Happy New Year, Cherished Supporters

Each holiday season, I smile, remember, and feel gratitude for people and moments that mark 2024 for us, Shards Glass workshops and Susan Isaac Design. The term ‘bittersweet’ to me is also an important part of this season as we remember those no longer with us, evoking fond feelings mixed with loss and sadness. For those who feel ‘bittersweet’ especially this time of year, my thoughts and loving well-wishes are with you.

As I mentioned in my Fall newsletter, we are selling our Sooke acreage and custom-built home to new future owners who will fall in love with the natural surroundings, the quiet, the dark night sky, and appreciate our attention to detail. Yes, it will be bittersweet and difficult to leave here for many reasons, but it will also be exciting to create a new studio, build an outdoor kitchen for future workshops and embrace a new community. We are considering Gabriola or Salt Spring Island, both vibrant art communities.

Check us out at 3809 Otter Point Rd. or Instagram @deerhavendays

Glassware and Culinary Events

We both have a deep appreciation for the creative glassware and the enjoyable culinary events we host. Many of you have kindly expressed interest in returning or participating in a future event to design your very own glass plate or tray on a Saturday. Then, on Sunday, you will have the opportunity to indulge in delicious and beautifully presented food crafted by our talented guest chef, all served on the unique glassware that you created during the event.

Culinary Workshop Info Page

We are grateful ‘The London Chef’ and ‘Nature’s Chef’ are interested in creating their unique and exquisite cuisine wherever we decide to live.

Nature’s Chef has a remarkable ability to create new dishes inspired by the changing seasons. This past April, for instance, we enjoyed a delightful stinging nettle shortcake paired with a tantalizing blackberry coulis - a memorable experience.

The London Chef prepared an array of Thai dishes in March and has the ability to create meals inspired by a variety of national themes. What do you think about the idea of exploring the unique flavors and culinary techniques of chefs from countries such as Eritrea or Chile? Stay tuned as we transition into 2025.

As I looked over our videos and photos from our 2024 glassware and cooking events, it’s clear that we feel joy when we see people smile while making their own glassware and learning valuable cooking tips from the chef, including how to find local, sustainable food. A special moment occurs when we gather as a group to enjoy tasty food on handmade glass pieces, sharing laughter and reconnecting with friends and family. The most common feedback we get is, “this is a memorable experience that will stay with us for a long time.”

Culinary Workshop Info Page

Glassware by Susan and Marnie

Once we set up our new studio we plan to go back to our original fused glass training from 1997 and explore creating more glassware.

It will be fun to combine hot and fused glass as I did with ‘You Can Fly’ clear glass platter.

I adore Marnie’s ‘Blue Rock Crab’ platter. Maybe we can nudge him to make more?

May you smile at the smallest of things, laugh and rest. I’m appreciating all of you and I thank you for your support over the years. I am so honoured and inspired by you as my creative journey takes twists, turns and outright surprises.

Happy holiday moments that make your heart sing and all the very best of 2025 to you and your loved ones.

Susan and Marn

Susan Isaac Design and Shards Glass Studio

A parting reminder from a very creative person:

"Creativity is intelligence having fun"
Albert Einstein

Cheers to all you fellow travelers on the Hero’s Journey. So happy to know you are out there! You inspire me.