Joe and Renee Dwyer (2011)

In 2011, I interviewed the coolest family ever for The Jersey Journal. Joe Dwyer is a science teacher who makes his own drum kits and his wife Renee is a lampworker who creates her own glass jewelry.

They’ve both received some attention for the high-quality stuff they’re putting out and for hosting an art gallery in the front portion of their beautiful home which Joe pretty much built himself. They were just really crazily awesome.

Jersey City couple creates drum sets, glass jewelry from home

Joe Dwyer of Jersey City, creator of Warlock Drums, plays in his workspace Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011. Doug Bauman/The Jersey Journal

Some time between coming through the front of the Dwyer household, a space known as the Mary Benson Art Gallery, and entering their workshop where a toy bat hangs playfully from the ceiling, visitors quickly realize that Joe, Renee and their three kids aren’t your average Jersey City family.

Joe Dwyer, an eighth-grade science teacher at School 7, is a drum-battering maniac with a love for the macabre that led him to make his own drums.

The accomplished carpenter said that he started Warlock Drums when he couldn’t find a drum that “not only looked great but had the quality sound I was looking for.”

Joe Dwyer knew how using different woods and angled edges affected sound and came up with his unique instruments through trial and error.

What started out as a personal mission became a business as musicians were impressed by his drums and wanted sets for themselves.

Today, Joe and his son Joseph work together to roll out about three drum kits every month.

Johnny Roberts of Woe of Tyrants, a band sponsored by Warlock Drums, sang his sponsor’s praises: “I’m like dang, these drums are so good. It’s my favorite kit today.”

Renowned jazz drummer Winard Harper, who is currently touring with Delfeayo Marsalis, also loves his set of Warlock Drums. “They have a warm sound, they look interesting. They’re very promising,” said Harper.

Dad isn’t the only successful artisan in the family.

Jersey City local Renee Dwyer, owner of A Glass Menagerie, does lampworking in her workspace Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011. Doug Bauman/The Jersey Journal

Renee Dwyer, the family’s artsiest member, is a lampworker who makes her own glass beads and fine – but affordable – jewelry.

The Jersey City native takes imported glass from Murano, Italy and heats it with a so it can be worked around a steel rod to form a bead. She then takes pulled glass called “stringers” and melts them into the bead to create designs.

Using various techniques, Renee Dwyer creates raised or flat designs, makes different shapes and puts together odd but surprisingly attractive color combinations.

“There’s no end to the imagination when creating a bead,” she said.

Her jewelry company A Glass Menagerie currently sells pendants, necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

One of Renee Dwyer’s biggest fans, Veronica Vidal, has bought over 20 pieces.

“I think the detailing of the beads is so unique…nothing is compared to it as far as I’m concerned,” said Vidal.

“You can’t beat the price,” she added, noting that most A Glass Menagerie pendants are only $20.

“I price my jewelry only as much as I’d like to pay,” said Renee Dwyer. For more information about the Dwyers’ goods, e-mail WarlockDrums@aol.com or AGlassMenangerieJC@yahoo.com. To learn more about the Mary Benson Gallery, e-mail mbensongallery@aol.com.