WindHorse Arts is a fused glass jewelry studio on Vinalhaven Island, Maine, where I design and create limited runs of custom-crafted color entirely by hand.
There is something about the middle of July that invites us outside. Shoes are kicked off at the door, swims become part of the daily routine, and every trip across the island reveals another impossible shade of blue or green. Barefoot in Blue is a celebration of those carefree summer days and the colors that surround them.
Barefoot in Blue
Enhance your necklace with a stunning silver chain, elevate your jewelry, adding elegance and sophistication that makes it truly stand out.
Enhance your necklace with a sterling silver chain for added elegance, or choose from select silicone cord colors to create a personalized combination that complements the stone.
Whether it’s a simple compliment or a deeper conversation, even the smallest piece can carry connection.
This piece is sold as the glass charm only, designed to slide easily onto your own chain or cord.
The Petite Pendant comes on an 18" black silicone rubber cord with a simple tension clasp, letting the glass feel like it’s floating. If you prefer a different look, you can upgrade to a sterling silver chain for a more classic finish.
The Story of the Color
Living on an island in Maine, summer has a rhythm all its own. The days are full and marked by the rituals that make summer, well... summer. Morning walks with GiGi followed by a float in the Basin. Sneakers on the studio steps to dry and my bathing suit hanging on the clothesline, with fingers crossed that it dries in time for the evening swim. Another dip in the ocean, or maybe the quarry, always seem like a perfectly reasonable way to end the day.
Summer is wonderfully full. Six days a week I'm in my storefront in town, and those days are filled with conversations, laughter, catching up with friends, welcoming visitors who have just stepped off the ferry, and reconnecting with familiar faces who return every summer. There is always another story to hear and another one to tell. Every conversation reminds me how fortunate I am to make my living through creativity and connection.
Living here means my days are surrounded by water and sky in every imaginable shade of blue and green. The harbor might be deep cobalt in the morning, turquoise by afternoon, and edged with silver by evening. The Basin has its own palette, the quarry another, and every drive into town offers a new combination of colors.
I suppose that's one of the reasons I keep making more blues and greens. You would think I might eventually run out of ideas, but the island has other plans. Every day the light changes, the water changes, and another color quietly asks to be made.
Barefoot in Blue is one of those colors. It is the color of July afternoons, warm sunshine, salty skin, and the simple pleasure of leaving your shoes by the door. It is a small celebration of island summers and all the ordinary moments that become unforgettable.
About the Jewelry
Each piece of Barefoot in Blue is handcrafted from layers of fused dichroic glass, creating a color that shifts with every change in light. Soft turquoise and aqua mingle with deep cobalt blue, echoing the meeting of ocean and sky that inspired this collection.
Whether worn with a favorite linen shirt, a simple summer dress, or a well-loved pair of jeans, Barefoot in Blue brings an easy sense of color to everyday life. It feels just as at home at the farmers market, on the ferry, out to dinner, or watching the sunset from the shore.
Like all of my jewelry, no two pieces are exactly alike. Each one carries its own subtle variations in color and pattern, making every necklace, bracelet, pendant, and pair of earrings uniquely yours. It is a little reminder of summer to wear long after the water has cooled and the sneakers are back on.
Part of the 2026 Color Series
Colors inspired by the changing light on the Maine coast.
Ocean Whisper
Bottlegreen
Abundance
Silver Tide
Blue on Blue
Belfast Blue
Color & Community
From my studio on Vinalhaven Island, Maine, I've always believed a small business can be more than a place to make and sell beautiful things. Through special color releases and fundraising partnerships, I've been able to support organizations that strengthen our communities and make a positive difference in people's lives.
About the Maker
Hi. I’m Alison the artist and maker behind WindHorse Arts, creating fused dichroic glass jewelry on Vinalhaven Island in Penobscot’s Bay, Maine. For over twenty-five years my work has explored the relationship between color, light, and place.
My work begins as flat sheets of dichroic glass that I cut, layer, and fire in a kiln at nearly 1500 degrees. Through multiple firings, the glass transforms into luminous stones that shift and shimmer in the light. I set these elements into clean, wearable forms that allow the color to take center stage.
Living and working on a small island has deeply shaped my palette. My colors are drawn from the landscape around me—Atlantic blues, lichen greens, foggy silvers, spruce shadows, and the clear light of the Maine coast. I release these colors in small, limited runs, each with its own name and story tied to the rhythms of island life.
Over the years the work has found collectors across the country, many of whom return for new colors as they are released.
At the heart of my work is a deep respect for the craft of glass and the power of color. My goal is to create jewelry that is vibrant, enduring, and meant to be worn often—pieces that catch the light and become part of a person’s daily life.
Introducing Islandscape Bracelets
These Islandscape Bracelets are a joyful collaboration between painter Elaine Crossman and me, blending her expressive islandscape paintings with my fused dichroic glass. Each piece becomes its own tiny “painting,” alive with color, light, and the spirit of Vinalhaven. Every piece is unique — layered with hues inspired by sea, sky, spruce and stone — and pairs effortlessly with any outfit. Handcrafted on the island, these bracelets bring a touch of Maine’s landscape and light wherever you go.
Summer Dawn is the quiet moment before the island fully wakes.
Lavender haze meets pale seafoam. A blush of rose catches the light. Butter-soft yellow glows underneath like the first line of sun sliding over Penobscot Bay. Each fused dichroic glass stone shifts gently as you move, revealing shimmer, translucence, and layered depth.
There is nothing loud here. Just luminous color, softly unfolding.
Handcrafted on Vinalhaven Island, Maine, this limited edition bracelet brings together pastel pink, lilac, sea glass green, and warm golden undertones in a balanced rhythm of light. The dichroic surface adds a subtle iridescent sheen, echoing early morning sky reflected on tide-wet granite.
It feels hopeful. Fresh. Like a deep breath before the day begins.
Part of my Islandscape collaboration with painter Elaine Crossman.
Radiant and full of warmth, the Marigold bracelet glows with the colors of late-summer light—sun-washed gold, petal orange, soft rose, and a touch of shimmering white. Each fused dichroic glass link captures the essence of a flower-filled garden at its peak—bright, bold, and alive with color. Handcrafted in my island studio, this piece is both cheerful and refined, an easy way to bring a touch of sunlight to your day.
Part of my Islandscape collaboration with painter Elaine Crossman.
This bracelet holds the shifting palette of the Maine shoreline in early light. Soft sea-glass blue, charcoal stone, and silvery white sit beside a flash of mossy green with a golden-dichroic shimmer that catches like sunlight on tidewater.
Each fused dichroic glass stone is individually kiln-worked, creating a rhythm of matte and luminous surfaces. The cooler blues and smoky grays feel like wet granite and ocean fog, while the bright green square adds a spark of reflected sun through spruce.
Connected with sterling silver links and finished with a secure clasp, this piece feels grounded, elemental, and quietly radiant.
A wearable stretch of coastline.
Part of my Islandscape collaboration with painter Elaine Crossman.
Abundance
Every Color Drop begins with a moment of curiosity. Sometimes it's inspired by the changing light, sometimes by the season, and sometimes by a single word that won't let go. Abundance is one of those colors. A luminous green layered over cool blue-gray light, it changes with every movement, revealing unexpected depth and quiet beauty. It became an invitation to think about what abundance really means, and how often we find it in places we weren't expecting.
Enhance your necklace with a sterling silver chain for added elegance, or choose from select silicone cord colors to create a personalized combination that complements the stone.
Whether it’s a simple compliment or a deeper conversation, even the smallest piece can carry connection.
This piece is sold as the glass charm only, designed to slide easily onto your own chain or cord.
Enhance your necklace with a stunning silver chain, elevate your jewelry, adding elegance and sophistication that makes it truly stand out.
The Petite Pendant comes on an 18" black silicone rubber cord with a simple tension clasp, letting the glass feel like it’s floating. If you prefer a different look, you can upgrade to a sterling silver chain for a more classic finish.
The Story of the Color
The dictionary defines abundance as "more than enough." This summer has made me wonder if that's the only way to measure it.
We've had an abundance of dry weather, and my garden has been doing its best to keep up. It hasn't been the season I imagined, but somewhere along the way I realized I had been measuring abundance by the wrong things.
For me, abundance has become less about having more and more about noticing more. It is an early morning dog walk and ocean dip before breakfast, the horses nickering when they hear my back door open, fresh kale gathered for dinner, friends stopping by the shop, and the quiet excitement of opening the kiln to discover a color I couldn't quite have imagined.
This luminous green, layered over cool blue-gray light, shifts with every movement, revealing something new each time you look at it. Like abundance itself, its beauty isn't always obvious at first glance. Sometimes you have to slow down, look a little longer, and notice what has been there all along.
Perhaps abundance isn't "more than enough" after all. Perhaps it is simply recognizing that, even in an imperfect season, there is enough.
About the Jewelry
Abundance is a color that feels at home in every season. The luminous green catches the eye, while the cool blue-gray beneath adds depth and quiet sophistication. In bright light, it glows with fresh, vibrant energy. In softer light, the cooler tones emerge, giving the glass a richness that changes throughout the day.
It pairs beautifully with denim, crisp white linen, soft grays, navy, black, and the earthy greens that find their way into so many wardrobes. Whether you're heading to the farmers market, meeting friends for dinner, or simply adding a little color to an ordinary day, Abundance brings a fresh, natural elegance that's easy to wear and surprisingly versatile.
Like all of my jewelry, each piece is individually handcrafted from layers of fused dichroic glass in my Vinalhaven studio. No two are exactly alike, making every necklace, bracelet, and pair of earrings a small celebration of color, light, and the beauty of handmade.
Part of the 2026 Color Series
Colors inspired by the changing light on the Maine coast.
Color Out Loud
Silver Tide
Ocean Whisper
Bottlegreen
Blue on Blue
Belfast Blue
Jewelry Hand Crafted with Color and Connection
Ready to add a splash of color to your day? Explore my vibrant collection of handmade jewelry, from sparkly earrings to stunning necklaces and bold bracelets – each piece as unique as you are. Crafted with creativity, color, and a dash of love, my jewelry is designed to make you smile. Let your accessories do the talking – shop now and find your new favorite piece!
Workshops, Craft Fairs and Open Studios
I love meeting people where the work lives. You’ll find me at craft fairs throughout Maine and New England, and here on Vinalhaven for open studios and workshops, sharing conversations about color, light, and the many ways handmade pieces become part of daily life.
Come say hi, ask questions, tell me what catches your eye, and get a feel for the glass. It’s always better in person.
Give the Gift of Color and Craft - Give the Gift of Handcrafted Joy
“WindHorse Arts is one of my favorite places to buy jewelry. The colors are unique and there is something for everyone. I had been looking for a sable brown earrings and this year WindHorse Arts had just the shade I was looking for. While I have never been to the physical store, shopping online is easy and products are sent out with blazing speed. Great for late gift giving! ”
— Heidi S.
“My wife and 3 daughters each have several items of Alison’s handcrafted artistry. As the inventory and designs are always changing there are always new items to add to their collection of jewelry.
— Guy W.
“My daughter loved the birthday gift I ordered from Alison. The earrings were as bright and beautiful as the picture on her website. I highly recommend for affordable, handcrafted gifts from Maine!”
— Lorri B.
“This summer, I was introduced to Alison’s beautiful work. Worn by 2 friends of mine, her necklaces and earrings are inspired by the world around her, designed with an intimate knowledge of her materials, and fabricated seamlessly, no mechanics visible, revealing the spirit pf the piece. Her pieces are aptly named — the names further the magic of each of her creations. The earrings we chose, in the colors of nectar and pewter and ember, are proudly worn by my daughter and me. Worn with pride and gratitude!”
— Susan M.
“I have bought several pairs of earrings from Alison. They are exquisite and are made with a lot of love and care. I have been wearing one pair for approximately 10 years and people still stop me to ask about them, they have not lost their luster. If you’re on the fence, buy her jewelry. You will NOT be disappointed.
_ Danielle M.
Crafting Color, One Piece at a Time
Hi, I’m Alison, the glass-fusing, color-loving creative behind WindHorse Arts! I’m all about making jewelry that feels as fun and vibrant as life itself. Every piece I create contains a pinch of serendipity and a lot of glassy goodness. I love working with glass because it’s dynamic, unpredictable, and full of surprises. Whether I’m popping colors together or experimenting with textures, I’m always aiming to create pieces that bring joy and that little “wow” moment when you wear them. Whether it’s a set of earrings that make you smile or a pendant that catches the light just right, each piece is crafted to bring a little joy and a lot of style into your day (and a little magic, because why not?).
Ready to add a splash of color to your life? Click below to see what’s new and explore the world of WindHorse Arts!
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Piece of WindHorse Arts Jewelry
At WindHorse Arts, I believe jewelry should be as fun and unique as you are! Whether you’re treating yourself or hunting for the perfect gift, here’s your guide to picking out something that’ll make your heart skip a beat (and maybe your friends a little jealous):
Go with Your Color Crush! Can’t decide? Start with your favorite color! Whether you’re obsessed with ocean blue, feeling the greens of a forest walk, or craving a pop of fiery red, let your favorite hue lead the way. You’re drawn to it for a reason, after all!
Occasions Are Great, But So Are Tuesdays
Sure, you might be eyeing something special for a birthday, but don’t forget about just because moments! A piece of jewelry from WindHorse Arts makes every day feel like a celebration. You deserve to sparkle, no matter the occasion.
Be Bold, Be Subtle, Be You!
Are you a “big statement” kind of person or more of a “quiet elegance” type? No worries – we’ve got something for every mood! Whether you’re rocking a chunky necklace or a delicate pair of earrings, there’s a piece that’s totally you.
Mix, Match, and Make It Yours!
Who says you have to pick just one? Stack a few bracelets, layer some necklaces, or go wild with earrings! My pieces play nice together, so feel free to create your own signature style that’s totally unique.
Handmade = Extra Love
Every piece of WindHorse jewelry is lovingly handcrafted, which means no two pieces are exactly alike. You’re not just buying jewelry – you’re getting a little piece of magic, made just for you. Isn’t that fun?
Pick a Piece to Match Your Vibe
Feeling calm and collected? Go for something soft and serene. Feeling bold and ready to take on the world? Find something that’s as vibrant as your energy! Choose jewelry that matches your mood and vibe, and let your accessories tell your story.
Give the Gift of Joy (Or Just Treat Yourself!)
Jewelry is always a great idea for a gift, but let’s be real – it’s also a fantastic way to treat yourself. Share the love (or keep it for yourself)! Either way, WindHorse jewelry is the gift that keeps on giving.
So, what are you waiting for? Let your instincts guide you, and pick out a piece that makes you smile.
After all, life’s too short for boring jewelry!
Do you have a shop focused on the joy of handcraft ~ Are you interested in carrying WindHorse in your shop :
Brighten Your Shop with Handcrafted Glass Jewelry!
Add a splash of color and creativity to your shop with WindHorse Arts' stunning collection of handcrafted glass jewelry. Each piece is a unique work of art, carefully crafted with vibrant hues and organic designs that your customers will love. From delicate earrings to bold necklaces and shimmering bracelets, our jewelry brings an effortlessly stylish touch to any collection. With a focus on quality, color, and craftsmanship, WindHorse Arts offers your shop the chance to showcase one-of-a-kind designs that speak to those who appreciate the beauty of handmade art. Ready to offer something truly special to your customers? Reach out today to learn more about carrying WindHorse Arts in your store!