Mom:  "Carol, what are you doing?"

Me, at age 5:  "Makin'."   

And I've been "makin' " ever since.  As far back as I can remember, I was always making something.  Whether it was a "fort" out of seaweed at my Lake Ontario childhood home, or stained glass or soap in later years, I've always felt the need to create with my heart and hands.

My stained glass work evolved into fusing glass in the kiln, using carefully selected pieces of glass with matching "COE"-coefficient of expansion-which allows the glass layers to heat and cool consistently for strength and durability. I use my kiln to form the glass pieces-using temperatures that will create a tack fuse or full fuse, depending on the effect I am seeking.  I often incorporate pieces of dichroic glass in my work, which is glass with an extremely thin layer of metallic oxides, that has the unique ability to transmit and reflect different colors.

I also enjoy creating lampwork glass beads with a torch,  where I take a rod of glass and heat it to the molten state, then carefully wrap the flowing glass around a steel mandrel. I find glass bead making to be very mesmerizing. 

Another passion of mine is sculpting jewelry with metal clay.  I love the freedom of manipulating clay and firing it in my kiln to create pure silver jewelry.  I also enjoy working with gemstones and silver wire, including chainmaille pieces.   Creating unique works of art that can be worn, and sharing the pleasure that is derived from finding a piece that fits the personality of the wearer, is very satisfying to me.

I studied jewelry making and metalsmithing at Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute, with the award winning Chris Irick  and very talented Lisa Oristian  and have taken many other classes and workshops to advance my skills.  I owe many thanks to my friend Christel Hoffmann, who is a very skilled metal clay and lampwork artist, and to Amber, for her expertise in the mysterious ways of glass!  Connie Fox is a wonderful teacher and a great inspiration and I also had the privilege of learning some amazing techniques, including Keum-Boo, from the highly regarded polymer clay and metal clay artist, Celie Fago.   Keum Boo is an ancient Asian technique where precious metals, such as pure silver and gold, are bonded by the application of heat and burnishing.   Another amazing, award winning metal clay artist is Gordon Uyehara from Honolulu, who taught me many tips and techniques when fabricating with this fascinating form of fine silver. And many thanks to DeeAnn vonHunke, for her inspiration and tips.  I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to study with such talented artists! 

My work has been influenced by my years growing up on the shores of Lake Ontario, in Oswego, NY, and spending many happy summers in the Adirondacks (Pilot Knob, Lake George, and over the past 12 years, Speculator).  The lakes, forests and mountains have had a profound effect on me and I strive to create jewelry that reflects the colors and textures that remind me of those experiences.  My husband and I recently left the suburbs and bought a log home under the pine trees to live as close to nature as possible, and  recreate the feelings of being in the Adirondacks. 

My college education was in Nursing, and my years as an ER nurse only reinforced my understanding of how precious and fragile life is, and the need to "stop and smell the roses".  I am blessed with a wonderful husband and family, and two dogs who are a constant source of joy.  

Jewelry making has been such a creative outlet for me and I have met so many talented and generous people while expanding my craft.  I feel strongly that people should follow their passions and dreams, and I sincerely hope that my work will inspire you to pursue your passion, as well.