Learn stained glass from Tarpon Springs-based Curiosity Garden
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On left, Curiosity Garden's Kristen Spero solders a hook on a seahorse. On right, trays of Spero's pre-cut pieces. Photos: Kathryn Varn/Axios
I've followed Curiosity Garden on Instagram for a while now, enchanted by the stained glass pieces depicting Florida flora and fauna.
- The work is in such high demand that I've learned to set alarms for her online shop restocks to ensure I can snag pieces before they sell out.
Why it matters: Kristen Spero, the Tarpon Springs-based artist behind the shop, began teaching glass classes last month, giving locals a chance to learn the craft from one of the best.
The big picture: Spero, 32, has dabbled in all art media but began slinging glass in 2019, inspired by work she saw on Instagram. Now, her account has more than 70,000 followers.
- Growing up in the Tampa area, she developed a love of Florida nature, which is a main theme of her work — so much so that I thought she might have a science background.
- Nope, she told me. "I just love critters, man," she said, adding that her favorite is either a manatee or roseate spoonbill.
Working in her home studio, she's designed and made everything from alligator heads to sandhill cranes to manatees as fairies (my favorite), butterflies, mermaids, bats and, well, just plain manatees.
- She copyrights her patterns (for good reason — Spero periodically shares examples of other makers stealing her designs) but offers up a few for sale on her website and Patreon.
Zoom in: I snagged a spot in Spero's first class in December.
- Spero pre-cut the pieces, so we focused on foiling and soldering, although she's planning to offer a class soon that covers the entire process.
- The result was a miniature seahorse that makes me smile every time I look at it.
What's next: Spero's next class is date-night-themed on Valentine's Day at Brush Tips Art Studio in Tarpon Springs. Sign up here for $185 per couple.
- She's also set to restock her shop at 5pm Saturday with a Florida springs-themed collection.
- Don't forget to set your alarm.