I saw my first lamp working demonstration in December 2005, after which I was gifted with my first torch in the form of a Hot Head kit. I was in love, although life has a different idea and this is currently only a part-time endeavor due to my full-time career. My career often requires the studio to be packed up and moved and sometimes takes me away for months at a time. I currently work out of a small home studio that has moved from my kitchen table to a wonderful studio space. I have upgraded to a Mini CC torch, two 20M Oxygen Concentrators and Bluebird XL and Chili-pepper kilns.

I started out making "spacer" beads but was then introduced to Big Hole Beads (inner hole larger than 5/32") and was in love. I now mainly work on mandrels that are 5/32 and larger, up to 1.5 inches. These beads require attention to detail regarding heat control and often take 1.5+ hours to complete depending on size and detail. Unpon completion, they are properly annealed (6+ hrs) to prevent breakage and then hand cleaned with a Dremel. The over all process for a large bead can require a total of 8+ hours from start to finish.

I primarily work with COE 104 glass from Effetre, CIM, Vetrofond and Double Helix, although I do limited work in Bullseye and Uroboros. I mainly do OOAK beads, while patterns and colors can be duplicated, every bead is unique. I love to work with color combinations, patterns and decorations that provide both a visual and tactile experience. I leave most of my dots "raised" meaning they provide texture across the face of the bead. I also usually apply different patterns or colors to each side of the beads so they provide two options for wear or jewelry components.

My ultimate goal is to provide a bead that makes someone Smile (it speaks to the individual) visually, while also providing a tangible calming experience (like Komboloi).