Welcome to my studio .. well at least my virtual studio you can see all my beads at! In real life, my studio is on the beautiful Keweenaw Penninsula of Michigan's Upper Penninsula. My studio is located in the cellar of our 1896 old mining home, and my favorite part, besides the glass, are the 3 foot thick cobblestone walls. But long before we moved to Michigan, I studied art at Western New Mexico University and graduated with a degree in art education. From there, I worked with handmade paper and printmaking for several years before discovering lampwork beads in 2002. Since then, I have been hooked, and have enjoyed making beads for all of my patrons to enjoy and create with!
I love using effetre (formerly Moretti) glass the most, but also use some German, American, and Chinese glasses. I love all kinds of styles, from fancy and fussy to organic and freeform, but especially I just love working with colors and putting them together into pleasing combinations. Once made, I kiln anneal all my beads, then clean, photograph, and pack them with care to go to YOU for your beautiful creations. I especially love getting pictures of the clever and creative ways you have used my beads, this is always a highlight to see them in your projects!
When I am not beadmaking, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful husband and my great son. We like to explore the unique outdoors offered by the Great Lakes The summer allows for gardening, visiting Lake Superior's beaches, and grilling. Fall is a time for making jelly from a huge rasberry patch that came with our house.
In the winter, my son and I enjoy x-country skiing and sledding, since we live in a VERY snowy area, averaging over 280 inches of snow a season.
I also regularly donate to the Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan, and the Michigan Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. My husband is an AML Survivor, and both of these organizations helped tremedously during the 4 years of chemotherapy and treatment, leading ultimately to a bone marrow transplant.
I hope you enjoy browsing through my bead selection, and find something "just right" for your next project. And if you didn't, drop me an email, and maybe I can help with a custom order for your needs! |
Above: Me, the artist in my studio. |
