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.

Barbara gets her inspiration from her love of both impressionistic paintings and mission-style architecture. These designs put together create an organic and modern feel that is reflected in her craft. Her jewelry and panels are classic, fun and original.

Electric Squirrel Studios got its start ten years ago and continues to provide fresh and exciting designs!

Her main body of work consists of tabletop items from margarita sets with silly brightly colored fish to wine glasses with an elegant grapevine design. Floral patterns cover vases, lamps and anything imaginable.

Ruthie includes some surprises in her pieces; the fish items always have one little fishy going the wrong way, the snow people are color coordinated, each glass in a set of wine glasses or martinis are different, eliminating the need for wine charms!

A specially formulated paint, created for glass, is used exclusively. After each piece is painted, it is heat set. While the paint is permanent, hand washing is recommended to ensure years of beauty and enjoyment.

Slumping is the process of giving the glass shape with the help of gravity. A flat piece of glass is placed over a mold and as the glass softens, it gently falls and takes on the shape of the mold.

The process of fusing and slumping allow me to create functional and decorative, two and three dimensional pieces. Energy that went into heating the glass is transformed into a glowing, flowing honey-like substance that responds to the touch and spirit of the artist. I carefully handcraft each piece using the finest art glass made in the USA today.

Erica became a full time glass artist in January 2007. She now specializes in glass, specifically jewelry, bowls, plates, slumped bottles, stained glass, and mosaics. She creates her visually stunning and quality work through kiln crafting, glass blowing, torch, and stained glass techniques.