Barbara Sargent

My Journey Working With Fired Glass

I have been playing and enjoying the workings of glass for 30 years of my life. I am married, with one married son and two grandchildren whom I adore. We all live in Mansfield, PA. I have lived here all of my life. Love the small town life. I have worked many different jobs: secretary, sales, meter reader, electric lineman and restaurant owner. I liked what I was doing, but I have always had to be challenged. When I got bored, I switched jobs. Until...glass came along.

I started by putting beads together and folks said I had a way with colors. I began playing with Polymer Clay because it was different and I made it into my very own pieces because I was the designer. I scheduled taking a class in Corning, NY for the Art of Wire Wrapping. The lady that was to teach me did not show up for the class and I was to be at work in Painted Post, NY at 5:00 pm that day. Now I have all day to spend in Corning, NY. Hadn’t been to Corning Glass since I was a child on a field trip. I fell head over heels in love with glass. I purchased videos, books and spent more money than I should have at the time. I was married, one child in school and working full time.

I began my journey working with fired glass which is the Art of Flame Working. I bought a torch, all kinds of strings of colored glass and I played and played for about a year. Never really liked my results. To me, it looked dirty, not really clean and clear. So I called a distributor from where I was getting my glass supplies. He offered that Fused glass is much different approach and I would get the results I was looking for. I spent more money on equipment with what is today called a Hot Spot kiln and the Art of Fused Glass. I began with my first piece and loved it. Sold it very quickly! Been in love with it ever since.

My goal has always been to make pieces that are “One of A Kind.” My customers can attest to that. I have many customers in the U.S. and around the world today and I still cannot wait to get back to my shop to try something new and different. My shop is equipped with 4 kilns now and I can run up to three at the same time. Sunday is what I call my “Mad Scientist Day.” I start a process and spin it in some way, shape or form that is not consistent with anything I have ever done. Sometimes, it really comes out to be a beautiful new form of my work and sometimes it turns into ugly glass. Today I am using 90 COE which is the name of the kind of glass I use. I have learned many forms of what fused glass can look like but using the correct time and temperature is where the fun begins and ends.

I love walking down the street or even at a show……I’ll see one of my pieces resting on their chest or earrings or even bracelet and rings. Such an honor that someone is wearing something that I made!!! At Christmas, my glass becomes in demand as I make Glass Christmas Trees and I actually hand paint glass ornaments with concrete!! Yes, they are a must see - stop by booth #116.