WEYAUWEGA, Wis. — A Weyauwega woman wanted to offer her community a new form of artistic expression.
That’s why one year ago Mary Beisner started her home business Blessings and Friends.
She’s currently working on a window piece that uses both stained and fused glass.
“This window will outlive me and that’s good,” said Beisner. “You know I want this to stick around for a long time. This one is actually going to Minnesota.”
Her love for making glass art began more than two decades ago.
Beisner said she has tried other forms of art, but those never held her attention for long.
“I played with all of it and as soon as I was happy with my progress, I got bored,” said Beisner. “I was like, ‘I can’t improve anymore, so now what?’ Then I would pick up something else. With glass after 24 years, I have yet to get bored.”
For Beisner, the best part of the hobby is sharing it with others.
That’s why she invites the community to Blessings and Friends for glass art-making classes.
“When somebody comes in and they have no experience and they are all their own worst critics. ‘I’m not creative. I have no skills.’ Yes, you do. You just haven’t figured out what your medium is yet,” said Beisner.
During the holiday season, Blessings and Friends offers a glass tree decorating class.
Tracy Doede was trying to figure out what she wanted to do with her glass piece.
She said because of Blessing and Friends, she has gained an appreciation for this hobby.
“I’m learning each time I come here,” said Doede. “I learn a little something different, whether I can put two certain colors or how to put the writing shapes together, better ways of fusing the glass. Got to cut my own glass last time, so it’s kinda cool.”
Seeing people enjoying making glass art reminds Beisner of what inspired the name of her business.
“I thought about all the good things that have come to me because I do glass and I realized, ‘what a blessing glass was’ and it was like, ‘that’s it,’ and with the students, it’s Blessings and Friends,” said Beisner.
Beisner never thought her business would grow the way it has when she started this hobby 24 years ago.
However, she is thankful to everyone that continues to support her while also finding their creative side.