How I Found My Passion for Stained Glass and Built My Business: A Personal Story

Welcome to North Lakes Stained Glass: A Journey of Passion and Creativity! I’m thrilled to share my story with you, whether you’re a new follower or simply curious about my stained glass art. This adventure has been full of lessons, challenges, and the pure joy of creativity. So grab a cozy spot, and let’s dive into the colorful world of stained glass!

The Spark That Ignited My Passion

My love for stained glass first ignited at the age of 10 when I stumbled upon a local workshop for girls in crafts. These crafts were often 'traditionally' reserved for boys at school. I begged my parents to let me join, and thankfully, they said yes! I remember walking into that old building, surrounded by woodworking machinery and sawdust, feeling the excitement rise.

And then I met Moira. Moira was the stained glass tutor, busy in a corner of the room. She was attaching glass leaves to a wooden lamp frame one of her students had cut the week before. My eyes then caught the vibrant panels just behind her. The moment sunlight shone through those panels, a magical play of color danced across the room. Each piece seemed to tell a story, weaving a connection to nature that I longed to explore.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I began attending Moira's group lessons every week, and even more during school holidays! We started with preset designs to help hone our skills. I experimented with cutting and assembling vibrant pieces of glass. The designs were exhilarating! I remember making a spider's web with a 3D spider and eventually that tree lamp I had seen on my first day! I even used a table saw to cut it myself (under supervision!). It was my first real experience with woodwork.

As I progressed, personal projects emerged. I discovered my heart was drawn to various styles, blending traditional Victorian and art deco with contemporary designs showcasing birds and sea life. Right from the start, I loved creating pieces that challenged convention using mixed media and 3D forms. Our teacher embraced our passion, encouraging us to express ourselves. I spent countless hours with my long-suffering father at Creative Glass Guild, trying to stretch my pocket money and rifling through their scrap glass bins for beautiful offcuts for my next masterpiece!

The Journey Towards Mastery

Becoming skilled in stained glass took time, practice, and plenty of patience. My first project was a simple sun-catcher, and it certainly wasn't perfect! I recently reacquired many of my early pieces from my Mum. Despite being damaged after 30 years of neglect, I decided not to repair them. Each piece holds special memories and taught me invaluable lessons in glass cutting and soldering.

A selection of my work from when I first started out 32 years ago!

I continued to take workshops until I was about 14 when I set up a workspace in our converted attic. There, I pursued my passion while juggling other interests like tennis. Soon, I received my first major commission from a neighbor to create a large transom window for their impressive Victorian door. It was a daunting challenge, and looking back, I was quite naïve about how long it might take!

With Moira's guidance, I pushed ahead with the project. It required months of hard work and was a steep learning curve. I took a few hours every week, but distractions constantly pulled at me—a busy, sporty teenage girl with academic commitments. Although I loved creating that window, I felt overwhelmed. Life took over, and everyone around me believed that art and crafts couldn't lead to a career.

I wondered if I should have continued attending the girl’s workshops or joined adult lessons for further skill refinement. Yet, I often look back and think, if I hadn't had those life experiences, would I be here now? Interestingly, a survey by Craft Industry Alliance found that 61% of artisans believe attending workshops is critical for growth. Each piece I created during those workshops felt rewarding, and I knew I wanted to share that joy with others. Maybe my 13-year-old self was wiser than I realized!

The Birth of North Lakes Stained Glass

In 2009, my husband and I made a life-changing decision. We left our busy city life in Sheffield and relocated to the beautiful Lake District. For us, it felt like a dream move, a haven for our then 8-year-old son to grow and explore. Life changed so quickly that we hardly acknowledged the impact.

We both found new NHS jobs in a large rural area. Long commutes became our new normal, but our son thrived. Then, just a few months later, the pandemic hit. To sum it up, over the next few years, I faced a mix of serious illness, accidents, and pre-existing health issues. I found myself in and out of work and recovering during those challenging months.

But I always seek a silver lining. My husband helped keep my spirits up and led me back to stained glass. This time, the inspiration combined with the wonders of the natural world! The endless resources available online meant I could gather supplies right to my dining table while I was unable to walk or stand. I realized I remembered much of what I had learned before, and it felt comforting.

As my skills developed and supply of glass grew, a dream began to form—could I turn my passion into a business? Would people like my work? Was I good enough? The excitement of the idea was matched only by the anxiety. I needed to recoup some of the money I had spent on 'pretty things' as my health issues financially strained our household. I longed to create a space where people could appreciate stained glass, connect with creative peers, and engage with the community.

Thus, North Lakes Stained Glass was born! I started from humble beginnings at our dining table, then moved into my garage, which initially shared occupancy with my husband's bike and gardening tools! I filled the space with my tools and gradually turned it into 'my creative haven.' Promoting my work at local art fairs and markets led to unexpectedly positive responses. As people discovered my artistic journey, requests for bespoke pieces began to fill my inbox. Within my first six months, I sold over 50 pieces and even got approached by a local gallery to exhibit my work. This affirmed I was on the right path!

Connecting with Nature

One of the reasons I adore stained glass is its reflection of nature's beauty. Living among lakes and woodlands heavily influences my designs. I strive to create pieces embodying the vibrant colors of the outdoors—deep blues for lake water and fiery reds and oranges echoing autumn leaves. My favorites are the stunning purples of the Cumbrian fells, and witnessing how the landscape transforms not only seasonally but daily fuels my creativity. Through my art, I bring nature's magic indoors, capturing fleeting moments and cherished memories to hold for decades to come.

Overcoming Challenges

Like any journey, mine has faced challenges. Self-doubt lingers. I often question my artistry and business choices. Balancing operations with my creative vision can feel overwhelming. However, each challenge strengthens my resolve.

With new friends at the International Festival of Glass 2024, Stourbridge.

Community support has been crucial. Fellow artisans and customers encourage me during tough times. Building a network helps navigate the complexities of running a small business. A report from the Artisan Guild revealed that 78% of craft business owners credit peers with providing essential support. I wholeheartedly agree! Being an artist can be isolating, but membership in networks like the Eden Valley Artist Network and Cumbria Arts and Culture Network has been critical for both my craft and vision. It empowers me to make stained glass more accessible and push the boundaries of arts within architectural spaces.

Applying to be on season 3 of the BBC TV show Make It At Market took me outside my comfort zone. However, the experience of collaborating with talented individuals was monumental in my journey.

The Joy of Creation

The results of my first flower stems workshop, hosted by Wordsworth Grasmere last year.

An unexpectedly rewarding aspect of running North Lakes Stained Glass has been teaching others. Whether beginners or those with experience, I host workshops in my Keswick studio, exploring stained glass techniques together. These workshops foster a love for the craft and provide hands-on experiences of artistic expression.

Witnessing students light up when they complete their first piece is a magical moment for me. Their excitement rekindles my passion and reminds me why I started this journey. I cherish receiving messages from past students showcasing their work at home or notes from those who have watched my episode on the BBC (Season 3, Episode 6 on iPlayer!). The vibrant community formed in these workshops is inspiring. Each participant brings unique perspectives, and we celebrate our artistic expressions together.

Looking Ahead

As I contemplate the future, my aspirations for North Lakes Stained Glass continue to grow. I envision expanding my workshops to reach individuals curious about stained glass. It’s vital to me that people appreciate the history and artistry behind our craft but are excited to experiment and create meaningful pieces for themselves.

I plan to explore innovative designs and techniques to push the boundaries of my stained glass art even further. I have already attended masterclasses in traditional glass painting and advanced methods. My dream is to create larger installations in public spaces and the outdoors, making stained glass accessible to more viewers, alongside building my portfolio of bespoke commissions and core collections available online. Achieving this goal motivates me daily to refine my craft and share its beauty with the world.

Thanks for Being Part of My Journey

Thank you for joining me in this exploration of my passion for stained glass and North Lakes Stained Glass. I hope my story inspires you as you pursue your endeavors in art or business. Following your passion can lead to incredible opportunities; all it requires is that first step!

If you want to explore stained glass—be it through my work or participating in a workshop—I invite you to stay connected. Drop me a message, visit the 'book a class' section of my website, or sign up for my mailing list for the latest offers, early access to product drops, and new classes! Let's celebrate art, nature, and community together! Until next time, keep creating and dreaming—your next inspiration might be just around the corner.