Jeanne Haner can't decide what she likes best about Dichroic glass when she creates a piece of jewelry in her home studio in Spring.
This glass, developed by NASA, is covered with a film of metal oxides. When fired up to kiln temperatures, Haner's designs often offer an element of surprise.
"I make two shelves of glass before I go to bed," said Haner.
"When you open that kiln in the morning, it's like Christmas morning. The metal oxides are so reflective. It's dynamic and so out there."
Haner's creations, which include earrings, pendants and pins, have caught the eyes of shoppers at the Yale Street Market in the Heights and Simply Art Gallery on the Strand in Galveston.
Lee Ann Gormand, partner of Simply Art Gallery located at 2425 Strand, met Haner a year ago. She said Haner's work is abstract and unique.
"You are drawn to each piece because of its color, shape and uniqueness. You can't help but get excited over her work. We're very honored that she's in our gallery," Gormand said.
For Mitch Cohen, owner of the Yale Street Arts Market, finding quality artists such as Haner is an inspiration to his business.
"Her jewelry is extremely popular," Cohen said.
"Craftsmanship is very important to us, and you tell her work is quality. I love the transparency, simplicity and the detail in each piece. It really attracts people's attention. You usually see work like this from Italy. She's one of our favorites because Jeanne always has a smile and is so positive. Artists like her keep us going."
The Yale Street Arts Market is held the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Haner, originally from Allentown, Pa., has a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut.
She came to Houston in 1982 with her two sons, Evan and Michael.
When Haner found a glass class at Beadaholique Bead Shop at 8220 Louetta, her creativity caught on fire.
"It was an instant love affair with the Dichroic glass making them into beads. That Christmas in 2005 I bought a kiln. I've been firing ever since," said Haner, who began JH Jewelry Studio shortly after.
Haner, who works in business development for Diamond Dehumidification Inc., finds creating small glass sandwiches with different textures is the most appealing part of her work.
"I put two sheets of glass in the kiln, and I'm not always sure what it's going to be like when it comes out. I'll sit and cut. I could be 'glassing' from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. I could create three pieces or 10," she said.
Invitations to home and trunk shows and area art markets have Haner reaching larger audiences. For Haner, it's the shopper's reaction to her work that fuels this artistic endeavour.
"When people come into my booth, I can see them pick up a piece and get an idea. I get a thrill because it's all part of the process," Haner said.
Haner credits her father, John Praed, a jazz pianist, and her mother, Anne Hayden Praed, who fashioned handmade invitations, for her creative spark.
"I'll have people come up to me and say, 'Wow, that's fabulous.' These pieces are like my children. I'm so thrilled they get it. That's what I love about this. It's so fun. I believe most people try to do their best, and I hope that's what people see in what I do. I've very grateful," Haner said.
In her free time, Haner enjoys wine tastings, art galleries, theatre, music, and dining with friends.
For more information, go to www.jhjewelrystudio.com.
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