About the Artist

I created this page so visitors can learn a little about me. I'm the artist, and this is my site. I have been beadweaving and stringing since the summer of 2003. I owe my love of beads to my husband's aunt, who sent me a beaded bracelet for my birthday that year. I loved the bracelet and said to myself, "I bet I can make that!" As my love for beading grew, I saw people on do-it-yourself and craft shows on tv making their own beads out of glass, with a torch. I loved the thought of it, but it was one of those things I just knew I would never have the opportunity to do. Then I was browsing my local bead shop and they had a sign advertising lampwork classes! I was so excited. I took the class as soon as it was offered and it was wonderful! I fell in love with lampworking. I got everything I needed, set up an area to work, and now I lampwork every chance I get! I take great pride in my work. I take my time, and make sure I do it right. I use excellent quality materials in everything I create, and I truly love the pieces I make. I am also a prize winning designer - I won bronze prize in the natural pearl category of the Fire Mountain Gems 07-08 Beading Contest with my design, "Reef."

I get my inspiration from my work from a lot of different places. When beadweaving, I often browse my bead stash and get ideas that way. For lampworking, I like to look at my glass colors for inspiration. My husband is probably my greatest inspiration of all. I tell him about my ideas, and he helps me develop them. Just being able to talk to him about ideas I have helps me decide on what to do.

I am a Reiki healer. I learned this ancient healing art from my mom, who is a Reiki master/teacher. All of my beads and jewelry pieces are charged with healing Reiki power to benifit the wearer.

I am a member of a group called Self-Representing Artists. This is a group for lampwork artists. I am member #E40. Visit the SRA website at www.self-representing-artist.com for more information.

Finally, I am a member of the Etsy Beadweaving Street Team. This is a group for beadweavers. You can visit our blog at http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com. We have beadweaving challenges, so be sure to check out the entries to see some beautiful work.

Member #E20