Based in the university town of Dumfries, Stramash Creations is the happy chaos of inspiration and originality brought to life by artist and maker Mary Bell.

Mary’s creative journey began at the Glasgow School of Art, where she trained in Illustration and Design. Drawing and storytelling through images were always at the heart of her practice, and that love of line, colour, and character has carried through every stage of her work.

Although her roots are in illustration, it was only in recent years that Mary discovered the magic of glass. Working with both stained and fused glass has opened up a whole new world of possibilities — the play of light and colour, the transformation that happens in the kiln, and the sheer joy of creating something vibrant and lasting.

But glass is just one part of the picture. Mary also creates detailed animal portraits and playful caricatures, capturing the spirit and personality of her subjects with warmth and humour. Each commission is approached with the same blend of imagination and originality that defines Stramash Creations.

For Mary, making art is all about connection: between ideas, materials, and people. Every piece tells a story, whether it’s a one-off glass creation, a portrait of a much-loved pet, or a quirky character sketch made to make someone smile.

Commissions are always welcome, and no two are ever alike. With Mary, you can be sure of something truly personal, created with heart, craft, and a touch of happy chaos