If you’re driving down Ocean Avenue, the storefront is subtle: a green awning and simple text reads Cradle of the Sun Stained Glass. The stained glass detail in the window above the door sets a colorful background for the big silver numbers displaying the address. Circular and square glass mosaics hang above, while bold black letters advertise stained glass classes.

Cradle of the Sun first opened in Noe Valley in February 1977. After 38 years in the neighborhood, its rent tripled last year, so the store moved to Ingleside Terrace, where it continues to offer an array of art glass, gifts and supplies.

Owner Dan Gamaldi, who holds degrees in both business and art, originally worked in leather detailing, until one fateful day in 1971, when he attended a stained glass class with his downstairs neighbor, “on a fluke. I had no idea that’s what I was going to do that day.”

He was inspired to name his store after a novel from his favorite genre, science fiction. Although “the story sucked,” he said with a hearty laugh, the name was great, because “glass sort of cradles sunlight.”

The front of the store features knickknacks and fine art, with small glass insectspriced under $3 perched on small trays. Gamaldi's wife, Elaine, helps him select some of the pricier pieces, from holographic vases ($212) to intricate blown glass bottles and decor that run up to $700. Natural light streams in through the big front windows, catching each piece in a dazzling way.

Along with decor, knickknacks, finished pieces and Tiffany lamps, Cradle of the Sun also sells over 500 varieties of glass. Though Gamaldi describes his recent relocation from Noe Valley as "horrendous," it came with a few perks: the new location offers a bigger workshop space, a second glass grinder, air conditioning and hot water.

Unfortunately, the relocation has led to a significant decline in random walk-ins. “All we get are people who know I’m here and are coming for glass supplies or what have you, or are going to their dentist (next door) and noticing me," Gamaldi said. 

Thankfully, that doesn't affect one of his major sources of revenue: stained glass classes, which he's been teaching since 1982. In each course, Gamaldi helps his students choose a do-able design and allows them to make their own path, guiding them along the way.

“Each classhas a different personality, (and) the students are fantastic,” he said of the six-week classes. "I like spreading the gospel of stained glass."

If you want to try your hand at stained glass making, Gamaldi accepts between six and eight students per class and has availability in nearly all of his classes—Sundays excluded. Each weekly class is 2.5 hours long, and a six-week session costs $230 per student. Tools are included in the price, but supplies are extra; students get a 10 percent discount.

Gamaldi told us some students have been attending his weekly classes since 1988, while others span generations. One student, who used to come along with her parents to class as a child, now attends as a college sophomore. Some of his students have gone on to do their own commission work, or opened up glass shops of their own.

Students in Gamaldi's classes throw parties throughout the year, including one big party in the winter that brings together all of his students to discuss their projects. “We have a lot of parties … we have a lot of champagne,” Gamaldi said, noting a recent spate of mimosa and margarita Sundays. “Any excuse for a party,” he laughed.

Gamaldi also takes commission work during his downtime. “I’ve been around so long that everybody knows about me, and the regular glass shop people recommend me," he said. "Word-of-mouth gets around.”

Gamaldi’s commission work is inspired by individuals’ suggestions and the architecture of theirhomes. His fee is typically between $250-600, with an extra cost for installation.

Cradle of the Sun is open Wednesday-Friday from 11am to 6pm, Saturday 9:30am to 6pm, and Sunday 10:30am to 4pm.