Noor Springael

Glas & Glas

Stained glass maker

©Nele Daems Photography

Reviving a lost tradition

Noor learnt restoration of stained glass
She loves making lives colourful through glass
Making new stained glass designs is much easier than restoring

Noor Springael fell into this career almost by accident. She has a degree in conservation and restoration of stained glass. Her parents were highly doubtful about her decision to join the creative industry and even she was unsure about which material she wanted to master: “In the town where I grew up there’s a big glass factory, so someone suggested I pick glass – and so I did.” After graduating she worked at a studio where she did more paperwork than handiwork. In 2017, Noor opened her own workshop in her garden where she creates bespoke stained glass windows and decorative objects that are inspired by nature and geometry. Her wish is to add colour to people's lives. She makes bespoke pieces for clients, and has also started her own online shop on Etsy where she shares her creativity. In 2023, Noor published a book called Creative Stained Glass: 17 step-by-step projects for stunning glass art and gifts.

Interview

What are the misconceptions about your work?: People associate stained glass with churches and old buildings, whereas it is much more than that. I want people to see that, which is why I reintroduce stained glass in a contemporary way by playing with geometry and vibrant colours.
Where does your inspiration come from?: I use nature and geometry as the basic framework for my inspiration and then begin to customise the art based on my client’s needs and my creative instincts. For me, site visits and customer conversations play an important role in creating the piece.
What do you love the most about your craft?: I love reusing glass from old windows, doors and domes. I try to use the smaller pieces of glass that remain after creating stained glass windows as much as possible to create small decorative objects from them, for example my wildflower collection.
What is a well made piece for you?: For me it is a handmade piece that is created with a vision to last. The idea of pieces becoming more beautiful with time and with the goal to last an eternity is important. The close observation I keep on the quality, design and packaging of a piece makes them well made.

Noor Springael is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2001