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About the Artist
My name is Alaina and my obsession with beads began approximately seventeen years ago when I ventured into a tiny craft store that looked like a preschool. I say that because it had colorful polka dots painted everywhere. Once I was inside I saw numerous things created out of tiny beads, which included pendants, pen covers, bags, necklaces, and many other items.
I inquired about how to go about making those items, met two wonderful women, and bought my first five tubes of beads. I then took a class with them and found that I had already taught myself everything I wanted to know about the different the stitches, except the proper names for them. Since they really didn't need to teach me very much they let me buy a pattern for a very cute bag and I made the bag on my first try! I have since modified it and it is still one of my favorites.
In 1993 I took my first lampworking (the process of making glass beads) class with a different bead storeowner and loved the colors but I just wasn't into it. So I continued making things with tiny beads and bought lampwork beads whenever I could find them to incorporate them into my designs.
My next brush with making lampwork beads was in 2005 when I requested a lampworking kit for a present so I could make my own spacers, which are plain colored beads, instead of buying them. I started my tiny torch up on July 4th, 2005, melted some glass, and have never stopped since! I have since upgraded to a much hotter torch.
I have taken six classes to date because of my time constraints and would recommend five of the instructors to anyone interested in melting glass. Even if you know the techniques the instructors were great and fun to be around! The classes I took were with Joyce Rooks, Pati Walton, Cynthia Tilker, Leah Fairbanks, and Chiharu Richardson. The sixth instructor no longer makes beads thus I will not include her name.
Aside from my beadwork/lampworking I am a mother of a little boy old who takes up most of my time. I also work full time and have two bachelor degrees with one in computer information management and the other in business management. I belong to the International Society of Bead Makers Organization (ISGB) and attend their functions whenever I have a chance.
I have including my first brush with beads because the owner and co-owner of the store were my inspiration for creating all types of things out of beads. The last time I visited the shop the owners' family was cleaning it out due to her dying of stomach cancer. I will forever be thankful for her kindness in helping me learn how to create things with beads!
Thanks for visiting my site and looking at my creations!
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