Shards Of Scarn

How did Shards Of Scarn get started?

As a child my mum used to occasionally buy "glass" painting kits for me to paint, as I was always a very creative child that loved exploring different crafts! I remember being fascinated by the way the light travels through the paints and the way the colours looked. Fast forward to my mid-late 20s, one of the times my mental health faced it's struggles in a toxic relationship (circa 2016) I was desperately trying to think of a hobby I could do to distract myself with something positive and ignite some passion. Then I remembered as a child how fascinated I was by glass painting, so I bought my first kit, practiced on a set of votive holders. After a couple of years practice I decided to start my own business and sell what I make! I've experimented with different ways/styles/designs to find what I enjoy most and what others enjoy also. It's taken me a good while to get the ball rolling, but I'm here now!

A bit about where your lovely purchases are coming from

From starting up painting in the kitchen and lounge (on the sofa!) in previous abodes, I now finally share a creative workspace with my music enthusiast partner in our spare room at home.

I have a proper desk and chair combo set up by a bright windowsill with useful shelving to store my arty clutter around in a (slightly more) organised manner! Much better for artistic inspo. Much clearer for thinking.

After all these years of dreaming of that "proper" workspace, I finally have one and can have all of my things "in a place". (Though even more room in future is not out of the question...I can dream bigger...)

And what about the crafting talent behind these great products

I prepare and clean the glass ready first. If, for example, it requires an outline then I usually free-hand this on with a wipeable marker. When I'm happy with the markings I then go over it with a relief liner sort of paint, let that dry, then select my colours and paint it all in for a couple of coats or more depending on the shade. If it's a drinking glass or something that might need to go in the dishwasher, then I use the 160° range where it is baked in the oven and dishwasher-safe to use. If it's purely decorative then I will either use this paint or the standard dry-set ones I have. Sometimes I later some gloss over it afterwards for that extra shine, depending on the product. Again, if it's purely decorative I will sit and look at it, ponder if it's finished, it if might fancy some cheeky rhinestones/glitter or not etc, for example, or if less is more and I'm happy with it as a completed creation.

Anything else? This is our sellers chance to tell you a bit about themselves

Being a creative with ADHD, I get the good and the bad with it. When the inspiration is flowing it's fantastic! But I also have my typical struggles from time to time, which after a cheeky burnout period I then use to push myself and work smarter with. (Where I can!)

I often have my ginger fluffball of a cat (Ruby) meowing at me and trying to jump on my lap for loves while painting. So I do try not to allow any ginger souvenirs in the dried paint like a confusing fossil! Other animalistic distractions being of my two rabbits, who whilst they have a daily hop around downstairs, the moment I hear a suspicious knawing sound I do STOP and listen to check if it's something they're supposed to be chewing or not...then I run downstairs to check anyway...

I absolutely love growing plants and flowers too, their vibrancy are bursts of inspiration and joy to me!

We're happy to do commissions, so if there's anything you'd like to ask please get in touch.