I have been creating works of art since childhood. I was always making things and taking things apart. I also worked for ten years as an architectural model maker. Since then I’ve created a variety of art, including model ships, a Victorian dollhouse, model railroad layouts, knit and crocheted clothing, watercolor painting and jewelry.
I began making one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces several years ago, using semi-precious gems, stones, and glass, fitted with silver and gold. Once I began making my own glass beads, the nature of my work changed dramatically. Each bead is handmade, using a propane torch, kiln and Murano glass. The glass rod is melted in the flame, and wound around a steel mandrel to create the center hole. Colors are mixed together while the glass is molten, then the bead is formed into the desired shape. It is painting with melted glass!
Often I enhance the beads with dichroic glass, fine silver, palladium or 22-carat gold foil. When each bead is finished, it is annealed in the kiln to ensure hardness. Only then are the beads made into jewelry or giftware. I combine glass beads with semi-precious stones and sterling silver or gold-filled findings. I use a variety of stringing and wire work. The final product is a beautiful, wearable piece of art. The assorted serving pieces are stainless steel. The deskware is silver or gold plated.
My work has been sold worldwide, from Australia to Israel. I have studied with some of the top glass artists, including an amazing week on the island of Murano. As I learn new techniques, my work continues to expand.
Custom orders:
Any jewelry or giftware you see on my website can be modified or custom ordered.
This could include recreating a piece using a different color scheme, changing the length of a necklace, changing earrings to clip-on from pierced, and so on.
I have clients who even bring me clothing and ask me to make a piece of jewelry to go with it.
Don’t be shy! Please contact me and ask for your heart’s desire. Or come visit my studio and see the process in action:
Call 415-383-1913 or email me for an appointment.