Meet Jessica Irena Smith, the talented glass artist behind Jessica Irena Smith Glass. Based in County Durham, North East England, Jessica creates beautiful kiln-formed glass art from her home studio – a creative space she affectionately calls her garage!
From Inspiration to Glass Artistry
Jessica’s journey into the world of glass art began quite by accident. A lifelong creative, she always knew she wanted to become an artist. Over twenty years ago, while visiting family in Canada, Jessica discovered a gallery in the Rocky Mountains and fell in love with a stunning piece of fused and slumped glass art. That moment sparked a passion that would shape her future career.
After completing her A-levels, Jessica embarked on a foundation year in art before studying for a BA in Glass & Ceramics at the renowned National Glass Centre in Sunderland. She went on to complete an MA in Glass, and, with support from the Arts Council, bought her first kiln in 2009 – marking the beginning of her journey as a professional glass artist.
Inspired by Nature
Jessica’s handmade glass designs are heavily inspired by nature and the natural world. Her collection includes a variety of fused glass pieces, such as her much-loved robin, reindeer, and penguin brooches – all created with a playful and joyful touch.
Working with glass is both exciting and unpredictable. Even the simplest design can take weeks or months to perfect, with endless experimentation and kiln tests before reaching the final piece. For Jessica, that’s part of the magic – the balance between creativity and craftsmanship that defines every piece of her unique handmade glass art.
What Makes Jessica’s Work Unique
Many people are surprised to learn Jessica’s creations are made from glass at all! Her use of solid-coloured opaque glass gives her work a soft, ceramic-like quality that’s distinct from the transparent glass most people are familiar with.
Because each batch of glass reacts differently during the firing process, no two pieces are ever identical – making every brooch, ornament, or artwork completely one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re buying a unique handmade gift or collecting art for your home, Jessica’s pieces promise something truly special and individual.
A Creative Life Beyond Glass
When she’s not in the studio, Jessica is also a published author. After years of balancing her creative passions, she signed a two-book deal with a UK publisher in 2022. Her debut novel was released in 2023, followed by her second in 2024. These days, she divides her time between writing and glassmaking, channelling her creativity into both art and storytelling.
Discover Jessica Irena Smith Glass
Explore Jessica’s full collection of handmade fused glass art, unique glass jewellery, and nature-inspired gifts on her Kraft Space online shop here. Each piece is crafted with care, creativity, and a love for the natural world – making it a perfect addition to your home or a thoughtful gift for someone special.