How Glass Painting Became My Passion and My Business
At Colour Creations, every piece of glass painting tells a story – and mine began during the Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020.
From Childminding to Creative Expression
Before the pandemic, I worked as a self-employed childminder in my home from 2001 to 2024. It was a very rewarding job that allowed me to work from home whilst rearing my own family at the same time. But deep down, I always wanted to do something more creative.
When Covid hit it was undoubtedly a very scary time and there was so much uncertainty about it – and then came the lockdowns! All businesses, including childcare, had to close! But this gave me time – and that time reignited a spark.
Discovering Glass Painting
I was first introduced to glass painting in 2005 when I joined a local group in my community. Finding it very relaxing and, as it requires a level of concentration, it allowed me to forget about the difficult day that I might have experienced. Or, if I was feeling a little apprehensive about something, it allowed me to forget those feelings for a time.
I only managed to get to four classes, as this was about the time that childcare became more regulated.
Long story short, I began to paint on glass again during the Covid lockdowns. At first it was to relieve my boredom. Then, I realised that it was providing me with an opportunity to switch off from all things Covid!! I would spend longer sessions glass painting and less time watching the news or cleaning the house.
From Hobby to Hand-Painted Business
It wasn’t until I put some of my hand painted pieces up on my own Facebook page that I realised, not only did people like them, but I began to get requests for custom orders with particular designs on them (and I got paid, which was a bonus!). This was a real poignant time for me as I realised that I had a creative skill that could earn me a little extra in my pocket.
In September 2021, I launched my first Colour Creations website, which gave me another platform to showcase and sell my products – hand-painted glass gifts for all occasions! But it didn’t stop there. In March 2022, I attended my first local market in Rathcoole – and sold several pieces! This gave me the encouragement to create and paint some more, and I’ve since become a regular vendor at local events around Dublin and the surrounding area, including Kilteel and others, especially during the lead-up to Christmas.
Why Markets Matter
Selling my glassware and craft pieces at markets is more than just a business opportunity. It is the real connections that I make with real people, the friendships that I have formed with other vendors and with my regular customers, the sense of being valued as a vendor, a friend, a crafter, being part of a community and the respect that people have for me.
Create and Paint Workshops: Sharing the Joy of Glass Painting
Roll on 2 years, I still felt that I had more areas to explore with Colour Creations and that’s when the idea to facilitate ‘Create and Paint’ glass painting workshops came to me.
These workshops are more than just art classes. They’re a safe, inclusive space where people of all ages and abilities can experience the joy, mindfulness, and creativity that glass painting offers.
The designs, patterns and the interests of each individual taking part in a workshop or class is a never ending open-book of ideas coming to life in a colourful, decorative, personalised, unique piece of hand painted glass art!
Encouraging the use of everyday pieces of household glassware, up-cycling and repurposing them, using the art form of glass painting, adds colour to clear glass, value to each piece, changes purpose and creates new functions – while each piece keeps its original shape and extends the life of glass that would otherwise go to waste.
All Create and Paint workshops and classes are curated and delivered to suit the needs of the participants, making each class totally unique. Inviting me into your community group, business, wellness event, youth group or kids camp – which brings along a safe, non-judgemental space, where you will have the opportunity to learn a new skill & hobby – is not to be missed! Our workshops support mindfulness, self-esteem, social connection, personal growth, confidence, creativity and sustainability.
What People Are Saying
The feedback from my workshops says it all:
“I could sit here all day doing this, it’s so relaxing.”
“There’s something captivating about glass painting.”
“I can’t believe I can actually do it, I’m not usually creative..”
“When are you coming back?”
Participants leave feeling inspired, valued, quietly confident, and less stressed – and that’s exactly why I do what I do.
Why Glass Painting?
- Mindful and meditative
- Eco-friendly through upcycling
- Accessible to all ages and skill levels
- Perfect for personal gifts or creative expression
Each glass item becomes a unique piece of hand-painted art – personalised, decorative, and sustainable.
Want to Join a Workshop?
If you’re interested in learning glass painting or joining a workshop, you’re in the right place.
- Book in a workshop here, using our booking enquiry form.
- Have a general question? You can send me an email via the contact form here or by emailing ruth@colourcreations.ie
- You can also follow Colour Creations on Instagram and Facebook.
Whether you’re here to buy, learn, or just connect, thank you for being part of the story.
