"Crystal and Karen love what they do - and it shows! It shows in the intricate details, in the whimsical spirit, and the amazing array of artistic energy. When you purchase from the Sisters Shade you not only get a unique one of a kind handmade gift for someone special, or yourself. You are helping the economy by supporting local artists"
Crystal Shade Derr
🎨 Crystal's Artistic JourneyCrystal's dedication to art spans her entire life. Beginning with a makeshift studio (a storage closet under the stairs) in her childhood home, her passion evolved, leading her to become the skilled potter and multidisciplinary artist she is today. She finds her greatest fulfillment in artistic expression, viewing creation not merely as an enjoyment, but a profound necessity.
"I don't enjoy my art as much as I NEED my art. I am obsessed with an overwhelming NEED to create. If I go a few days without doing something creative, I go through withdrawal and am not a nice person. Basically, creating keeps me sane!"
Crystal has achieved significant recognition, earning several awards for her paintings and photography. Her work has garnered international appeal, selling online and through boutiques in the USA, Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand, and Australia.
Karen Shade Leamy
🌿 Karen: From Crafts to Custom Stained GlassKaren's life has always been enriched by arts and crafts. Her initial creative pursuits—ceramics, rug hooking, photography, cross-stitching, and embroidery—began almost simultaneously. Unfortunately, the intense focus on these projects was not ideal for her carpal tunnel syndrome, leading her to diversify her interests.
She shifted focus to activities like gardening, cooking, skiing, and even riding a motorcycle. .Eventually, realizing she should "maybe start acting my age (NOT)," she gave up skiing. It was a friend's suggestion to take a stained glass class that provided her true artistic calling.
Twenty-five years later, Karen remains passionate about creating stained glass, with a current focus on custom windows.
She thrives on challenges, working from the client's vision: "You design, I'll create." When not in her studio, Karen can be found tending to her growing garden.
