Funny Birds
A growing collection of whimsical, characterful birds — each one unique, full of personality and color.
Stonington, Connecticut
The Beauty & Fun of Glass
Handcrafted stained glass and kiln-fired art by Tom O'Connell — from whimsical birds and candle holders to one-of-a-kind commissions.
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Our Story
The Story Behind Siena Stained Glass
Every piece of glass tells a story that began under the Tuscan sun. Founded in 2017 by artist Tom O'Connell, our studio is named after the medieval Italian city that changed everything.
Tom spent years living across Europe, but it was his eight years in Italy that sparked a lifelong obsession with stained glass. Wandering through historic cathedrals, he became captivated by the way ancient windows transformed raw sunlight into living color.
To turn inspiration into a true craft, Tom returned to the States to study under master glass restoration artist Fabio Pizzolli. He later returned to Italy for an extended apprenticeship in Siena at Vetrate Artistiche Toscane, working alongside master craftsmen Gianni and Massimo Bracciali. There, he helped cut and assemble majestic glass panels destined for Villanova University.
Today, from his studio in Stonington, Connecticut, Tom channels those centuries-old European techniques into whimsical, playful art for modern homes—bringing the timeless magic of stained glass down to an everyday scale.
Read Tom's full story
Current Work
What Tom Is Creating Now
Passionate about stained glass, Tom works to create relatively small objects — sometimes whimsical and abstract, but mostly practical — to help bring the beauty and fun of glass to people's homes.
Candle Holders
Practical pieces that cast warm, colored light — perfect for bringing glass artistry into everyday life.
Bowls & Dishes
Small bowls and dishes in many shapes and sizes — functional art for the home.
The Process
From Leaded Glass to Kiln-Fired Art
Tom's work started with leaded pieces and foiled objects, but the main direction now is kiln-fired glass — where the firing process is a continuation of the creative process.
Design
Sketching forms that balance whimsy with everyday usefulness.
Cut & Assemble
Precision cutting and careful assembly of each glass piece.
Kiln Fire
Firing brings the beauty of glass to its full potential.
Finish
Final touches before each piece finds its home.