The Open Cupboard
12550 W. Colfax Ave
#105
Lakewood, CO 80215

Dear Karen,

Over the past few years it's been a real pleasure to get acquainted and work with Mike and yourself on our projects. I'm always struck by your good nature and you exemplify the very definition of "customer service" that anyone would seek to elicit from one of their vendors. It's passion like yours that inspire and move designers like myself to design state-of-the-art custom kitchens.

Keep up the great work,

Ted Godfrey
The Open Cupboard

Karen,
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your beginners’ class. I took stained glass classes many years ago but haven’t done anything for about 20 years. I did a lot of projects but nothing I was very proud of after learning how it should have been done!

When I saw your store I went to your web site and saw your ad for your beginners’ class said “This is a good refresher course if you have been away from the art for awhile”. Well you were right. I was amazed at how many tips and tricks you told us about that I’d never heard of before.

When I went home and looked at the stuff I’d done previously I was sick. Now I understand why things didn’t go together like they should have nor do they look as professional as they should. You have definitely given me the “fire” again to get back into stained glass and now I’m actually pleased with my work.

You have so much patience when you teach and explain things so well (especially when it came to breaking my bad habits I had from being taught wrong so long ago) you always make me feel like YES, I can do this! I am very excited about taking more classes from you. I have recommended your class to a lot of my friends who are very interested in glass. Thank you again for your sweet personality, great ideas and very knowledgeable staff!

Marcie Doyle

27 January 2009

TESTIMONY FOR ACCENT ART GLASS

I have the distinct pleasure and privilege of having been both a student and employee of Accent Art Glass.

I had taken previous stained glass classes (in another state) as an introduction to the craft which allowed for a base of exposure. I was satisfied with the initial processes I had learned to create my own panels, but thought there might be better way. When I moved to Denver, I enrolled in a beginner’s class at Accent Art Glass and was immediately impressed with the way Karen approached stained glass panel making. The process I learned in her shop was different from the first classes. The method taught here is easy to understand and apply. Her shop is ideal for learning the craft and the panel creation is taught in easy to understand steps, plus individual attention is given to each student. Its obvious Karen loves her line of work, and freely shares her passion and knowledge with everyone who appreciates glass art. It renewed my interest in the craft and motivated me to embrace stained glass on a whole new level; one that continues to this day.

Later, I happened to stop by Karen’s shop to visit and there was a “Help Wanted” sign posted on the door. After visiting with Karen I inquired about the sign and was offered a job. What an opportunity to learn even more about stained glass. I was immediately immersed in the different disciplines of stained glass. Karen enrolled me in each type of class the shop offered to broaden by knowledge and experience. I learned foil and lead panels, meridian stars, jewelry boxes, and so much more. As a shop technician, I learned about stained glass repair and restoration, sand blasting, retail, and glass slumping just to name a few. Talk about a beginning artisan’s paradise. I thoroughly enjoyed working under Karen’s tutelage, and appreciate her love for it. Now that life circumstances have dictated that I move on with other aspects of my life, I carry with me a love for the craft, the ability to create panels I design, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty stained glass bestows.

I’d like to add a few observations on Karen’s work ethic. Before my retirement, I had been a supervisor and manager. I understand the business world, and how important it is to be a professional on all levels. Let me say Karen is a true professional in every sense of the word. Her love of stained glass goes without saying, but to be a continuing success in a market that is affected by today’s economy speaks volumes. Karen possesses the highest integrity and applies it to all aspects of her business. She understands a customer’s needs and makes sure they understand what she can provide them. She also works with other glass professionals who respect her tremendously…I have seen this first hand. Accent Art Glass will continue to be a success because Karen believes in herself, having a staff that is committed to excellence, and providing her customers with quality products.

I will continue to create stained glass and share my enthusiasm as often as possible with Karen. I wish her and her staff the best and continued success.

Angelo J. Alderete

Karen,

I had a great time in the intermediate glass class at Accent Glass. I
learned so many things I could have never learned on my own. When I was
done I easily had a glass piece worth $400. My family and friends were
thrilled with what I was able to accomplish. More important, I was able
to hit the ground running and have already started a new project. I
recommend this class to anyone who has thought about moving on up from
foil to leaded glass. Thanks for the encouragement!

Mary Ellen Donohue