In late 2006 a lampworking class in the local YMCA
course catalog caught Marlene McDonald’s
attention. The idea of making beads out of glass
rods melted in a jet of flame appealed to her.
Apparently painting, her previous medium of choice,
wasn’t dangerous enough. When the class was
cancelled Marlene sought out the instructor (Chris
Fisher, www.chrisfisherart.com) and arranged
private lessons. Within weeks, Marlene had
purchased her own torch and set up a tabletop
workshop in her basement.
Thus began an odyssey of experimentation, hard
work and dedication that continues today.The end
product of all that time on the torch was, of course,
beads. Lot of beads. In the beginning small and
simple ones. Later, large and complex ones.
Then, with her move to coastal North Carolina in late
2007, mermaids, sea shells, and other nature
inspired themes became her passion. It then
quickly became obvious to Marlene that she couldn't
just make beads - she had to do something with
them. And, since beads are always at their finest
as items of personal adornment, jewelry-making
was the natural answer.
And so, Marlene’s beads have found a happy home
in the fine sterling jewelry she makes. She hopes
you like what you see on her website, and invites
you to contact her with your questions or
comments. She will post her new beads and
finished pieces so please check back frequently.
| Marlene, in her studio, making shells on her torch. |
| "Your Key to See Life" 2009 First Place Winner at Autumn with Topsail |
| "Treasure of the Sea" 2010 Third Place Winner at Autumn with Topsail |
| 2011 Best in Show Blue Crab Festival Little River, SC |
Awards and Honors April, 2012, Marlene was honored to receive the "Best in Jewelry" Award at the Savannah Fine Arts on the River Show. November, 2011, Marlene received the "Purchase Award" at the Space Coast Art Festival. In May, 2011, Marlene was honored with "Best in Show" at the Blue Crab Festival, Little River, SC. October, 2010 Marlene won third place at the Autumn in Topsail Art Show for her "Treasure of the Sea" Necklace. In October, 2009, Marlene won first place at the Autumn in Topsail Art Show for her creation, "Your Key to See Life". In October, 2008, Marlene won her first award at the Autumn in Topsail Art Show. She received third place in "Best In Show" in the three dimensional art category. |
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| "Best in Jewelry" Savannah Fine Arts on the River, April 19, 2012 |