About The Glass Bakery and the Fused Glass Birds
The Glass Bakery fused glass studio was established in 2010 in Nova Scotia, Canada by Cara Wedgbrow.
How a Belgian Shepherd Dog was the catalyst for The Glass Bakery and Fused Glass Birds
The Glass Bakery is an artisan studio in Nova Scotia, Canada. When I opened the studio in 2010, I wasn't an artist. I still struggle with that label. Except for an interest in photography, I hadn't done "Art" since I was about 10!
Perhaps surprisingly, except to those who know me, I jumped right in and opened a studio. I created and sold all kinds of glass gifts at farmer's markets across Nova Scotia. The business however had a simple goal: to allow me to work from home to be with my dog, Hudson.
As a passionate researcher and now "artisan", I dedicated myself to learning the craft of handmade fused glass art, managing a small local gift business, and experimenting with innovative fused glass techniques.
While mistakes were part of the journey (and still are), each one taught me valuable lessons that helped me grow both creatively and professionally.
From Grief to Glass Birds: The Evolution of The Glass Bakery
As many with family dogs would understand, after Hudson died, the centre of my world dropped out. Observing and connecting with nature on a smaller scale, life paused; then a whimsical range of handcrafted glass birds emerged.
If you’d like to know more about The Glass Bakery and the story, Cottage Life magazine was nice enough to write a bit about how The Glass Bakery began.
The Birds - Your link with Nature
Every piece is handmade from scratch in my Nova Scotia studio. The birds are drawn, cut, and shaped by hand, not machine. Finely powdered coloured glass is layered between clear glass, and the whole bundle is kiln-fired to fuse the pieces together.
No paints, glazes, or molds are used - ever.
Bringing joy to nature lovers across all generations, these whimsical glass birds capture a sense of innocence and playfulness, evoking memories of a special place, moments or loved-ones.
A Lasting Legacy of Nature, Wildlife, and Dogs
A deep connection to nature, wildlife, and a lifelong love of dogs continues to inspire The Glass Bakery® collections and core values. In memory of Hudson and his enduring legacy, The Glass Bakery proudly supports Canadian dog charities both locally and nationally, through annual giving and donations-in-kind.
Corporate Gifts
If you’re a business, team, or organization looking for meaningful gifts, I’m happy to create batches of handcrafted glass birds for corporate or event gifting. Whether you need 10, 50, or 150 pieces, I produce handmade birds with care and consistency.
All birds are gift-wrapped, and I can include a message on request, helping your gifts
feel heartfelt.
LIVING IN ANNAPOLIS ROYAL
After 14 years fusing glass by the sparkling waters of the St Margaret's Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada. The Glass Bakery relocated its studio the town of Annapolis Royal - an historic town in the beautiful Annapolis Valley, and adjacent to the Bay of Fundy.
In summer, Annapolis Royal is alive with farmer's markets, live music and seasonal artisan shops. Though quieter in winter, it's still worth a visit, especially with the beautiful Historic Gardens open all year-round.
While the original studio no longer operates as a retail gift shop, The Glass Bakery’s handcrafted birds are still available in gift shops and galleries across Annapolis Royal, throughout Nova Scotia, the Maritimes, and Ontario.
GLASS BIRDS AND ALL THINGS DOG.
I love making the birds, especially the way they come to life. To say they're nature's therapy is not a cliche. It may sound surprising, but while I’m known for crafting birds, my true passion is for dogs. Dogs are a huge part of my life and take up a large part of my heart (and brain)! I especially enjoy learning about canine behaviour and communication - it’s a lifelong fascination.
ROUGH COLLIE & BELGIAN SHEPHERD - THE NEW CHAPTER
Fast forward to today, and my life is shared with two amazing dogs: a Rough Collie and a Belgian Shepherd. They keep me grounded, inspired, smiling (and thinking) every day.
I hope the handcrafted glass birds (and the occasional dog photo interspersed on this website ) bring a smile to your face too. Thank you for visiting The Glass Bakery and supporting my handmade, nature-inspired art!