The open space and exposed wood rafters at the new glassybaby location in Bellevue lends an unspoken tribute to the artistry behind each hand-blown glass vessel.
Glassybaby moved from its temporary location at Bellevue Square to Old Main in July. The new shop is located at 10230 Main Street in Bellevue, next door to Belle Pastry.
The retail shop exclusively sells glassybaby, a small colored, glass cup, candleholder, or vase. Each glassybaby is handblown at the Madrona studio by glass artisans in more than 400 colors. A flat screen television in the Bellevue store location show the glass artisans at work, creating a glassybaby from start to finish.
No larger than palm size, each glassybaby carries a name and is heavy in weight so to not tip over or break easily. What began as a hobby, has turned into a full-blown business for founder Lee Rhodes.
In 1996, Rhodes was battling a rare form of lung cancer and raising three small children. As a Christmas gift to her husband, she gave him glass-blowing lessons.
One of the first things he made, was a small, colorful cup. Rhodes took her husband’s creation and began setting them around her house with small votive candles inside them. She discovered the small glass candles gave her a sense of calm.
Glassybaby was born.
Rhodes went on to establish the glassybaby goodwill, donating a portion of proceeds from sales to various local and national organizations contributing to cancer patient care and cancer research.
“I have known Lee for a long time and her determination paired with her generosity really shines through,” said Mary Douglas, the principal of Limelight Partners and a friend of Rhodes. “So many people told her she wouldn’t be successful with just a single product, but look at her now. Her story is truly inspirational.”
The new Bellevue location will act as more than a retail shop. The store will open its doors to community events and private celebrations.
The vibrant rows of glassybaby that line the wooden shelves at the Bellevue store create a natural backdrop for an intimate event or small meeting.
“This space is perfect for a monthly book club, small wine tasting event or even a baby shower,” said Douglas. “The possibilities are endless.”
A grand opening event will take place at the Bellevue glassybaby store on September 17, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Open to the public, the event will include light refreshments and all proceeds will benefit the Cancer Center at Overlake Service League and the American Cancer Society’s upcoming fundraiser, Making Strides of King County on October 4 in Downtown Bellevue Park. The Strides walk raises funds to fight breast cancer.
Through the month of September, 10 percent of all proceeds from gross sales at the Bellevue store will benefit Cancer Services at Overlake Hospital.
Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.
Glass artisan and sales associate, Rachel Rader organizes the glassybaby collection at the new Bellevue storefront. LINDSAY LARIN, Bellevue Reporter
For more information, visit www.glassybaby.com.
