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| Thom and Marlene with their muse, Merlin. |
Midnight Skye
Handmade Glass Beads & Sterling Jewelry
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, who is listed in our links) 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.
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, who is listed in our links) 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. It 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 with the help of her
family. 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.