Michelle Waldren Beads
I am a lampwork Artist in that I create glass beads and other various items, such as paperweights, and fan pulls, on a lampwork torch. Lampworking is like glassblowing on a smaller scale. I use Italian glass rods (Morretti)because of the beautiful range in color that they carry. All my work is fully annealed in a kiln, so that it is hardened and durable. I create all the fine details in all my work.
http://www.mwaldren.etsy.com 512-964-7990
I have been creating beaded jewelry for 20 years. I started by learning to make seedbeaded earrings in Native American style, then moved on to larger beads mostly in natural materials such as stone, and bone. When I discovered that I could learn how to make glass beads on a torch it was a dream come true for me. I took a basic class and took off like a shot! Working with glass has been a God Send for me. When ever life gets tough and challenging, my glasswork and jewelry making are a refuge for me. No matter how bad things are that is a happy place.
After making beads for 3 months I started selling in a local bead store called Alaska bead co. I then started taking more classes and opened my own lampworking studio. Over the last 10 years I have taught basic and some intermediate to advanced lampworking to over 900 people. I have had classes with and hired in my studio people such as Loren Stump, Andrea Gaurino, Stevie Bell, Al Jenelle, and Kevin Ogrady. I ran my studio for 8 years but closed it when I moved to Texas to be with my family. Now I am spending most of my time making glass and learning as much as time allows. I sell my Jewelry at various Art shows and in various Art galleries throughout the country. Some of my other skills include wirework, and metal smithing as well as Pmc . I teach around Texas and Oklahoma a couple times a year. My work has been published in the lapidary Journal Magazine, and I have photos of my work in various books such as 1000 glass beads.
One day I hope to own an Art Gallery of my own and fill it with beautiful artwork from all the many talented artists I have met over the years, along with my work also of course.
