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 hat do you want to be when you grow up? This is the question that all kids are asked at some point in their childhood. I wanted to be a veterinarian, then an artist, then a schoolteacher. What was my final decision as I entered the world of professional adults? A graphic designer. I obtained a bachelor of arts degree in graphic design and have made it my passion ever since. And when you think about it, all of the above tie into being a graphic designer. At some point I may design a magazine for pet lovers or a textbook for school teachers, and I'll always have my artistic talent to guide me through life's decisions. I do things because I love doing them and I'm always up for a challenge. While I enjoy the world of computerized design, my love for the hands-on process of creating unique and aesthetic stained glass jewelry has always given me my inspiration. |
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 After graduating in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in art, I worked in graphic design for four years. I then decided to turn my artistic direction toward creating unique pieces of wearable art. In 2006, I started Downtown Designs, working in the design and creation of original stained glass jewelry. Because of its uniqueness, each piece of Downtown Designs’ jewelry has its own magic and appeal.
The process begins with the selection and cutting of the stained glass by visualizing the movement within the glass to coordinate size and design. Each piece of glass is then ground and formed on a wet diamond-headed grinder into its ?nal form. The glass is then individually copper foiled and placed in the design area. Once the design of the piece is completed, it is decoratively soldered using a lead-free solder.
The completed piece is then bathed in a solution of ?ux remover. It is then cleaned with acetone to remove any remaining ?ux. After the cleaning process, it is polished with a wax compound and coated with epoxy resin to seal the glass and to make it more durable.
Some pieces feature dichroic glass to enhance their beauty. Dichroic glass, meaning two-colored, uses both transmission and re?ection of light to achieve the desired effect so that as you rotate a piece of dichroic glass, even slightly, you’ll see a shifting rainbow of colors.
I love making jewelry! Each piece I create is a part of me and a part of my personality. I like mixing traditional designs with modern ideas and when complete, I have a beautiful and unique piece of wearable art.
Trisha M. Fay |
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