You've Got Craft: Glimpse Glass updates stained glass for modern interiors

In anticipation of Got Craft?’s holiday edition, taking place from December 10 to 11 at the Pipe Shop Building (115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver), we’re getting to know some of the fair’s 80-plus independent designers and makers.

Today, we meet Kara Bussey and Astrid Hendriksen, the creative minds behind Glimpse Glass.

Who are you

Hi! We’re Kara and Astrid, a daughter-mother duo and the creative minds behind Glimpse Glass.

Although the business started out with Kara in Calgary, it has grown into a family affair,with Astrid bringing our modern glassworks to the West Coast and John (the husband and step-dad) helping out in the maker department.

Working together allows all of us to play to our best skill sets and deliver (even more) Glimpse Glass to the people!

What’s your shtick

Glimpse Glass is all about taking the age-old art form of stained glass and making it fit in the modern home by using greenery and on-trend themes.

Each piece of glass is painstakingly hand cut, ground, foiled, soldered, and polished using the traditional Tiffany stained-glass technique.

There’s nothing more rewarding than creating something with the sole purpose of bringing a smile to someone’s face—that’s what keeps us going.

Our ideal stocking stuffer

We make these little air plant magnets that would be super cute as stocking stuffers.

The small (5 cm) magnets are made using colourful stained glass and come with a spiky little air plant companion. Our customers often squeal with delight when they see them at our shows!

This year, we’re gifting…

Both of us love to give handmade items at Christmas, whether they are made by ourselves or by others.

Astrid is actually quite well known for her festive cedar wreaths. She makes a fresh batch every year for our large family and some for sale at local nurseries.

For Kara, it’s all about personalized gifts. I’ve just started my Christmas shopping but I’m super excited about a custom tote-bag I purchased from HitherRabbit on Etsy for my sister-in-law.

I can’t wait to see the finished product, which will have a cartoon portrait of her dog hand-painted on it!