Preparing for an art show is always a mix of excitement, organization, and creative energy. By the time I set up my booth, there's been a lot of thought (and glass!) put into every piece and every display. What you see when you walk by is just the final layer of a process that starts long before show day.
I thought I’d share a little behind-the-scenes peek at what it takes to get ready for one of these events.
Curating a Collection with Variety + Intention
One of the things I love most about fused glass is the endless variety it allows—and I bring that spirit with me to every art show.
My display is full of jewelry options for every taste and style: bold statement pendants, unique earring designs, chunky rings, playful accessories, wall panels and more. I love offering a wide range of pieces so that everyone who steps into my booth can find something that speaks to them.
At the same time, I’m always thinking about how pieces can mix and match. I design with intention—making sure that different items can complement each other so you can create your own unique look. Whether you're building a matching set or picking out a bold standalone piece, there’s something for you.
Setting the Tone in My Booth
When someone walks into my booth, I want them to feel welcomed, curious, and inspired. I make a point to greet everyone personally and share a bit about how my work is made.
People are often fascinated by the fused glass process—it’s not something you see every day! I love telling folks about how I layer and cut the glass, how the firing process works in the kiln, and the surprises that sometimes come out when heat and color meet. The sparkle in their eyes when they learn how a piece was made is my favorite part of the day.
What You Don’t See Behind the Scenes
There’s a lot that goes into preparing for an art show that most people don’t get to see—from the creative process to the final setup. Here’s a little peek at what happens before I even arrive:
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I spend weeks in the studio creating new fused glass pieces—cutting glass, layering designs, and firing them in the kiln.
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Some pieces go through multiple steps: I cut them on a tile saw, grind and shape them to refine the design, and then re-fire them in the kiln to polish and smooth the surface.
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Once cooled, I carefully dremel and glue each item—whether it’s a pendant, pair of earrings, or hair clip—and then tag and price every piece for display.
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I also prep signage, sort inventory, and think through how to make the booth layout welcoming and easy to browse.
- When it’s finally time to hit the road, I strategically pack the van so everything is protected, organized, and ready to unload quickly when I arrive on site.
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And making sure I’ve had at least one cup of coffee while doing it all!
It’s a lot of work—but once I’m there, surrounded by creativity and conversation, I remember exactly why I do it.
🔹 Frequently Asked Questions
I get a lot of great questions during art shows, so I thought I’d answer a few of the most common ones here in case you’re curious too!
Q: Do you make everything yourself?
A: Yes! Every piece is handmade by me in my studio—from cutting the glass to firing it in the kiln.
Q: How long does it take to make your jewelry?
A: It depends! Some pieces are created in a day, but others take multiple firings or steps and can take several days from start to finish. Everything goes in the kiln at least once, and that's about an 8-12 hour period.