hile visiting my folks in Arizona, I watched my dad repair a little glass teapot that was hanging in the window of their new kitchen. Following that, I bought my first book on stained glass in July of 1999. I love working with my hands and was fascinated with the color and designs of glasswork. I have a long history as a seamstress and many aspects of stained glass were very familiar because of that. When dad came to Denver in late summer, 1999, I asked if I could help to make a hummingbird (which I think is still one of his favorites). So we did and something got under my skin. I signed up for my first stained glass class in October, 1999. That did it! I was to be a glassworker! I continued taking 6 week sessions of classes with a fun group of other glass artists. From leaded panels to a tiffany lampshade, I continued taking classes. I discovered soon that no matter how I felt walking into class (headache, tired, stressed), I ALWAYS felt terrific when I left. I get so focused when I work at it that not only do I have a great time, it is therapeutic for me. It quickly became a passion for me and remains so.

In April of 2001 the owner of the shop where I was taking classes asked if I would teach class. I was more than delighted. So I began teaching both lead and foil work to new students. It was so much fun to share in their experience of creating a piece of glass that they were so proud of. They always surprised themselves with what they were able to accomplish.

When I started working at glass, I had a table on the edge of my living room and pieces of cut glass flew under the couch and coffee table. My work space was probably 6’x6’, which goes to show you that you can work almost anywhere. As I accumulated glass and tools, I moved my workspace into a small bedroom adjacent to my living room. It worked well but I just needed more space. In December of 2003 I had a small workshop attached to the back of my home and that has been the best thing ever. Dad and I have built a big worktable which is located right in the center under 2 big shop lights. I have tools hanging, shelving for supplies, extra workspace for extra projects, rubber gloves, cotton balls, paper towels, cable TV, the only air conditioner in my home, and lots of windows for lots of light!! My glass is sorted by color and my grinders are ready to go. I even have my laundry tub about 2 feet from my workshop door. A glass worker must have water!! So, I feel like I have a great little setup and love spending time out there.

I retired from my fulltime job at a medical library in July of 2003 (lucky me!) I work at glass and beads now as much or as little as I choose to. This always was my idea of a “working life” but I had no idea I would be living it so soon. I have glass and beadwork consigned in a candle studio and a day spa. I sell glass to a book and gift shop. I sell lots of glass to my swimming buddies as well as friends and neighbors. I do commission work and make lots of glass for gifts.

When the shop I worked at closed its doors in December of 2004 (retirement time for the shop owner), I decided to get myself even more established than I had been. I became Ladybug Glass in January of 2005. I am learning the ins and outs of having my own small business and I am thoroughly enjoying it.