Janet from Another Planet

I first became interested in off-loom bead weaving when a friend brought me to a local Bead Society meeting. I was blown away by what could be accomplished with little glass beads, a needle and thread. Little did I know I would later become president of the Bead Society of New Jersey and remain on the board for many years. Originally self-taught, I pursued this art form with passion and was able to meet and take classes with some of the very best artists on the planet.

At first I worked for AC Moore offering classes in stringing and bead weaving along with some wirework. I also gave classes on the tools and supplies necessary for jewelry making, which were quite popular. I have given private instruction, taught for the Girl Scouts of America and gave workshops for the Bead Society of New Jersey. It is always a pleasure to share my enthusiasm for beading with others.

My work has been sold and exhibited at many juried art shows and has been published in several magazines including Bead and Button, Beadwork and Lapidary Journal. In 2012 my 'Uchikake Kimono' (Wedding Kimono) was a finalist in the international Bead Dreams competition and was displayed at the Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Another work, 'Janet from Another Planet' was featured on the York Beads website.

For over 22 years I have continued to explore this ancient art, moving forward in three-dimensional design, experimenting with shape, color and texture. Each piece is planned using a mathematical approach, adding one bead at a time to achieve geometric forms. Many hours of attention and expert craftsmanship go into every design. All work is done solely by me in my studio in central New Jersey.

Wedding Kimono
Photo by Robin Milne

Lethal Beauty

I was pleased to have some of my designs auctioned at Neiman Marcus to benefit the Valley Hospital Home Care Butterflies Program and Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation. Other pieces were donated with proceeds going to a local Food Bank.

It is a pleasure to see someone wearing my work and enjoying it. For me, that's what it's all about!