It is simple really, I play. 

What I play with...

Dichroic Glass -- First created by NASA, dichroic glass is made by layering metal oxides like titanium, magnesium, gold and silver so finely (3 - 5 millions of an inch) that it gives the glass a wonderful metallic brilliance. Due to the inconsistency of every firing in the kiln, no two pieces of fired glass ever look the same.  I sit in my studio, cutting and arranging glass, and then wait for the magic of the kiln to complete my creation. It is always a surprise.

PMC -- Precious Metal Clay --  Made originally by Mitsubishi Corporation, PMC is made from "reclaimed" precious metals, silver or gold, and combined with organic binders to create a consistency much like that of fine pottery clay.  When formed and then fired in a kiln, the organic binders burn off leaving 99.9% pure silver or 24K gold behind.  Molding, pressing, cutting, I let the clay take form, as simply silver or as a surround for a piece of glass begging to be enveloped with a bit more shine. 

 Laboratory Grown Gemstones -- The fact is, diamonds are precious things to waste. Born out of heat and pressure, it still amazes me that a good firing in a harmless little kiln will turn a perfectly beautiful diamond, black.  Although some natural stones do survive, I usually work with synthetics.  They are one of the

few things in the entire process I can really count on!  Some surprises just

aren't worth the cost.