Finding Light Through Glass: My Journey Back to Creativity

For more than a decade, I poured my heart and soul into creating hand-fabricated artisan jewelry. As a jeweler, I was fortunate enough to own and operate a successful business that brought beauty and meaning to my clients’ lives. You can still peruse my old website at www.ericafreestone.com. It was more than a career—it was an extension of who I was, a way to tell stories through metal, texture, and design. I loved the craft, the connection with people, and the pure joy of creating something from my own two hands.

But life, as it sometimes does, took an unexpected and devastating turn. I got sick.

It started with a feeling of floating and turned into debilitating dizziness—24/7, day after day, with no explanation. Imagine feeling as if you were floating in water, non-stop, that you were moving in space even though you know you’re not moving. I sought answers. I saw countless doctors, underwent endless tests, and held on to hope that someone could explain what was happening to me. But no answers ever came. The dizziness persisted, relentless and overwhelming.

I had no choice but to step away from my jewelry business—the work I had loved, the passion that had driven me. To say it was heartbreaking feels like an understatement. It was as if I had lost a piece of myself.

In that darkness, though, a flicker of light emerged. I focused on things that brought me joy. I had a baby, we watched her grow and celebrated all her milestones.

A couple years went by, and the floating feeling eventually settled for short periods of time. I was finally well enough to explore creative work again, but knew that I needed to do something that allowed my body to keep moving—no sitting, leaning over a bench for hours at a time. I found myself drawn to something new: stained glass. Glass has a way of capturing light, of transforming spaces with color and movement. It feels delicate and strong all at once—much like I did as I started to rebuild. Stained glass became my new language, my new way of telling stories. It reminded me that even in brokenness, beauty can still shine through.

Brightfire Artworks was born out of that second chance. Every pattern, every piece I create feels like a small victory, a reminder that healing—physical and creative—takes time but is always possible.

Today, I’m proud to share this journey with you. Whether you’ve discovered me through stained glass designs, original artwork, or my handmade pieces, know that everything I make comes from a place of gratitude and renewed hope. My work celebrates light—both literally and figuratively.

Thank you for being part of this new chapter. Your support allows me to keep creating, keep healing, and keep sharing the beauty I see in the world.