Couple Crafting Colorful Creations After Cultivating Common Interest

John and Theresa Crisp began creating stained and fused glass artwork after looking for an activity they could share, and they have since crafted more than 1,000 pieces on display in galleries in Shawnee and Guthrie. Photos submitted

by Jamie Bergsten

“Stained glass” refers to glass that’s been colored by metallic oxides during the manufacturing process.

Evidence of its existence dates back to the ancient Roman Empire, and intact pieces indicate that the practice emerged as early as the 4th century. We generally think of its place in the windows of churches and other religious buildings, but its use has expanded over the years to include lamp shades, Christmas ornaments, jewelry, and more.

Working with this medium is not easy. The tools and materials are expensive and can be hard to find. However, if an artisan can learn the craft, the outcomes can be amazing.

Shawnee resident Theresa Crisp and her husband John wanted a hobby they could do together, and working with stained glass has been the perfect fit.

“We’d both tried various things like ceramics and woodworking,” she said. “Then we took a stained glass class together a few years back and enjoyed it so much that we decided to invest in the tools to keep working on it. We’ve been doing stained glass for about 15 years now and have found it to be an interesting and rewarding art form.”

Theresa had always enjoyed making things but had had no prior formal training other than a few art classes when she was in college. Now, John and she have a studio in their backyard where they can tackle stained glass, fused glass and woodworking projects, and they’re making plans to teach classes at the Arts @ 317 in downtown Shawnee this year.

“We’ve finished over 1,000 pieces,” Theresa said. “Some are stained glass, and some are fused glass. We’ve made a variety of things, including wind chimes, boxes, serving trays and of course traditional pieces to hang.

“We’ve made all sizes of projects at all sorts of prices. We also take custom orders and suggestions for items to make. We’ve made a large stained glass sign for Savvy Bites in downtown Shawnee as well as a large piece for dis-

play in the window of a home in town.”

Their most expensive and extensive creation was 25 square feet in size and took six months to design and complete.

“The length of time it takes to finish any project is dependent upon how much glass we have to shape and how intricate the design is,” Theresa said. “For our average framed panel, it takes about one to two weeks to completely wrap up.

“The basic tools for this craft aren’t cheap, but if you take care of them, they’ll last for a long time. Tools can sometimes be found at Hobby Lobby, but often you must contact a stained glass supplier such as Art Glass Emporium in Guthrie.”

The Crisps’ work with glass fusing is new to them, but they’re enjoying it.

“We’re creating pieces that are similar to stained glass, but the fusing is a different procedure,” Theresa said. We’re always trying new patterns and items.”

As one could imagine, working with glass can be tricky at times.

“We’ve had accidents and lots of cuts, but you have to expect that,” Theresa said. “After all, we’re working with glass, and it breaks. We don’t get too upset about it though. Stained glass isn’t sturdy either, but John also does woodworking, and he builds oak frames to go around most of the panels. Fused glass is much sturdier and doesn’t need a frame.”

For those interested in trying their hand at this art form, Theresa offered some simple advice.

“Take a class from an experienced glass artisan and then practice and have patience,” she said.

The Crisps worked as civil servants during their careers. They met in 1996 and married a year later. They have two sons and three granddaughters, who enjoy getting stained glass pieces from their grandparents, Theresa said.

Shoppers can see or purchase the Crisps’ creations at the Arts @ 317 at 317 E. Main St. in Shawnee or at Home Sweet Home on the Range at 110 W. Harrison in Guthrie.