As far back as I can remember I've enjoyed crafting and art. My Mom taught me to crochet at a very young age, and I have always loved to draw/sketch/doodle.  I find it both relaxing and rewarding to create something by hand. I fell into Lampworking completely by accident. I was looking to take a silversmithing class at our local Art Center, but the class was full. While looking at the class schedule I saw a beginner's lampwork class. I remembered that an internet friend I had met through a parrot board had started making glass beads that were beautiful. I decided to give it a try and after the first class I was hooked! I found myself searching the internet and library trying to read everything I could on this wonderful art. I was having a hard time waiting between classes.  It wasn't very long after that first class that I purchased my first torch and kiln so I could start making beads at home. That is me in the photo above making a bead. Aren't the glasses I have to wear to protect my eyes lovely?

As my day job, my husband and I own a small restaurant, Dave's Place, in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas. We are very lucky to have our 2 children still working for us. It is truly a family owned and operated restaurant. If you are ever in Little Rock drop by and check us out! We'd be happy to have you!

Another passion of mine, besides lampworking, is my pets. I have 2 wonderful little miniature dachshunds and 3 parrots. The parrots are how I got the name, Parrotise. I used to take in abused and unwanted parrots and at one time we had 14.  My husband would say that when they would come to live with me that it was like living in paradise compared to what they had been living in. Thus the name Parrotise. When I was trying to decide on a name for my lampwork business I decided to combine my 2 passions, parrots and beads, and came up with Parrotise Beads.