Stained- or lead glass of different brands and compatibility requirements have by preference mostly
been used in the process of manufacturing of the above, but plate- or sheet glass can also be
accommodated successfully, should the client or project require it.
Although the nature of the items are mostly original and one-offs, occasional adaptations must be
done, in which case due credit is given unreservedly. Except in the case of a client ordering a set of
identical original items, all items will purposely differ from each other to a certain degree in order to
preserve originality and freshness.
Clients can be assured of the best quality of materials and workmanship. Special requests, ideas and
individual designs can be catered for. Prices are calculated according to proper, recognized costing
methods and depend on the type and scope of the project and the materials used.
NOTE : See also TUITION
PDF pages 225
Square & Rectangular Plates & Bowls
SQUARE & RECTANGULAR PLATES &
BOWLS
SQUARE & RECTANGULAR PLATES & BOWLS :
The process of designing and manufacturing of warm glass items, objects and projects of a good
standard requires a lot of time, patience and experience in the field. It includes both warm- and cold
working techniques and can, due to the requirements of glass as an art form, be frustrating and
disappointing as well as rewarding and fulfilling. Experimenting is essential and can also, more often
than not, lead to pleasantly surprising results.
Stained- or lead glass of different brands and compatibility requirements have by preference mostly
been used in the process of manufacturing of the above, but plate- or sheet glass can also be
accommodated successfully, should the client or the project require it.
Although the nature of the items are mostly original and one-offs, occasional adaptations must be
done, in which case due credit is given unreservedly. Except in the case of a client ordering a set of
identical original items, all items will purposely differ from each other to a certain degree in order to
preserve originality and freshness.
Clients can be assured of the best quality of materials and workmanship. Special requests, ideas and
individual designs can be catered for. Prices are calculated according to proper, recognized costing
methods and depend on the type and scope of the project and the materials used.
NOTE : See also TUITION
PDF pages 244
Tuition
TUITION :
LAMP SHADES : Tuition in the Foiling method is offered in a five-lesson course, each
lasting three hours.
LEADED GLASS PANELS : Tuition in the traditional method of manufacturing lead glass
panels is offered in a two-lesson course, each lasting four hours.
WARM GLASS : Tuition in the art of warm glass is offered in a single full-day course.
TUITION FEES : Fees include the use of workshop kilns and tools where students either
do not have their own tools, or prefer not to use them. Glass, materials and other
consumables used in the chosen project are however, not included.
KEY BENEFITS : Students learn the satisfying art of glass under personal supervision,
avoiding time- and money loss and the frustrations of incorrect techniques and tool
handling.
Classes take place in a safe, friendly, relaxed and social atmosphere. Groups of up to six
persons can be accommodated per lesson.
A few proud students and their projects
PDF pages 253
Vases
VASES :
The initial stages in the manufacturing process of Vases are similar to that of other warm glass
objects and projects regarding preparation and fusing. The second stage involves the slumping of
the fused item over or into a mould to obtain the required shape and the appropriate kiln program
and timing becomes crucial in obtaining the envisaged product satisfactorily.
NOTE : See also TUITION
PDF pages 262, 263, 264, 265
Warm Glass Beads
The Glass Beads are manufactured according to the traditional method whereby genuine solid or
hollow stained- or lead glass rods, with varying compatible requirements, are used in conjunction
with the appropriate gas flames to create the most exciting range of colourful beads imaginable.
The beads are combined with stainless steel cutlery and other utensils of a high quality to produce
stylish, beautiful and practical items for that special occasion or everyday use.
Beautiful and colourful cheese- or snack plates and matching pâté- and preserve mini bowls to
compliment the perfect table. Modern, stylish, thick and shiny alluminium bowls and plates are
combined with beads of choice in colour, pattern and style to turn any item of food into something
special.
Beads2
Beads1
Beads for Cutlery
Cheese and Dips Bowls
Beads for Cutlery
Cheese and Dips Bowls
PDF pages 266
Warm Glass Small
WARM GLASS SMALL :
Smaller glass items involve the same fusing and slumping process as their bigger and more
impressive family, but the same precision applies and depending on the type of glass and intricacy
of the project, can present the same challenge for a satisfactory result.
NOTE : See also TUITION
PDF pages 279
Wooden 3D Projects
LARGE TRUCK
LARGE TRUCK