Above: Neil Neil Orange Peel at his home studio on Cape Cod in Cotuit Massachusetts in front of his vast glass collection!
The Story Behind Neil Neil Orange Peel
People often ask me, “Where did the name Neil Neil Orange Peel come from?” It all goes back to my childhood—my father calls me “Neil Neil Orange Peel.” As a kid, I hated it. But as I grew older and became a parent myself, I realized it was a term of endearment. When it came time to name my business, it felt like the perfect fit for my stained glass journey—a reflection of both my past and my passion.​
Finding My Passion for Stained Glass
My journey with stained glass began in 1993 when I was 19 years old. As a teenager, I loved video games but wanted to find a creative outlet beyond the screen. After trying my hand at various trades without much success, I stumbled into a stained glass store in Northampton, Massachusetts. The vibrant colors and intricate textures immediately captivated me. I bought some glass, picked up a few tools, and started my first project. The moment I completed it, I was hooked.
I soon opened an antique store in Westfield, Massachusetts, where I showcased my stained glass work. I also began taking on custom projects and selling my art on eBay, slowly building my craft into something more than just a hobby.
Balancing Advertising & Art
In 2002, I moved to Boston and pursued a career in advertising while continuing to work part-time at Jim Anderson Stained Glass in the South End. Then, in 2007, I relocated to San Francisco, where my advertising career flourished. With limited space in my apartment, my stained glass work had to take a backseat—though I never fully let go of it, taking classes whenever I could. In 2012, everything changed. I bought a home in Berkeley, California, with enough room to reignite my passion. I began designing and constructing stained glass pieces for homes across the Bay Area, including my own.
Above: Neil's glass studio where he creates art and teachs classes
A Full Circle Moment
After 16 years in advertising, I made the life-changing decision to leave my corporate career behind. In 2017, I moved back home to Massachusetts, settling in Cotuit located on Cape Cod Massachusetts, where I fully committed to my stained glass business. A year later, I taught my first class at the Cotuit Center for the Arts and instantly fell in love with teaching. There’s something incredible about sharing my passion and watching students discover their own love for stained glass. Inspired by this new path, I converted my three-car garage into a dedicated glass studio where I continue to teach today.
30 Years in Stained Glass
In 2023, I hit a milestone—30 years as a stained glass artist! Over the years, my work has been featured in Cape Cod Home Magazine, the Princeton University Art Museum, Boston College, and galleries and boutiques across the country. My internationally popular stained glass agave plants have appeared on Buzzfeed, Pioneer Woman, Yahoo Life, and Delish. I’ve also partnered with retailers like UncommonGoods, White Flower Farm, and my Etsy shop has been a consistent bestseller.
Looking Ahead
Now, in 2025, I’m heading into my seventh year of teaching and have taught over 500 students—many of whom have gone on to start their own stained glass businesses and creative endeavors. Watching my students flourish fills me with immense pride. They are a huge part of my heart, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them and for Neil Neil Orange Peel.
The following businesses are former/current students of mine:
Cape Cod Glass Worx, Riled Glassworks, Glass Over Teakettle, Grind & Shine Glass, OysterDesignStudioCC, Prickly Pear Stained Glass, LoveLight Glass Designs, Suncatcher Heaven, Art Monkey Studio & GC Glass Creations. Proud of my students for starting their own businesses, staying original & following their passion for stained glass! I'm a proud teacher! If you would like to learn the art of stained glass, head over to my classes page, and book your spot.
Take a class with me and change your life!
neilneilorangepeeldesigns@gmail.com
Tel: 415-225-8877
Contact Me
Neil teaches stained glass art & creates one-of-a-kind modern stained glass art & gifts for homes, businesses, weddings, anniversaries, & all occasions. Each design is made of hand-cut glass & is designed by Neil Neil Orange Peel in his glass workshop located in Cotuit on Cape Cod, Massachusetts pictured below. Custom work is welcomed. Wholesale options are available. I do not sell glass or supplies to the public.