In November 2004, Sara Jarvis launched Jara Glassworks through the HRSDC Self Employment Benefit Program. Despite the short lead-in time, she was able to participate in two Christmas shows that year and the response was excellent! People appreciated the distinctive style that Sara brought to her work - a mixture of the traditional images and themes of Victoriana and the Arts and Crafts Movement married with current trends, contemporary colours and new ideas. This positive reception has continued and Jara Glassworks is a popular exhibitor at many area artisan shows, home shows and other venues (a full list of coming exhibits is outlined in the News section.)
Sara began her passion for stained glass in Belfast, Northern Ireland when looking for a new hobby. The watercolour class she wanted to take was already full, but a Tiffany Glass course caught her eye. By the end of the first class, she was completely hooked!
After moving back to Canada , she set up a small studio space in the basement of her home. When a disability forced her to resign from her career, she began working with glass on a daily basis; her technical skills soon caught up with a natural talent for the medium. As she developed a better appreciation for the qualities and quirks of the different glasses she used, the hobby began to pay for itself - there were even requests for her work from complete strangers!
As Sara prepared to return to work, she realized that she loved every minute of the time spent in her studio and she had the skills and abilities to run a small business. In addition to researching self-employment and preparing a business plan, she began designing stained glass pieces - especially functional items, such as lampshades, candle shelters, boxes and napkin rings. Even her cats inspired her, acting as models and inspiration for new pieces. Sara's unique problem-solving skills and adaptability contributed to new product ideas that were unique and distinctive with a flair for dramatic colour and traditional motifs.
Sara is determined to explore every opportunity that Jara Glassworks encounters. She is particularly keen to work with home-owners and local businesses to develop unique pieces that reflect their style and colour preferences while enhancing their surroundings for years to come. Sara shares her passion for glass along with her technical knowledge in one-on-one private workshops, showing people how to produce unique glass art on their own. She also enjoys working with charities and not-for profit organizations by supplying Silent Auction and Raffle items that contribute to their various fund-raising initiatives.
