Our Story: The HeART Behind Studio BB Designs
Welcome to the very first Studio BB Designs blog post.
If you've been part of our community for a while, you know that every piece we create has a story. Before we share the stories behind our collections, we thought it was only fitting to begin with our own.
We are Angie and Jade, mother and daughter, lampwork glass artists, and the founders of Studio BB Designs.
For more than 20 years, we have been creating what we love and sharing it with others. What started as a creative passion has grown into a business that has connected us with incredible customers from around the world, many of whom have become lifelong friends.
Today, Angie creates from her studio in Calgary, Alberta, while Jade creates from Scottsdale, Arizona. Although we live in different countries, Studio BB Designs has always been built on the same foundation: family, creativity, connection, and a genuine love for handmade art.
Our journey began when we discovered lampworking, the art of melting glass in a torch flame and transforming it into beautiful wearable pieces. There was something mesmerizing about watching a simple glass rod become a bead or heart right before our eyes. We were hooked.
For those unfamiliar with the process, every lampwork glass bead and glass heart we create is handmade one at a time using a torch fueled by propane and oxygen. Once each piece is finished, it is placed into a kiln where it is annealed at extreme temperatures. This process strengthens the glass and ensures durability, allowing it to be enjoyed for years to come. We then pair our handmade glass with sterling silver to create jewelry that is both meaningful and lasting.
No two pieces are exactly alike. Every bead passes through our hands and every design is created with intention.
One of the greatest joys of what we do is inviting customers into our studios to witness the process firsthand. There is something magical about watching molten glass come to life in the flame. Seeing the appreciation people gain for the artistry and craftsmanship behind each piece reminds us why we fell in love with lampworking all those years ago.
As artists, we have always believed that jewelry should be more than something you wear. It should be something you connect with.
That belief has guided Studio BB Designs from the very beginning.
Whether someone is choosing a handmade glass heart to represent a loved one, a necklace to celebrate a milestone, or a bracelet that simply speaks to them, we encourage people to choose pieces that create an emotional connection. We want our customers to feel attached to the jewelry they wear and connected to the artist who created it.
The relationships we have built over the years are one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. Many customers return year after year, adding to their collections and sharing their stories with us. What began as a small creative venture has grown into a community that means the world to us.
After more than two decades, we still feel the same excitement every time we sit down at the torch. We still find inspiration in the colors, the creativity, and the endless possibilities that glass provides.
We are so grateful for the opportunity to create together as mother and daughter. Grateful for the customers who have supported us throughout the years. And grateful that something we started because we loved it has become such an important part of our lives.
As we begin this blog, we look forward to sharing more behind the scenes stories, the inspiration behind our collections, the meaning woven into our designs, and the journey that continues to unfold every day.
Thank you for being here and for being part of the Studio BB Designs story.
And fair warning... collecting handmade lampwork glass can be a little addictive.
With love,
Angie & Jade
Co Founders and Lampwork Glass Artists
Studio BB Designs
