Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Drago

Hi Erin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

Farmhouse Glass started with a love for the holidays and a passion for creating things by hand. I began by painting Christmas baubles, a tradition I’ve been doing for years to capture that magical holiday spirit. It was a way for me to combine my creativity with the warmth and joy of the season, and it quickly became something I loved sharing with others.

In 2021, I had the opportunity to work with a mentor who introduced me to ceramics. That experience really expanded my artistic perspective and pushed me to explore new forms of creativity. I fell in love with the process of working with clay, from shaping each piece by hand to experimenting with glazes. That’s when Farmhouse Glass evolved from just hand-painted ornaments to also include functional ceramic art.

Today, I create a range of handmade pieces—everything from the glass baubles that started it all to hand-built ceramic trays, platters, pots, and so much more. My work is always evolving, and I’m inspired by the world around me, from my garden to the landscapes of the Sacramento foothills. It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m excited to keep pushing my creativity in new directions.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Building a small business around art has been anything but a smooth road, but that’s also what makes the journey meaningful. One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the constant shifts in the market and the economy, especially when you’re creating something as personal as handmade art. As trends evolve, I’ve had to adapt—both in terms of the products I offer and the platforms I use to reach my customers—without losing the heart of what makes my work unique.

At the same time, balancing growth with staying true to myself and my creative vision has been a real test. It’s easy to feel pressure to expand quickly or change directions, but I’ve learned to grow at a pace that feels right for me. This has allowed me to maintain a balance between my work, life, and the art that inspires me. It’s been about finding that sweet spot where my creativity can thrive, without compromising what I value in the process. It’s a constant learning experience, but one I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I specialize in creating hand-painted glass baubles and functional ceramic art, much of which incorporates elements from my home garden. I press herbs like sage, mint, and parsley into my clay pieces, bringing an organic and personal touch to every item. It keeps me connected to the roots of why I started: to bring joy and beauty into people’s everyday lives.

I’m most proud of how my work has built a sense of community, whether it’s at pop-up events or through shared experiences online. What sets me apart is this personal, grounded connection to my craft—I’m not just making art, but trying to offer something that brings warmth and meaning to people. It’s the small things, like a handcrafted platter or a garden marker, that can make someone smile, and that’s why I continue to evolve in my work while staying true to what I love.

How do you think about happiness?

What makes me happy? That’s a big question, but I’d say it comes down to a few key things: connecting with my community, getting outside into nature, and spending time in my garden. My garden feels like a place where I can reset and reconnect with the elements that inspire a lot of my work. And of course, working in my studio brings me a lot of joy, especially on those days when I’m not working on a specific order. That freedom to create something new—whether it’s for the online shop or to bring to my next pop-up—is what fuels my passion. It’s in those moments that my creativity really takes off, and that brings me a lot of fulfillment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.farmhouse-glass.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmhouse.glass/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FarmhouseGlass

Image Credits

All photos by Kayla Charlis Photography