Hi there! My name is Robin Snuttjer, and I make glass beads. I have been fascinated with the process of melting and shaping glass since I was a child, watching a demonstration in the local shopping mall, or a glassblowing demonstration at a Renaissance festival, or even a demonstration in Venice, Italy. I have always wanted to try glassblowing, but it wasn't until January of 2000 that I got an opportunity to actually work with hot glass - in a beadmaking class. I didn't even know that such a thing existed.
I still remember making that first round black bead. It was with some trepidation that
I approached the flame with a mandrel and a rod of glass. I was so intent, so focused
on the task, that everything else faded away except the voice of my teacher telling me
to hold the mandrel horizontally. It was nerve wracking to stick the rod of glass
into the flame, watch it turn glowing red with heat and start to sag as it became
more fluid. I wish I could say I immediately knew I was hooked, but it wasn't until
February of 2005 that I used my tax refund to buy the necessary supplies and equipment
to start making beads on my own.
In 2005 I made a few simple beads off and on. I worked lampworking in to my schedule, but
I never really got serious about making beads or jewelry. It was definitely a hobby
activity that I dabbled in. Then, in 2006 I got sick and didn't make but a couple of
beads until I started feeling better in February of 2008.
Since then I have spent more and more time at the torch. I challenge myself to try new
things, new color combinations, new shapes, new techniques, etc. as well as improving
skills such as stringer control and dots. I'm still finding my glass 'voice' as it were.
And, I will be taking several classes in the next few months, so I will have plenty more
ideas to play with. Glass is such an incredibly diverse and versatile medium - there's
always something new to learn and explore. I simply love it.
08/31/08