Glass artisan's work combines form, function

* What: Functional kiln-fused glass artwork

* Company: Kilnfused Artisan Gallery

* Address: 523 Old Parksville Road NE, Cleveland, Tenn.

* Web site: www.kilnfused.com

* Telephone: 255-1947

* Owners: Jennie DeCook

* What's special: Kilnfused Artisan Galleries pieces are designed to be beautiful, affordable and functional, owner Jennie DeCook said. "It brings art to the daily routine," she said. "It's something most people can afford, yet it brings a little bit of beauty to someone's day."

* The origin story: From 2004 to 2008, DeCook worked as a real estate agent. After the housing market decline, she began studying history full time at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In 2007, she used Internet resources to teach herself to work with fused glass as a hobbyist.

* How long does it take to make: From design conception to completion, simpler pieces take 18-24 hours, including firing in DeCook's basement kilns. More complicated objects requiring multiple firings take an average of two to four days.

* Where it's sold: The Museum Center at 5ive Points (200 Inman St. East, Cleveland, Tenn.) and Chattanooga Market.

* How long have they been making them: Following her graduation from UTC in May, DeCook began working as a full-time artist in August.

* Plans: DeCook said she would like to expand her Web presence and explore merchandising opportunities in local gift shops and galleries in the Chattanooga area.

* Lessons of the trade: "Use everything at your disposal to learn your craft from the bottom up," DeCook said. "The Internet is an affordable way to expand your knowledge for any business. In particular, glass requires a lot of patience and focus and a thorough understanding."

Upcoming Events