Shard Shop NOLA

The Christmas before last, Dana discovered a fun new artistic outlet, similar to the painting craze that came along a number of years ago, and a group of us has been trying to find a time to go ever since. We finally found a night when all 5 of us were free, so Diana booked spots for us to go on January 18. Oh, and Lynn also joined in the fun as a surprise for me.

We grabbed a quick dinner at Rum House first and then walked across the street to the Shard Shop. Instead of paint, broken pieces of glass and ceramics are used to create works of art on canvases. There are trays and bowls and vases full of all kinds of shards all around the shop. Some are polished and smooth, and some are rough and sharp. There’s everything from tumbled colored rocks to old beer and champagne bottles to old dishes and mugs. So incredibly cool.

You pay for a particular canvas size, but you can make whatever you want. There are books of examples for inspiration and finished pieces hanging up all around the shop. And if you decide you want to swap something out for another shape or size or color, you can do so. You’re not really tied to anything since you’re just placing the shards onto your canvas. That makes the process infinitely more laidback and relaxing than painting. If you make a mistake or don’t like something you did, no worries! Fix it however you want to.

 

Dana, Heidi, and Lynn all decided to make magnolias. Diana made a fleur-de-lis, Terah made a streetcar, and I did the state of Louisiana. They were all so unique and came out looking awesome.

We left our works of art at the shop and walked over to the Bulldog for a few more drinks before heading home. Our pieces were ready to be picked up a couple days later. The Shard Shop employees pour a thick, clear resin over the canvases to set and seal the glass in place. Here’s my finished product!

This was such a fun night. I would definitely do it again, although it was pretty expensive. But worth it for the experience. And now I have a one-of-a-kind piece or art to display!