Still taking shape: Linda's journey in stained glass

When a large stained-glass lamp from Morocco arrived at Linda’s Las Vegas home, it had seen better days. The frame was bent, and the glass had shifted. Linda took one look and knew it would be a challenge. That was part of the appeal.

Over the next several weeks, she carefully straightened the lamp, replaced the lead, and worked the glass back into place. It’s a little surprising for someone who once believed she wasn’t artistic at all.

“I hated art,” Linda says, remembering her school days. She never even took it as an elective and jokes that drawing a straight line freehand was about the extent of her artistic ability.

That changed years later while Linda and her husband were living in Oregon. They rented a cabin on a six-acre property where the owner happened to work with stained glass. Linda had always been drawn to the art form, so she asked if she could take a lesson.

She caught on quickly. After learning the basics, Linda’s teacher invited her to help with a large project. What began as a few lessons turned into eight months of hands-on experience. From there, the hobby quickly became a passion.

After moving to Las Vegas, stained glass remained a hobby until retirement gave her an opportunity to turn it into a small business. She began creating pieces from her home, gradually building a relationship with a local stained-glass shop. At first, she had to prove herself, bringing finished pieces and photographs of her work into the store. Over time, the shop began referring customers to her. Today, it even sends repair projects her way.

One of Linda’s largest projects took five and a half months of work, seven days a week. Using a photograph for inspiration, she created an entire stained-glass entryway featuring palm trees, foliage, and flowers.

“I like the challenge,” Linda says.

She also wants to help keep the craft alive. Linda calls stained glass a “dying art” and says far fewer people are doing the work today than when she started. But for Linda, the best part comes when someone sees the finished piece. “That’s what makes me happy,” she says.

When Linda decided it was time to find a new doctor, she turned to someone she trusted. Her best friend, an ArchWell Health member, suggested she give ArchWell Health a try. Linda was happy to discover a center right down the street from her Las Vegas home.

Stained glass gives her pleasure, while keeping her busy and active. Whether she’s repairing a damaged lamp or creating something entirely new, there’s always another project waiting to take shape.

Ask Linda what that next project will be, and she doesn’t have an answer. It depends on what comes through the door. And after all these years, that’s still part of the fun.