My Torch

A torch is the heart of a studio and I chose the  "workhorse" of the beadmaking industry:  a dual-fuel Nortel Minor bench burner.  Here's a photo of mine:

The Kitties!

     Meet the home and studio mascots who were awaken from their kitty naps by Mom's flashing camera!  From bottom up:  Pebbles, Jazz, Precious and Polar Bear.  Our motto is "a house is not a home without a cat!"  (or two or three or four.....)   All were once homeless but they are now my bright, shining lights!

And me

Thanks for visiting us!

About Me

I have been making jewelry since 1998, but it was not until the summer of 2004 that I discovered the art of lampwork beadmaking. I fell in love with the mystical quality of lampwork beads, so I studied the art form and set up my own studio in 2004.  I started with a beginner "hot head" torch and became so enamored with the craft that I invested in a professional torch and a kiln - and the rest is history!

Occasionally I still design the odd piece of jewelry, but I spend most of my spare time making beads (when I am not working at my day job or playing with one of my cats!)  

The Studio

 As you can see, my studio is bright and cozy and contains all the equipment necessary to make high quality lampwork beads.  This photo was taken before I acquired my new torch, pictured to the right.

Cat rescue

Did you know that millions of cats are put to death each year in North America simply because they do not have homes?   I am a foster/volunteer for a charity called Organization for the Rescue of Animals.  A couple of their homeless cats are staying in my home until they find forever homes.  These poor kitties were rescued on the very day they were scheduled to be euthanized along with their mother Dodi (who was adopted by close friend of mine - yeah!)   People who do not spay and neuter their pets ON TIME are the sole reason for this endless suffering.  Please spread the word:  SPAY AND NEUTER PETS - ON TIME!!!!