19. From Factory to Studio: The Journey of Our Glass

At Lucent Glass, we take pride in the glass we carry. Most art glass used in stained glass projects is manufactured in the United States, an industry with a long history dating back to 1888, when Kokomo Opalescent Glass first began producing glass in Indiana.

Many of these manufacturers still produce their glass by hand using ladles and mixing tools. With the exception of Oceanside Glass, which uses machine production and architectural clear glass. Because of these handcrafted techniques, it’s common to notice unique irregularities in the glass, such as difference density of textures, bubbles, colour variations, or uneven surfaces—features that make each piece truly special and touched by the hands of a human!

Some of Our Art Glass Manufacturers

• Fremont Antique Glass, 1980 – Seattle, Washington
• Kokomo Opalescent Glass, 1988 – Indiana
• Oceanside Glass, 2016 – California
• Paul Wissmach, 1904 – West Virginia
• Youghiogheny Opalescent Glass, 1976 – Pennsylvania
• Clear Architectural Clears – Sourced from overseas from various location

How Is Glass Shipped?

Glass is shipped in large wooden crates, often weighing over 1,200 lbs per skid and over 45 full sheets within each crate. The crates are transported via freight across the country from the factories to our store in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

Once the glass arrives, we sort and cut the large sheets down—typically to 12"x12" sizes—so they’re easy for our customers to shop. Each sheet is priced, added to inventory, and displayed on our retail shelves, patiently waiting for the perfect project to bring it to life!

Our glass travels a long way, passing through the hands of many people along the way. We love this aspect of the stained glass industry—the stories of the people who contribute to each sheet are what make every piece truly special.

Shop our art glass here! 

- The Lucent Glass Team