I've always been one of those people who sees something made and has to figure out how to do it - local craft fairs and the Saturday Market have always been dangerous for me! I've tried one craft after another (my husband will attest to that!), but know in my heart that I've finally found my medium in glass.

My interest in creating with glass began several years ago, after receiving a lovely lampwork filigrana glass pendant as a holiday gift, although I have always admired its depth, beauty and ability to take forms both functional and artistic. 

I studied glass beadmaking at Bullseye Glass Studio, here in Portland, Oregon, in Spring of 2004 with instructor Bonnie Celeste while pregnant with my daughter. In November, 2005, I completed another great class at Bullseye, this time with instructor Larry Brickman. After Larry's class I decided that I just HAD to do this for myself - a great "time-out" for Mom and an awesome creative outlet.

In January 2006, I set up a glass lampwork studio in my home where I get to spend wonderful time creating glass beads! Most of my beads are made using Italian 'Moretti/Effetre' glass rods and various frit mixtures.  I rarely have a plan in mind when I sit down at the torch, I just let whatever colors that call out to me form themselves. It's always a bit like Christmas morning when I open up my cooled kiln and pull out the creations contained within. When I show off my works, my husband Adam "oohs", my son Elliot "aahhs", and my 2 year old daughter, Rachel, says "cool" or "WOWWW". A great reward already!

My jewelry is composed of these handmade lampwork beads, sterling silver components, glass accent beads and swarovski crystal beads. I'm having lots of fun mixing colors and styles, making earrings to go with everything under the sun, and sharing these creations with others.

I find the Inspiration for my beads and jewelry pieces in nature and art, from my family - especially all those crayon drawings from the kiddos, from my love of gardening, and above all else, I credit my talents to the blessings of our Lord.

Please take a moment to look through my gallery - if you see something you like, let me know. Have a favorite color or style?  I’d be delighted to create a custom piece for you or your someone special!   

A bit more about me: I was born in Portland, Oregon - a lifelong Oregonian who now lives in S.W. Portland with my wonderful and supportive husband of ten years. We share our lives with our two lovely children, Elliot, age 5, and Rachel, age 2, as well as our sweet beast of a dog, Godiva, and three cats. It's a zoo and we love it.  In my "former life" I worked for Nike and the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office. I feel incredibly fortunate to be enjoying this time with our children as a stay-at-home Mom (except on laundry day).