The Studio

About Us

Hanscomb Glass Studio was established in 1983 and has since emerged as specialised craft, boasting quality and individualism.  
The studio is a cornerstone in Elora, Ontario, where it spans 1500 square feet, and is equipped with 4 kilns, a flameworking and a sand blasting station.It’s really what you would imagine a creative space to look like- thronged with ideas, tools and machinery, cartoons and prototypes dispersed over surfaces, the in-betweens filled with mediums of all sorts.
All of our work is created in the studio- from our store collection of glassware, portals and ornaments to conceptualizing ideas for bigger pieces. It’s truly an authentic workspace at its finest.
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About the Artists

Who We Are

Neil Hanscomb

Neil was born in Leicester, England and immigrated to Canada with his family at age three. In his younger years he travelled back and forth between the two countries spending his last school years in Bristol. In 1980 Neil moved to Calgary, Alberta where he enrolled in a fine woodwork apprenticeship. His passion for glass was initially inspired by a 7 month road trip around the US. Neil noticed a significant amount of glasswork in his travels which motivated a shift in his focus from wood to glass. In the fall of 1983 Neil left Calgary and started a glass studio in Fergus, Ontario.

Gisela Ruehe

Gisela was born and grew up in Münster, Germany. Her early love of travel and adventurous spirit lead her to take a gap year in 1982 to Calgary, Alberta where she met Neil. In 1984, she immigrated to Canada and joined Neil who had started the glass studio. Gisela is the force behind the day to day developments and operations at the studio. She is also an accomplished flameworking glass artist and in the winter months she can be found behind the torches, twisting, pulling, and creating some of the beautiful and original Hanscomb Glass ornaments.

Kirsta Girard

Born in Kitchener, Ontario, Krista grew up with a love for nature and all living creatures. After graduating from high school without a clear direction, she embarked on a journey that led her to take a stained glass course at Conestoga College in 1997, and she fell in love with the craft! Over the years, Krista's artistic career took her to various studios in St. Jacobs and Barrie, where she honed her technique for several years. Eventually, she found her way to Hanscomb Glass Studio, where she continued to develop her creative spirit.

Erin Moffat

Erin first started working with glass around 15 years ago, and couldn't stop. Mostly self-taught, she now does stained and fused glass. She has been an admirer of Hanscomb's work for almost as long as she has been doing glass herself, and is now very excited to be a part of the team. When she isn't at the Hanscomb studio, she can be found in the deep dark depths of her home studio in Fergus or the equally deep dark orchestra pits of various local theatres. 

Sara Moran

Sara's artistic journey in glass began at Sheridan College, where she immersed herself in the Craft and Design program. During her third year, she discovered Hanscomb Glass and was welcomed as a summer co-op student. Captivated by the passion and creativity of the team, Sara chose to remain with Hanscomb after her co-op period, working part-time in torch work. With a deep love for jewelry art and the enchantment of glass, Sara continues to refine her craft, now channeling her skills into her own small business, Solar Toaster, where she blends artistry and glasswork into unique, handcrafted pieces.

Supporting Fellow Makers

We work with and support other glass artists by carrying their handmade products in our shop—an ever-rotating selection of beautiful, unique pieces. Want to learn more about the talented creatives we feature? You can find out more

Check out our Featured Artists!