Recycled Art Interview #7: Deana From Groovy Green Glass

We continue our series of posts interviewing “recycled art” crafters & artists. This week, we interviewed Deana from the website Groovy Green Glass (ETSY Shop) as she made some incredible creations out of repurposed glass bottles. If you think you deserve to be featured in the next interview, please, drop us an email.

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Tell us a little more about you? Who you are? Where are you from?

Groovy Green Glass is a husband and wife team of recyclers in Lincolnton, GA. We have been working with reclaimed glass bottles for over 5 years.

Why do you craft?

Glass is infinitely recyclable and one of the most natural materials to work with. Our passion is creating objects made out of glass that are beautiful as well as functional.

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How did you learn?

We learned how to work with glass through a LOT of trial and error. Glass work takes lots and lots of practice. We read everything we could find about glasswork and we taught ourselves.

Since when are you working with recycled & upcycled materials?

Groovy Green Glass was founded in 2010.

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We’ve seen that you mainly work with recycled glass, could you tell us a little more about this choice?

Glass does not contain harmful chemicals and it is the safest material for use with food. It is also incredibly beautiful.

What are your can’t-live-without essentials?

Water. Glass is cut with diamonds and water, so we use lots of both.

How would you describe your style? Are there any crafters/artists/designers that you particularly look up to?

I would say my style is completely dictated by the glass I am working with. Some bottles make great glassware. Other bottles make awesome wind chimes. The bottle’s unique shape and design is the determining factor in what the final product will be. And as far as designers, artists, or crafter that I look up to… I would have to say all of them. There are so many amazing recycling artists out there. They all keep me inspired with their beautiful work.

How is your workspace, how do you make it inspiring?

My workspace is a little metal building on the back part of my property. It faces the sun and overlooks a field. I get to stare at nature while I work, and that is VERY inspiring.

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What sorts of things are inspiring you right now? Where do you look for inspiration?

We recently moved out into the country, and being away from the noise and distractions from the city has greatly increased my inspiration.

When do you feel the most creative?

I am most creative at night.

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We live in such a mass-produced, buy-it-now society. Why should people continue to make things by hand?

I have always had a sense of wanting something different. I appreciate the uniqueness of handmade goods. They represent a lot of love and craftsmanship that simply can not be found in mass produced items.

What is your favorite medium to work with, glass & others?

Wood.  And I am hoping to incorporate more wood and glass projects in 2016.

What are your tips for people who’d like to start crafting?

Do what you love…and fall madly in love with the materials you work with. Learn everything you can about those materials. Experiment a lot, and don’t be upset when something doesn’t turn out like you had hoped. I learned a million times more information when I made a “mistake”.

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We have a lot of crafters searching for the best method to cut glass to make things with it, could you give them a tip? What is your method to cut glass?

We invested in a glass saw. It was expensive, but worth it. Your products are only as good as the tools you use.

What is your guilty pleasure?

HA!  My guilty pleasure? Cheesy scifi movies. Love them!

What is your favorite thing to do (other than crafting)?

I love to make stuff. If I am not working with glass, I am making all natural body scrubs from ingredients in my garden or I am baking.

Anything else you would like to tell to the « recycling community »?

I am honored to be a part of the recycling artist community. I have met some amazing people from all over the world through this experience. Keep creating.  Keep recycling.

To finish, we’ve seen that you have an active website & an ETSY shop. Is that a full-time job or just a hobby to share your personal creations? Any other websites that our readers should not miss? 

Groovy Green Glass is my full time job. This is how I buy groceries. So, we appreciate all the love and support we have received from all our fans and customers.

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Thanks a lot Deana for this interview! :)

More: Groovy Green Glass Website / Groovy Green Glass ETSY Shop

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Cherie

This is one of the most inspirational articles that I have read in a long time. I may have to dig my glass saw out of the loft and use it for more than cutting glass for my stained glass projects.

jose guillermo Dinardo
jose guillermo Dinardo

Excelentes trabajos. Felicitaciones!!!!

Pamela Kaye

love slumped glass art :D

HeatherStiletto
Reply to  Pamela Kaye

We do too! <3 – HS.

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