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While playing tennis one evening, Pam turned to me and asked 'would you like to take a fused glass workshop?'. I said, 'OK....but let's finish the match first!' (we won). That was the beginning of our collaborative efforts in the fascinating and frustrating world of fused glass. Unbeknownst to me, Pam is an accomplished designer of beaded necklaces. She was interested in the class to add another dimension to her work. Since I am a watercolor artist I am always open to experiencing new creative endeavors. We both found we liked the colors and the feel of the glass. We are continuing to find new ways to combine colors, decals, frits, firing papers and dichroic glass in our unique designs. All of our glass work is handcrafted: we individually cut, stack, fire and finish each piece. We do not fire large sheets of glass to cut and mass produce our designs. Because our glass creations are completely handcrafted they will not be perfect....there will always be a bit of 'personality' to them. We do not make anything just for the sake of sales, we would wear all of our creations ourselves...our customers deserve no less.
Our jewelry will not go out of style, it is not dictated by runway models or department stores, they are just great examples of wearable art. Each piece of jewelry has a little creative story behind it. laurie leinonen
Laurie Leinonen: LITTLE BIRD STUDIOS evolved in name from the brightly colored 'little birds' in my watercolor paintings. I have always made art, from childhood into adulthood, in art classes or on my own, in whatever medium intrigues or inspires me. My work in watercolor was the result of having children and realizing I wanted a medium I could safely and easily work with around children. I like using clear bright colors to bring my creatures and their worlds to life. My recent foray into the world of art glass actually complements my watercolor work in the selection and use of bright colors and materials. Similar to layering colors in watercolor, I layer the pieces of glass to create the tiles for my jewelry. Each piece is designed to be a comfortable, fun 'piece of art' to wear. I am enjoying the experience with this new medium and find each piece a bit of a mystery and an adventure from its inception to its final completion.
Pam Hanlin: CREEQUE ALLEY was my cattery name in another life and I have continued to use that name for all of my creative endeavors. DESIGNS was added when I started making beaded necklaces. I purchased a 'too expensive' coral necklace from a designer in Savannah, GA and after looking closely at it, said 'I can do that'. I asked a friend in Boulder who makes silver bead jewelry if she would show me how to string beads and semi-precious gemstones (onyx, turquoise, coral, etc.) and the rest is history. I have been designing one-of-a-kind necklaces for five years. The fused glass has added another style element to my beaded jewelry and as individual pendants worn on a silver neckwire. Recently, I began designing 'rustic silver' jewelry using silver wire, this is still in the creative stage! My husband and I (plus our four Ocicats) divide our time between Louisville, CO (small town east of Boulder, one of the top 10 USA cities to live in) and Hilton Head Island, SC. I am involved in numerous fine art craft shows on 'the island' and my work has been well received.
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