About the Beads
All my beads are designed and handcrafted out of Moretti/Effrette Italian glass in my home studio. They are then kiln annealed for strength and durability and finally cleaned for your use. All items are carefully packaged for safe delivery to you!
About Me
When I was young my father was taking art classes at MSU like any young child I wanted to do the same thing. I started drawing more and more. Everything I did was signed "Dilly" which was my nickname with a last name like Dillingham. I got into drafting in Jr. High, High School and College and wanted to be an Architect, but back in those days (late 60's) I was told to go across the hall and study commercial art, there was no room at the inn for women. That's probably what started my, let's call it saucy attitude. To make a long story short, I continued to do art, graphic arts, every craft known to man or woman. The highlight of my life was the 17 years I spent as a stay-at-home Mom. I was privileged to spend so much time with my children. Along with being Mom I continued with my art, casting pewter, watercolors, pen & ink and flower arranging. When my youngest was in school full time I went back to college and got my degree in Interior Design.
What followed was a career as a Commercial Facility Designer, finally ending up with my dream job of being in charge of several large companies. If they make cereal or cookies and have Tigers and Elf's running around I designed their offices and buildings. But I was frustrated and wanted a more creative outlet.
I started making mobiles, something I had done in college (the first time around). I woke up one night thinking I should put beads on my mobiles! I started buying beads, studying beads, wanting beads. You guessed it I had the bead bug bad!!!!
As the story typically goes, one thing led to another and I ran across Ann Scherm-Baldwin's Web page about Lampworking. I was mesmerized, studied and started accumulating things I would need to try this. I was addicted. I have come a long way since back then, I finalized one of my first goals just lately and that was meeting Schermo when I traveled to Virginia to make beads with her. It was GREAT!
I love what I am doing. I have, let's call it retired, from the corporate world of crawling over dead bodies to get to the top of the pile. I am fortunate that I am home melting glass daily. My family has a saying that goes like this "If you are green you are growing, if you are ripe you are rotten". We encourage each other to continue learning and spreading our wings. I intend to continue to grow with my glass art and spread some very colorful wings for you to enjoy.
Thank you for taking the time to check Dilly Design out. If you have any questions or need more information please feel free to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you!