Sans Soucie
Art Glass Studios, Inc.

Since 1976

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Archive for the ‘Freeform Designs’ Category

Sans Soucie Etched & Carved Glass Signature Design: Rugged Retreat

December 8th, 2009 by lgannett – Comments (0)

Frameles Glass Shower Enclosure etched and carved with "Rugged Retreat" design by Sans Soucie.

Frameles Glass Shower Enclosure etched and carved with "Rugged Retreat" design by Sans Soucie.

Originally designed and created early on when we first began exploring the art of etched and carved glass many, many years ago, one of our most popular “signature designs” was birthed:  The abstract design, “Rugged Retreat”.  This abstract texture will compliment and coordinate with a very wide variety of design and architectural styles and is custom designed each and every time, for each individual piece of glass, whether it be for a window, an all glass frameless door, shower, or divider panel or partition, so it is constantly changed and adapted.

frameless door etched rugged retreat sans soucie

Frameless Entry of etched and carved glass Rugged Retreat design.

Etched, carved glass Sculputre in "Rugged Retreat" design.

Etched, carved glass Sculputre in "Rugged Retreat" design.

The word “abstract” is defined as “nonrepresentational”, and that’s a very good description for this design.  It does, however at times, and on some pieces, seem to take on the feel of hills or mountains with it’s various peaks and valleys within.  The movement in the design is “contradictory’ … the top features waves that border or outline the top edges, with the bottom section showing wide wavy “swoops” that also climb and descend.

Tub window glass etched and carved with Rugged Retreat.

Tub window glass etched and carved with Rugged Retreat.

These are free standing shower partitions, that were crated and shipped out of state, so this photograph is taken at our Studio. The panels are chiseled irregular at the adjoining edges.

These are free standing shower partitions, that were crated and shipped out of state, so this photograph is taken at our Studio. The panels are chiseled irregular at the adjoining edges.

As with all our designs, Rugged Retreat is executed a number of different ways, depending on what it’s being applied to, and also at various levels of privacy, depending on the need.

Frameless Glass Entry, bronze glass etched and carved with Rugged Retreat design.

Frameless Glass Entry, bronze glass etched and carved with Rugged Retreat design.

Door Glass etched and carved with Sans Soucie Rugged Retreat design.

Door Glass etched and carved with Sans Soucie Rugged Retreat design.

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Posted in Abstract Designs, Frameless Doors, Freeform Designs, Patterns & Textures | No Comments »

Glass Dining Table: Cherry Blossom Tree Design

November 12th, 2009 by lgannett – Comments (2)

etched glass dining table top painted glass cherry blossom tree branch - 5

We just finished and delivered this gorgeous Glass Dining Table top that includes a custom glass base to match, delivered and set up inside a home at PGA West in La Quinta, California.

etched glass dining table top painted glass cherry blossom tree branch - 3

The glass table top is 68″ x 68″ and is 3/4″ thick regular clear glass.  This custom design is an exquisite work of art glass, featuring a Cherry Blossom Tree Branch running across and around the edge of the glass.  The design is 3-dimensionally sculpture carved and features colored glass as well.  A soft green was added to the carved leaves and the cherry blossom flowers were painted with a light pink.  The background area is gluechipped.

For an additional custom element, we carved our “Shoreline” edge around the outside perimeters of both the top and the glass table base.   The Shoreline Edge features 3 to 4 waves, with a chiseled irregular outside edge.etched glass dining table top painted glass cherry blossom tree branch - 4

The design coordinates perfectly with the asian, oriental-feel of the decor in this home that’s being newly renovated and remodeled by contractor “All Shapes & Sizes” of Palm Desert.   Our client is sure to get “rave reviews” for years to come!

View dozens of asian or oriental theme custom glass designs at our online Gallery where you’ll see not only additional Cherry Blossom pieces but also bamboo glass designs and oriental portriatures.  To see more tables like these, visit our online Gallery of custom, decorative etched and carved glass Dining Tables, as well as Living Room & Coffee Tables and custom Glass Counters & Shelves.  We also specialize in custom glass backsplashes.

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Posted in Color in Glass, Custom Edges, Edgework, Foliage Designs, Freeform Designs, Oriental Designs, Tables, Tree Designs, painted glass | 2 Comments »

Glass Panels Separate with Style!

October 27th, 2009 by lgannett – Comments (1)

"Swan Song" Glass Panel Interior Partition

"Swan Song" Glass Panel Interior Partition

Glass Panels are a fantastic way to separate an area.  Depending upon type of design applied to the glass, the panels can create privacy where needed, or simply add a beautiful custom look suitable to the decor where an open feel is desired, but privacy may not necessarily be needed.

"Galloping in the Vistas"

"Galloping in the Vistas"

Different types of custom glass panels etched and carved by Sans Soucie would include free standing dividers, enclosed bath and shower partitions, glass handrails, narrow fixed partitions, accent glass and pony wall dividers. All of these are available in any custom size or configuration.

In some areas, the only thing that’s needed is a glass panel separation, to create sound privacy in areas such as an office or conference area.  In those instances, simple etched or frosted bands with corporate logos are often applied to wall and partition glass, bringing in the company brand.  Any size logo can be applied to any height level on the glass.

"Abstract Hills" Glass Panel Partitions

"Abstract Hills" Glass Panel Partitions

"Renaissance Waves" partitionglass at Long Beach Renaissance Hotel

"Renaissance Waves" partitionglass at Long Beach Renaissance Hotel

For other areas where visual privacy is needed, we’ll apply frosting or glass etching over the majority of the glass surface.  Again, any custom look is possible, so there’s no limit to what can be featured.

Another fantastic custom element for glass panels are chiseled irregular edges.  The chiseling can follow the design elements, such as mountain peaks, as seen on the beautiful Mountains Panels installed inside the Companion Animal Clinic of Yucca Valley, California this past year.

"Rugged Retreat" Shower Divider Glass (photographed at our Studio)

"Rugged Retreat" Shower Divider Glass (photographed at our Studio)

Many times the irregular edge will just flow across the top and coordinate nicely with the design, like the Ocean Wave panels we did for the Marriott’s Long Beach Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, California.

Glass panels with abstract formation designs add a stunning look and are a great alternatives for things like shower and bath dividers.

Come visit our Glass Panels Gallery and view dozens of pieces like these!  Sans Soucie can custom design a glass panel for your home or business that will be a “one of a kind:  YOURS!”

"Fairway View" Carved Glass Panel

"Fairway View" Carved Glass Panel

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Posted in Abstract Designs, Commercial Projects, Custom Edges, Desert Designs, Freeform Designs, Glass Panels, Landscapes, Partitions & Dividers, Shower Dividers | 1 Comment »

Positive & Negative Sandblast Techniques

August 28th, 2009 by lgannett – Comments (0)

At Sans Soucie, we use a variety of different sandblast effects and techniques in our work.  For the most part, the pieces we create are achieved through what’s called “multi-stage sandblasting”, where the design elements are carved, one small part a time, layer upon layer, achieving a multi-dimensional effect in the design.

This grape cluster and leaves are a "multi-stage" sandblast. Each grape has been sandblasted one at a time.

This grape cluster and leaves are a "multi-stage" sandblast. Each grape has been sandblasted one at a time.

A more common technique used in sandblasted glass, is called a “single stage sandblast”.  It’s “one stage”, in that the entire template is cut and all the elements or portions that will be sandblasted are removed at the same time, then the entire surface is sandblasted at the same time.   Within this technique, are two “effects” or finishes:   They’re what’s referred to as  a “postive” or “negative” sandblast.

The positive sandblast is where the elements within the design remain clear glass and the background area of the glass is solid etched.

Obviously the negative sandblast provides for obscurity and so this technique is used for the majority of products like pantry or door glass where privacy is desired.

Cabinet Glass. Left door glass is Positive, right is negative.

Cabinet Glass. Left door glass is a positive sandblast, right panel is negative.

"Pegasus" door glass design. Negative sandblast.

"Pegasus" door glass design. Negative sandblast.

"Pegasus" door glass design, positive sandblast.

"Pegasus" door glass design, positive sandblast.

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Posted in Borders, Cabinet Glass, Definitions & Terms, Door Glass, Freeform Designs, Geometric Designs, Glass Facts, Grapevines & Ivy Designs | No Comments »