Episode 1 – Letting Creativity Lead

January 8, 2026Podcast

 

Show Notes

In this first episode of Adventures on the Glass Frontier, the Texas Glass Girls sit down to talk about what it really means to let creativity lead: without overplanning, perfectionism, or pressure. Drawing from years of working with glass in different forms, they reflect on how curiosity, experimentation, and trust in the process shape both artistic growth and personal fulfillment.

The conversation explores how creativity often shows up unexpectedly, why play is essential to learning, and how glass, by its very nature, teaches patience, adaptability, and presence. From early inspirations to traditions built over time, this episode sets the tone for the podcast: honest conversations about making, learning, and showing up creatively without needing to have it all figured out.

Whether you’re a glass artist, a creative hobbyist, or someone feeling stuck in your own creative journey, this episode is an invitation to loosen the grip, follow the spark, and see where it leads.

 

Two fused glass plates by Texas Glass Girls co-host Tanya Howell, one square plate in layered green glass with a black witch silhouette, and one round plate in pale lavender and green glass with flowing organic lines.
Two fused glass plates by co-host Tanya Howell, discussed in Episode 1 as examples of working intuitively and responding to what the glass wants to do.

In this episode, we talk about:

  • Letting creativity lead instead of forcing a plan
  • Working with unexpected materials and outcomes
  • “Happy accidents” and what they teach us
  • Why process often matters more than perfection
  • Finding value in what you learn, not just what you make

 

Timestamps & Episode Navigation

·  00:00 – From Halloween idea to something unexpected

·  01:15 – Choosing glass: Aventurine green, opaline purple, and kiln unpredictability

·  05:34 – Adding motion and detail with dichroic stringers and vitrigraph

·  07:55 – Buying specialty glass online and getting an unexpected “end/pour” piece

·  10:06 – Letting the glass dictate the design

·  11:46 – Sparkle, irid, and why photos never tell the full story

·  13:40 – The hidden value of handmade work and the learning behind it

·  16:19 – Why some pieces aren’t ready to sell

·  19:55 – Finding inspiration while browsing glass shops

·  22:42 – How Texas Glass Girls originally started in lampworking

·  27:09 – Letting go, trusting the process, and embracing happy accidents

 

Resources & Mentions 

Glass & Materials

          “Limited Edition” Glascadia Opaline Opal & Deep Royal Purple Transparent 90

           001821 Erbium Pink Tint

           Mint Green Opalescent, Aventurine Green 2-Color Mix (streaky glass)

           Opaline Opalescent (striking glass)

           Confetti iridescent glass

 

Dichroic stringers

 

Shops & Suppliers

 

People & Classes

 

If you enjoyed this episode:

✅ Subscribe to Adventures on the Glass Frontier wherever you listen

⭐ Leave a review to help other glass lovers find the show

🔔 Follow Texas Glass Girls for new episodes, projects, and creative inspiration