Welcome To Designs By Starla

“My study of calligraphy began in 2003 as a way for me to transition into my role as a stay-at-home mom. I have always been interested in graphic design and producing visual representations of the written word. This inspiration has come to fruition through study with renowned calligraphers Timothy Botts, Reggie Ezelle, Pat Blair, Terry Quentrill, Jacqueline Sullivan, and Peter Thornton, among others.

In 2009 I took my calligraphy a step further by incorporating it into glass by studying engraving with Ken Brown. I now have the saying, ‘you name it, I engrave it!’ Among my collection you will find a variety of unique handcrafted gift items including glass and wood engraving as well as the original artwork for inspirational bulletin covers for Charleston Baptist Temple.

In 2013 I became a Certified Zentangle Teacher which has taken my designs to a whole new level. By adding Zentangle and alcohol inks to my calligraphy and engraving, I can create a limitless amount of one-of-a-kind home decor items.

“God has taken my gift and multiplied it over and over again. I have been able to bless and be blessed in more ways than I could ever tell you.”

Why Designs By Starla

To deliver exquisite, one-of-a kind gifts and services that educate and inspire others through innovative artistry.
  • Commitment to Excellence
  • Creativity
  • Innovation
  • Spirituality
Embracing my passion while inspiring others through my unique creations.

Customer Testimonials

I have known Starla for nearly a year now. She does beautiful work. I purchase slates with “Welcome to our Home” as a gift for my clients when they purchase a new home. Starla’s customer service is great, she has always gotten things done on time and has accommodated my busy schedule with drop off and pick up.
Terri Swiderski, Broker, RE/MAX Professionals Select
It is always a pleasure doing business with Starla Snead owner of Design by Starla. She is accommodating and always there for you to help in any aspects of your business.

I started ordering from Starla years back when her work caught my eye while attending a networking group in Naperville. If you look closely to her work you will know that it is a piece of art; something “one-of-a-kind.” No stroke is the same because it was hand engraved by an artist.

I order more from Design by Starla during the holidays – personalized Christmas tree decorations, coffee mugs and other holiday pieces. Some of my customers even suggested engraving the year on the product so it could be a collectible!

If you want a gift from the heart choose Design by Starla – a piece to remember.

Ramon Joson, Dry-X Carpet Care
Starla Snead, of Designs by Starla, is my favorite local artist. I am probably one of her biggest fans in Bolingbrook, mostly because of her tireless passion for experimenting with different art mediums, various art styles, and the many combinations of such. I love hearing her say, “I’ve been experimenting lately and…,” and then she shows me her ideas, raw creations, and finished art pieces.

As a customer of Designs by Starla, I have proudly displayed one large hanging piece in the entry way of my home. She always uses high quality materials and it shows. She truly cares about what her customers want when they hire her for a particular project. Her artistic interests and talents are ever-evolving due to her happy compulsion to create original pieces using unusual artistic processes.

Peggy Glotzbach, Bolingbrook, IL