Contestant Data
Name: Mary Pat Blanding
Hometown: Cranberry Lake, NY

I am an artist who had dabbled in many types of art and photography, that is until I discovered stained glass 3 1/2 years ago. I always loved the look of light pouring thru beautifully colored glass, and was excited to see classes offered only an hour's drive away.

I live in a remote area of the Adirondacks in New York State, a little hamlet called Cranberry Lake. One evening, on the way to my fourth class, I was trying to think of a business name. I'd already decided that stained glass would be in my future. Being a happily married mother of 5 great kids; in a state of "Wedded Bliss", the name "Leaded Bliss" popped into mind. It stuck, and I am now the proud owner/operator of Leaded Bliss.

So far I have a small operation. My cellar and my kitchen table are my workplaces. But with several commissions under my belt, I am anticipating a "blissful future" in stained glass. I've made all my own patterns, starting with my very first project, and have experimented with numerous 3-D items. I do the books for my hubby Dale's plumbing business, care for my 5 children, 2 of whom are in college now, and create glass pieces in my spare time. I am currently finding outlets for my work. Previously in our remote area most of my sales were by word of mouth. My latest major project was a commission done for the Cranberry Lake Library.

I am very excited about the "Battlefield Glass" competition, and look forward to seeing the other "Soldering Soldiers" on the website!