6 years ago I fell in love with a fused glass sculpture that was on display. I loved the color and the smoothness of the glass and I could not stop thinking about it. With the encouragement of my husband I decided to learn how to create fused glass art. After years of learning through classes and trial and error I started a business that I now operate 24 x 7. As I was assembling my business I came up with the name 1550art because I was creating fused glass and working with temperatures that varied from 1,400 to 1,600 degrees so I wanted a name that reflected what I was doing. I now create works of art that are hand cut, cold worked, colorful, and kiln fired with multiple firings to create art with depth of color and vibrancy. I like to focus on creating functional art that takes advantage of the best properties of glass: color, glossiness and smoothness. My main focus is called a Java Stir. They are fused glass drink stirrers. They are sleek, bright, cheerful, functional, unique and affordably priced. They are also environmentally friendly as you may be aware of the desire to eliminate plastic straws and plastic and single use wooden stirrers. Perfect for buying them as gifts.