We are proud to present Barbara Schultz of Walnutport, PA as our newest featured artisan! Barbara joined our creative group of artists in October 2009, but she is absolutely no amateur. Her stained glass items are not only well-crafted and clever, they also have a whimsical quality that often puts a smile on our customer’s faces. She recently has brought a line of stained glass jewelry to our store as well. We are constantly impressed with the creative touches she adds to her work and look forward to her future creations.
Thanks to Barbara for answering some interview questions so as our fans may become better acquainted!
OOOH: What craft do you primarily work in? What sets your work apart from other artists?
BS: I primarily work in stained glass done in the copper foil technique, “Tiffany Style.” I often incorporate beads into my designs to give them added dimension. I have been working in stained glass now for twelve years.
OOOH: How long have you been working with glass? What was your first inspiration to begin?
BS: My interest in the glass medium began many years ago after a visit to the Corning Museum of Glass, and my desire to learn how to make stained glass was DEFINITE after a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright home, Fallingwater. After my youngest child was born, I signed on for a basics course at Lehigh County Community College. This was the perfect “Mom’s Night Out” for me, I enjoyed it so much that I have continued to make stained glass ever since. I started experimenting with making jewelry out of the glass scraps simply so I could use them up. I didn’t want to discard any of the beautiful art glass scraps. It was very challenging working with the tiny pieces of glass, and working with lead-free solder was much more difficult than I had anticipated.
OOOH: What continues to inspire your work?
BS: Coming up with new design ideas and making them work is what keeps me inspired. I get very excited and motivated when I hear a customer say “I just love that piece I bought,” or ”I always get so many compliments when I wear the necklace you made!”
OOOH: Within our store, your work ranges from small pins and ornaments to large glass panels. What work are you most proud of?
BS: What I am always most proud of seems to be the piece I have just finished at the time. Right now I have completed a new abstract and earthy panel that is my favorite of the moment. Mastering the jewelry done in stained glass has been challenging for me and holds my interest as the jewelry fashions change constantly. I am always happiest when working on a new design, whether it is jewelry or stained glass.
OOOH: Where do you normally find your glass supplies and equipment?
BS: Most of my stained glass supplies are purchased at Warner Glass in Allentown, and I am always keeping my eyes open for unusual pieces of vintage glass to incorporate into my work. I often travel to New York to do some bead shopping and keep up with current fashion trends.
OOOH: Craft shows are another outlet for your work, and you are often participating in shows around the area. What are your most successful venues?
BS: I participate in several shows each year. My favorite is the Hoboken Arts & Music Festival because it was my very first breakthrough show. My favorite fall show is the Rockaway Beach Arts & Music Festival where I have many repeat customers there and it is fun to see them each year. My favorite local show is the Bethlehem Fine Arts show that is held every Mother’s Day weekend.
OOOH: Do you have any plans for future work? What would you like to accomplish?
BS: My future goals are to always progress by creating new designs and improving my skills. I would like to broaden my business by finding more retail outlets for my work, and teaching others the craft.
OOOH: What would be your best advice for someone interested in working with stained glass? Where should a beginner start?
BS: My best advice for beginners is to find out the basics of stained glass making before paying for a class and buying all the tools on the list. Many people I went to class with found it was just not for them after a several hundred dollar investment! If you are already sure it is for you, then a community college course would be an excellent place to start. You can also find classes at glass shops & art schools.
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