Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion - Nostalgia Under Glass


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Every picture tells a story. No one believes this timeworn saying more than Carol Kaas. “I’ve always been attracted to historical prints, not just because of their quality, but because of the tales they tell about bygone days.”
It was a short step from collecting these images to using them in her artwork. A few years ago, she began cutting and pasting reproductions of antique prints beneath glass, creating découpaged plates, trays, and other accent pieces that are both decorative and functional. “They capture a little glimpse of the past,” she says of her work.

(a) Carol chose this Santa because of his old-fashioned appeal. (b) The deep, muted cherry red in the original print caught her eye. (c) Felt-bottomed "Jingle" tray awaits holiday cookies.

(d) Like all of Carol’s work, this silhouette piece works equally well in elegant or rustic settings. (e) The nostalgia of Christmases past captures her imagination. “Older prints and illustrations have a charm and personality that you just don’t get in most contemporary work.”

(f) “There’s a sentiment attached to vintage images that I really respond to,” says Carol. (g) Three years ago, Kaas GlassWorks moved from her kitchen to a shop in New York City’s West Village, filled with trinkets and treasures. “My husband built the shelves.”

nostalgia under glass
Inspiration comes not only from Carol’s fascination with the past, but also from her husband, Chris. “I practiced law for 15 years, but was originally an art major,” she says. “Art has always been my passion, and Chris encouraged me to pursue it.”
Today, she spends her spare time sifting through estate sales, browsing antique stores, and shopping flea markets. “We’re always looking for antique prints wherever we travel,” she says. Vintage labels and advertisements make especially playful pieces. Mixing reprints of old documents with other oddities blends history with whimsy.

The glue solution dries clear, so images are visible through (and protected by) the glass. (h) Although they can be purchased separately, these three plates work best together, depicting a classic Christmas scene. (i) Carol’s trays (like this one, based on a reproduction French print) create instant ambiance, whether displayed on a table or hanging on a wall.

(j) Before opening her shop, Carol worked in an antiques store, where she learned to appreciate the many different ways Santa has been depicted through the years. (k) “Layering the images under glass adds another dimension and seems to bring the animals to life." Nature is a favorite theme of Carol’s. (l) A new twist on botanicals. (m) A plate that evokes every child’s Christmas Eve fantasy. (n) “Snowflakes have such a magical quality.”

nostalgia under glass
A New York City storefront on Perry Street is the ivy-covered home of Kaas GlassWorks. Inside, the scent of flickering candles and the sound of Frank Sinatra fill the air of the charming nook Carol and Chris restored together. Assorted curiosities crowd every space, and old-fashioned tin ceilings complement the vintage-inspired pieces.
“Having a small store is very personal, and we think of our customers as guests,” Carol says. “Whether or not they buy anything isn’t the most important thing. We’re just pleased if they get the same enjoyment out of looking at these lovely images as we do.”

(o) Carol discovered the old French engraving used here while in Paris. “I was drawn to the peaceful, calming presence of this character.” (p) She often layers words and pictures together under glass.

(q) Each piece is handcrafted, incorporating various borders, backgrounds, and figures.

special offer
(r) Carol has created two fanciful holiday pieces for Home Companion readers at 10 percent off her usual price. “Elk,” LEFT, uses a reprinted title page from an antique book ($118, plus shipping and handling). “Moose,” FAR LEFT, is paired with an antique French document ($145, plus shipping and handling). Order at kaas.com or by calling Kaas GlassWorks at (212) 366-0322.
(offer expire 01/07/2007)

the art of business
“Don’t look for shortcuts,” Carol cautions. “Create a lasting, quality piece.”
Always be on the lookout for ideas. “Inspiration can be found anywhere—in sounds, color, patterns, nature, architecture.”
“Stay focused,” she adds. “Don’t spread yourself too thin. Become an expert on one product before moving on to the next project.”

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