About Us

Welcome to The Glass Apothecary.

I'm Esme, the artist behind every piece you see here.

For more than sixteen years, I've been shaping molten glass into tiny works of art using the traditional craft of lampworking. Every mushroom, berry, botanical and curious little treasure is individually made by hand in my Northamptonshire studio, where fire, glass and imagination come together.

The inspiration for my work is never far away. It lives in autumn woodlands, old apothecaries, forgotten folklore, weathered field guides and the small wonders most people walk straight past. Those quiet moments become collections designed to bring a little beauty, curiosity and everyday magic into your life.

For many years I created handmade glass beads for jewellery makers around the world. As my community grew, so did the number of people asking if they could wear my work themselves. That encouragement inspired a new chapter, creating finished jewellery that carries the same craftsmanship and attention to detail, but is designed to be treasured from the moment it arrives.

Whether you've found your way here because you love nature, cosy stories, woodland walks or simply beautifully handcrafted jewellery, I hope you'll discover something that feels as though it was waiting to find you.

Thank you for visiting The Glass Apothecary.

Esme

The Process

Every piece begins the same way. As a simple rod of coloured glass.

Using the traditional art of lampworking, I melt the glass in the flame of a torch until it glows molten, then carefully wind it around a steel mandrel. Working with heat, gravity and a collection of specialised tools, I slowly shape each design by hand.

The smallest details are added one at a time while the glass is still glowing. Tiny berries, delicate petals, mushrooms, leaves and botanical textures all emerge through layers of molten glass, built patiently until the piece is complete.

Once finished, each charm is placed into a digitally controlled kiln, where it is carefully annealed. This slow cooling process relieves internal stresses within the glass, creating jewellery that's beautifully strong and made to be treasured for years to come.

No moulds are used, and no two pieces are ever identical. Every creation carries the subtle marks of being made by hand, making each one entirely unique.