Having been a potter for 8 years, I began working with glass in 1999 when a friend and fellow lampworker showed me how to make icicles for my nieces and nephews for a project that is ongoing even now. At the time I only had 2 nieces and my idea was to make something each year for their Christmas tree. Each year they would be a little different and hopefully by the time they were ready to leave the nest, they would have a good start on decorations for their own tree. Well now I am up to 13 nieces and nephews and 6 grandchildren to make them for each year! I was hooked! I sold my pottery equipment and turned my potting shed into a lampworking studio. After a couple of years, I began selling my wares at bead shows throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. Then I discovered e-Bay! I have to say it is a lot more fun making beads out in the studio in my jammies & listening to XM radio instead of all that traveling.

I am usually out in the studio by 4:30 [that's A.M. folks!]. By noon, I am in the garden, playing with the boxers, Dempsey & Daisy, or chasing after one of the grandkids. My husband, Rich has a woodworking shop next to my studio where he turns some fantastic bowls of exotic wood.

The northwest is such a beautiful place to live – yes even the rain is an inspiration!