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.

We’re having a spur-of-the-moment sale during tomorrow’s Snowblast Festival  in Emmaus. There are lots of events happening in town, and we’d love it if you stopped in and peeked at our selection (we have TWO new jewelry artists to discover)! We’re offering 10% off ALL jewelry items, just in time for Valentine’s Day shoppers. But hurry, this sale will only last from 10am-6pm on Saturday, February 13th.
Ladies, you may want to pass this on to the man in your life…just as a hint, of course!

My pieces are primarily made with polymer clay which is shaped and then baked in order to solidify. I occasionally add elements to the clay such as paint and found items. The beads or pendants I create are then strung and sometimes complimented with metal beads. I incorporate classic elements into my modern styles so that they might appeal to a broad audience.

I dabble in many forms of art, and I like to incorporate my experience and knowledge into my jewelry and experiment with different techniques. I hope you enjoy wearing my jewelry!

Each piece of my jewelry is designed and crafted by hand using sterling silver. Just like us, no two are the same.

I hope you find a special piece that pleases you!

I hope you enjoy my piece of history! Please avoid using sharp objects on it, and wipe clean with a soft cloth and mild soapy water.

He has been working in stained glass for over 20 years, working in both leaded glass and a copper foil method. He tries to keep up to date with new techniques and incorporates them into his items. Recent classes have included glass fusing, glass slumping, glass painting, and making glass paperweights.

Sue has been exhibiting at craft fairs since 1970. She started out by exhibiting at Head House Square in Philadelphia and later with the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, in which she is a member. She is also a member of the PA Guild of Goldsmiths.

Earlier in her career she was a social worker and then an RN. Now that Sue is retired she enjoys more leisurely hours working in her studio.

Horse hair hitching is a more recent folk art, practiced by cowboys in the Old West. Jailed cowboys perfected the technique of weaving horse hair in geometric designs because they had unlimited time to work on their crafts.

Susan morphed these primitive crafts into modern jewelry that utilizes deer bone, salwag, and glass beads that are reminiscent of those traded to the Indians by European fur trappers. She works and studies various beading and crafting techniques in Easton, Pennsylvania where she resides with her children and husband.

I currently have over 600 designs in my line. I draw strongly upon artworks of past generations and feel my work has a primitive, simple style. The “Torched Copper” finish gives my work an unusual and original look.