Irene's Touch of Glass – A craft of color and creativity

Provided.

Stained Glass Window by Irene Rippy.

Irene Rippy's journey into the world of stained glass began in 1987, when the pressures of her real estate career led her to seek a creative outlet.

What started as a way to relieve stress has blossomed into a thriving business, Irene's Touch of Glass, known for its unique Tiffany-style stained glass pieces. Irene's work is currently featured at Gallery 'N' Gifts in Tehachapi and on her Facebook page, where clients can connect with her to commission custom pieces.

Irene's work is characterized by intricate details, blending small glass pieces together to create stunning works of art. Her signature style includes glass fusion, and she takes great pride in her craft. Each piece, whether large or small, reflects Irene's passion for stained glass and her ability to let her inner creativity flow. This year alone, she has created over 100 pieces, each one unique and a testament to her skill and dedication.

One of the most important aspects of working with Irene is her personal approach to design. She encourages clients to discuss the colors they envision for their custom pieces.

"Colors can look completely different when placed together, especially when hung in a window," Irene explains.

Clients appreciate her attention to detail and the collaborative process, ensuring their stained glass is a perfect fit for their space.

In addition to creating new pieces, Irene also repairs stained glass. Her reputation for quality craftsmanship is so strong that some clients have chosen to take their stained glass with them when they move, commissioning Irene to create pieces for their new homes.

When it comes to creating custom stained glass pieces, there is a process that Irene follows to create the best finished product. It starts with a template for the window that is to be transformed. With an accurate template in hand, Irene draws out the concept, purchases the colored glass and then sets to work building the piece like a mosaic or puzzle. This process can take a week or several months depending on the size and intricacy of the project. When it is done, Irene cleans and polishes the work and prepares it for installation.

The most challenging projects Irene has completed has been for dormer windows. From the custom size and shape of dormer windows to their challenging height for installation, Irene has learned best practices for transforming them and has built a reputation of excellence.

Visit Irene's Touch of Glass at Gallery 'N' Gifts, 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd. or browse her creations on Facebook. Irene Rippy is a proud member of the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce.

Clare Scotti is the Executive Director of the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce.