THE PROVINCE - MONEY SECTION
MINDING YOUR OWN BUSINESS
Glass-blowing hobby leads to a full-time business
Name: Braden Hammond
Business: Braden Hammond Glass, Coquitlam
Contact: www.bradenhammond.com
Number of employees: Two
Time in business: Three years
What do you do? I make wearable glass art
that is durable and funky. I use a technique called lampworking,
which is a different form of glass blowing. I use a torch to
melt borosilicate glass, shape it into jewelry or other pieces,
and then heat them in a kiln. After they're cooled, they are
really strong. Mostly I make bracelets, necklaces and rings,
but I also do some bowls, goblets, perfume bottles, marbles.
How did you get started? I was living in Winnipeg
and working as a teacher's aide and I decided I needed to make
a change. I went to California in the summer of 2003 to take
some art courses. I had never touched glass in my life, but
I was fascinated with it. I had no clue how to do it, but from
the second I got into the studio, I was hooked. I spent a couple
of months apprenticing in California then I came back to Canada.
I moved to Vancouver and worked part-time as a teacher's aide
while setting up my studio. Two years ago, I took a government
business-training program and moved the lampworking from a hobby
to a business.
Where do you sell your jewelry? A few stores
carry it, and I sell at Portobello West market in Vancouver
and GigiB's on Granville Island. I'll also be at the Circle
Craft fair in November.
What do you like Most? I love seeing the improvements
in my work every day and hearing people's reaction to new things
I've cooked up. That's what makes me feel good. I also like
the flexibility of being able to work when I want to.
Future plans? I'd like to teach lampworking
classes at my glass studio, but I need to add more equipment
first. I have done some one-on-one teaching, but I'd like to
do more.
Want to be in Minding Your Own Business? Just
follow this format and send your information to The Province
at onthemove@png.canwest.com. Don't forget to include your phone
number.
