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Art medium(s): Mixed Media: 2D & 3D Vintage Jewelry Art + Crushed & Stained Glass Elements.

How do you describe your art? Dazzling! My work draws people in with “shiny object syndrome,” everything sparkles and easily distracts those walking by, especially ladies of a certain age.

Were you always interested in following a creative path? Not really. I have always been crafty and have enjoyed exploring a variety of crafts throughout my adult life. It wasn’t until I was nearing retirement age and knew I needed something to retire to, that I started to think about what that might look like. I told my adult children that I was going to be an artist and they laughed. They do believe me now though! I’m not a “serious” artist, but don’t get me wrong, I am serious about my art, but most of my art is not serious. Much of it is whimsical. I love creating things that will make people smile or even laugh, and I love coming up with clever and funny titles for my pieces.

What does your “day-in-the-life” look like? Pretty boring for the most part. I tell myself I’m going to get up early but my 18-year-old cat likes to cuddle, and there is an unspoken rule that if a cat is lying or sitting on you, you aren’t allowed to move. Once I get coffee made, I usually head to my garage studio. Two mornings a week I join my “Makers Together” artist friends in virtual coworking, which is great when you usually work alone. I have lunch with my husband and to avoid doing any housework, I usually head back to the studio for the afternoon. Dinnertime and evenings are together since 50 years of marriage is apparently not enough.

Where do you get your creative inspiration? I love finding treasures at thrift stores. Sometimes it’s an interesting frame or a few pieces of fun or gorgeous jewelry that will get me ruminating and ideas will form. Then early mornings, as I’m in that dream state, ideas gel, and I will wake up enthused, then dwell on it for a few days. Generally, that initial idea flows into something bigger and more elaborate.

Why do you love what you do? Oh my, what could be better than playing with gorgeous sparkling jewelry? Making beautiful flower gardens or under the sea artworks is so much fun. My favorite is when someone brings me a box of mom’s or gramma’s jewelry and I create something beautiful that becomes a tangible memory.

One thing most people don’t know about being an artist, in your opinion: Probably that art really is work and is time consuming. Creating something that you feel is good enough to reside in someone’s home can be a little stressful.

Early bird or night owl? Neither one! It’s hard to get up in the morning, and while I do stay up late at night, it’s only because I’m too comfortable and lazy in my recliner to get up and go to bed.

Last movie you watched or book you read: I’m an audiobook addict. I mostly listen to mysteries and thrillers but occasionally throw what I consider “literature” in there. I’m currently ‘reading’ Kristin Hannah’s “The Great Alone.”

Is the glass half full or half empty? That gorgeous vintage crystal glass was filled to the top but now is totally empty because I really enjoyed its contents!

What makes you happiest: Well, definitely spending time with my children and grandchildren but as far as my art, visiting great thrift stores and finding fun frames and gorgeous vintage jewelry. But most of all, I love people and chatting with visitors to my booth at art fairs, or at

the gallery where I volunteer. I also really enjoy working with, and learning from, the other artists in the three art groups to which I belong. I am learning a lot about art and I consider myself a lifelong learner!

Find more of Michelle’s work on Instagram @Ms.Enchanted.Glass.Art and on Facebook: M’s Enchanted Glass