A Full Time Artist's Look Back at 2025

28 in person markets was my final total for  markets in 2025. I was actually signed up for 30, but one I had to call out sick for and one,  and  I called out of another because of a big snow storm (10" of snow!).

 In 2024, I did 26 markets, so there was just a small increase in the amount of markets I did. I'm happy to report that even though it has been a weird year full of uncertainties, I did better in 2025 than 2024! I think one of the biggest factors in this was that I started offering some products that were lower than $45.  Stained glass is a laborous process, but fused glass requires a little less work, so they aren't priced as high.  I also focused more on markets with cheaper fees and prioritized markets that are not geared towards kids (glass is fragile, and it always scares me to see kids run up to my table- especially unattended).  The highest booth fee I paid in 2024 was $435, but in 2025 the highest I paid was $175. Generally I like to do brewery shows, and they usually range in price from $50-$100 for a 1-day market. 

In 2025, I taught 16 glass classes at Ed Hoy International. Since starting my teaching journey with them in  early 2024, I have grown a lot as a teacher. Sometimes it can be hard not to get in there yourself to do it, or to build everyone up when they are at the point in the project when it looks like it won't come together, but everyone did so well on their projects! From 5 week lamp classes to a 4 hour single-day class, I had the best students. 

New classes are added quarterly at the glass studio, so be sure to check out my class page a few times a year to see if there is something you'd be interested in learning!

BONUS: I'll also tell you my go to playlists for class:

Kingdom Dance Vibes, medieval (think renaissance, but all newer songs)  There is an almost 100% chance you will come to my class and hear the bardcore version of WAP. Sorry, not sorry. Also when people start realizing what songs they are listening to, it always gets a laugh!

Funky Soul (Old Skool)- This needs no explaination, its funky!

In 2025, I had the opportunity to teach 4 SOLD OUT classes at Skeleton Key Brewery in Woodridge- two picture frame mosaic classes and two ornament mosaic classes! It was so much fun, and everyone loved their finished works! 

Each class had 30 students, and I even had repeat students, which is always exciting!

We learned that the winter months are when people want to take classes, and that in the summer everyone is too busy or just wants to be outside (and I get it!!) 

There are already classes in the work for 2026, so keep your eyes peeled on my class page for new class dates to be added!

In 2025 I worked more on my website than ever before. My goal for 2026 is to have consistent online drops- once per quarter since I do so many markets in person. One thing that I always tell people is that if they don't see it on my site, so message me and I can make them something. With that in mind, I hope to have more available online this year. 

When I first started teaching, I wanted my website to also act as a resource for anyone looking to start their stained glass journey. Anyone who visits my site has access to the Learn tab, which can be found at the very bottom of my site. It includes templates, mini tutorials, and various links to products, suppliers, and more. 

In 2026, I'd also like it to be a resouce for anyone who is interested in vending at markets. Ive compiled a list of my go to event websites, suppliers, display products, and more to help anyone who is interested and ease their journey a bit!

This year I added two more shops to my list of places you can shop my work in-person! I  added Fern All The Good Things (Downers Grove) in August and Wild Alchemy Boutique (Bensenville) in October!

You can still find my work in the windows of Sugar Moon Bakery (Chicago), The Insect Asylum (Chicago), and Hey, I Thought of You (Chicago)

Admittedly, consignment is hard for me. On one hand it is amazing to have your work in multiple places to get more exposure and sales. But marking the items I sell up to account for consignment fees can sometimes make the item too pricey for some people. I don't think many people realize that most shops take 30%-40% of the listed item price.  Because of this, the best place to get your glass is directly from me, or at Sugar Moon, who allows me to display my work for free. This is NOT the norm, but SM's owner Dina ia a supporter of the arts and the display is mutually benefical- I make the windows pretty!

This year I did a few commissions in glass and in watercolor. I was so busy this year that I honestly didn't have the chance to post that commissions were open! I hope to do more in 2026 in both watercolor and glass!