Although the very beginning of glass beadmaking is a bit obscure, we know that this ancient art form has been practiced for more than 3000 years. Back then, an oil lamp was used to melt the glass; that’s where the name lampworking comes from. Today, we’ve gone high tech. We have a myriad of torches from which to choose. Propane and natural gas are the fuels of choice, and oxygen is used as an accelerant to the fuel to make the flame hotter. We’ve come a long way! I began making glass creations 30 years ago as a traditional stained glass artist. The desire to experiment and to see how far I could transform glass gave way to this passion I call hot glass! There is something to be said about manipulating a plain cold piece of glass in a flame to transform it into a piece of beauty. Being seduced by all the colors and possibilities as I work the glass in the flame is an experience that only another glassblower can understand. I also find great joy in teaching this art form. I’ve taught at The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts and at The Banana Factory Center for the Arts at ArtsQuest. I love demonstrating lampworking at schools and at shows. In addition to teaching lampwork beadmaking, I am the founder of The Penn Dragons, the Eastern Pennsylvania chapter of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers. I’m a past member of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, as well as a member of their Reading/Berks chapter and the Artisan Circle chapter. In 2009, I was chosen to exhibit at the prestigious The Pennsylvania Glass Trails. I am also the author of “Wirework for Beadmakers”

Animal Print Necklace 18" lampwork glass beads set in sterling silver $165.00	Floral Pen lampwork glass beads with metal body $38.00	Fishing Lure 1.75" body Lampwork glass bead with stainless steel parts $35.00

	Bottle Stopper and Canape Knife with Bamboo board Lampwork glass beads on stainless steel $65.00		Twist Disk Necklace Lampwork glass bead set in sterling silver $28.00