Local Craftswomen's Lake Related Items and More!
I am excited to post on this website two local craftsman who have created inspiring and functional items reflecting the beauty of Maine lakes.
By The Glass
Beckie Kier, a recent client, introduced me to her passion of creating stained glass when she presented me with a gift many years ago when she purchased her first house. Most recently she honored me again with a gift at the closing of her second house which I have posted below. Living on Pettingill Pond in North Windham inspires the beauty of nature to come sparking through her works of art, especially if placed in a window overlooking the water. I have used her first gift, which is indigo blue in color, as a staging item, always placing in a window so that the light shimmers through, leaving a lovely blue hue.
Here is Beckie's heartwarming story:
In May of 2005, I became a cancer survivor. Before cancer, my "Someday I’d like to…” list was at the bottom of my priority list, below the pressures and concerns of everyday life. In May of 2005, I re-prioritized.
I took the stained glass class that had been on my list for way too many some days. Then I moved on to another “someday…” item, and started a small company. By business standards, ‘by the glass’ is a very, very small company. By survivor standards, it is a celebration of not letting everyday life get in the way of living every day.
If life is getting in the way of your someday list, please take time to reprioritize..
Here is an example of that incredible indigo blue which reminds me of the color of lake water on a clear cold day when the sky and the water are the same hue. Illness can bring out the creative spirit longing to emerge, if we just give it time. In this case, the creative spirit is a blessing both to Beckie and to those who purchase her works.
Beckie's newest creation!
Check out Beckie"s website by clicking on the link below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where would I put it?
A: WHEREVER YOU WANT! Designs are available in a variety of colors to accommodate either windows or wall space.
Q: How do I hang it?
A: I recommend eye hooks and chain. I provide the eye hooks. Chain is available at any hardware store.
Q: Can I put stuff in the bottle?
A: YES! They’re great for fresh cut flowers, plant cuttings, marbles, beach sand, sea glass, beads, etc. Just don’t put anything heavy in it.
Q: Can I provide my own bottle?
A: Yes…. as long as you’re willing to take a chance on it breaking. Very few break, but it happens occasionally. If your bottle is of any monetary value, I don't recommend it. If it’s of great sentimental value, I would only do it if you are comfortable with the possibility that it may break.
Q: Can I provide my own window?
A: Yes! If the window still has the old glass in it or is very dirty, a reasonable fee will be added for removing the glass and cleaning it up.
Q: Are you interested in purchasing old windows/bottles?
A: I spend very little on bottles and windows. If you’re trying to sell yours for a reasonable profit, I’m not your best option. However, I am usually willing to barter, so if you want to trade them for a stained glass piece, that is a possibility.
Q: Do you sell gift certificates?
A: Yes, in any amount you want. I can take a credit card by phone and mail it.
And here is information about the creative Brenda Labrecque Lafleur. I met Brenda at the Ladies of Little Sebago, a wonderful community group of ladies who live on the lake. Being a displaced property owner, they have been gracious enough to allow me to be part of the group. Created by Sharon Young, it has been a blessing to all who participate, for fun, sharing and giving back to the community. This is how I learned of Brenda's talents.
My name is Brenda Lafleur. I am a designer of custom wood signs and the owner operator of Lakeside Custom Wood Creations. I create and design custom signs, mostly wood from finished to rustic and rough, indoor & out, including composite. I create one of a kind pieces and custom designed woodwork. Think out of the box! I work out of my home office with a workshop I share with my husband Garry, in Gray Maine. We often do projects together, as he is a finish carpenter individually designing and crafting every piece that leaves our shop. We create soul satisfying work. I spend a lot of time outside and love taking ideas from what I see around me and a lot of my work involves patterns and forms that you would find in our lake area. My mission is to create breath taking and unique items for you and your home.
For my lake friends, I’m working on composite dock signs which withstand harsh weather. Set it and forget it! Vinyl is final.
Call or email me and we can talk up what you’d like and can come up with the design and plan you are looking for.
Please Search my Facebook page at lakesidecustomwoodcreations and click on the photo tap to see the projects finished. Let me create and router your ideas
