Money is no object when it comes to…

Written By Kim Joy

My favorite five letter word… tools!

I have been creating stained glass work since 1982 and teaching since 2004 and I can honestly say money is no object when it comes to tools. I still have my first three solder irons- two with names unknown except for the Weller 100P. My first running pliers and grozing pliers also are still me. My first grinder was this stone, do not miss those days!

Good tools make a difference and last longer than cheaply made ones. I always tell my students to wait until they are finished with class and truly know they will continue on with stained glass art.

Photos from top let: First and Latest Glass Cutters, First Set of Pliers (Grozing, Breaking and Running), Sanding Stone from back in the day, Wizard Grinder I use now, First Soldering Irons, The “Safety” Plug from the 1980’s, First Weller 100P I still use and my band saw. Tools of the Trade!

It took years to acquire the tools I have now. Trial and error over the years has taught me a lot about tools and myself. Looking back I wish I had bought better quality from the beginning but it has all added up to the artist and instructor I am today. I am grateful for the learning exerience.

If you have any questions about stained glass or stained glass tools please feel free to contact me at kim@kimsjoy.com.

Kim Joy

Kim Steinmuller Joy has been a stained glass artist and teacher since 1982. Most of her pieces are in the traditional style and starting to experiment to incorporate materials not usually found in the medium. She believes that through her pieces she can grow and learn more about the world around her and where she came from. She hopes that her work will inspire and encourage others in their artistic endeavors. She loves working with commissions that allows her to create one of kind pieces for the commissioner.

She belongs to Stained Glass Association of America and National Capital Art Glass Guild. Her work can be found at the Community Council of the Arts in Kinston NC, Arts Council of Wayne County Goldsboro, NC, and Wilson Arts in Wilson, NC. She teaches Nash Community College Nashville, NC, Wilson Community College Wilson NC. Her works are in private collections worldwide.

Kim Steinmuller Joy was raised in upstate New York and now lives and works in Wilson, NC.

https://www.kimsjoy.com
Previous

Advice for Aspiring Creatives
Next

What is your favorite work-time snack or beverage?