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Staff Spotlight
 Kara Ramdas
 I've always been artistically creative, trying everything I could-but never really sticking to any ONE particular medium. Then, in 2001, I found my calling.... Glass! I began with stained glass classes at The Stained Glass Studio of Clearwater, a studio whose windows and projects I had always admired! Sophia Amorginos was my instructor. From the very beginning the glass itself was so intriguing; the colors and limitless textural options they provided were instantly addictive for me. From there I progressed on to fusing, and then on to lampworking! I'll admit that fusing wasn't exactly at the top of my list (I don't have the kind of patience that allows me to sit and wait. I'm a hands on girl - I like to make it happen!) but it was a good knowledge base on how glass reacts to heat and warm environments.
I still love stained glass. For me, it's a very systematic, soothing art form which I really enjoy. The limitless color choices make any panel uniquely yours (though I most often create my own patterns), and you can be encouraged by actually seeing progress being made at a steady pace until your piece is complete.
 And then there's lampworking! Harnessing the raw energy coming from the torch and being so mesmerized by the flame...I'd never met such an exciting hobby before! It's the best of all the glass worlds combined!!! Endless color choices, details, glass melting and changing shape at your will, and almost instant gratification (the beads do have to go in the kiln to anneal, but that makes the next morning feel like Christmas)! I was completely hooked and very flattered when they asked me to teach beginning and intermediate lampworking classes. I now have the pleasure of introducing this exciting hobby to fellow glass enthusiasts, and sharing my knowledge and experiences with them.
I work on a Hot Head torch in my home studio, usually 3-4 days a week, trying out new techniques, new color combinations, shapes and tools. The beads I make usually find their way into jewelry pieces which I sell at various boutiques. I sell many of my single beads and sets on e-bay when my bead box is overflowing (seller name: IDZYNE), and some go into my "Bad Bead" jar! Yes, I still make a few bad beads! Bad color choices, broken bead release, shapes distorted beyond help-but I love having the jar in front of me just to remind me of the things that I've learned from my "mistakes." And sometimes, the way those beads snuggle up next to each other in that jar puts one ugly next to another ugly and inspires me on to something beautiful!!!
Gary and Peggy Reid
Gary and Peggy Reid have been active in stained glass for 20 years; 18 years have been in Clearwater working with The Stained Glass Studio (SGS). Peggy was healed of MS in September 2001. To show thanks for this blessing, they designed and created the stained glass in the new sanctuary at Palm Harbor United Methodist Church. The chapel is located on Belcher Road, north of Nebraska. You can visit the chapel Monday thru Saturday; the doors are open until 9:00 PM. Gary and Peggy are now part of the staff at SGS. They're both happy to help you with questions or classes. Gary's special ability? Preciseness, accuracy and perfection! If you just can't get that piece exactly how you want it, ask Gary and he'll be more than happy to help!
Kathleen -
(Owner)
Kathleen's 27+ years in the stained glass industry brings her studio a rich history in glass art. Having had 24 simultaneous studios throughout Florida, she knows the Florida marketplace. Her favorite aspect of stained glass?
"I love to give more to students than they expect. What excites me is witnessing a more than satisfied customer or student working with our professional and personable staff. I am proud of the custom work we create and enjoy the simple satisfaction of watching students grow in their craft."
Kathleen loves to create custom work, enjoys teaching new classes and hopes to begin writing books on stained glass. Kathleen is a devout glass artist who is eager to share her wealth of knowledge. According to Kathleen, "Stained glass isn't a difficult art, but it takes a love of the hobby to master color choices, preciseness and ultimatley, creating your own patterns. It's the most rewarding work I can ever dream of."
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