When it comes to glass etching, artists are limited only by their imaginations.
And for most crafters, this means the sky’s the limit.
Dwayne and Raeann Brown own and operate Inuky Glass Art and Engraving in Labrador City, NL.
An Inuit woman from Postville, Nunatsiavut, art has always been a big part of Brown’s life. Her father is a carver in Kuujjuaq, formerly known as Fort Chimo. Her mother is also a gifted Inuit artist.
“My mom works with a variety of mediums and sells her work all over Canada,” Brown said.
Brown started working with glass about a decade ago.
“I began to incorporate my Indigenous drawings into glass etching and that is where I found my niche,” she said.
Brown enjoys bringing a modern touch to her culture, and people appreciate it, she said.
In 2019, Brown was asked to create commemorative gifts for residential school survivors at a ceremony held in North West River, NL.
“Each of those pieces passed through my hands and it was a great experience to be an Inuit woman, with family who went through the residential school system, to play a part (albeit small) in the healing and reconciliation process.”
Interest growing
Brown has etched things as small as a pendant and as large as patio doors and mirrors.
Interest in the craft of glass etching is growing, and it's predicted that glass etching is about to become one of the year's fastest-growing trends.
Brown is proof positive: people from all across the country, and as far away as the Netherlands, are collectors of Brown's genuine Indigenous art. She published two books in 2020 and, although the world faced a pandemic, last year was a year of exponential growth for her small business. In December 2020, the Browns opened their first commercial store in Labrador City.
“We have expanded into laser engraving, sublimation, heat pressing and will continue to offer all of what I have been doing all along while expanding into other mediums,” Brown explains.
Most of Brown's work is done by hand and, while she loves it, the business’s growth has made it almost impossible to keep up with that, she said.
“While our new equipment will help to ease the burden from me, we will always use my Indigenous culture in our original designs, while creating new and custom pieces as well and we will not be limited to weight, size, or material,” Brown said.
Teaching her craft
When recalling how she initially started etching, Brown said she first purchased a small kit for $30.
“I had no idea of the process. I had never seen anyone do it before, let alone know anyone who did. After running my home-based business for about five years and feeling like I had mastered the art of glass etching, I began to teach classes on the basics to my community and surrounding communities," she said.
"Classes always filled up. Whether it be for ice breakers for corporations, private parties, groups, or my own classes, people loved to learn the art of glass etching."
Because of the pandemic, Brown started to offer Zoom classes and did one with the Canadian military as well as a school in Ontario.
“I believe (glass etching) is most certainly a growing art, and I am always happy to see the reaction on someone’s face when they see what they have etched,” she said.
Business opportunities
Vickie Robar’s small, home-based business is called Grandmas Custom Creations. Based in Sackville, NS, the business launched last April and focuses on custom orders, including handed apparel and home decor.
“We decided to get into glass etching as it seemed to be very popular … it stays in the glass and doesn’t wash off and is permanent. We use an etching cream and, the longer it is on, the better we find it turns out," says Robar, who now ships her items across the country, as well as offering local delivery and pick-up.
Like the other crafts Robar offers, the glass etching is also done in consultation with customers, she said.
“We do (everything from) glasses to watch boxes and baking dishes and lanterns,” she said.
Also taking advantage of the growing interest in the craft are John Gamble and his wife Robbie Rafuse of Murray River, PEI, who are partners in life and business, running The Fishermans Daughter – PEI. The name of the small business stems from the fact that Rafuse and her husband were both brought up in the fishing industry and Rafuse is indeed a fisherman’s daughter.
Gamble does much of the artwork. His talents include woodworking, etched glass, paintings, and other forms of artistic expression.
His interest in glass etching stemmed from watching a YouTube video.
“It piqued my interest and I spent about six months trying and learning and breaking some glass to get the light touch and to hone my craft that I could shade where it needed (to be shaded)” he said via e-mail.
Gamble’s etched glass pieces are among his biggest sellers. He has etched everything into glass including boats, cars, and beloved pets.
While some customers provide a photo, Gamble has also worked closely with customers to come up with the perfect image.
“You start by measuring the glass surface to figure out size limitations, then you hand draw on the subject with a fine-tipped marker. We use a Dremel with diamond-tipped bits,” he said of his choice of tools.
A very light touch is recommended, he said, and gloves should be worn when working on a piece.
Practice makes perfect
The old saying practice makes perfect comes into play when etching in glass. It’s how you hone your craft, Gamble said.
He cautions that those learning glass etching to be careful working with wine glasses, as the glass is very thin.
“I would recommend that (you) start with a thicker style glass that is smooth, not rippled,” he said.
The rising popularity of glass etching has also piqued the interest of many couples as they prepare to tie the knot.
“We have done quite a few weddings: bride and groom, Mr. and Mrs., and even the entire head table plus mother, father, and in-laws,” Gamble said of the business’s glass etching projects.
He’s also etched on vases for use as centrepieces for wedding tables.
“We’ve (etched) wine glasses, shot glasses, beer mugs, and mason jars with handles on them for the groomsmen,” Rafuse added during a phone interview.
Wedding favours, such as personalized shot glasses for the guests to take home go over well, Rafuse said, whereas years ago, many of the favours were left on the tables.
Birthday gifts, such as personalized mugs also sell well, she said.
“We’ve etched people’s dogs and cats, pigs, horses … we etched people’s cars right down to something they may having hanging in the window … And we do a lot of tractor-trailers hauling pulp,” Rafuse said.
Before the pandemic, the couple sold their artwork at various craft fairs. However, the bulk of their business is now done through their Facebook page.
For more information:
- Visit Inuky Glass Art and Engraving or check out their Facebook
- To learn more about Robar’s business, visit Grandmas Custom Creations on Facebook
- Learn more about The Fishermans Daughter check out their Facebook
