We all start somewhere. I had to do this again because I found way better examples of how... I had a LOT of room for improvement! 2013 was when I really tried to stretch my creative muscles and develop something new... but not everything was beautiful. Sorry for the awful pictures, it's also all about learning. Don't give up before you get there (where ever "there" is- it's up to you!).
Have a great weekend!
Kara-
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Many thanks to @heirloomsandlacestudios
for the gorgeous bridal photo of @jenella_nolls ! 😍
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#stainedglassflowers #florallife #keeplearning #glassart #glassartist #artistgrowth
Hi friends! I've always used this platform to inspire and encourage others. I’ve been quiet lately. This space has felt unsafe—but I’m done being quiet.
I want to keep showing up with posts that share struggle, passion, and joy. It’s always been the full spectrum, and I intend to keep it that way. Will you sit with me, my friends?
This stained glass flower crown came together on a rough table in my basement studio. A bride had been left without her piece just weeks before the wedding, and I wanted to step in — but honestly, it was also a chance to help myself. To create again, even though my space and my life still feel unfinished.
My basement has flooded more than once, but it’s dry now and we’re starting to rebuild. Out of all that mess, something beautiful still bloomed.
Spring is here, and we are so stoked to welcome Kara Bussey to the Dots & Lines hosting community — offering her beautifully crafted 🌸 Stained Glass Workshop: 3D Flower Stake 🌸 starting this spring!
📅 First up: April 26 | 1–5pm — with more dates available during this season.
📍 NVRLND. Arts Foundation, Calgary
In this intimate 4-hour session (max 6 people!), you'll learn the copper foil method, try your hand at soldering, and walk away with a one-of-a-kind 3D stained glass garden stake — made by you, ready for your garden.🌿
No experience needed. All materials provided. Just show up ready to make something beautiful.
🔗 Grab your spot via the link in bio, or visit dotslines.ca — filter by "stained glass" to see all upcoming dates.
The details are where art comes alive, right? 🔥 #leadfree #stainedglass
Guys… I’ve been so sick with migraines these past few months (year?), and honestly, this is one of the hardest parts of being self-employed. When I have to stop, the art does too.
I’ve also been feeling really anxious about showing up online, which feels wild to even say. I’ve always loved sharing with you, being on camera, making reels, and bringing you into this world with me. Right now I just feel flattened. But I want that version of me back, too. I keep recording and then not sharing...
If you are someone who sends love to people when they’re having a hard time, you are so welcome here. I appreciate you more than you know.
If you prefer to cheer against me, this probably isn’t the place for you.
These pieces, plus 6 more, will be listed on April 1 for the amazing masses 😘😘 (no joke!)
What is this exactly? Well, once upon a time (2024) I made this unique glass shrug (I don't know what to call it!). I never did get great photos of it and hardly anyone has seen it, as it was destined for other stages, but I wanted to step back in time and show you this as I prepare for the glass fashion show in New York this June ❤️🤞🏻
Hope you're well ❤️
Kara-
The right way? There's only your way (but make sure it's safe). I tell all of my students: "if you're not having fun, you're not doing it right." Allow yourself to experiment, learn, make mistakes and enjoy! You shouldn't take yourself too seriously :).
If you're interested in learning with me, make sure you stick around! Classes dropping soon.
My favourite thing about 2026 is that most of us have realized that being your authentic self is the best way to attract your people.
Welcome to the fold, friends ❤️
Kara-
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#stainedglass #artistlife #authenticart #makeyourmark #glassflowers
Sometimes we need to look inwards for inspiration.
I'm making a big move this month into a new creative space and community.. I can't wait to show you!
This was March 2024 before I blew up my world. Coming out stronger on the other side ❤️😘.
Happy New Year, friends.
Thanks 2025 - that's a wrap! What better way to close out the year than to do a piece requested by someone who helped me out a LOT this year?
She still needs a name - help me out?
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I used silvercoats (vintage silver wavy mirror) to do the little vines and mixed Fremont "extreme" aventurine (read SPARKLES), with vintage Spectrum hunter green and corsica purple pink.
... I sound like a glass snob because I am one. I hope you're snobbing it up (and drooling) with me too :). Sorting my glass into my new studio was VERY inspiring - excited to play more!
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Hope you're well, friends!
Kara-
2020–present.. in glass moons. I started in such a different place back then, and looking at it now actually makes me want to revisit some of those early colours and techniques. Swipe to see the evolution.
Finding comfort in the familiar is still progress, right? I believe I've grown mostly by showing up and making the next thing, and honestly, my art brings me light even when I don't feel bright.
Each moon holds a little piece of who I was then.
If one of these ended up in your home (or in your memories), I’d love to know where it landed.
And thank you for being part of this long, glowing path with me. I wouldn’t be here without you.
#glimpseglass #stainedglass #moonart #artistevolution
I love taking photos.. but I am really on the struggle bus with this one! Meet Thalia - named for the Greek word meaning “to flourish.” This is one of the first 360 sculptures I've done in a while and although she looks stunning in person, I underestimated how challenging it is to photograph in 3D! I loved letting this one come together on its own - the rope and curated wood piece really inspired the rustic/earthy feeling that blossomed. I hope this comes through in the photo! ❤️📸
