In 2008 I was working with Stained Glass, creating panels, etc. as a hobby and gifts to family. I received a Stained Glass catalog in the mail and took notice of the Lampworking section. Every time I received this catalog, I became more and more interested in the beadmaking section. As everyone knows, creating a panel is time consuming, although the rewards when finished are wonderful. However, I was looking for something that was easy, quick and rewarding all at the same time. So, what could be quicker than creating a small glass bead, quick and easy, right? Well, I went to Hobby Lobby and they had a kit with a torch head, some rods of glass, etc. so I bought it. I go to Home Depot and get some MAPP gas, set it up and there I went. I was scared at first and I really wish I'd kept my first beads I made to compare them to mine now. So, the rest is history. Upgraded my torch, purchased a 2nd larger new kiln, purchased 2 oxygen concentrators and actually had my studio built on our property in 2012. I have found making beads consumes you, I was reading, researching, buying anything and everything to make more beads and not just plain beads. I am heavily into the silver glass, I love how it changes colors and reacts with the other glass.

One thing I do enjoy is taking classes from world-renowned glass artists, learning new techniques, etc., plus being around people with the same enthusiasm with glass is a bonus. I've met so many wonderful people in the glass world.