Every Wednesday The Folksy Blog will be finding out a little bit more about one of our sellers in our ‘Shop Talk’ series. This week we’re talking to Glenn from Folksy shop Steampunk Glass
“Steampunk Glass! – Handmade jewellery and sculptural beads.”
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“Inside a teardrop of glass I’ve formed a nebula of swirling blue, green and yellow clouds which spiral down into the centre of the pendant” Such a beautiful description, the process involved in Glenn’s work is really fascinating, (not to mention educational). He has written about the creation of each piece his shop descriptions, demonstrating great passion for his work. Understanding how the piece is formed, and it’s uniqueness adds depth and desirability to Glenn’s work.
Could you describe your shop?
That’s really difficult! I guess in a word it would be ‘unique’ or ‘different,’ and certainly full of glass! All of the glass in my shop is handmade by me, I melt the glass directly in the flame. There is a lot of 3D elements to what I do, especially with the marbles, and I love making little 3D landscapes or space-scapes that people can loose themselves in.
Who does your Folksy shop appeal to?
Anyone who wants something different and a real one off! Even when I try to remake something it ends up being slightly different (that’s why I don’t do many earrings!) I like that everything is unique, and I know I’m sending people something special that they’ll never be made again like that.
Is this your day job?
Sadly at the moment I have to do some dull engineering admin stuff to pay the rent, but I am really hoping that the glass making will take over in the near future!
Have you been into craft and the handmade lifestyle for long?
I have always made stuff, I was stripping out old TV’s dumped at the side of the road when I was 12 to use the electronic components, and tried almost every crafts I could. I even ended up working in an art shop, where I learnt a huge amount from the restorers and artists that came in. For a while I really got into gilding old decorative lacquering techniques, but it was only when I finally came across glass flameworking that I really felt I’d found the right medium for me. It’s quite addictive and there is always something new to learn and explore.
Where do you promote your shop?
I blog when I can and also have a facebook page which is becoming quite busy. I am also on Twitter, but I’m not on there as much as I’d like
Do you have plans to expand your business in the future?
Yes, I have some quite serious long term plans, much of which involves having to spend some serious money on new equipment, and expanding in some exciting new directions. In the short term I am hoping to have shaving razors back in my shop soon, and at the moment I am planning to sell these ONLY at Folksy!
“I’m trying to make a conscious effort not to do ‘sticking cogs on stuff.’ I’m not saying there is anything wrong with ‘sticking cogs on stuff,’ but the genre is more than cogs” Glenn talking about the Edwardian Faux Marbling that inspired his beautiful Razors – read more…
What advice would you give to someone thinking about opening up a shop here on Folksy?
Good photos! I have seen so many great products let down by poor photos, I have been constantly trying to get my setup right, not helped by having products that are transparent and reflect everything! Use all the 5 photos, take pictures from all angles so people can really see what they are getting.
Don’t undersell yourself either, it’s a really hard climate at the moment, but charging pennies per hour for all your hard and careful work I think is a mistake. If you don’t charge a fair and sensible rate for your time and energy then you won’t be able to afford to carry on what you enjoy doing most – making stuff!!!
I’ve seen and heard so many people say ‘well in the shops they cost XYZ so I have to be cheaper.’ I don’t agree, Folksy makers make handmade, which is more unique and better quality than in shops, and that’s something to be proud of.
We’d love to hear your comments! If you like Glenns work then why not give him the thumbs up on Stumble Upon
Get in touch and let us know who you would like to see interviewed in our Shop Talk series, or if you have an idea for an article you’d like to see on the Folksy Blog – hilary@folksy.co.uk
6 comments
Really can’t wait to see those razors in your shop! What a fab gift for the men in our lives!! Thanks for introducing us to Glenn!
Judy
Brilliant! I’ve loved your stuff from afar :) I too am really enjoying the look of those razors – I reckon they’d make a nice gift for anyone who shaves, not just men!
Really interesting blog, well done for being featured, I love your stuff too, and like everyone else, those razors are really original.
Julie
They are even more awe inspiring in real life! apryl
Thank you everyone for the kind comments! I am beavering away to try and get some razors made to be in my shop soon, and have some new styles to come too!
Fascinating and beautiful work – really enjoyed watching the vid. When you pull the glass away from the main work it reminds me of when we used to make toffee with Mum! Great article Glenn.
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