We had the good fortune of connecting with Sandy Borgman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandy, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?

I grew up in Chicago as the oldest of six siblings. I have always been a very physically active person enjoying biking, roller skating and water skiing in my childhood.  Since moving to Colorado I have enjoyed hiking, backpacking, kayaking, biking, backcountry skiing and resort skiing. My love of crafts started in high school when I took a home economics class. I started making my own clothes which continued through my life. I ventured into other crafts such as macrame, home decorating, knitting and crochet and anything else that caught my interest mostly self taught. About 30 years ago I took a stained glass class and made several projects. Although, I enjoyed the craft, I found I didn’t have enough time to perfect the craft due to children, work and space. I set that aside until about seven years ago upon retirement when I took a refresher class and I was again hooked. I enjoy the creativity and mostly choosing the glass colors reflecting the light.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I enjoy all aspects of my stained glass process. There was a long learning curve when I first started but after the first project, I found the art that I wanted to pursue. Choosing a pattern that challenges me is the first step. Then choosing the perfect glass for each piece in the pattern which is an art in itself.  It is a long process with each piece of glass handled at least five times before it’s soldered. The entire creative process is exciting and the time spent is worthwhile to me. The satisfaction for me is when I hold my piece up to light to see the colors of the glass come to life in the sunlight. There is so much cheap stained glass out there made in China that diminishes the art of handcrafted stained glass. It can be discouraging when people don’t understand the cost and time involved in the art. The cost of the glass and solder has skyrocketed over the last few years which make it difficult to pass the increase onto the consumer. I’m in this for the creative process and only hope to cover the cost of the glass and material so I can continue my love of the art. I make pieces that challenge my skills or force me to learn a new process. I continue to learn and prefect my skills with each project.  I share my art through friends and family and have done some commissions.  I also enjoy sharing my work at area craft fairs mostly in the fall and winter.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

There is so much to see and appreciate in Colorado. I moved here over 30 years ago and never get tired of exploring our beautiful state. The first place I would take them is Rocky Mountain National Park. The beauty of the park is breathtaking with amazing hikes through its many lakes, waterfalls and wildlife. Next would be a hike up to the top of one of our many14,000 foot peaks so they can enjoy the feeling of being on top of the world. I have done hundred of amazing hikes through the years all over Colorado and have too many favorites to name. If it’s winter or spring, I would take them skiing at Arapahoe Basin or Loveland, two of my favorite places to ski. These resorts are family oriented and rustic in nature and not as commercial as Vail, Copper or Winter Park. I could also take them to many of the hot springs throughout the state for a relaxing day after hiking. Visiting downtown Denver is enjoyable with so many good restaurants, museums and theater or enjoying the many bike paths from the suburbs to downtown. My favorite places to eat are Blue Island Oyster Bar for seafood, Wasabi for sushi and Cafe Jordano for Italian food. Colorado is the most beautiful place I have ever lived and it has so much to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank my dear friend, Marcia, for her support and encouragement. Also, my life’s partner, Gary, for making frames or anything I need for my various projects. He goes above and beyond helping me with my craft fairs and projects. He is always there with his support and encouragement. We are enjoying our retirement life together with our various art pursuits as well as skiing, hiking, biking and travel.

Other: sandyb9630@gmail.com

Image Credits
Hot air balloon pattern by Julie Anne Chapman, ammonite pattern by Neille Copper, the Golden Retriever is my drawing from a photograph of my friend’s pet, all the others obtained from Free Patterns for Stained Glass website.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.