Introduction
Imagine sunshine dancing through a playful glass pendant or a quirky plant stake capturing your gaze. At Joy McMillan Glass, every handcrafted piece invites wonder. Capturing light, colour, and happiness in borosilicate lampwork treasures, Joy’s work is a celebration of everyday magic
A Creative Journey Rooted in Lampwork Magic
Joy McMillan fell in love with “the most magical of materials” while training in flame-working. In her cosy North Yorkshire studio, borosilicate rods melt into vibrant shapes—charms, chain links, decorations—that bring delight (and a little kinetic fun) into daily life.
Over time, simple lampwork beads grew into complex glass chains, tactile necklaces, and tiny sculptures—a playful evolution fuelled by curiosity and mastery.
The Heart of the Craft
Materials & Techniques
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Borosilicate & recycled glass, durable, light-catching, endlessly re-usable
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Traditional lampwork methods: melting, shaping, dotting, and linking one bead at a time.
Aesthetic & Inspiration
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Joyful colors reminiscent of beach days, cocktails, and sunlit blooms.
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Kinetic elements: glass chain links that softly jiggle and beads you can twirl.
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Everyday function meets delight, flower charms, plant stakes, earrings, and glass straws.
Durability & Eco-Consciousness
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Borosilicate ensures toughness.
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Recycled bottle glass is reshaped into new jewellery.
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UK-made in small batches, less carbon, more care.
Cultural Heritage Deep Dive
Lampwork glass has centuries of history, from Venetian artisans to contemporary makers. Joy taps into this lineage, combining tradition with a modern, playful twist. Her glass flowers evoke Fiori di Campo; her bead-studded necklaces feel like living mosaics ancient craft woven into everyday joy.
The Contemporary Glass Society notes her skill and curiosity in making “glass which delights your senses… combining a love of lampwork and kinetic objects
The Joy McMillan Glass Experience
Pop into her Saltburn studio (by appointment or at artisan fairs), and you’ll find shelves of vibrant chains, spinning necklaces, and tiny glass hearts—all scattered with laughter and light.
Shop, Learn, or Gifting
Shop Treasures: From sunlit earrings to chunky water‑droplet necklaces.
Garden Delight: Plant decorations, hearts, bees, snails, stars that add personality to pots and blooms
Jewelry with Personality: Glass chain necklaces, dotted bead pendants playful designs that catch both light and conversation.
See Her Work in Person: Enjoy artisan markets and special events
Wholesale Options: Shop owners and gallery buyers, reach out for stocking information.
Why Handmade Glass Matters
In a world of disposable jewellery, Joy’s pieces feel personal and alive. They’re small doses of daily happiness, spark conversation, and wear beautifully with time. Playing with a spinning necklace or watching light refract from a dotty pendant reminds us that design can be joyful, clever, and sustainable all at once.
In Joy’s Own Words
“Glass is the most magical of materials… it delights the senses.”
— Joy McMillan
Final Invitation
Explore colourful glass jewellery, playful garden charms, and unique gifts that bring delight. Let a piece from Joy McMillan Glass brighten your day, or someone else’s.
Spotlight Credits
Curated by The Aartisian, celebrating joyful makers and hand-crafted wonder
Images from Joy McMillan Glass | Dealer & membership info via Contemporary Glass Society & Faire.
Follow & discover:
Instagram: @joymcmillanglass
Website: Welcome to Joy McMillan Glass
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