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The Handiest Little Hanger For All Your Metal-Framed Panels
The saying “Necessity is the Mother of Invention” perfectly captures the origin of Handy Hanger.
In the 1990s, as Ed and Mary Ann Coleman’s stained glass business grew, so did the demand for both custom commissions and repairs. Many of those repairs had a common cause: failed hangers. Bent wire, washers, cotter pins, bobby pins—even paper clips—were often used to support stained glass panels, but they frequently couldn’t support the weight or eventually rusted and broke.
This created a recurring challenge—not just how to repair the damaged piece, but what to use as a reliable replacement hanger.
The Handy Hanger Story
Determined to find a better solution, Ed and Mary Ann set out to solve the problem. Their search led to the creation of Handy Hanger, a simple and dependable system designed specifically for stained glass. It didn’t take long for it to become an essential tool for glass artists. Today, distributed throughout the United States and Canada, Handy Hanger is a trusted staple in the stained glass supply industry.
Mary Ann and Ed retired from the stained glass business in 2004, but continued Handy Hanger Mfg. In 2013, and after Ed’s passing Mary Ann transitioned the ownership to her daughter Lori. Together this mother-daughter team have remained committed to preserving the quality product and service initially established by Ed and Mary Ann.
Lori’s continued passion for the glass industry has also led to innovation beyond the original product. She recently designed and developed a machine-tooled wire hanger specifically for fused glass pieces, offering the same reliable and elegant solution for artists working in hot glass.
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