Bringing the whimsy to stained glass
Stained glass artist, Kara Cullenen-O’Dea, has brought happy, quirky, and whimsical shapes to an otherwise traditional artform for over 15 years.
Her classes can be found all over Columbus Ohio, including Franklin Park Conservatory and her brick and mortar art studio and venue, Good Dea Craft School.
Kara instructing stained glass during a bachelorette party at Good Dea Craft School
Kara teaches techniques from beginner to advanced and focuses on enjoying the process of making art over perfection.
If you aren’t having fun, what’s the point?
Projects change monthly, seasonally, and whenever Kara discovers new shapes she enjoys. Expect to make anything from pizza slices, cheeseburgers, sparkles, anatomical hearts, Monstera leaves, plants, block Os, pumpkins, and the list goes on.
She recommends beginner stained glass classes first, and moving to her four session workshops to strengthen your skills.
Find a range of classes and contact Kara at GoodDeaCraftSchool.com or email KODea@gooddeacraftschool.com
Leather working in Columbus, Ohio
Pam ODea explains leather working and new projects.
Co-owner and resident leather artist, Pam ODea, thrives in creating ultra-functional leather goods that last a lifetime.
“I began sewing in 1999. My school had a ‘technology’ class that had everything from robotics to woodshop. One of the stations had a sewing machine with adorable handmade pillows hung on the wall above it. By the time I finished my first pillow, I was hooked. My passion went from home decor, to intricate tiered aprons, and up to multi-functional purses and backpacks. Naturally, I wanted the bags that I worked so hard on to last as long as possible. I researched different materials like vinyl and canvas. I found mushroom and pineapple leather and was discouraged to find that I didn’t have a large enough business to order it. So, I bought some leather. Leather is ridiculously strong and can handle a lifetime of wear and tear. Leather boots are resoled many times over before the leather needs patching. Leather patinas and ages, stretches and rests, it holds memories of everyday adventures.”
Leather is the best buy-it-for-life option. In our humble opinion.
“BUT BEWARE OF GENUINE LEATHER” Pam warns. “It is the lowest quality leather product you can buy.” Genuine leather is indeed leather. “Genuine” is the type of leather. Full-grain, top-grain, suede, and genuine are the most common types of leather you may see. Genuine leather can be made from the worst quality, it can be glued, heavily sanded, refinished and even painted to create a uniform appearance. “A genuine leather bag or chair will not last anywhere near as long as a full grain, top grain, or suede product.” Pam says. “If you are spending your money on a leather piece, don’t be fooled by genuine leather. Make sure you are getting the best.”
What is Pam creating these days?
Purses, backpacks, sling chairs, duffel/briefcases. “I have had several leather refinishing or replacement jobs recently and I have really enjoyed working on them.” She admits. “I replaced the leather on a butterfly chair and enjoyed it so much that I turned it into a class at Good Dea Craft School.”
The butterfly stool in caramel full-grain leather
Favorite item to make? It’s a toss.
“As far as a full leather item, it’s the duffel. I can customize it with pockets, zippers, flaps, unique details, colorful stitching… and the leather, it can be any type of leather a client wants, any color, suede lined… the possibilities are endless. That’s why it’s custom order only. I, personally, cannot decide.” She laughs.
Pam sits in the Good Dea Craft School class space with one of her duffel bags. The chandelier above her was designed by Pam and Kara (sister-in law and co-owner of Good Dea Craft School). It has over 30 lights and hangs over with the large worktables with a pink champagne bohemian glow.
And the other?
“My backpack. It converts from backpack to shoulder bag, the straps can cross in the front if you are a bike rider, and it’s got SO many pockets.” 8 to be exact. “It’s got bottle pockets, phone pockets, book pockets, snack pockets, and a strap to go over your roller luggage handle. I customize AT LEAST one portion of this bag each time I make it.” Pam admits.
“I live for custom orders. It’s more fun for me that way.” She says. “I have so many ideas streaming from my mind at any given time and being able to focus on a person, a need, a personality… it gives me a purpose.”
Any new projects in the works?
“Shoes! I wanted to find a smaller leather item that is not a wallet.” She sighs “I am just, not a big wallet maker. I know plenty of artists that do fabulous wallet work, it’s not my thing. I like finding a gap in the market and filling it with quality item’s that I can offer at a reasonable price.”
Leather at a reasonable price? Isn’t leather inherently expensive?
“Sure, the materials cost a bit more but, if you make good use of every bit of leather you have, and have fantastic sources like mine, you find that a leather item doesn’t need to cost hundreds of dollars to be of good quality.” Pam continues “A large, handstitched, fully customized leather duffel is an investment. Most clients spend between $700-$1200 on those. Shoes use far less material and use smaller cuts that aren’t large enough for bags. You can get shoes that match your bag, even!” Pam’s eyes light up. “It’s awesome.”
Her leather shoes run from $75-$150.
If you are in need of leather goods, a new purse, a repair or replacement, you can find her at Good Dea Craft School off High Street in Clintonville Columbus, Ohio.
Self-Care Night At GDCS
We developed a self care night at GDCS to bring people together in a relaxing space where they can learn about what goes into their body care products and make some of their own,
What makes the class special is that we build the class in a way that allows you to not only have a great time making candles, soaps and essential oil blends, but take home knowledge that is important to making them on your own.
We want our clients to feel empowered with information and feel good about what they use in their home.
Learn why beeswax is best when it comes to candles, why we blend beeswax with soy, and which essential oils are best in candles.
Spend the beginning of class learning about the products you will make.
Take time to reflect on what scents have special meanings to you.
Use those memories to blend scents for your candle, soap, bath salt, room spray, fragrance, and hair serum (or beard oil)
Use those blends to make a basket full of natural products for yourself.
Want to know more about candle making? Take a deep dive into the world of wax in one of our candle making workshops! See our class calendar for more.
What’s, this?
Come see what’s in store.
Come by the shop for locally made goods from Ohio Artisans at Good Dea Craft School.
Our store is packed with soft knit beanies and cozy headbands made from colorful merino wool.
Colorful rainbow knit beanie with pom pom handmade by Jan Knits
Stained glass pieces created by co-owner and experienced glass artist Kara Cullenen-O’Dea. Pick up a pencil suncatcher for your teacher, snowflake ornaments for your tree, the tiniest leg lamp ornaments, and many other pieces sure to impress.
Beveled stained glass snowflake ornament handmade by Kara Cullenen-O’Dea
A selection of Kara’s stained glass on display at Good Dea Craft School
Handmade small-batch body care made from replenishing natural oils and high-quality ingredients. Co-owner Pamela ODea blends gorgeous scents into soy candles, body scrub, bath salts, perfume rollers, goat milk soaps, room sprays, and beard oils.
Creating custom essential oil scents with Pamela ODea
Pine, Lemongrass, Citrus Blossom, Peony, and Lavender Eucalyptus Goat’s milk soaps. Above- Honeypot bath salt soaks in many scents.
Pyrography artist, Rachel David of Farlane Artworks, has the sweetest wood-burned ornaments adorned with mushrooms, birds and plants.
Polymer clay artist, Rose of RoseEmCose, has vibrant green purple and checkered earrings that are lightweight and perfect for big earring lovers.
Hand-crafted leather belts and laptop bags are sure to please the buy it for life crowd. Come see the rugged and refined leather duffel that is hand-stitched and fully customizable.
We have a display of sterling and yellow brass jewelry with stunning gems that will wow at your holiday parties.
Custom orders are open and may be possible in time for Christmas.
Gift the experience of relaxing on the couch with a new skill!
Our selection of craft kits are sure to please any artist on your list with beginner-friendly instructions. Make a paper library or terrarium, crochet an adorable yellow dog or yummy-looking sushi, fold intricately-crafted metal boats and hot air balloons, or macramé the cutest rainbow to decorate your favorite space.
