I started creating stained glass panels as a way to showcase interesting historical finds. Window light highlights the frost, texture, color, embossing. Many times a bottle becomes the focal point of a piece. Other times I’m drawn to create a glass collage with color or shape to be the focus. The pieces at hand lead me to a design. My inspiration comes from my collection in the studio, finds from the 1960s to the present. The fun begins when I start to put together the pieces in abstract puzzles. I must consider the weight of the glass when soldered, so designs need to be structurally sound. The framing glass is chosen to complement the design colors and then zinc framing is used to stabilize. Commission pieces are different…for instance the design for the window series for Federal Fritter is based on their interior murals. I also enjoy creating small whimsical pieces, my “funky fish”, 3D flowers and creatures.