Hi, I’m carley!
Two Worlds, One Passion
By day, I’m a stained glass artist and studio owner. By night (quite literally), I teach environmental science at a local community college. But honestly? The line between those two worlds is pretty blurry. Whether I’m teaching students about ecosystems or cutting glass in my studio, I’m always thinking about how things connect—how light moves through glass, how patterns emerge in nature, how we can create beautiful things while being thoughtful about our impact on the world around us.
How I Fell Into Glass
I fell in love with stained glass long before I ever picked up a glass cutter. I got married at Callaway Gardens specifically because of their stunning stained glass window series depicting Georgia through all four seasons. After finishing my master's degree, I finally had time for a hobby that was just mine. What drew me in wasn't just the beauty—it was the science. Stained glass requires an understanding of physics (how glass breaks), chemistry (what makes each color possible), and engineering (how to make a piece structurally sound). As someone who never felt confident in traditional visual arts, I loved that I could lean on patterns created by other artists while I learned the technical foundation. Now, with my own studio space and the time to explore drawing and design, I'm on a journey to figure out what my personal style looks like.
Sustainability & Sourcing
Sustainability matters deeply to me, which is why I source as much of my sheet glass as possible from retiring artists. Stained glass is physically demanding work, and many older artists face health challenges—arthritis, heart issues, or needing oxygen (which doesn't mix well with soldering irons). Whenever I can, I buy out their studios, learn their stories, and make sure their materials continue creating beauty instead of ending up in a landfill. It's my way of honoring the artists who came before me while keeping this art form as sustainable as possible.
The Name & The Space
The Glass Elemental is named after powerful creatures in Dungeons & Dragons—elementals that wield earth, wind, fire, and water to devastating effect. I loved the idea of a space where artists could level up their abilities and become formidable in the world of stained glass. My studio is tucked into the Depot Arts District in Lakeland, Florida, a creative hub with over 30 private artist studios and gallery space. This is where I work on commissions, dream up new designs, and teach classes for anyone ages 12 and up who wants to try their hand at this beautiful, challenging craft.