Creating with Glass
			by Sara-Jane Brocklehurst

The grinder spins giving off a constant drone punctuated by the whine of glass being ground to a smooth finish. After a quick foiling, the pieces of the glass puzzle are soldered together as the lead and flux sputter, creating a smooth seam. This is stained glass, an art and craft enjoyed by many in the valley. I have been doing stained glass for 5 years, off and on. I know why I enjoy the craft, but I wanted to find out if others shared my interests. I went to speak to Diana Vanderstar, owner and operator of Diana's Glass Creations, located on 3rd Avenue in Smithers, beside Mountain Eagle Books and Candy Bouquet.

Outside of Diana's store, stained glass art hangs in the window.

Diana started her store in July of 1999, after Sherri's Stained Glass store shut down. It was in Diana's best interest to open the store since she loves doing stained glass and wanted to keep the supplies in town. But the going hasn't been easy. Although the owner of the previous store, Sherri, had taught the craft to a number of people, when she chose to close shop, many of the individuals, myself included, stocked up on supplies, concerned that we wouldn't be able to get items for awhile. This has proven to be a little tough for Diana as she waits for people's supplies to be used up so that they will come shopping again. Certainly, the economy doesn't help. However, Diana remains in good humour and is willing to hang on for a year to see if business improves.

Some of my own stained glass projects ready to be sent away for Christmas presents.

Now that I have rediscovered a source of supplies in town, I have picked up my stained glass production once again. So what is the appeal of such a craft? For myself, I like the designing of a pattern, the technical component of breaking glass and the finesse of soldering the whole puzzle together. The options for creation are limitless, bound only by one's imagination. The choices of colours and projects constantly inspire me to try new things.