Helen Hunt Circle members learn about stained glass

Tenet Killebrew welcomed Helen Hunt members to her home on Oct. 8. Although

new to the community, Killebrew is already well-known for

her work as a stained glass artisan. Prior to

moving to Wapakoneta, she managed a pediatric office for seven doctors and two nurse practitioners in Williamsburg, VA. She

found her hobby of working in stained glass when she was pregnant with her last

child 24 years ago. It was a difficult pregnancy, and she needed to find something to do where she could

sit quietly for long periods of time. After purchasing a book about stained glass for

beginners, her career as a stained-glass artworking in stained glass takes a lot of

specialized equipment. However, Bandaids are always a part

of her work area since cuts from glass shards are common. It also requires a lot of different types of glass in an assortment of colors. She gets most of

her glass from the Kokomo Glass Company

in Indiana, the oldest glass company in America. She also

buys glass from manufacturers in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. She demonstrated how

each piece of glass must be wrapped in copper coil which can

be time consuming. A 2x3 Santa can contain 550 pieces of glass.

She walked the group through the process

of selecting a pattern, choosing the type of glass she wants to use, tracing the design on the glass, and scoring the glass. Each piece

of glass is then put into place and soldered with a soldering iron. She reminded her audience that glass always has a

mind of its own, and the best plan can suddenly change. She described the whole process as “painting with glass.” She also said it

is an unforgiving process, but “when you get it right, it is very rewarding. She also

confessed that it takes a lot of practice.

She ships her work all over the world.

She also has her work displaced locally at Casa Chic and the Auglaize Antique Mall. Tenet also designs stained glass angels and sends them to terminally ill patients. Her Angel Moment ministry not only gives hope to the patient but also provides his/her family with a special keepsake. If anyone knows of someone who could

benefit from this ministry, Killebrew asked friends or family members to notify her.

She sends the gifts free of charge.

After answering questions, Killebrew invited Helen Hunt

members to look at the stained glass displayed in her home and to tour her basement studio, where

she spends eight to 10 hours a day. After Killebrew’s presentation, refreshments were provided by Kay Wellington and Peggy Ankerman.

The next meeting of the Helen Hunt Circle will be held at the

St. Joseph Family Life Parish Center on Nov. 12. Jeremy Dulebohn will present the program on ”4 Paws for Ability Service Dogs.” Hostesses will be

Marcie Curtis and Priscilla Keller.