MOM'S LITTLE BLACK BOOK | TinkerBelz Art in Geneva
- Glancer Magazine
- Nov 2, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 20, 2025
GLISTENING GLASS GIFTS
GENEVA–I admittedly color like a toddler, draw like a kindergartener, and craft like a first grader. I possess many talents; however, art is not one of my natural abilities. I have always been intrigued by glassworks. My grandfather used to blow glass for a living many years ago. I am amazed at how heat can significantly change the shape of glass without shattering it everywhere. I could have never imagined I would be able to design, shape, and mold a twelve inch stick of Italian glass, only millimeters in diameter, into one of a kind custom glass beads.
Victoria, a St. Charles resident and the owner of TinkerBelz Art in Geneva patiently and skillfully taught our small class the art of melting and layering Italian soft glass in a 2000° flame to create our own personal masterpieces. As she demonstrated what was soon to be our task at hand, I giggled in disbelief that I could possibly mimic her actions; yet, I was so inspired by her boutique of handmade creations that surrounded me.
The workshop was filled with glistening glass beads, ornaments, jewelry, serving utensils, and more. It was hard to believe they were all made from a simple 12 inch stick.
As we donned our safety goggles and positioned ourselves in front of our individual flame throwers, we quickly discovered the art of glass melting can be forgiving when armed with the right knowledge of correcting a dollop, a drop, or a mishaped form.
As I made each bead, I gained confidence, and my creativity began to sore. I felt so peaceful in the workshop which is completely the opposite of the onset of anxiety that typically arises when I’m presented with an art project. We got bolder with our shapes, more unique in our designs, and encouraged to try new methods.
I actually made beads that I would wear in public! My friend made beads to fabricate a custom handle for a cake server.
This is a one-of-a-kind experience which makes the perfect gift to give or gift to make! With the glass that students decide not to keep, Victoria also creates beads that she donates to Beads of Courage.
Overview
Specializing in small class settings to encourage individual learning and growth of working with melting glass to produce handmade customized art mediums in the form of ornaments, beads, pendants, marbles, jewelry, and so much more, etc.
TinkerBelz Art
227 S. Third Street, Geneva, IL 60134
(331) 203-5162
Hours: See website for schedule
Price $: Varies Depending on Selection
ABOUT THE WRITER
Kristen Kucharski’s days are never dull, her kids are never bored! Over the years #MomsLittleBlackBook has explored hundreds of kid friendly things to do in our surrounding community and on the road. As her girls have grown and gone away to college, she continues to enjoy unique activities, excursions, day trips, weekend get-a-aways, and road trips while rediscovering my own passion for adventure with friends, girls nights outs, and date nights. In her words “Life is a journey–might as well have fun along the way. Go, fly, roam, travel, voyage, explore, discover!”
