Who are you and what do you do?
I am Jenn Justad, a local Twin Cities Glass blower. I have been blowing glass for 15 years, with a focus on functional glassware and decor.
Why did you start working in this craft?
I loved the challenge of glass. It was a joy to find a medium that was as much process focused as it was to get a finished product. Every time I work with the glass I learn something new and it is so much fun to keep adding to my glass vocabulary.
What do customers love most about your products?
I think they like the vibrant colors and playfulness of my work. I create products that beg to be held and used. I also believe that the designs make using my products approachable- not too delicate, but not clunky either. When I hear someone say that the glass they bought from me is their favorite it brings me so much joy!
What is your favorite item that you sell?
My cane twisted cocktail glasses are my absolute favorite! They are perfect for a cocktail, juice in morning, or just a glass of water. The precise stripes created in the glass is from a technique called "cane." By pulling colored glass across the studio I can arrange those colored cane in a variety of ways and then twist them. The crisp and clean design is so satisfying to create.
What made you take the leap in to being your own boss?
Covid actually really forced me to find other ways to make a living. While I have sold my glass in the past, when Covid hit all of my other jobs closed for a while, but I was still able to go in to the glass studio and create. So with the extra time on my hands I started posting my products on my Facebook page, then finally made an Instagram page dedicated to my glass. The amount of support I received was incredible! I still have most of my old jobs but have cut down on hours there to really try my hand at vending and so far I love it!
What do you love most about craft show vending?
This is only my first serious year doing craft shows but so far I love meeting so many people who are enthusiastic about my work, especially learning about how it is made. Glass is such a common feature of our lives, but most people don't know a lot about how it is made, what you can do with it and its history. I get so much joy educating people about it so make sure to ask me questions if you come say hi!
Justad Glass
www.justadglass.com
www.instagram.com/justadglass
