picts of glass

Glass Collecting

Glassfacets.com is a website dedicated to the hobby of glass collecting.  Whether you're a novice, new to the realm of glass collecting, or an established collector, I hope this site will prove to be a useful resource for you. 

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Where did it all begin?

In 1993, I moved into a new apartment.  For the first time, I lived alone, after years of college roommates, then housemates, and so on.  A futon couch (which doubled as a bed), a dresser, a table, a T.V. were (well... unless you count my cat) the only pieces of furniture I possessed at the time. I recall sitting in the middle of the living room, on several occasions, envisioning grand decorating designs.  What colors should I paint the various rooms?  What new pieces and gadgets should I buy?  Oh, where was Martha when I needed her?

Well, I got a call from my folks one day, asking me what I needed for my new home.  Something made of glass would be nice!  It was the first thing that came to my mind. On television, I had viewed a stream of enticing designing programs, featuring newly remodeled homes, often perfected with  precious pieces of gleaming glass, smartly showcased around the living quarters.
 
That Christmas, my folks gave me a piece of green glass.  It was Fostoria's oval bowl in the Coin pattern (#1372).  I loved the piece.  It was unique. Looking back, it signified a major change in my life, a new home and a new journey.  During the Christmas of 1994, my folks gave me the matching sugar bowl, creamer and two candlesticks.  In 1995, I received the tall urn and a handled nappy.  Of course,  I went right out and bought my first glass book, Fostoria - An Identification and Value Guide of Pressed, Blown & Hand Molded Shapes, by Ann Kerr. I discovered Fostoria and learned about Coin glass, especially, that it came in other colors!  Oh, look out!  The collecting bug hit...... and HIT HARD!  I was hooked!
 
I acquired more glass, more books, more glass, more knowledge, and more glass!  I discovered the world, and likes of, Fostoria, Cambridge, Fenton, Paden City, New Martinsville, Imperial, and many, many more.  Over the years, my love affair has resulted in many cabinets, cubbies, and boxes,  and a collection consisting of  hundreds of glass pieces.  Who would have thought one simple piece of glass would have created such an obsession? Glass has added much joy to my life, and introduced me to so very many gracious, and knowledgeable people in the world of collecting.
 
This web site is the result of my love. I was encouraged by family, friends and fellow collectors to share my passion and knowledge, by creating a resource for those interested in this lovely art.  As, I've heard it said often; "We must keep the tradition alive."  This website is dedicated to the all the men, women & families who worked in the factories, designing and creating the treasures we have come to admire and enjoy, and to all the collectors, whom I have befriended and who so graciously shared their with me their knowledge.  And, it is dedicated to you, anyone and everyone, who has a passion for glass.
 
My goal is to provide a comprehensive site, where resources are available to help all you collectors out there, to share stories, and hopefully offer insight.  I hope you find Glassfacets.com useful. If you have any feedback, or want to share your stories and experiences, I would love to hear from you. 
May you all be well, and may you find the special treasures you've been seeking!