So, 2025 was the year I learned to do stained glass. I love it! I have always loved stained glass, but it didn’t even occur to me that it was a thing I could learn to do myself. But for several years, I have walked by a stained glass shop in Pasadena not far from where we live – a couple of years ago I saw people going in and out that looked young and trendy, and I could tell there was a lot going on. I was curious, so I went in – and was surprised by the fun, creative atmosphere. I was expecting a dark little place with one old man working there. Not the case! As far as opposite as could be! (Owned by a young female glass artist, who has a staff of all women, as far as I can tell).
At the time that I discovered this place and their classes, the time was not right for me to sign up. This year, there was a time when work was bleak – probably a good time to not spend money, but our neighborhood had just burned down, everything was so depressing, and I HAD to do something!
The time I have spent there has been worth every investment. I have loved it so much. It is so satisfying breaking the glass, and it is so satisfying when your piece is done, and you have something so beautiful to show for it!
I started just learning to do basic suncatchers, but keep working my way up. So, through the year I have a whole collection of suncatchers, then candle votives, then lamps, then larger window hangings, then finally, a full window. The window that I was prepping to do, came at a time when my husband, Tim, just had surgery, (what a great year 2025 was!), so I had him take a workshop with me and he did the final assemblage, in an attempt to keep him busy, while sitting, and not bust his stitches.
Anyway, we have our sunniest windows covered now, and now own a couple of lamps! It is not like I am going to go become a professional now, but I will keep on doing it. It has been the best therapy.
