How we started
We are a family business founded by Glen and Joanne Bishop in 1975. They decided to open a little glass shop on Main Street in St. Charles because Glen had just learned (self-taught) how to make sun catchers and could not find a local source of supplies for his new found hobby. Today, daughter Julie Bishop Day teaches classes and creates beautiful art glass pieces along with David Hibbeler who has been with us since 1981. Daughter Jean Dryden now runs the business which has grown to include the retail hobby store and a gift store featuring glass gifts and also a wholesale and publishing business.
What we do
A few of the things we do at The Glass Workbench are...
- Create amazing stained, fused and mosaic glass artwork
- Repair stained glass lamps and windows in our shop
- Teach stained glass, fused glass and mosaic glass classes
- Carry supplies for the glass hobbyist
- Stock over 500 colors and types of sheet glass for the hobbyist
In our gift shop you'll find...
- Dichroic glass jewelry
- Sun catchers and nightlights
- Blown glass ornaments
- Garden stakes and flags
- Glass gazing balls
- Blown glass paperweights
- Many more colorful items?
We also distribute our own "Tiffany Garden" design books and mosaic forms for the stained glass stepping stone technique which Julie developed.
Choose one of our beautiful glass pieces for your home, Or, we'll teach you how to make your own stained glass panel. Either way it's sure to become a family heirloom!
Store Hours
We are open 7 days a week. Our normal store hours are shown at the left hand side of the page. The shop stays open year round until 8:00 pm on Wednesdays. We also stay open until 8:00 pm on Friday and Saturday from the beginning of April through December 23.
Exceptions are as follows -
On July 4th, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve we close at 2:00 pm.
We close on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Meet the staff
Stop by and say hello to Patty, Vicki and Dave. Our experienced staff is dedicated to serving you in selecting the perfect gift, helping you with your glass project or creating that perfect custom glass piece.
Meet the owners
Founding owner Joanne Bishop with her daughters Julie and Jean. Julie Bishop Day is our artist in residence, who creates amazing glass pieces and a line of fused jewelry and also teaches classes. Jean Dryden runs the day to day operations for the business.
Historic Main St.
Located on South Main Street in Historic St. Charles, we are certain you will enjoy your visit to our area. Our Building is on the National Register of Historic Places and was built by slaves in about the year 1820 for Thomas Lindsey. The 24 inch thick stone walls are made of Burlington limestone.
Visit the Historic St. Charles website for a calendar of events and more information.