Frances from Eiderglass shares her inspiration
In the latest instalment of our My Creative Life in 5 series, we explore the creative life of glass artist Frances from Eiderglass to discover her top book recommendation, which stained glass artists she most admires and her favourite Folksy purchases.
Q1.
Who are your heroes of craft?
My heroes of craft are the hardworking adult education tutors up and down the country who teach their craft, with a great deal of patience, to learners wishing to take up a new hobby or acquire a new skill.
Pictured above is the first piece made in my stained glass class (note the local authority rationing of ‘expensive’ coloured glass!). Without these dedicated tutors willing to share their experience, our country would be a poorer place. Long live adult education!
Q2.
If someone was at the start of their creative journey, what’s the first book they should pick up?
‘Creative Stained Glass: 17 step-by-step projects for stunning glass art and gifts‘ by Noor Springael (David & Charles, May 2023) is both a practical and inspiring book that is beautifully laid out and takes you from the basics of tools and studio set up, to complex 3D constructions.
Q3.
Tell us about one thing you’ve bought on Folksy and why it’s special to you…
A look back at my purchase history shows I’ve been buying on Folksy since 2011! One of my earliest purchases was a bunch of carrots from Whimsical and Curious. They’re still hanging on my kitchen door and make me smile all these years later!
I’ve returned several times to Little Wren Pottery and my house features many of her gorgeously tactile light-pulls. My latest Folksy purchase was from Susan Betty Art, a set of four abstract mixed media artworks, bought in Folksy’s Beautiful Bundles event.
Q4.
Who would you recommend people follow on social media within your field for inspiration?
Noor Springael from Glas & Glas – @Glas_en_glas on Instagram
Debbie Bean – @debbie.bean
Ivy Stained Glass Art – @ivysglasscottage
Katie from Innerloopglass – @innerloopglass
Q5.
What object of desire do you most lust after?
It’s very hard to narrow this one down! My most lusted-after Folksy items can all be seen at: https://pinterest.co.uk/eiderglass/adored-folksy
If I had to choose one, it would be an embroidered bee from Lydia Needle. From international artists, it would be a book sculpture from Malena Valcarcel.
Frances from Eiderglass is a glass artist based in Kent, who creates beautiful, everlasting flowers, stems and wreaths, inspired by local hedgerows and plant life.
Read more about Frances in our Meet the Maker interview
