ABOUT

Working with fused and etched glass started out as a hobby from Marj Paonessa's full time work as a coroner near Vancouver. Within a short time, she created the Marilyn Monroe 'Classic Series' martini and wine glass line. Hour Glass Studio was built in Langley and this website soon followed.

The response was almost immediate. The studio was contacted within a few weeks by Distinctive Assets in LA, the company that hosts many of the major event backstage lounge events and gift bag promotions. The Marilyn 'Classic Series' glasses were invited to be part of the 2007 'Everybody Wins at the Emmys" and 2008 "Everybody Wins at the Oscars" celebrity gift bags. Glasses were presented to the nominees in each of the major categories. Marj couldn't imagine a better place to showcase an icon such as Marilyn than at the two biggest Hollywood events of the year.

In October of 2007, Hour Glass Studio was part of the backstage lounge at the Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This annual fundraising event is hosted by the tennis great and his wife, Stefi Graf, and featured a number of celebrities such as Jerry Seinfeld, Tony Bennett, Carlos Santana and David Foster who donated their time and talent to raise over $9 million in one evening. Each celebrity in attendance received a pair of the Marilyn Monroe 'Classic Series' glasses. See the photo highlights from this wonderful evening above.

Earlier this year, Marj signed an agreement with Elvis Presley Enterprises and has now added the Elvis Presley 'Classic Series' and 'Collector Series' to the line. Four different Elvis' image are captured on glass - as he was starting out in the 50"s, in the movie era of the 60's, the famous televised '68 Comeback Special and the 70's where his live performances electrified audiences. The 70's glass features a Swarovski crystal highlighting one of Elvis' trademark rings.

The first Elvis Presley 'Collector Series' hand blown wine glass, commissioned especially for this series, will be available for purchase on this site in late September. This series will be a limited edition series commemorating the 40th anniversary of the televised '68 Comeback' special and will include a special signed print and Certificate of Authenticity.

Marj just returned from Memphis where she introduced the new collectible stemware to the many fans at this year's Elvis Week, the annual August celebration of Elvis' music and legacy. "People are always looking for new and unique Elvis products to give as gifts or as a nice treat for themselves. I think these glasses fit that bill."

Retail outlets will be announced here on the site as they become available.