In today’s busy world, it takes everyone in the family helping to keep it on track and on schedule. We all have to pitch in, lend a hand, and pull our weight to keep things from getting frantic. You should expect the same thing from the hardworking surfaces in your home. Low maintenance surfaces that are easy to clean are a must. But is that enough?

Back-painted glass, like Dreamwalls Color Glass, is definitely easy to maintain and clean. The lack of grout makes a surface that doesn’t absorb stains or mildew. The smooth surface allows any food or mess to be cleaned off easily. But glass does something other surfaces do not,….it helps you stay on track and communicate better with your family,…really!

You can write directly on glass with dry erase markers. The markers won’t stain or ghost, and the backsplash is a great place to jot down grocery lists so they’re easy for everyone in the family to see or amend.

Dreamwalls Backpainted Glass Backsplash Grocery List

When backpainted glass is used as cabinet inserts, you can write reminders at eye level, so every time you reach for the coffee or cereal it’s front and center.

Dreamwalls Color Glass Back Painted Glass Message Reminder

But glass is also fantastic for recipes and checklists that can easily be erased or marked through as each step is completed. Wouldn’t it be a good way to have a chore board – so the kids can erase tasks themselves upon completion?

Dreamwalls Backpainted Glass Recipe

But who says it only has to be about tasks, chores, lists or “to-dos”? Back-painted glass can also be used for those little notes of support, gratitude and love that can mean the difference between an early start and a GREAT start to your day. And every family member can use more of that.

Dreamwalls Color Glass Backpainted Glass Note of Support

Dreamwalls Antique Mirror in clear and bronze

When we first started making Antique Mirror, we started with a very basic overall pattern that was gentle and consistant. Now, we’re glad to announce that we have three patterns included in the line of Dreamwalls Antique Mirror. The patterns are named Leopard, Spring, and Paris and all are available in regular or in unique bronze-tinted versions for use in large-scale wall and door installations.

Dreamwalls Antique Mirror 3 ways

“Before, antiqued mirrors were only made by taking a perfectly good mirror and destroying the reflective layers from the back with acid and other chemicals,” stated Mandy Marxen, Vice President of Marketing for Dreamwalls.  “What we’ve been able to do is create a first-quality product, that still has all the protective layers of coatings intact and can be made in sizes far larger than available anywhere else.”

To create additional options, the same three patterns can also be applied to bronze-tinted mirror, for a deep, rich effect.  The product can be fully fabricated, including water jet cutting into unique shapes or with cut outs, selectively painted with logos or designs, and may be tempered during fabrication for additional safety. The product is available with largest size capability of 96 x 144 inches, and thickness from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch thick (•minimums or size limitations may apply on some sizes).

“The art of making antique mirrors is so subjective,” said Marxen. “But we wanted to offer extremely large sizes of antique mirror for hospitality and commercial applications at an economical price point. I think the three choices we offer can appeal to a wide variety of those installations. Add the fact that we can warranty our mirror, and you’ll see that Dreamwalls Antique Mirrors are extremely unique to the industry. ”

North Carolina-based Gardner Glass Products, makes the Dreamwalls family of products and is currently celebrating its 50th year in business. Specializing in mirror manufacturing, Gardner is known the world over for making high quality glass-coated products. For more information on Dreamwalls Antique Mirror, please e-mail me at mmarxen@mac.com

As we are working more with glass shower enclosures, I’ve been noticing some trends in custom shower enclosure design. When I say “custom” these are completely custom designs with unique panel sizes made exclusively for a space. They can certainly also be for project work – for instance where many of the same design are made for condos or hospitality,…but the designs are unique and are definitely not “off the rack” from a home improvement warehouse. Generally, these doors are 3/8″ or 1/2″ thick tempered glass with fabrication for specialized hinges, handles and hardware. What’s more, these exciting doors quicken the pulse with beautiful new features that are the leading edge of shower enclosure design. At Gardner Glass Products, we are proud to be able to fabricate glass for such beautiful showers that make these bathrooms so special using our full line of Dreamwalls glass products.

Headerless Design – with no hardware at the top, these doors look like beautiful jewel cases in your bath. Advances in hardware engineering and talented glaziers make these enclosures works of art that make them seem to defy the laws of physics.

Dreamwalls_CustomFramelessShower

Exposed “Industrial” Hardware- This european hardware style is popping up from several great manufacturers. It features rollers and bars like barn door hardware, but designed to stand up to the unique bathroom environment.

Dreamwalls_Glass Shower Industrial Hardware

Acid Etched Glass - This translucent glass is available in low-iron versions that have a milky-white appearance that is soothing and ethereal for the bath. It also allows for privacy while still offering all the easy-to-clean advantages of other glass showers. And because it is permanently etched on one surface (usually placed facing the outside of the shower), the effect will never fade, clean off, or scratch off.

Dreamwalls Etched Glass Shower

Shower Seats- Not just for us older folks that need a place to sit, they’re also practical places to more comfortably shave legs, or just set down toiletries, washcloths, or children’s toys while you scrub down.

Dreamwalls Shower Seat Detail

Tinted Glass - Gray, bronze, and even blue tints are a nice look that are completely transparent but with just a hint of color to accent interior color schemes and adds a bit of the unexpected. This is not a film added to the glass, the tint is created in the actual float glass manufacturing process, so the color will stay true forever.

Avery Glass & Mirror _ Gray Tempered Shower Enclosure

Steam Showers - with glass that goes all the way up to the ceiling, these showers can trap in all the heat and steam from the shower to create a sauna-like effect. Moveable specially-cut upper transoms can be opened to help control the moisture levels to prevent your shower from becoming a constant rainforest and aid ventilation.

Dreamwalls Steam Shower

Fixed Panels - Careful positioning of the shower head and placement of a non-moving panel of glass results in a design that eliminates the need for a moving door. It’s a nice look that is very practical as well.

Dreamwalls Fixed Panel Shower Partition

What trends have you been spotting in frameless glass shower enclosures? What would you LIKE to be seeing? With water jet cutting capabilities, access to the finest glass in the world from all over the globe, and world-class tempering quality; the full line of Dreamwalls products can help it come to life.

Dreamwalls Color Glass is a back-painted glass product that offers something a cut above other painted glass products. This is not just marketing hype, we pride ourselves on making the gold standard of backpainted glass that is easy to fab, install, and get the exact look your design requires. We literally made the gold standard – we even won the NeoCon Gold Award for surfacing materials in 2009!

Dreamwalls Color Glass - Winner of NeoCon Gold Award

Here are just a few of the ways Dreamwalls Color Glass raises the bar for back-painted glass:

• Custom color – we can (and routinely do) match any color specified, Pantone, RAL, Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, with quick sample turnaround.

• Large size – we can backpaint glass from 4 in x 4 in to 96 in x 144 inches. (some minimums or edgework limitations may apply) We also paint glass 1/8  to 1 inch thick.

• Massive volume – due to our coating on glass technology we’ve been perfecting for the past 50 years, we can provide large volume runs for commercial, institutional, hospitality or multifamily housing at a competitive price.

• Quick turnaround – due to to the Dreamwalls Color Glass proprietary heat-curing technology, your product is able to be packed or further fabricated right off the line, without waiting for air drying which could delay projects by several days.

• Opaque protection – Dreamwalls Color Glass features two coatings of paint to provide complete opacity to hide adhesive show-through, and it also protects the color during handling, fabrication, transportation, and installation. (approved adhesive list available online HERE)

• Low-iron quality - we use the finest low-iron glass to reduce the green tint of the glass that could detract from the exact color you specified.

• Hi-tech verification - since everyone’s eye is different, we use a color spectrophotometer on every piece of glass we make to ensure that the color matches within a delta point – regardless of the substrate from which the sample was specced. This also helps when you’re getting a thicker countertop that must match a thinner glass backsplash. Consistency is key.

If you have a question about Dreamwalls Color Glass, give us a call – 800-334-7267 (M-F 8am – 5pm EST). We’d love to help. Or, you can always reach out to me through our Facebook or Twitter too!

Park Avenue Designs - George Gobes

With Dreamwalls Color Glass, we can get your whites, super-white. Using low-iron glass with extreme clarity, Dreamwals Color Glass can provide backpainted glass that is True White instead of aqua or green. However, this color clarity is certainly important for more than just the color white. It is also key for subtle colors, where a little unintentional greenish cast would make it look muddy and dull. Cream is a perfect example of a color that must be kept pristine.

Park Avenue Designs - Custom Kitchen

In this backsplash from Park Avenue Designs of Tampa, Florida, this color clarity was crucial. Designer George Gobes had the cream paint color specified for the wall of a custom kitchen, and needed the backsplash to match perfectly. We were happy to oblige. Each piece was size to fit around the range hood, and well as cut-outs for outlets and additional electronics – and matching outlet covers. We worked from Park Avenue’s CAD files (.dxf files), the precise measurements taken on-site were easily translated into perfect pieces of glass.

Dreamwalls Color Glass - Backsplash Detail Custom Cream

For more on this design, or to view others, visit Park Avenue Designs, or read about the feature article on this project in the May 2012 issue of House Trends.

CREDITS –

Kitchen designer: George Gobes, Park Avenue Designs; Contractor: Chris Campbell; Designer:Christian Kamaris; Cabinetry: Superior Wood Products; Flooring: Nova Gold stone; Faucets:Dornbracht; Appliances: Sub-Zero refrigerators; Miele induction cooktop, oven, coffee system, warming drawer and dishwashers; Futuro Futuro range hood; Glass backsplash: Gardner Glass Products –  Dreamwalls Color Glass in custom cream Photos: Robert Lawson

Choosing among the possibilities for your perfect glass table top

Dreamwalls Glass Table Top Dining Table

You’ve got a project that needs a table top. You’re sold on the practicality of glass. We are so pleased! There are many different options and decisions you need to make when specifying a table top or countertop for your job. In today’s article, we’ll walk you through some of the many choices and options available.

Overall dimensions:

• We cut from glass sheets that are 96″ x 144″ – however, to fabricate edgework requires a cut in from the edge so if you want anything other than a clean cut edge rectangle, you’ll have to go a touch smaller.
• Standard industry tolerances are +/- 1/16 inch,…so if it has to be inset into a frame, allow your measurements to account for it.
• Keep in mind some edgework fabrication equipment may not be able to handle glass at max size due to weight or bed size constraints.
• Consider how the table is going to get into the space – is the door big enough? Can it make the turn in the hallway? You’d be surprised how often this needs to be addressed and you have to remember that glass simply will not bend.

Dreamwalls Color Glass White In Production

Shape – other than a rectangle?

• All ovals are not the same shape – same goes for archtops or “racetracks” – these tend to be special patterns, that need a pattern or CAD file.
• CAD drawings in a .dxf format work best for our water jet cutting capabilities and reduces any mis-communication.
• Not all cuts can be achieved, that is why it’s important for us to see the actual pattern at the time of quote. Tight inside 90º corners are impossible to be polished by our machinery. If it’s tempered, we have to make sure any holes are a certain distance from the edge. Let us review it to eliminate any problems early in the project.

Dreamwalls Glass Sink Top

Thickness of the glass:

• This depends on the size of the glass, its support and the weight it would be carrying – ask your glazier if you’re uncertain.
• Generally, if it’s on top of a full surface – annealed (non-tempered) glass is safe enough to use and is usually only 1/4 inch (6mm) thick.
• If there’s a “pass through” possibility, it’s usually better to temper the glass regardless of what the local codes may allow.
• “Heavy glass” of 1/2 inch (12mm) thick or more,…and even then it may depend on the overall size of the piece and its use.
• For table tops, we recommend going no thinner than 1/4″ (6mm) and up to 1″ thick (25mm), but depending on the size either of those extremes may not be acceptable to the project.
• NOTE: tempered glass is usually stamped with a baked-on permanent ink to prove that it has been tempered. If you don’t want that stamp showing on your final piece, be sure to dictate as such. We can provide you with a document proving the piece was tempered if you require it.

Any additional fabrication?

• Holes for a patio table pole
• Holes to hide computer wires in a desk or reception area
• Cut outs for undermount sinks (with edgework) or for a top-mount sink (won’t require edgework)
• Holes for in-counter cooktops

Type of the glass:

• Tempered or Annealed
• Tempered glass is much stronger, slightly less susceptible to scratches, and if it does break, it will form the tiny nuggests that are less likely to cause harm.
• Annealed glass will work fine for many situations that are either backed by a solid surface, so that it isn’t a “punch through” hazard or where the glass is very thick.

Dreamwalls Color Glass Red Countertop

Color of the glass:

• Regular clear glass
• Low-iron Starphire® Ultra-Clear glass
• Dreamwalls Color Glass backpainted glass – any color you specify is easily possible
• Antique Mirrors – in regular or tints
• Mirrors for a bright surface
• Acid-etched glass (in regular or low-iron) can offer some interesting under-lighting effects, or be backpainted for a lustrous finish that doesn’t show finger prints

Lots of things to consider, right? Never fear. If you get stumped at any time while making your decisions, just give us a call. We’ll try to help steer you towards the right solution for your design need. 800-334-7267. Just comment with your question, or e-mail me direct at mmarxen@gardnerglass.com

2012 was a wild ride of a year. Business improved greatly over 2011, and still has plenty of room for future growth. I’m excited about what 2013 holds for our parent company, Gardner Glass Products, and the world of Dreamwalls. But it’s always helpful to look back at one’s accomplishments, so here are a few professional high points in my year:

• Celebrating 50 Years in Business. It’s no small feat to be able to survive economic downturns, ownership changes, and industry shifts for any business in today’s world. Our resilience and ethics are key to achieving our longevity, and we look forward to serving our customers for many years to come. (On a related side note, I celebrated 19 years with the company in July! And yes, I did start when I was 4.)

• I was named to US Glass’ 2012 “The Industry’s Most Influential” list in the Decorative Glass Industry. What an unexpected honor, and I was flattered to be included in such a list.

Dreamwalls NeoCon 2012 with Brandon Smith & Rose Dostal

• NeoCon in Chicago was an amazing amount of fun, where I got to meet some of our Twitter friends face-to-face,…which is always really great.

Glass Magazine Awards: St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort - NGI Designer Glass

• I was a judge for Decorative area of the Glass Magazine Awards. It was a thrill to have a front-row seat to see so many great, creative products going on in the world.

• I was sworn in as President of the Mirror Division of the Glass Association of North America. Serving a 2-year term, this has been a wonderful experience and honor for me and our company, and I look forward to helping further the use and education of mirror and decorative glass.

Thank you to all the wonderful designers, bloggers, business people, and experts I’ve had the pleasure to speak with in 2012. I look forward to growing the world of Dreamwalls even more in 2013, and look forward to adding you to the party.

-Mandy

Dreamwalls Color Glass Ornaments 2012

Our local visitor’s center (which is a LEED gold certified building) wanted to feature a tree covered with ornaments inspired by the local economy. We created our contribution using Dreamwalls Backpainted Glass in unique shapes cut to perfection with our waterjet cutter.

The Northwest NC Visitor’s Center is located off of Highway 421East in Wilkes County. It features an impressive array of green technology systems – with a real time snapshot on the website to see them in action! It offers visitors to the area information on Wilkes and the surrounding counties, including: Yadkin, Watauga, Surry, Iredell, Caldwell, Avery, Ashe, Alleghany, and Alexander counties. It is managed by the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, and features the work of area craftspeople and artists on a rotating basis. A big “thank you” to June Hege for inviting us to participate in the festivities.

“Oh, sure, Mandy,….this glass is SO easy to clean. You tell us that all the time.”

Okay, well I’ll SHOW you. I took two samples of our Dreamwalls Color Glass. One in original glossy glass and one in our matte acid-etched finish. I marked them with a dry erase markers, a fat Sparco® permanent marker, and a thin Sharpie® marker,…then I added tomato sauce and popped them in the oven for a half hour. So these stains were dry and baked on. (this is also a testiment to our backing paint. It doesn’t crack, peel or flake after this heat exposure!) Then the samples sat around for another 2 weeks to make the dry erase makers ghost as much as possible.

How well do these tough stains come off? Watch the short homemade video below and you be the judge:

F. Tommy Huskey 1954-2011

Tomorrow marks a somber anniversary for us at Gardner. It has been a year without Tommy Huskey. The post from last November recounts our CEO’s passing, and just a few of the emotions we were feeling at the time.

Now that we’ve been a year without him on this Earth,…it bears reflecting: Would we be making him proud? Are we continuing his vision? In the South we’d call it “doing right”. Are we doing right by him?

I’d have to say “yes, we are”. Our President, Randy Brooks, and our CFO, Melissa Lackey, didn’t miss a beat in leading this company forward. They had worked so closely with Tommy for so many years, and they knew him well. But also, they did a lot of the work along side him; which just further illustrates that no man is an island, and none of us are ever successful alone.

We’ve had a good year here at the Dreamwalls family; full of building momentum and growth. We’ve acquired some new equipment, we’ve partnered with some talented new vendors, we’ve earned the trust of some important new customers, and renewed relationships to some important old customers.

No, I certainly can’t pick a wine at a dinner without him,….but I think Tommy would love the forward progress we’re making, the markets we’re growing into, and the company we’re continually striving to become.