Magpie & Squid began as a mother/daughter collaboration in 2014, featuring stained glass creations by Sydney, the daughter and "Squid" half of the pair, and fused glass pieces by Kris, the mom and the "Magpie".  

Just a short year later, in 2015, Syd married and moved from Southeast Alaska to the Aleutian Chain and one business became two with the original "Magpie & Squid" retaining the fused glass focus and "Magpie & Squid SG" becoming the stained glass arm.  The girls continue to collaborate, sharing ideas and inspiration, though separation by the gulf of Alaska (a mere 1,350 miles as the magpie flies) necessitates separate workshops.  

In the meantime, the original Magpie & Squid has grown, recently adding a new kiln - making the creation of larger, more intricate pieces possible.  Plans are in the works for a brick and mortar storefront in the next few years, however we welcome visitors to our workshops and are happy to make our inventory available for in-person viewing, just call ahead!

Magpie & Squid 

Magpie & Squid's Journeys into Glassworking

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Kris Reed
​the Magpie
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​I grew up watching my father make beautifully designed stained glass art which often featured elements taken from the surrounding forests and islands or which included references to the local Tlingit culture.  Unfortunately I never mastered working with stained glass, where technical skill is as important as artistic vision.   

After many years of frustrating attempts I abandon glass work until, in the winter of 2013, I took a fused glass class and the world of glass became accessible again.
 
Designing and working with fused glass is a much more fluid, intuitive process which brings all the joy of working with the beautiful colors and textures of glass, but none of the frustration.  
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Sydney Bauer
​the Squid

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I was too young when my grandfather passed away to have been able to study stained glass under his expert tutelage, however we did have an excellent art program in high school and the teacher had been a friend of grandpa and shared many stories of their conversations about glass.

Crafting stained glass has always been a way to take a break from outside stresses and spend time focusing on the beauty in this world.  
I enjoy sharing this skill and have taught a number of classes over the years - a process that always helps me develop further both technically and as an artist.  It is also really exciting to see a student 'catch the bug' and take off on their own exploration of the art form.
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Magpie & Squid share more than a love for glass, we also appreciate a great cup of tea. We were able to combine both - sipping nana tea from beautiful glass teacups during a visit to old-city Akko, in northern Israel.
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The 19 tall windows in the 'drum' of the Shrine of the Báb in Haifa, Israel were renovated, in part, by Chuck Larson (Kris' father) at the turn of the 21st century.

Customers Are Saying...

"Absolutely Beautiful!"
I purchased a piece along with the matching medium tray. They are absolutely beautiful! The photos are great but there is something about glass that you really can't appreciate the beauty until you feel it in your hand. I am just in love with them!
​​Cici, Chantilly, VA
"I Highly Recommend..."
Magpie & Squid is great! The glass is extremely beautiful and the glassmakers are very accommodating! I am thrilled with the gorgeous specially made-to-order glass plates that I have received! I highly recommend Magpie & Squid!
Noreen, Hyde Park, NY