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Best Hand-Blown Glass Decorations In New York

Artisans who work in the blown glass medium create everything from decorative pieces to Christmas tree ornaments, bowls and  lighting. They can also help recreate pieces from the past and repair old works. Most blown glass studios in New York City cater to private clients and are typically open on an advance appointment schedule, so be sure to phone before visiting.

Pier Glass
499 Van Brunt St., Suite 2A
Brooklyn, NY 11231
(718) 237-2073
www.facebook.com/Pier-Glass-Mary-Ellen-Buxton-Kevin-Kutch

This large studio in Red Hook, Brooklyn, creates custom glass works for designers, museums and architects. The married co-owners, Mary Ellen Buxton and Kevin Kutch, produce one-of-a-kind pieces. Some examples include decorative perfume bottles, elegant bowls and exquisite vases. They also handle repairs and special requests.

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Michael Davis Glass
42-24 Ninth St.
Long Island City, NY 11101
(718) 383-3712
www.michaeldavisglass.com

In this Queens studio artisans create pieces to order — from windows to bowls and other items — for private clients. Although not open to the public, visitors can make an appointment to visit and discuss the kinds of pieces they need. ieces can be produced on-site. The New York Times described Michael Davis as "equal parts detective, glass historian and technical wizard." It said he was "among a handful of people in the country who specialize in reproducing glass masterpieces and beloved heirlooms."

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Brooklyn Glass
142 13th St.,
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 569-2110
brooklynglass.com

This custom fabrication facility is located in Gowanus. In addition to producing pieces for homeowners, it produces pieces for business owners and other artists. Its specialists work with clients to create custom blown glass, casting, lighting, neon signage and artwork, polished and cut glass. In addition, artists can rent spaces at Brooklyn Glass for their own work and can take courses in the art of blown glass.

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Shakuff Studi
34 35th St., 2nd Floor B-SW
Brooklyn, NY 11232
(212) 675-0383
www.shakuff.com

This Brooklyn outfit produces wall sconces, chandeliers and other lighting fixtures, as well as glass sinks and tiles. It services both residential and commercial clients. Their stained glass work is particularly breathtaking and captivating, featuring some unbelievably intricate designs. The Brooklyn location distributes glass works directly, although they have several showrooms around the U.S.

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CX Design
304 Hudson St., Third Floor
New York, NY   10013
(212) 431-4242
www.cxny.com

CX  calls itself a boutique lighting design studio. Their products are classic -- yet contemporary -- pieces. Every glass diffuser is designed exclusively for CX and hand-blown in Murano, an island off Venice, Italy. One of the CX founders, Monica Missio, says the studio's work "embraces a Far East serenity and Western European elegance culminating in Venice; coming full circle. Elegant Moorish motifs add a touch of worldly allure and regal sophistication to our Scavo and Cristallo collection."  A variety of wall fixtures, pendants, chandeliers, shallow drop and semi-flush pieces are illustrated on its website, as well as an extensive list of restaurants, stores and hotels that are among its clients.

Grace Lichtenstein is an author and former New York Times reporter. She writes principally about books, music and sports. She contributes to the Washington Post, NYCityWoman.com, Aspen Magazine and other publications. She is a board member of Bike New York, as well as a member of the Authors Guild and the National Book Critics Circle.

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