I had the chance to visit Cheryl Young’s studio in downtown Dover, Delaware. Cheryl has a nice space at the back of her home to do her stained glass art and copper bracelets and other jewelry too. It’s interesting to me that Cheryl said she got into the jewelry and bracelets because she couldn’t find the things she wanted so she decided to do them for herself!

Here are the questions I had for Cheryl and her answers!

What kinds of art do you do? Is there something that drives your art?

Stained Glass– My love of colors is a good answer for this question. I love putting colors together in different designs, and enjoy seeing the end result hanging in a window.

I am a person who believes that a beautiful piece of stained glass brightens a room and a mood, even on the dreariest of days.

Copper/Rustic Jewelry-The creative aspect of being able to make a wearable piece of art, coupled with being able to make the jewelry appear to be from an array of eras.

I work with 5 or so different patina methods, each with their own look and feel.

How long have you been doing it? Any special training?

Stained glass– Approximately 8 or so years. My husband and I took a basic 3 day class concentrating on techniques, and the rest is self taught through research and practice.

Copper/Rustic Jewelry-Began jewelry design a short time ago. Although many of the processes for jewelry is the same as with stained glass. Self taught.

What’s your favorite kind to do? Why?

Although I thoroughly enjoy both for many reasons, stained glass remains my favorite. In addition to enhancing a room, I enjoy seeing how happy my clients are when the piece is installed. This sort of art also allows me to give silent auction and benefit assistance.

Do you have a favorite piece?

Not a favorite piece, per se, but my transom pieces are my favorite type of glass to design.

How can I find you online?

Stained Glass–www.facebook.com/CTYoungglassworks

   (Do not have to be signed up with Facebook to visit this page)

Jewelry–www.artpal.com/ctyoung

Do you have a series or theme you’re working on now?

Yes. I am currently putting all of my efforts into a large art show in Berlin, Maryland called the Berlin Heritage and Peach Festival, which will be held in August. Both the stained glass and the Copper Jewelry will be featured.

Cheryl and I talked for a while about the other projects that we do and she wanted to be sure to talk about something near and dear to her heart, making some bandana thingys (do you like that technical term?) for dogs. Cheryl and her husband have several pets and clearly care about them! Here’s what she said about the dog project:

One thing I do which is not what I call art, but it does help, is I make and embroider custom bandanas for dogs. The bandanas are embroidered with the dogs name and the owner contact information. 40% of the proceeds go toward helping Safe and Sound Pet Care, which is a low cost veterinary mobile unit that visits pet stores, and other locations. People can take their animals to them for vaccinations, routine visits, flea and tick meds, as well as nail cutting and many more things. The cost of their care is a fraction of what regular veterinarians charge, subsequently affording more people the ability to keep and take care of their animals.