Kelli Graves' love affair with stained glass began several years ago, after a shoulder injury prohibited her from becoming a potter. A simple visit to the cathedrals of Paris sparked her interest - and after an Adult Education class in the craft she was "hooked like a trout on the line." Inspiration can come from anywhere. "I love color," she admits, "in general; intense, saturated, rich or subtle, it doesn't matter, color is a visual feast for me." She has a soft spot for patterns as well - especially tapestries, batiks, and henna art. "I love the play of light (I almost called my blog by that name), the way it filters through clouds, sprinkles through the leaves of a tree. The patterns and shifts of light from a coming storm, or approaching thunderhead. The soft, caressing light of dawn, and the brilliant, aggressive light of sundown." Artistic, even as a child, she remembers drawing "big fancy Jessica McClintock dresses." Eventually she moved on to gardening and picture framing - and even jewelry design. She had an interest in glass arts since high school, but never really pursued her love until the fateful trip to Paris. "I became completely obsessed with it," she explains. "It satisfies all my creative needs, from finding or making the pattern, to color and texture selection, to the detail of cutting and forming the puzzle pieces of the glass, to joining it all together, for that final glorious moment when you can lift the completed piece up to the light and discover the true character of what you have been imagining." While her art is just a hobby at this point (she is a skincare therapist by day), she admits that trying to turn it into a business "sucked the majority of the joy out of it." For that reason alone, she has resisted selling her creative works, even to friends and family. Only now is she allowing herself to get her name out there because she has so many ideas for projects - and nowhere to hang them all. "So I make them, enjoy them for a bit, and then offer them for sale to my friends - and now the world at large via Etsy." Please check out her Etsy shop: http://glasswench.etsy.com/ and blog: http://glasswench.wordpress.com/
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Meet Etsy Artist: glasswench
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Meet Etsy Artist: gracebaleymosaics
Brooklyn artist Grace Baley has been creating beautiful mosaics for over 12 years. She first fell in love with the art after seeing the tile designs in the NY subway system. She admits it took a lot of trial and error, but eventually she perfected her craft. "I use sheets of stained glass to create my pieces and cut them down to fit the needs of the design," she explains. Her work includes everything from the beautiful Buddha above to landscapes, floral arrangements, and portraits. Aside from being a mosaic artist, she also professionally installs bathroom and kitchen tile. "I work with interior designers to create custom pieces for their clients matching color and design style," she says, which has turned out to be very therapeutic for her. "I become very attached to my pieces when they are finished because they are usually the result of a long enjoyable journey," she admits. "I hope that Etsy will afford me the opportunity to sell my work to an audience that supports and appreciates the emotional connection an artist has to her work." Please check her out: http://gracebaleymosaics.etsy.com/, http://www.gracebaley.com/
Friday, February 13, 2009
Meet Etsy Glass Artist: nickpaul
Chicago designer Nick Paul teaches Glassblowing and Glass Fusing in his spare time - and creates unique glasses from upcycled bottles. "The recycled bottle idea came from the need for more drinking glasses for a party," he explains. "The studio I work at throws these massive benefit parties were they give away hand made cups at the door. Each time there's a party we try and make five hundred or more cups...we were running short and somebody asked if it was possible to turn a bottle into a drinking glass." His unusual creations were a hit and sold better than the other glasses, so he ran with it. "I wouldn't really describe the recycled cup thing as my style," he jokes. "I'm a glassblower. I just happen to be able to turn recycled bottles into drinking glasses and vases." He's been at his craft for 8 years, but has only repurposed bottles for 2. He describes glassblowing as "a hobby that just so happens to pay." He started Etsy with the goal of making a little extra money for a car, but got such a positive response that he decided to stick with it. "Now I'm out there promoting myself and Etsy like crazy." He admits it's been a lot of fun, though. He advises his fellow artists also promote the site. "By getting others involved it helps spread the word." Please check out his shop: http://nickpaul.etsy.com/
Friday, August 29, 2008
Meet Etsy Glass Artist: panyizsuzsi
Zsuzsi is a Hungarian architect and a talented glass artist. "It is all started in my preschool years," she explains. "My father was a glass industry engineer...he invented and patented a technology for researching glass ingredients." If you gave him a sample he could recreate it for you. She was fascinated with his viscosity tests, where the glass was melted. "It ended up with little amorf glass 'creations.' I used to play with that when I went to his office." She is influenced by her love of modern mid-century era and contemporary art - and her eclectic pieces showcase her unique retro-modern style. "Bold colors and simple, geometric shapes are the trademark for my unique and quality glass pieces." Although she's been interested in glass her whole life, she's only been creating her glass jewelry and pieces for a year and a half. Please check out her shop: http://panyizsuzsi.etsy.com
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Meet Etsy Lampwork Bead Artist: kerribeads
I stumbled upon the most amazing lampwork beads the other day and am still completely floored by the talent and creativity. These beads are so drool-worthy I just had to share...
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: VillaDesign
The hip talent behind VillaDesign is a full time graphic designer, "but every spare moment revolves around glass, especially flamework glass beads." After a few classes several years back, she was hooked - and has been creating her unique jewelry ever since. She was even featured in Bead Review as is Vice President of the St. Lois Lampworkers Society. Although glass is her passion, she has tried her hand at sliversmithing, photography, drawing, and ceramics. Her inspiration may come from "color, forms in nature, and patterns in everyday objects." Many people have commented that her lampwork beads look like candy. "I don't recommend biting them, though," she jokes. Eventually she'd like her craft to be a full time job, but in the meantime her goals are grounded and realistic: network. She'd like to remind her fellow artists to "never be discouraged and always have fun doing what you love." Please check out her shop: http://villadesign.etsy.com/
Monday, December 3, 2007
Meet Etsy Glass & Jewelry Artist: TNGlassStains
TNGlassStains specializes in stained glass panels and one of a kind dichroic jewelry. This accomplished Nashville artist has been creating panels for six years - and fusing jewelry for only a few months. Etsy is currently a hobby, but she hopes to turn her passion into a full time job some day. She wants "to raise the world's awareness about (Etsy) one person at a time." She advises new sellers to "hang in there and network as much as you can, it will eventually pay off." Please check out her shop: http://tnglassstains.etsy.com/
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