Yvonne Kurpjuweit

Profile, Bio

Contact Email: mrskurps@gmail.com Website: www.facebook.com/creativeadornments.ca/

I started making beads in the early 90's. I began making polymer clay beads and jewelry and selling them at church sales and the fringe. I was always fascinated with glass and wanted to make glass beads but my parents would not allow the endeavor.

I worked in polymer clay until I was 25. On a trip back from Australia my husband Michael and I stopped in at Pacific Art glass in LA and my glass beading career began. I purchased a torch, hoses, tools, a book and packed it all in my luggage back home to Lloydminster. An oilfield supply company hooked me up with oxygen tanks and a ventilation system. Michael lent me a portion of the garage and at the end of January I dressed up in my ski pants and touque and began making beads. It took 6 months to make anything that was happy with. I followed along with the book and made one bead at a time. We took a vacation to Venice, where I was inspired by the artists in Murano. I also took a workshop with Margaret Zintzer in Tucson, AZ.

My style has evolved over time. At the moment, I am incorporating my beads with ceramic pendants. My other mission is to master making beads in a beautiful pink hue! I love that there is always more to learn on the torch, and the excitement of taking them out after they are anealed!

My beading happens at a much slower pace now that I have three young children, but I enjoy the time I get on the torch. I do sell my finished beaded necklaces through my Facebook page called Creative Adornments.