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WASHINGTON — From stained glass designs to nightlights and framed glass art, one woman is using her talent and creativity to create unique pieces right in her home garage.
"I have this love affair with glass. I buy more glass and I just have to look at it and hold it up to the light. It's just so fun," said Nan Johnson, owner of Ruby's Glass Studio.
Johnson isn't new to the artistic world. Before computers and printers, she created posters for people along with hand-painting store windows. She also enjoyed the craft of crocheting, sewing, creating silk flower arrangements and more. After her kids were grown, she decided it was time to pursue something she had always loved – stained glass. She took a class from a local artist, Julie Dumas, which opened up a whole new realm of possibilities.
One of the first Johnson made was a stained glass heart with a dog paw in the center. She gave them to her dog-loving friends as well as an employee at Woof Center who cared for her dog. The employee showed others and as word traveled, she was asked to sell her art at Dewey's Dog Treats in St. George. The owner of the bakery suggested she also sell her items at the St. George Downtown Farmers Market. Hesitant at first, she decided to take the leap and was shocked at the support she received from the community.
