I was 15 years old and I began blowing glass in Ireland, where I was born. My dad, Jack Tebay, one of NovaScotian Crystal’s founders, trained me. At the time he was the head instructor at the training school at Waterford Crystal - he wanted to pass his trade along through to the future generations.

I have been blowing crystal for approximately 23 years now. It takes 5 years to do an apprenticeship and become a craftsman, then another 3-5 years to become a master craftsman. My favorite part of glass blowing is being able to make the crystal do what I want it to by blowing, shaping and cutting it. The hardest part is trying to maintain the high standard of quality that is required of handcraft.

I became interested in working with crystal in the early nineties. My dad and uncle both worked for Waterford Crystal when I was growing up. I began in 1993 and currently have been at it for 15 years.

My favorite part of being a Crystal Maker at NovaScotian Crystal is that we are keeping an ancient craft alive.

When I was a young boy, I used to watch my dad make a talk about crystal. He showed so much passion for the craft I just wanted to follow in his footsteps. I have been now for 19 years.

What I love about being a Crystal Maker is the fact that I have the ability and skill to produce such a beautiful piece of art.

What makes me happy to be a part of NSC is that I get to see the happy and excited faces on the people who watch me make the crystal. Hopefully you can get as much joy out of your crystal as I do making it.

I first became interested in working with glass when I finished my grade 10. My Aunt and Uncle were both Master Crafts people in Romania and offered me an apprenticeship in glass making. I accepted and when I tried it, I loved it, and here I am today at NovaScotian Crystal, still loving the craft. Together, in Romania and here I completed 16 years.

As a Crystal Maker I love how it makes me feel when I make the glass. I feel that I am in a different world when I work with it; beyond imagination.

What makes me happy to be a part of NSC is the craft being done all by hand, not machines. Also all of the good people that work with me and being the best crystal made in North America.

I would hope that when you watch us make our product that you feel just one ounce of the pride and passion that I feel with every piece of crystal that passes through my hands. I also wish that all of the pieces you own bring you years of joy.

Jack's a bit shy... we'll have some more information from him soon.

Making glass for me is raw and passionate, like rock’n roll. You can’t skip a beat, mistakes are not forgiven. It is an intense environment to work in. Even so, 10 years later, I still love it. I don’t think one truly ever “master” glass making. Everyday is a learning experience which is part of the beauty of it. And everyday beauty is created. Pretty awesome!

As a kid, on the weekend, I would stay with my Auntie Phil’s house, who was one of the first women at Waterford Crystal. On Monday morning, heading home to go to school, I would go through the factory. I was fascinated with it then and still am today.

At 15, March 29, 1976 I started in Waterford Crystal. It’s 5 years apprenticeship, another 5 years to get your Master’s Certificate. To date I am in my 33rd Year (the good looking one in the viewing window with the glasses).

I love being a Wedge Cutter, from when I began with a stone wheel to the diamond tipped wheels I use now for cutting. My experience is forever changing, just like the new designs from year to year.

Knowing that NovaScotian Crystal is a part of and are out in the community is great to be a part of. It is also great to know that our number one priority is keeping the Craft Alive. Please enjoy your NovaScotian Crystal and don’t forget to come back to see us (I’ll only charge $10 a photo).

Kieran's a bit shy... we'll have some more information from him soon.

Mike's a bit shy... we'll have some more information from him soon.

12 years ago, as a bartender, I met a group of partying Irish men who offered me a new career. I accepted and here I am today. My favorite part about being a Crystal Maker is my job as a polisher, which allows me to be part of something unique at NSC.

I came home from Alberta in the Fall of 2001. My girlfriend and I were expecting in 6 months or so, and I needed work until I could go back to school. I started working at NovaScotian Crystal and the rest is history.

What I love about being a Crystal Maker is taking part in creating beautiful things is cool. Also, the challenge of mastering something so difficult keeps it interesting.

What makes me happy to be a part of NSC is that most of the people working here are cool. The people-watching is good too.