I've pretty much been creating since I was a kid. I've had a love for manipulating things with my hands ever since I can remember.
When I was in second or third grade, I made a life sized paper mache horse that the school held onto in the library for about 15 years, and a clay form of my grandfather's head. They were my two favorite projects from my childhood. I have always loved to paint and draw, and in my teen years, I was more into crafting, making the embroidery thread friendship bracelets that were such a craze at the time. I moved onto Native American style crafting, and then to seed beading for awhile in the mid 90's. I loved doing peyote stitch projects, but gained a fascination with making jewelry out of larger glass and metal beads.
I realized one day that I could make my own glass beads, and two of my biggest passions- fire and glass - were combined. I'd always loved watching glass being worked, but up until that point, never thought this dream could be realized for me.
We moved to the Quad Cities, Il. area from Grand Rapids, Mi. in 2002. While in Grand Rapids, I taught several jewelry making classes at two Hobby Lobbys in the Grand Rapids area, and several private home parties. Since we have been here in Illinois, I was able to open a small bead shop for a short time, but decided it was best to close, and I'm extremely thankful I got the lucky chance to apprentice in a hot shop for a time, learning to work stained glass, slump, fuse, blow, and cold work glass.
I got to take a couple of year break due to having a new baby, and in that time, I grew a fondness for the world of vintage clothing. I'm so ready to get back to beads and jewelry again, though!
As of now, I have my little shop back open, and though I'm happy with it, it'll probably never be where I want it to be. I'm looking forward to having our new bigger shop open sometime in the near future, with more torch room, and room for another kiln or two, so I can work on some larger projects to offer as well.
Until then, I'm just excited to get the chance to light the torch every chance I get. Luckily, when I can't, I also enjoy doing lots of wirework, website work, and making jewelry out of other elements as well.
Thanks for reading!!!
