I was born and raised in lower Michigan. I am the youngest of seven. My siblings and parents were born in the upper Peninsula. Upper Michigan is beautiful land surrounded by the great lakes. I spent at least a month a year there. However, I was fortunate to have moved to Colorado in 1993 with my family. It has been a great place for my husband and I to raise our two children who are now adults, and still love everything Colorado has to offer!
I've been working (or should I say playing) with glass fusing for over 6 years. I started out learning the art of stained glass. I decided to take an advanced class to make my own kitchen cabinet doors. The place I wanted to take my classes was hiring clerks at the time. The Glasswarehouse in Englewood. I worked there for over 3 years. It was one of the best learning experiences ever. I didn't earn a dime, but with discounts on my classes and supplies I slowly built my own home glass studio. I have 4 kilns in various sizes I use depending on the project. I also use glass grinders, and ring saws. The essence of Glass fusing is to take at least 2 pieces of compatible glass, stack them on a kiln shelf in a kiln, and fire the kiln up to 1400-1440 degrees resulting in fusing the pieces together. I have always loved stained glass windows and pretty vases and am so happy that I create these things myself. It is rewarding to make wonderful things out of glass for myself and others! My projects include: Serving platters, plates, bowls, spoon rest, coasters, vases, votives, paper weights/garden critters, night lights, mobiles, sun catchers, and an extensive line of Dichroic and decaled glass jewelry. My favorite jewelry item to make are kiln formed bracelets so I have an extensive collection! I also do custom orders, and have done custom made jewelry for wedding parties, including cuff links, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, hair decor., wine stoppers, and etched wine glasses. I am also a retired orthodontist technician of 20 years. I'm must say I enjoy bending wires around glass to make jewelry more fun. I sell my pieces at various festivals renting vender space. I host home shows around the holidays from my home in Littleton. I am proud to be a part of the Coyote Creek Co-Op and have my pieces for sale at the gallery in Fairplay. I am happy that the good people associated with fundraising for the Hospice of Saint Johns believe in my art work to have me donate pieces for silent auctions at fundraisers, and have recently provided an inventory for sale in their new gift shop.