Hello! My name is Helena, and I make glass jewelry and objects. My brand is called here & now because I believe in living here and now. I’m originally from Russia, but last year I moved to Kingston, Canada, with my partner Anna and our dog, Lis. I love this beautiful city and the little home studio where I create my pieces.
I’ve been making things for as long as I can remember: I’ve tried felting and knitting, designing wooden objects, and making paper clay dolls. When Anna and I decided to move to Canada, I had to choose what I was going to do here. This was around the same time that I discovered stained-glass terrariums. I fell in love with their simple, elegant shapes and realized that I wanted to try making them, so I bought my first soldering iron and a supply kit and got started.
The glass-working process is fairly complex – it’s one of those things that teaches you patience (which I sometimes lack!). The first step is to cut the glass and grind it to the perfect shape. Next, I wrap the pieces of glass in copper foil and solder them together. After that, it’s time to apply the patina and polish. Depending on the piece and the desired finish, I might have to skip, repeat, or rearrange some of the steps.
I try to find beauty in everything – nature, architecture, people. We live near a beautiful park and I often walk there with our dog, looking for treasures like twigs and pine cones. When I look at something, I try to imagine whether it can be made in glass (which is how my origami theme started). I don’t typically use any color in my pieces; I find it more interesting to play with shape than with color.
Etsy is a door to an entire world of artists, customers, suppliers and admirers, and it has been helpful to me and my business both on- and offline. When I moved to Kingston, I didn’t know anyone; I had no idea how or where to meet local artistic people. Luckily, I found another jewelry artist, Brandy (from Salvage Co.) here on Etsy, and met other crafters through her. I also participated in the Etsy Road Trip in Kingston, which was a fun and enjoyable experience. My goals for the future are to improve my skills, get organized, stop pulling all-nighters, finally build a website, and increase my social media presence. And of course, to find more crafty soul mates to exchange ideas and collaborate with!
Follow here & now on Instagram.
All photographs by here & now.
185 comments
Helen Harwood from FatBerry said 6 years ago
So unique, clear and cute! Congratulations on the feature! Lis is just adorable)
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 6 years ago
Your pieces are so pretty and unique! I love your home studio. It's beautiful! Congratulations on the feature! :)
Stephanie Maslow Blackman from metalicious said 6 years ago
Gorgeous work, thank you for sharing your studio and story with us!
FreshFromtheFlame from FreshFromtheFlame said 6 years ago
Your work is lovely Helena. Wishing you much success in the New Year.
ACR from IntoTheBluePaintShop said 6 years ago
I love your product!! Congratulations :-)) (Your dog is adorable too!)
Svetlana from ErinlesHouse said 6 years ago
Awesome creations! Congratulations! :)
ACR from WoodsyWools said 6 years ago
Wonderful shop and product, congrats !!
Kimberly C from CoffeeStainedTags said 6 years ago
Such beautiful work! Congrats on the feature & best wishes to you!
Edith Garrett from RetroMarketplace said 6 years ago
Very unique! Best wishes for continued success!
sabina from sabiesabi said 6 years ago
wonderful shop! congrats on the feature!
Liana from WildRoseAndSparrow said 6 years ago
I love the clean lines in your design, the elegance and purity of the origami look. The terrarium necklace is very interesting: capturing a snapshot of nature and preserving it in glass. It's nice to see a fellow Canadian artist featured. Congrats! :)
Leda Design from LedaDesign said 6 years ago
What a beautiful shop! Love it!
Evelyn from EvelynX said 6 years ago
Wonderful job and very unique approach to making jewelry, congratulations!
Monika Dudikeni from PastelFeatherStudio said 6 years ago
Wow! Stunning shop and story. Congrats!
Jafeth Moiane from handicraftafrica said 6 years ago
Beautiful shop. Congrats Helana!
V from valezhki said 6 years ago
Amazing creations! Lovely, stylish, sophisticated! All the best for you!
Ann Korniets from accessories482 said 6 years ago
Congrats! So cool items!!!
DivineOrders from DivineOrders said 6 years ago
GLORIOUS! Congrats on the feature! Thank you Helena for sharing your amazing craft and talents with us. Peace.
Shirley Freeman from simpleholidaydecor said 6 years ago
I love your shop. So neat.
unflappableproducts from unflappableproducts said 6 years ago
you have such skill to work on such small pieces-love your work
Tasos from TACEHandmade said 6 years ago
Wonderful work!!! Congrats Helena!!!
Amy Gunderson from amysfunkyfibers said 6 years ago
Very pretty designs- I just love the feathers with the glass- The best to you !
Helen Mills from 1820BagCo said 6 years ago
Your items are remarkable, congrats on the feature!
Cynthia Weaver from 3Csshop said 6 years ago
The idea of origami in glass is pretty spectacular! Loved reading about you and your shop. Best of everything to you!
Justyna from JumpingSkyDiy said 6 years ago
This is so sweet and lovely shop! Congrats on the feature!
Monica from Monicaj said 6 years ago
Great shop! Congratulations on the feature!
Dolores Robak from DoloresRobakArt said 6 years ago
Lovely and original work...congratulations to you, Helena!
Nellie and Nell Young from BlauwInteriors said 6 years ago
Your creations are beautiful and unique! Congrats on the feature and best of luck in the future!
Mary Robertson from MaggiesInn said 6 years ago
Wow you are so talented and your creations are wonderful!!!
Sonya Rasi from sonyarasi said 6 years ago
Wonderful work !
TJ Carls from BloomgoDesignStudio said 6 years ago
These are among some of the most unique items I've seen. I'd be interested to hear a bit more about the philosophy behind the design!
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 6 years ago
Beautiful, simple work. I wish my shipping supply area is so clean as yours. Congratulations on the feature! :)
Wiigora from Wiigora said 6 years ago
lovely!!!
Jessica from CreativeDollCrafts said 6 years ago
Simple and Creative ....I love it all!!! Great Job!!!
T R from TIMOTHYREAGANPHOTOS said 6 years ago
love your shop and work. great job
primlark from primlark said 6 years ago
love your shop! Congrats on the feature!
June from isewcute said 6 years ago
I enjoyed reading your story. You make wonderful & whimsical jewelry....congrats on the feature! You rock!
stacey from TessCloset said 6 years ago
Beautiful! thanks for sharing your story and congrats on the feature!
Jeanne S from EclecticSageVintage said 6 years ago
Beautiful work! Congrats on being featured. You deserve it. I love the terrarium necklaces.
Stacey from GraphixLLC said 6 years ago
Lovely shop and very unique items! Thanks for sharing the process on how you make your items-very interesting. Congrats on the feature and Best Wishes to you!
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 6 years ago
Beautiful designs!
Alaina Cherup from CheerUpCherup said 6 years ago
lovely workspace and even lovelier work!
Sara from UrbanFarmhouseTampa said 6 years ago
Very Nice Work! Congratulation on the Feature.
DLKLEES from DebsPickerSouL said 6 years ago
I'm very impressed - you & your Shop are awesome!! Best of luck to you in the New Year, Helena! :)
grigritextile from GriGriTextile said 6 years ago
Everything looks so unique and ephemeral! Congratulations on the feature.
Safe Harbor Boutique from SafeHarborBoutique said 6 years ago
Congratulations! Nice glass work!
Jan Wilhelmi from JanWilhelmi said 6 years ago
The paper airplane necklace is wonderful...I am amazed at your efficient work space, makes me wish I could downsize my own studio...awesome!
Pebble Ripearls from RIPEARLS said 6 years ago
beautiful crafts and very organized home workshop! congrats!
Aga from AgasJourney said 6 years ago
gorgeous work and beautiful studio. huge congrats and best wishes!
Adriana from ripeshop said 6 years ago
beautiful work!!! Congrats on the feature and thanks for sharing your wonderful workspace - love your doggy! :)
Irith Mashiah from rioritajewelry said 6 years ago
Such original work and without too much ado! Love this! Pinned!
Shelley Couvillion from LonelyCatPress said 6 years ago
Ugh. I've been following her for awhile and everything she makes is so darling. I wish I could be that cool. Go lady go! You rock :D
Shulamit Raanan from ShuliDesigns said 6 years ago
Congrats on a great feature! You are so talented... I love your work!!!! :-) I wish you all the best in the future!
Zoui from XZOUIX said 6 years ago
dear Helena, i've been admiring your shop for awhile,and i luv your creations :) keep it up!
Luigi Cerruti from seven99bracelets said 6 years ago
So beautiful ! Congrats
Toile La La from ArtFashionCreation said 6 years ago
This is a lovely feature of your shop and aesthetic. I really like the look of the clear "stained glass" and the way it emphasizes the form of your pendants, objects, and ornaments - and I love the way you've incorporated bits of nature too! Wonderful dog in your shop.
Brenda Bordas from brendabordas said 6 years ago
So true talking with other artisans is encouraging, uplifting and keeps inspiration going. Congrads on the feature.
Michelle Mazziotti from RomancingYouJewelry said 6 years ago
Congratulations!!!! Your jewelry is so beautiful & unique!!!! Love it all!!!! Good luck in the future!!!!
Michalina Majta from YPSILONBAGS said 6 years ago
Maybe deer? :D amazing. Congratulations!
Bale and Twine from baleandtwine said 6 years ago
congrats on your new life and adventure. Your work is beautiful. Happy 2015
Geometricink lunzer from GeometricInk said 6 years ago
I just fell in LOVE with your eye necklace! I will own that beauty shortly! It is now in my BUY ME favs! Great shop, congrats on the feature!
Sister Butterfly from MyButterflySister said 6 years ago
What a great artist with unique pieces..
LivingVintage from LivingVintage said 6 years ago
Nice.
Ieva Tomas Teodoras from OneDropCosmetics said 6 years ago
So light, so inspiring, so inviting to wear. Your works looks bright and elegant. I would like to wear.
Natalia from Nikifashion said 6 years ago
Awesome design!
Deborah from art4ear said 6 years ago
Nice feature! Keep up the good work! Congrats and Happy New Year!
Narwhal Needlework from NarwhalNeedlework said 6 years ago
Great feature! Congrats :)
Deb from TheInspiredTrader said 6 years ago
Congrats on being featured! Love your shop!
Arlene Roberts from ImagiScape said 6 years ago
Beautiful work! Congrats on your feature!
Galia in a box from pineconeinabox said 6 years ago
Congrats, happy new year.
eMDesign from eMDdesign said 6 years ago
Nice shop! Condrats
Candy from GrayKeyDesigns said 6 years ago
Loving the Chevron!! Beautiful items and packaging!
BonTons from BonTons said 6 years ago
Beautiful pieces. Congratulations on the Feature
kelly hickey from edieandglo said 6 years ago
Love the simplicity of your designs, and that studio space is adorable!
chad keener from Keenerideas said 6 years ago
Great looking shop. Congats!
Mariah Green from MariahFotografia said 6 years ago
Your stuff is awesome!!
Steve from ThunderAlleyDesigns said 6 years ago
Congrats on your feature! Your shop has so much light, great location for your work area! You have some very unique items.
Julie Grzesiek from SuppliesAndSuch said 6 years ago
I love the feather between the glass, that's beautiful! Love your shop! Congratulations on your feature! :-)
Carlos Ruiz from Bigbloomingbeads said 6 years ago
Wonderful shop great photos, and amazing items. Congrats and good luck!!!
flordehikuri from flordehikuri said 6 years ago
Awesome creations! Congratulations on the feature!
Joshua Lopez from CounterFitCulture said 6 years ago
I really like your work! Good luck!!!
Claudia Bogart from bogARTstudiogallery said 6 years ago
Beautiful pieces, and super cute dog!!! Best Wishes!
Kalyen Dunleavy from DappledMoonFancies said 6 years ago
Wow, amazing. You are obviously someone that is seen as very patient, your details in the jewelry look like it accents this in you. I love them.
christelpaola from ConstellationKnits said 6 years ago
Wow love your pieces! and your work space is awesome as well Congrats on the feature!
NeatoKeen from NeatoKeen said 6 years ago
Your designs, product and photography are nothing short of stunning. Wishing you continued success in 2015 and beyond!
Melanie Wu from shopkokoro said 6 years ago
Your pieces all look so delicate and beautiful. Congratulations on the feature!
Donna Roberge from DonnaRobergePhoto said 6 years ago
I love your glass creations, so pretty! Beautiful work space too!
Jaci from EnchantedGlass said 6 years ago
the possibilities are endless have a blast with your new art, looks like you have a fabulous start!
Rebecca Shelly from RebeccaShellyArt said 6 years ago
Congrats! Your dog is so cute! I love having a studio mate like that while working.
Krista Morrison from StarShineVintage said 6 years ago
Such beautiful designs! And your dog is very cute too;)
Jan Sullivan from ForeverBouquet said 6 years ago
Congratulations of the Feature. Love your Art .... so unique and inspiring!
Mandi Smethells from SmoothHillsWeaving said 6 years ago
That glass boat is pure loveliness!! And you pooch...fantastic!!
Debra Gilstrap from gilstrapdesigns said 6 years ago
Great interview your glass work is so beautiful and it is all very unique and different. Much continued success to you.
Tagetes from lovemyskinsoaps said 6 years ago
Wonderful shop. Congrats on the feature! Love your designs!
Caroline Barbosa from OldSoulVintageLtd said 6 years ago
Ah, I love the name of your shop! I practice mindfully how to be here and now daily. Lovely and divinely inspired pieces! Congrats!
K.Shelton from RadiantCodeLLC said 6 years ago
You have a cool shop and cute dog!
B. from BasiaJewelry said 6 years ago
Very cool thanks you for sharing your success story love b
Debbie Krusen from TwinAntiques said 6 years ago
Congrats on your new location and business. You truly have patience to create your lovely geometric pieces!
Ashlee Meadows from ashjewelrystudio said 6 years ago
Beautiful! Love your faceted box! Cool work space! I'm secretly hoping that it's not always that tidy so I can feel better about my unkempt studio : ) I wish you much success with your beautiful work!
Neriya Birman from StampitStudio said 6 years ago
beautiful artwork!
Helen from BESLOV said 6 years ago
awesome!
Svetlana Chumak said 6 years ago
You found your deal in right time and it's great! Nice story and I hope great future for yours jewelry. Hug!
Emm S from emmsstudio said 6 years ago
beautiful work well done
GABY STEEL from GabitatEmporium said 6 years ago
Lovely review of your work, very true re patience! Wish you much success for the future. Lis is a sweetie!
colours workshop from COLOURSWORKSHOP said 6 years ago
Wonderfull shop and very beatiful items.Congratulations:)
Angela Cotton from CottonBirdDesigns said 6 years ago
Beautiful work!
S.Y Kwak from TulipAtelier said 6 years ago
Simple and unique! I love your work and studio :)
Wuttichai Naktho from icottonballs said 6 years ago
Beautiful work!
maikamaika from maikamaika said 6 years ago
Oh, no! Now everybody is going to know about you! :) You were my awesome secret find! Love your work!
Gwynne Collins from DaysLongGone said 6 years ago
Love your work! Beautiful! Congrats on your feature!
Karen Hall-Miller from CowgirlsLoft said 6 years ago
What an interesting craft and talent you have. Love it. Love your inclusion of Liz, your dog, in the pictures and as part of the family. Your shop has such a light and airy feel. Looks like a wonderful place to work and create. I'm happy that you were chosen for a shop feature. Your art is unique. Thank you for the peek into your world.
Alexandra Simons from BlueMoonLights said 6 years ago
Beautiful work! Congrats on the feature!
GreenStreetMosaics Constantino from GreenStreetMosaics said 6 years ago
Congrats on the lovely feature. I have been a fan of your work for awhile! And love your cute dog and stunning studio. Yay!
Jenicia from PaperType said 6 years ago
These are fantastic! I don't believe I've seen anything like them here on Etsy. Love seeing a fellow Canadian being featured!
Kay Yoder said 6 years ago
They are beautiful. That must be a lot of work!!! GREAT JOB!
Melissa Beshore from GingerGreySoaps said 6 years ago
Such beautiful and unique products. I love the idea!
Valentina from InfinityScarfDesign said 6 years ago
Very creative and nicely done.
Brie from HeavenlyBotanicals said 6 years ago
So unique and awesome! Congratulations!
Jan Fowler from FowlerArtStudios said 6 years ago
Wonderful name for your shop--all any of us have is "here and now." Your work is exceptional when you realize just how small your pieces of glass are. It is simply beautiful. Congratulations!!!
Mike and Jess from JessiesOrientalRugs said 6 years ago
Beautiful shop, very creative designs. Congrats!
Dori from dorijenn said 6 years ago
Beautiful work. I love your dedicated shipping area. And your dog!
Julie from HuntandFound said 6 years ago
Beautiful creations! Love your work. I can see your patience in your work :) Congrats on the feature and love your story!
Indigo Canyon Soap Co. from INDIGOCANYONSOAPCO said 6 years ago
Wow, you've had a lot of excitement in your life. What a world of inspiration you must have gleaned from that. Beautiful work...and your four-legged friend is adorable!
R. Anne from LnRworks said 6 years ago
Lovely shop!
Anna from ParisDecorPrints said 6 years ago
beautiful studio Helena!
Nakkashe from Nakkashe said 6 years ago
Absolutely unique work and lovely studio...
Sentimentalist from Sentimentalist said 6 years ago
Stunning Work, Darling Dog & Fabulous Studio! Congratulations on your Feature Story!
RoyalCrownHandmade from RoyalCrownHandmade said 6 years ago
Love it! Beautiful shop.
dawna rubihid from lepetitchatrobin said 6 years ago
that is amazing!
carriageoncherry from CarriageOnCherry said 6 years ago
Love the uniqueness of your work! Kudos to you!
Erdem from PoltHandcrafted said 6 years ago
Brilliant! Good luck with the new year!
Betty Somelar from Kriips said 6 years ago
Very original:)
Kasia Bourke from NoandEl said 6 years ago
How wonderful! Best of luck!
Jasna from JasnaIllustrations said 6 years ago
Beautiful work. Thank you for sharing your unique shop and story. Congratulations on the feature.
Shelby Jean from BohoTribeCo said 6 years ago
Stunning pieces! I love the way they catch the light.
Sukran Kirtis from SukranKirtisJewelry said 6 years ago
very unique creations..Congratulations!!!
Susan Tebbutt said 6 years ago
Welcome to Canada! Great shop...best of luck.
Craig Neukirch from Turns2art said 6 years ago
Congratulations on your feature, your success and your great networking skills with your fellow Etsy artists. Your shop and dog are awesome as well.
SUPER SOCK from SUPERSOCK said 6 years ago
Aha! The dodo lives! So happy to see one in your studio :) Congrats, best of luck.
Genise Park from genisepark said 6 years ago
Congratulations on being featured! Wonderful items and your puppy is adorable.
Tupelo Honey from VintageSweetpeasoup said 6 years ago
Extremely fascinating approach & truly beautiful work!
Patricia Cianflone from FernwaterStudio said 6 years ago
Much continued success to you!!! :)
Jennifer and Gary Pierce from LoftAtticEarth said 6 years ago
I love your terrarium necklace! What a neat way to carry "nature" around with you. Your creations are beautiful.
Glenda Campbell from TheFlirtingFlamingo said 6 years ago
Your creations are so calming and visually soothing. Your interview is very uplifting other Etsy artists just starting out.
Elizabeth Knaus from FreshRetroGallery said 6 years ago
cool glass airplane
Daniblu from Daniblu said 6 years ago
Your pieces are lovely! Congrats : )
Hey Chica from HeyChica said 6 years ago
I love your work, congrats!
Cathy Pascual from CatshyCrafts said 6 years ago
Gorgeous work! Congrats on the feature!
Henny Augustien from hennyseashell said 6 years ago
Beautiful works! Always interesting to read other crafter's story. Thanks for sharing. I love your clean studio, very organized! Success to you, Helena ;-)
Maria from VintageEclectica said 6 years ago
Love your story and creations!!! All the best to you :-)
Mahrukh Niazi from MahrukhNiazi said 6 years ago
Absolutely wonderful.
blumn1 from MarseBluemoonGlass said 6 years ago
great...clean pure precise...enjoy your geometric whimsy HNY
Valentina from ValUA said 6 years ago
congrats!!! cool items!!!
novavintage from NovaVintage said 6 years ago
Love the beautiful, simple shapes of your pieces! Congrats and best of luck with the future of your shop!! XO
Kathy from KiwiTiniCreations said 6 years ago
Wonderful story Helena! Congrats on your feature!
Monica from ThreeBarDGifts said 6 years ago
Beautiful pieces! Wishing you much success!
Rebecca Blevins from RaccoonValleyRouge said 6 years ago
Beautiful work! Super cute dog!
Martin Lam from martin1206 said 6 years ago
Lovely items. Awasome work!
Aleksandra Whittle from AWDeBijoux said 6 years ago
Beautiful! Love it
Olga Wassupbrothers from wassupbrothers said 6 years ago
Well deserved! Wonderful shop and interview! Congratulations, Helena! All the best wishes in a New Year !
Guliz from yukabyguliz said 6 years ago
Brilliant work!Congrats on your feature!
Murat Kekec from ArtizanCollect said 6 years ago
Beautiful work
Krystle Nickels from HBSouthernInspired said 6 years ago
Love the artistry in your items! Simply amazing!
Mel Sax from GlamGirlRetro said 6 years ago
I adore looking at behind the scenes photographs of handcrafted items. Very inspiring.
Viki from CrochetDrawstrings said 6 years ago
Love your work! A pleasure to have an insight into your studio. Like the simple and practical and tasteful approach. Good Luck!
Katie Anne from MiddleCoast said 6 years ago
Such a unique way to approach designs, and I'm sure a great one to expand with! :)
Nan Bennett from LeBuaJewelry said 6 years ago
love your shop! Congrats on the feature!
Julia K Walton from FireHorseVintageHQ said 6 years ago
Fab products and great photos! Congratulations on the feature :)
Meredith Talian from MeredithTalianArt said 6 years ago
Beautiful work! I loved hearing how you took your interested and made it into your passion and work. Very inspiring!
Sabine Miner from StudioSabine said 6 years ago
I love your minimalist design work - happy selling!
Avianti Jewelry from AviantiJewelry said 6 years ago
Very unique! Beautiful!! Congratulations on the feature!!
Michelle Chow from theadoration said 6 years ago
i love idea of glass origami! your workspace is gorgeous :) The way you organize is very lovely and put together, just like your pieces! can't wait to see more from you, and congratulations on the feature!
Luz Spears from OneofakindVintage1 said 6 years ago
So talented and awesome shop! Congrats
Amber from BambuEarth said 6 years ago
♥︎ LOVE the little glass box pendant ♥︎
Kerime Sevilen Mustafaoglu from ASHYL said 6 years ago
Creative, love your work!
Julia K Walton from JuliaKWalton said 6 years ago
Great designs - love the strong shapes and simple lines :)
Jolene Garanzha from JoleneGaranzha said 6 years ago
Unique and artistic. Intuitive. Lovely work. Congratulations!
Theresa Garcia said 6 years ago
Congratulations on your feature your Designs are beautiful.
Soo from palefishny said 6 years ago
So unique and delicate and beautiful! I want to try some day! Thank you for sharing and congratulations on featuring!
Mrc Brkl from Decormart said 6 years ago
Congratulations interesting designs
Ozlem Borklu from Trinketmart said 6 years ago
So cute. Good luck :)
Alina Maevskaia from FairyOakWoodLand said 6 years ago
Wow! Great idea with the studio decoration!!! I love your branch under the ceiling with the pine cones!
Alina Maevskaia from FairyOakWoodLand said 6 years ago
Great idea with the studeo decor- I love your branch under the floor with the pine cones!
Lainey S from 2014andBEYOND said 6 years ago
Your stylistic edits are just wonderful. Love that glass airplane!
John Zhang from MagicLeatherStudio said 6 years ago
I love it! Simple and amazing