​IN THE NEWS

Attending Venice Glass Week as a finalist in the Your Bead for Venice competition was a magical week of experiences, education and friendship.  Winning first place was the totally unexpected cherry on top!

Since my recent adventures in Venice and Murano I am so excited and inspired to dive deeper into connections between historical Venetian glass beads and my own artistic voice. Maybe a "Journey from Venice" series?

Being one of 20 finalists in 2023 was a perfect opportunity to visit Venice and Murano for the first time! It was an immersion into the history and culture of beadmaking and I came home full of ideas and inspiration to explore more historical Venetian techniques and designs. 

In 2025 I focused on creating another entry, hoping to be a finalist and part of the event again. I was thrilled when my entry was chosen  as one of the 20, and I am still surprised that I won! (pinch me) 

I am grateful to the Comitato per la Salvaguardia dell’Arte delle Perle di Vetro Veneziane International Society of Glass Beadmakers,  Perliers d'Art de France and Museo de Vetro for the experience of a lifetime! 

yOUR BEAD FOR VENICE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

"Oranige Fiesta" Flameworked bead necklace featuring a 2" round focal bead. The 3 dimensional design was created by working in reverse on the back, capped with enamel powder. Bail and necklace elements include textured copper fused with a fine silver coating, along with with hand forged and flame coloured copper elements and brass rivets. The clasp is at the front and pendant can be removed and worn separately. All glass and metalwork done by me.

Your Bead for Venice is the International competition for beadmakers around the world who are inspired by the tradition of Venetian beadmaking. This is a collaboration between the International Society of Glass Beadmakers, the Comitato per las Salvaguardia dell'Arte delle Perle di Vetro Venezian and Perliers d'Art de France.  From all the entries from all over the world 20 finalists were chosen by a jury. The final judging took place by a panel of experts at the Museo de Vetro (Museum of Glass in Murano) on September 14th, 2025. 

All 20 of the finalists beads are on display from September 13th to January 6th, 2026 and are a part of the Museo de Vetro's permanent collection.