It's always embarrassing to have to write about oneself, but here goes anyway.  Having spent many years in what many would deem to be a rather stressful working environment, I decided that a change was necessary if I wanted to continue to live a long and happy life.  Although it took a few more years after that landmark decision to make the 'break', I finally ended my career of over 18 years to try to determine what to do next.  It took a little while to adjust, ponder, try a few things and ponder some more, before finally deciding to do a 12-week course in stained glass starting September 2005.  Well, it was either that or learning Chinese (I love languages), antique furniture restoration, jewellery making & design, silversmithing or understanding wine (what's to understand except that most of them taste divine?).

The course was a little strange at first (not being used to adult education), but once I got the hang of the fact that I could do almost anything I wanted to do, my enthusiasm was limitless and I loved every second of it.  My usual propensity for precision really suited this craft and I quickly took on some quite challenging projects.  Unfortunately, my home environment was not suitable for continuing with stained glass once the course ended, so I took an enforced break for almost a year.  However, when I moved into my studio, I had the perfect place to work in safety and I had a huge smile on my face as I finally was able to review my stock of float glass and plan some projects. 

(Prototype copperfoil project - vase or candleholder, June 2006)

In the meantime, from the end of 2005, I started making jewellery and soon discovered lampwork beads.  Over the next few months, I was lucky enough to buy some gorgeous beads from some of Britain's finest lampwork artists such as Judith Johnston, Ray Skene, Rebecca Weddell, Sally Carver, Emma Ralph and John Watt  to name but a few.  Then in July 2006, I decided that it was time to invest in my own equipment to make my own lampwork beads.  It was not a difficult decision to take, especially after having had a few lessons and realising that I could actually hold a mandrel.  I still continue to buy lampwork beads from British lampworkers and now have a special display cabinet to show off some of the stunning beads I've managed to purchase along the way - I'm a lucky girl indeed!

So there you have a little peek into my life so far...  Glass Tales will unravel through my chapters on lampwork, jewellery and stained glass.  I hope you will enjoy the journey with me.

Last updated: Friday 2nd January 2009