Meet Marnie and Jeff Brookins of GlassMelts in Chandler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marnie and Jeff Brookins.

Marnie, Jeff, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My passion for glass started with a unique window I wanted created out of stained glass for our new home in 2000. I had a specific design in mind and couldn’t find anyone to create it at a cost this new homeowner could afford. My husband, always up for my challenges, decided we could do it ourselves. With the help of the internet, tutorials, a couple of friends who did stained glass and a little trial and error we started. The window came out even better than I could have expected and over the next couple of years we went on to create several other pieces for friends and family. On one shopping trip for supplies we happened upon some fused pieces in the store. The store had just started classes and with our insane curiosity for all things glass we began asking questions. My husband did some research and found a used kiln online. Once retrofitted with the correct controller, he was off and running. Yes… he was. I was terrified. He wanted me to cut glass and then melt it in a 1400+ degree kiln. No way. However, again, creativity and curiosity got the better of me and I started cutting out a few designs. I started creating and soon I was hooked. Very quickly I couldn’t fire that kiln fast enough to keep up with the ideas waiting in my mind. I moved on to a larger, dedicated glass kiln about two years after that and now, ten years later, I’m still at it. Glass is my passion.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Glass has never been a smooth road. Recently, difficulties within the glass manufacturing industry itself made me question whether or not I would be able to continue. The glass we use in fusing is a specifically manufactured glass for the art world. When I started there were 6 or 7 larger, dedicated art glass manufacturers in the US. Now there are three. One closed completely and two others were bought out and moved to Mexico. Two others struggle to produce under ever increasing government regulations. Those that moved have been in a two-year process to get back up and running and it has made glass scarce and expensive. Also, as with any business, clients come and go. I have had three different stores that used to carry my work close due to their buildings being bought. I’ve also gained new ones and recently started to provide items for the Roosevelt Row Gift Shop at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport.

Glass Melts – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are glass artists specializing in fused (mainly functional) items. Like blown glass, we do melt glass, but it’s all done in a kiln. We produce ornaments, candle holders, plates, bowls, some jewelry and spoon rests, etc. We are very proud of the fact that no two pieces we produce are ever exactly alike. We want people to have something unique.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to us is a happy customer. We want them to find value in what they find and know that an individual made it not a factory somewhere. Success is being able to be creative daily. We still have a million ideas of things we want to try.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.glassmelts.com
• Phone: 4802258829
• Email: marnie@glassmelts.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassmelts/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlassMelts/
• Twitter: @MarnieBrookins

Image Credit:
Marnie Brookins

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.