I live in Merrickville, Ontario with my husband David and Raff our shelter adoptee.

No my paws aren't big, they just look that way!

I’ve been lampworking since 2006 and never dreamed I’d find something that was so much fun.

I’m self taught – meaning I haven’t taken any actual lessons yet, although I’d love to.   I do have to credit all the wonderful artists who’ve helped me get to where I am by sharing their knowlege and enthusiasm!

If you really want details read on..

Why Hot Glass?

I think I’ve always loved coloured glass in one form or another, but never imagined I would be working in this medium. The turning point came when I found flameworked beads on the web. The first ones that really caught my eye were beautiful beads that had little glass frogs perched on them. That started my quest, and eventually I found myself drawn to website galleries that had all types of incredibly detailed beads — just breathtaking. It took a while to convince myself, but in the end I knew I had to give this art form a try.

How did you get started?

I read — a LOT! Requirements, techniques, tutorials, you name it — whatever I could lay my hands on. Then I ordered Cindy Jenkin’s book, ‘How To Make Glass Beads’, and finally plucked up courage to get a beginner’s kit. I was very nervous the first time I lit the torch, but if there is something I want to do and I see others doing it, I can be very determined.

Influences?

The more I have delved into this craft the more interested I’ve become in ancient beads and the abilities of their creators (who had none of the technolgy we have today). I stumbled upon a particular type of bead called ‘Warring States’ from China, dating back to nearly 500 BC. You might say that was my undoing as they have definitely become a major influence for me — I have become ‘dot’ obsessed. I’m always on the lookout for lampwork artists who are also influenced by these beads — Dustin Tabor, Tom Holland, Kristina Logan and Larry Brickman to name just four. I also want to create beads that make people laugh, or at least smile, and to that end I’m pursuing faces and critters. Another influence is Sharon Peters who has a wonderfully wicked sense of humour and a talent for creating detailed beads with oodles of personality.

Torch and Glass?

I began with a Hot Head torch but have upgraded to a Mega Minor torch and EX-15 Oxycon, I love the quietness and the ability to control the flame.

I mainly work with soft glass, but am also trying a little borosilicate.