March 28, 2018
By Joy Cunny, The Glass Junkie
It occurs to me that the audience to whom I am writing will be a mix of folks. Some may wish to make a few pieces of their own and I am here to fully support your endeavor. I am not a writer (although I love to write!) and I am not a teacher (although I probably have the patience to be one). My method of teaching will mostly be to share my journey and hopefully inspire you along the way.
As you read previously, it started small….so please know that you too might become a glass junkie if you are inspired as I was back in 2009. Half of my basement and half of my garage are now dedicated to the Glass Junkie studio/shop.
Here are a few things I will throw out there as guidelines….
I have always firmly believed there is artist in everyone, which is why I have never hesitated to share technical aspects (or as some would call them, trade secrets). Every person (artist) will develop their own style and for that reason artists are not competitive. The way I see it, if a person doesn’t want to invest in my one-of-a kind pieces who am I to prevent them from creating some for themselves. My giving spirit wants anyone who tries to be successful.
The possibilities are endless. Right now my studio space seems pretty tight. Things are grouped together on the floor, on the workbench, on the “think tank” table. The Glass Junkie FB page contains hundreds of photographs of past and current inventory. Best advice I can give is to start with an inspiration piece of glass or pottery.
Build from it as I did with the topper for my very first piece. Decide how big of a piece you want to make. Start hitting flea markets, estate sales, garage sales and resale shops. Look for items that might coordinate with your inspiration piece. When shopping, turn pieces upside down. Sometimes (almost always) they flow better that way. Also be aware that not all colored glass is real colored glass…. some only have a film of color. These will present a problem if left in the direct sun. Cracked glass and pottery should be avoided, but chips are completely ok! In another post I will share a very important story about chips.
The piece I am working on assembling currently started with the unusual paperweight. As it was coming together and quite by “accident” my hand reached into my marble collection and the 7 marbles that came out just so happened to coordinate with the unusual paperweight. This to me felt like a little divine guidance, which honestly happens frequently when I am creating. This is a torch flower in the making.
My hope is that you have found this helpful and that you feel comfortable asking me questions. I welcome pictures of works in progress and offer my artist eye to help you create your own masterpieces. Oh and by the way, we turned the clocks forward an hour in Michigan last night and the prospect of increasing daylight has me quite energized today. No telling the accomplishments I will make! Until next time, hoping all is well in your world!
Joy
Follow www.barkybeaver.com/luxsgarden to learn more about Joy’s garden art and how to make it or buy it.
Several years ago I ran across the colorful facebook page of a very creative woman named Joy Cunny, aka The Glass Junkie. Her beautiful pieces created from old glassware have inspired me for almost a decade. I asked Joy to write some guest blog posts to explain a little about her creative process and show gardeners what can be done to enhance a garden using objects no one else wanted. Below you’ll see how she organizes her collection of glassware for maximum inspiration and efficiency.
Claudia Johnson, Lux’s Garden & Greenhouse editor