The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

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February 19, 2012

Jo Ellis: Carthage stained-glass artist: Sharing talent is rewarding

By Jo Ellis Globe Columnist

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Vickie Daugherty is sitting on a stool at a bar-height table examining a sun-catcher made by Cari Putnam, a former student in Daugherty’s stained-glass class at Franklin Technology Center. The piece of decorative art will be donated to Putnam’s son for his Project Graduation fundraising event.

After giving Putnam advice on how to finish her piece, Daugherty eases off the stool and picks up her constant companion, Miss Ilene, for a few cuddles and hugs. A Shih Tzu and bichon mix, Miss Ilene got her name when she was a puppy; an over-excited mother nibbled off a foot, leaving her with a slightly shortened right hind leg.

She is “Miss I-lean to the right,” Daugherty puns.

As the owner of Illusions in Stained Glass, Daugherty calls on 14 years of experience to offer lessons, fill custom orders, sell supplies or make repairs for customers. Her large studio at 103 E. Third St. is on the northwest corner of the Carthage square.

She has been in business for six years, the past three at her current location and the three previous years in the Southside shopping area. Before that, she worked from the basement of her home. She has been creating stained-glass artwork since a fellow employee, Sandy Quillin, taught her the craft when they worked together at Dyno Transportation.

Her largest works are three stained-glass windows that grace the south side of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, just west of Carthage. She also is reworking three other windows for the church.

Custom orders can range from $50 to $6,000, depending on the size, type of glass (colors, textures and brands), and difficulty of the project. “I charge by the hour and the supplies needed,” Daugherty said.

The glass is sold by the square foot. Books and magazines are available to provide design suggestions for customers who are uncertain as to what they want. Daugherty said her design ideas come from these sources as well as patterns on the Internet.

“I also have a dear, close friend, Sue Stark, who draws beautifully,” Daugherty said. Another craft-artist friend, Chris Swinson, taught her the art of creating mosaics. “She taught me how to do mosaics, and I taught her how to do stained glass.”

One of her most enjoyable projects, Daugherty said, was making the sign for Kay Lucas’ gift shop, The Lily Pad. The crafter also makes stained-glass shades for the found-art table lamps and chandeliers created by artist Larry Glades.

“I’ve always really liked stained glass, but I never could afford it,” she said. “After I learned how to do it, I wanted to open my own shop. There was nowhere close to get supplies.”

But the business has left little time for Daugherty to make stained-glass works for herself. “I only have two pieces at home, but all my family has a bunch of stained glass,” she said.

Sharing her talent with others has been rewarding for Daugherty, a thought that will be borne out when Putnam proudly presents a stylized Joplin Eagle sun-catcher to her son’s graduating class.

Address correspondence to Jo Ellis, c/o The Joplin Globe, Box 7, Joplin, MO 64802 or email news@joplinglobe.com.

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