I'M SUSAN, AND PAPERWEIGHTS ARE KIND OF MY THING!
Growing up with parents who adored antiques, it was only natural that I developed a fondness for them as well. Among the countless treasures that have captivated me over the years, glass paperweights featuring photographs of iconic landmarks, quaint country churches, and streets bustling with horse-drawn carriages have always held a special place in my heart. These souvenir paperweights enjoyed immense popularity in the early 19th century, but regrettably, the craft gradually slipped into obscurity.
After collecting several blank paperweights, I decided to have some fun and create my own designs, adding a bit of personal charm and a modern touch. I played around with all sorts of materials—pretty decorative paper, soft fabric scraps, bits of leather, vintage costume jewelry, delicate pressed flowers, metal accents, antique ephemera, and a mix of tiny treasures—turning each one into a little piece of art. I crafted a few special paperweights for friends and family, tailoring each one just for the recipient. The others were placed in individual gift boxes and displayed at a weekend craft fair I signed up for—my first ever! They were a huge success, and so many people who stopped to admire them asked how they could create their own. That’s what sparked this entire journey, 25-years ago.
The positive response I received at that spring craft fair inspired me to develop a line of glass paperweight kits virtually anyone could use to create their own personalized paperweights. I also set out to introduce this forgotten art form to new generations of crafters through the use of more contemporary design techniques and materials.
