Sculpting Glass Art at JoBean Glass Art Studio in Saba

Jo Bean

Hi Loves!

Legal and Abroad™️’s journey through Saba culminates at the amazing JoBean Glass Art Studio. Grab your safety glasses so you can get some keys and gems on making glass art masterpieces! The island has a dynamic art scene and I could not leave Saba without partaking in this experience.

At JoBean Glass Art Studio with my bag of glass art goodies

JoBean Chambers fell in love with glass art nearly 35 years ago. She has owned her Saba studio for over 30 years.

Credit: Courtesy of JoBean

JoBean honed her craft through studying under world-renowned glass sculptors including Lucio Bubacco and Vittorio Constantini. Her glass art portfolio has some of the most phenomenal glass art sculptural figures and jewelry that I have ever encountered. She loves to create seahorses and other aquatic creatures that represent the island.

JoBean has boundless creativity with glass art. Her extensive collection consists of hundreds of glass art masterpieces around her shop. Her stunning work is carried in shops throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and even aboard cruise lines. The glass used for her creations is sourced from Venice, Italy, and is of the highest quality glass.

JoBean provided me with a detailed demonstration of the art of glass crafting.

She effortlessly created glass beads with various designs. During the demonstration, she taught me how to shape the glass to my liking with the flame. She also taught me how to intricately blend colors and add different designs to my glass art. The way she sculpts each art figure is a beautiful sight to see and she makes it look easy.  

🔑: While working with the glass, be super careful because the flame used to mold the glass sculptures is over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.

After the demonstration from JoBean, it was my turn to sculpt my own glass art.

Okay, it did not exactly go like that lol. Loves, it is NOT as easy as she makes it seem in her demonstration. This process takes a lot of concentration and patience.

With practice and guidance, I was able to create different glass beads.

My practice beads

JoBean was there to encourage me and help refine my technique. As I became more comfortable, I ventured into making glass art hearts.

I made many glass art gifts for my family, including this piece that made me proud. Jo Bean was amazed at how great this piece came together after my first attempt with this heart. 

I turned this beautiful heart into a necklace.

I could not have asked for a better teacher during this experience. Between her guidance and lots of practice, I was able to make meaningful gifts for my family. 

💎: Whatever you make in her studio is yours to keep. She can turn any of your creations into jewelry for an additional small fee.

Jo Bean Chambers is an island treasure. To say I adore her sweet soul is an understatement. I thoroughly enjoyed learning the beautiful world of glass art during my class. This three-hour class ended up being an almost all-day experience. We talked about our lives, dreams, families, and travels across the globe. The laughs were endless and it was a pleasure to share this experience with her vibrant spirit. 

💎: JoBean is pretty flexible and usually does not mind class extensions. If she has a conflict, she will definitely work you in at another time. She loves the company! She also gives you delicious tea!

Following my hike with Crocodile James, I returned to JoBean’s to finish up the last pieces for my family.

Afterward, I gave a heartfelt expression of gratitude and “See you next time!” to JoBean, promising to return again. I am so grateful for this experience and highly encourage you to visit her on your next trip to Saba! It is worth the experience!

My time in Saba was enjoyable and I made wonderful memories. Additionally, I laughed, cried, and truly enjoyed meeting so many beautiful people. I am so grateful for this experience.

Saba will always have a special place in my heart and I definitely will be returning. 

Stay tuned for the next blog where Legal and Abroad™️ heads back to Sint Maarten to experience a little bit of the French side, Saint Martin!

Until our next adventure abroad,

Stay Grateful, Love Deep, Dream BIG, and Happy Travels!

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2 Comments

  1. Gloria Keene
    30/10/2023 / 23:37

    This definitely makes want to visit Saba myself. Glass designing seems so interesting and I’m a craft type person. I find this particular craft really exciting. I would need one on one
    with Jobean because I would be nervous about the burning of the glass at such a high temperature. Your vivid description of Saba ‘s activity and adventures make me feel as if I’m actually there too. I’m looking forward to your next adventure !!!! 😊

    • Legalandabroad
      Author
      01/11/2023 / 17:41

      Thank you for reading! Saba is such a gem! JoBean is so patient and will seamlessly guide you through the process. Although it is a bit daunting at first, the satisfaction of what you create with the glass is unparalleled. Thank you for following Legal and Abroad™️’s adventures! I am so grateful! xoxo