My name is Laurie Freivogel and Kiku Handmade is my glass studio located just outside Chicago, Illinois. While I've been creating ever since I can remember, I only started working with glass in 2004 after discovering the indie craft movement that was growing in Chicago. At that time, I owned a fused glass pendant that I just loved and decided that's what I wanted to try my hand at. I bought myself a small kiln, some books and glass, set up a studio in my basement and started experimenting. Soon enough, I was creating humdrum pendants, earrings and pins that were lovely, but unfulfilling. I needed a new direction.

My BFA is in drawing with a concentration in printmaking. Not having access to a printmaking studio after college, I had to satisfy my creativity with things I could make in a small apartment - mostly hand bound books, small drawings and paintings - until we bought a house and I had room for a proper studio. About a year after I learned the basics of glass fusing, I realized what I had been pining for – imagery and pattern. I had a small silkscreening setup in my studio already that I used mostly for fabric and thought maybe I could use it to incorporate my designs with the glass.

I spent weeks researching and experimenting with materials and techniques until I figured out what worked. I knew I had found my niche and began working on the designs that give Kiku it’s distinctive style. My imagery and drawings are primarily inspired by pop culture, pattern and nature. I particularly love mid-century modern and Japanese design aesthetics, in fact the name "Kiku" means "chrysanthemum" in Japanese. Using fine enamels, I print with multiple screens onto layers of glass to create depth and, using my knack for color and composition, pair it with an amazing glass color palette. While my work is very graphic, I'm a practical girl so most of my pieces are as functional as they are pretty.