Margaret Sackton

Margaret@margaretsbeads.com

www.margaretsbeads.com

Artistís Statement:

I am a new bead maker with only a year and a half of experience on the torch. In the fall of 2004, I found the beads of Leah Fairbanks, Nancy Tobey and others at a gallery exhibit. I have enjoyed making beaded jewelry, but once I saw an exhibit of artisan glass beads, I was more than thrilled and wanted to learn how to ìplayî in glass. I found a teacher, Jeri Warhaftig, and I made my first beads in January, 2005. I was completely entranced with the wonderful combination of fire, form and color. (My husband was amazed that I could love an activity so much. It definitely changed the rhythm of our lives. Being the wonderful companion that he is, he quickly became my best support.) In April 2005, I set up a studio in our sunroom, overlooking a pond. It is truly beautiful and peaceful place to be. My time on the torch is filled with wonder and pleasure, as well as frustration and discouragement. I make my beads by first choosing a color palette, then perhaps making some stringers, or getting out some frit or silver. I have a very rough idea when I start and the bead evolves the way it will. I feel each bead is an experiment. Being fully engaged in this process gives me a wonderful feeling of satisfaction and connection, a feeling of being present in the moment.