This month kept me busy with three TDY (business) trips—two to Virginia and one to Maryland. When able I try to find a little time for fun and inspiration during these trips, and on one of them, I stumbled across a wonderful local fused glass shop “Happy Hour Glass Works“. The owner, Tish, was absolutely delightful, and her store was a treasure trove of creativity. I instantly fell in love with her cozy spaces and the stunning variety of glasswork on display. So many beautiful pieces, each with its own unique charm! Here are a few photos from her amazing shop—I couldn’t resist snapping a few to share.
What made Tish’s place even more special was how she had her creative world organized. She had a dedicated building just for fusing glass, and another separate space for resin and decoupage work. It was so inspiring to see how she’s created different spaces to support each of her artistic passions. Each room was filled with color, character, and so much heart. It really made me think about how meaningful it is to have spaces that are tailored to each part of the creative process. I also liked how open she was with me.
One of the pieces that immediately caught my eye in Tish’s shop was a glass bottle with decoupage —you can see it in the top row of photos. I loved it so much that I bought it right on the spot! Isn’t it pretty!
I couldn’t stop thinking about how beautiful and unique it was, so Tish and I scheduled a time to come back. She was kind enough to walk me through the entire decoupage process, and we had such a fun time. Here are a few photos of me working on my own bottle and a shell—my very first decoupage projects! It was such a great learning experience and reminded me how much I enjoy experimenting with new techniques. I can’t wait to do this again on my glass and maybe even teach it.
On another trip, I visited Cape Henry, and what a hidden gem it turned out to be! There are actually two lighthouses at this historic site—both standing proudly at the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay. The black-and-white striped lighthouse belongs to the Coast Guard and, while closed to the public, it was incredibly picturesque against the cloudy sky.
Just steps away is the original Cape Henry Lighthouse, built in 1792, which holds the distinction of being the first federally funded public works project after the American Revolution. This historic beacon was vital in guiding maritime traffic safely into the Chesapeake Bay, one of the most important waterways for early American trade and defense. Today, the lighthouse is preserved as a national historic landmark, and visitors can climb to the top for a breathtaking view—though sadly, because of my knees, I wasn’t able to make the climb myself. Still, just standing there at its base, surrounded by centuries of American history and coastal beauty, was a powerful and moving experience.
After visiting the lighthouses, I took a peaceful walk along the beach trail nearby. From there, you could see both lighthouses standing tall against the horizon—a striking view that reminded me how much history lives in these coastal spaces. The beach was quiet except for the sound of crashing waves and the occasional call of seabirds. It was the kind of walk that clears your mind and fills your spirit.
Cape Henry isn’t just home to beautiful lighthouses and scenic coastal views—it’s also the site of one of the most pivotal naval battles in American history: the Battle of the Capes in 1781. This often-overlooked encounter occurred just off the coast where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. On September 5, 1781, the French fleet under Admiral de Grasse blocked British naval reinforcements from reaching Yorktown. This crucial move allowed General George Washington and French ground forces to surround and ultimately defeat the British army under General Cornwallis at Yorktown—a victory that effectively ended the Revolutionary War. While walking the grounds and taking in the view, I came across several memorials, including a statue of Admiral de Grasse and a beautiful cross. It’s humbling to stand where such impactful history unfolded, knowing how the tides of freedom turned right here along these shores.
As I wrapped up my walk along the beach, surrounded by the salty breeze, historic lighthouses, and brilliant trumpet vine blooms. A timeless reminder of both natural beauty and historic significance. I’m so grateful I took the time to explore it.
This month was truly a whirlwind of creativity, history, and inspiration. From teaching my wonderful fused glass classes and sharing art at the Mountain Arts Festival, to discovering new techniques during my travels and exploring the rich past of Cape Henry, every moment was packed with meaning. Whether it was connecting with a fellow artist, walking the windswept beach past towering lighthouses, or simply pausing to admire the vibrant flowers along the path—each experience filled my heart and sparked new ideas. I can’t wait to see how all these memories influence my next glass creations!
If you would like to see some of my fused glass work, please refer to my website Elegant Fused Glass by Karen. If you get a chance, check out all my site and my Elegant Fused Glass by Karen YouTube. If you would like to stay abreast of what I’m up-to and learn a little more about jewelry, check out our newsletter. It is published the last day of each month.
Keeping my kilns warm,
Karen
