Carrie on a archaeological dig ~ Antigua

In 2001 I had the good fortune to go an archaeological dig and there I unearthed carnelian and coral beads that were made 2000 years ago.  Shortly after, I went to Africa and saw, draped around people, strands of amber as large as apples, bright and colorful trade beads, bold and ornate silver spheres...  It was these two experiences that lead me to the understanding that beads as adornments have endured through time and space, not just as symbols of beauty, but as reflections of cultures both present & past.  In fact, beads speak volumes about the individuals that create them, wear them, trade them, hold them, collect them, & gift them.  They are sculptural objects exhibiting an intense creative energy within and are, in essence, a visual record of who we've been, who we are, and who we are becoming. 

10 things you might not know about me:

1. I know how to tap dance & juggle (but not at the same time).

2. Even though I'm an avid gardener, I still get freaked out when I encounter a worm.

3. I have a University degree with a major in English and a minor in Archaeology.

4. I want to write a book sometime during my life.

5. I've traveled to 5 continents.  

6. I just learnt how to knit & can't wait to make my first pair of wool socks.

7. I have a tattoo of a whale's tail.

8. Rainy days make me happy.

9. I once played in a rock band.

10. I'm an Aquarian.

Judy enjoying the Sausalito scene ~ California

In 1988 I graduated from University with a degree in Fine Arts, my specialty in painting.

Since making art a full-time career for more than 15 years, I have explored a number of different subjects and have done a variety of mediums including oil, acrylic, pastel, pencil crayon, watercolor and stained glass. I like to create art that makes people smile and I hope to give a message of joy and happiness.

I am the mother of a blended family consisting of 6 children and 11 grandchildren. In the summer of 2002 we lost "Papa", my husband, the father and grandfather of our family. Carrie, my youngest daughter, and I took a "beading" course that fall at a cancer institute as therapy for our loss. We went on to take a lampwork-beading course and in the process fell in love with beads. Carrie became fascinated with making glass beads and I with designing jewelry. Somehow it seemed natural for us to start our own business combining our individual interests and strengths.

I have been involved for several years as an instructor/facilitator in painting workshops at the cancer institute in our city.  I teach icon painting (egg tempera), spirit animals (acrylic), healing angles (acrylic) and colorful birds (pencil crayon). I have been blessed with a firsthand opportunity to experience the healing and happiness creativity can give us.

I am still showing my artwork in one gallery and I just had a solo exhibition in October 2004.  You can view some of my work here. 

Mom & Dad ~ Kelowna 2000

The Bead Tree came about through events that proceeded a great loss.  In this way, I try to see this business as a gift from my dad.  When he passed away we lost a huge part of our lives, but somehow we were led down a road in which, from that loss, we gained a new passion.  My glass beads are made in his memory & we donate a portion of our profits to cancer research.