About my Journey

It all started when…

On a rainy Saturday, I saw what I thought was a craft fair. It turned out to be a bead show. I had no idea what I was in for. Various glass artists from all over the country were displaying their art. There, I purchased my first beads. I was hooked. I began exploring the world of lampwork glass beads and decided I had to learn how to create these amazing works of art. It has become my passion.

I took a beginner class and learned the basics. My husband (Jack) designed my first amateur studio. I spent hours practicing, and I admit I made lots of ugly, badly shaped amateur beads. Eventually, my skills developed and I asked an experienced well-known lampwork artist to critique my work. When she said “you have good hands,” I felt like I was floating on air, and I never looked back. I am at my happiest when sitting at my torch!

As for my background, I was born and raised in NY and at the age of 21, I enlisted in the US Air Force where I served for four years. I took college courses during those years and after an Honorable Discharge, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. I remained employed in social services my entire career, and now through my beads, I seem to be able to help people through part of the grieving process.

Jack and I were married in 1993. We live with our two “girls,” Willow and Nina.