My God-mother had many hobbies. It was fun going to visit her because she was always working on some crafty thing that I got to examine and try to do. My favorite phase of hers was when she embraced stained glass design. Her creations were wonderful. The way the sun changed how the glass looked and the emotion it sent was fascinating to me. I have always loved the play between sunlight and glass, really special. However, it is increasingly difficult to find artisans that work in the stained glass medium. That is why I was so excited to discover Judson Studios in Los Angeles, California.

They are masters at the craft of stained glass, leaded glass, and architectural glass design. Their work is beautiful and can be found in numerous places around the world including the chapel of the United States Capitol, the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum, and the Frank Lloyd Wright homes Ennis Brown and Hollyhock.

Founded in 1897 by William Lees Judson and his three sons, the Judson Studios was part of the legendary Arroyo Guild of Fellow Craftsmen. The studio remains at its original location in Los Angeles (a stone’s throw from South Pasadena) and has been registered as a historic place (site #428946). It is also still a family run working studio having passed through to the fifth generation now with their work, and expertise of the craft, highly sought after.

Tours are available of the facility. Reservations are mandatory. It’s a great place to spend some time, admire the exquisite glass work, and learn how they have melted together the traditions of this ancient art form with the most cutting edge design and fabrication processes of today.

Website: www.judsonstudios.com