My passion for all things handmade began at the turn of the century when I was introduced to stained glass. It was not a medium I particularly cared for, or even knew much about. But, through a series of most fortunate events, I was lucky enough to be introduced to and then mentored by the most fabulous teacher, Kristine LaVon at Creative Glass.
Jumping ahead a few years and many glass cuts later, I branched out on my own to make my own designs and began marketing them. Mind you this was before Etsy! That’s how old school I am!
From farmers markets, open houses, craft shows, local shops, juried art shows and commission art pieces to the Chicago Art Institute Museum Catalog, my craft has taken me many places, but most importantly, exposed me to some amazing artists and crafters along the way. It was these creative forces who inspired me to do what I am doing today.
Finding the perfect location (just 3 minutes from my house) in the ever changing Sugarhouse Neighborhood, I acquired a 700 square foot space in a 1925 bungalow house. It is now the new home to my stained glass studio (Luna Bella) and the birth place of Commerce & Craft.
Good design, originality and craftsmanship do not have to be out of reach for anyone.
To stock the shop Commerce & Craft, focuses on small product companies, as well as local, national and global artists and crafters. Every piece has a human tied to it, creating collectors and followers for these talented vendors. I hope you find their work uplifting, unique, different, curious, original, funny, well made, well designed, functional and something you just can’t stop thinking about.