LAMPWORKED GLASS:  For those of you who aren't familiar with "lampworked glass", let me explain. Glass rods are melted over a torch using oxygen and propane and then the melted glass is wrapped around a metal rod. By adding other colors of glass or other methods of decoration, the possibilities are endless. Using gravity, shaping paddles, dental tools, etc. are various methods of shaping the beads. In order for the glass to cool without cracking, the beads are placed in a kiln and cooled very slowly.  

ARTISTIC RESUME:  I started out in music, playing the harp beginning in 9th grade and into college. I changed my major from harp to printing and specialized in color separation (graphic photography). I got into stained glass windows back when I was 18 years old and have always loved glass. I taught basket weaving, painted porcelain dolls, etc., etc. I finally found the pleasure of making glass beads!

1994 - I took a six hour course in glass beadmaking at Delphi Stained Glass in Lansing, Michigan.

1994-1995 - Taught glass beadmaking at the local college in the extended education program and also privately.

1996 to present - Started my own business: Beadlz

I have had my beads in various art galleries and have entered several contests such as at Delphi Stained Glass in Lansing, Michigan taking 2nd place in the Hot Glass category, a show in the State of Washington, and a show in Boston. One of contests was through the Society of Glass Beadmakers where I won a scholarship to the National Convention in Seattle. I also was chosen through this organization to have one of my necklaces displayed in the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology in New Mexico for six months. Lapidary Journal did an article on that show and my necklace was one of ten pieces chosen to be featured in the October 1997 Annual Bead issue. There were 66 pieces in the show.

2001 - First Place Winner in Annual Multimedia Art Show, sponsored by N.A.M.I.