Your Best Opportunity for Stained Glass

[Boris]

Hobby or Business, Antiques and Restorations (or in plain language Repair Work) can be your biggest Opportunity to make some working cash with, and to fill in those "have nothing to do" spots, when you wish for a little income. I am very glad to see it included in these forums, since it seems always to be shoved aside, as a lesser undertaking. The people that do not dismiss this aspect of the hobby, are those who have seen the potential for this part of glass work. The Pros already seem to know this, and most love what they do. I hope to see a lot of tips and theories in restorations and repairs. Also some codes of ethics people use, when taking on a job or commission, regardless of how big or how small it is.

I think its great, that today, more Craftsmen are willing to share their techniques and tips, with other new "would be" Craftsmen, and no longer covet and hide their "secrets" in fear that another will learn how to do something. This attitude is what will ensure that the Art, or Craft, will live on, and be refined to its most perfect state.

[NanaScores]

When we have been blessed with an ability we have a responsibility to share it, as you said it will keep this art alive way past our life time. Just think, if Tiffany and others hadn't taught anyone, where would we all be. I was a ceramic teacher for years before finding this wonderful art and because I taught and produced, that art lives through those people I taught and who purchased my items, because young artists are now doing it that never would have. This is no different. While I don't teach now, I have shown some interested people the basics and some have turned into hobbists, who knows, we may be the light that a budding Tiffany needs to get started.

[Planet Glass]

Sadly, with a high rate of foreclosure and an unstable economy, now will be a good time to pick up valuable antiques at a very low cost.

[Boris]

Sadly, with a high rate of foreclosure and an unstable economy, now will be a good time to pick up valuable antiques at a very low cost.

I wish that was true, so I could stock up a bit more on old lighting, but that market seems to have been affected very little if any. People who buy real Antiques, such as lighting, are not too worried about the price of gas or groceries. As far as lighting goes, the prices keep going up, and the supply is dwindling.

I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to buy up a lot of good quality lighting, that needed a few things here and there, and stashed enough away keep me busy and in play money for a couple of years at least. Being a "Hobby" you can put the profits right back in more stock, so its self perpetuating, and you can afford to sit on the items until you get what you want out of it.

All I can say, is that Life is Good...