Irish Claddagh Stained Glass Panel

This stained glass panel is an original design adaptation of the traditional Irish Claddagh that incorporates symbols implying friendship, loyalty, love, eternity, faith, and Irish heritage all blended into one. There is much folklore surrounding the Claddagh’s distinctive design features which include two hands clasping a crowned heart. Research shows that its history and significance is based less on facts and more on an array of legends. In keeping with Irish tradition I chose a medium green and white wispy glass for the the outer frame and sleeve cuffs while using a lighter green and white wispy glass for the arms' sleeves. True red cathedral glass, a color associated with love and passion, makes the heart the focal point. It’s crowned in reed textured royal purple and rippled clear iridescent glass that glimmers like diamonds in the light. The sky blue waterglass glass background has a wavy texture that adds to its refractive quality. Constructed in the traditional Tiffany style, each piece was hand cut and carefully ground to exact shape. Copper foil was then meticulously applied to the edges of each piece before they were fit and soldered together. The frame edge was re-enforced with copper to ensure structural integrity while allowing the outside edge to remain delicate and elegant. Nickel jack chain was attached before the finished piece was cleaned, and polished.