In 2002 Lyn Richards migrated to Florida from Manchester, New Hampshire, in search of a management position in technical support. Two years later, Lyn was looking for work again, frustrated at having lost another corporate job to international outsourcing.  She decided to change career paths and become a realtor.  Becoming a realtor would afford Lyn more time to spend with her family and practice her arts, and so Artemis Lampwork was born.

During the onset of Artemis, Lyn began designing lampwork jewelry with “great joy in (her) heart.”  The high price of the lampwork beads, however, was a less than joyous discovery.  Their price-tag, coupled with the fact that Lyn couldn’t seem to find the specific pieces she had in mind, inspired Lyn to create her own lampwork beads.  That year, her husband surprised her with an early Christmas present: all the supplies necessary to begin lampworking herself.  From that point forward, the glass began to take on a life of its own.”

Working with glass, Lyn has found “the surprises that await in the kiln when you try new color combinations, and the endless possibility for shape and design” to be the most interesting aspect.  She doesn’t prefer one specific technique over another; calling herself “eclectic” in that regard, Lyn says her style allows her to do a variety of things well.

Lyn’s signature bead is an aquatic style bead with an oceanic center surrounded by decorations on the outside (which she first made accidentally); she only makes the aquatic style beads occasionally now, leaning more towards florals which she believes are becoming quite good.  She typically creates bead sets; however, she calls these sets “focal type sets and sculptural.”

When asked how the first beads she made compare to the beads she makes now, Lyn laughs and replies, “can’t compare!”  She gave them to her husband and told him to hide them! 

Lyn’s family is supportive, though they alternately deem her insane and a genius “depend[ing] on the day!”

Once upon a time it was her garage, now Lyn claims half as her studio and lets her husband use the other half.  Lyn’s side is stocked with Effetre and Lauscha glass, though she will at times use Gaffer, BE and Caliente.  Her torch is a minor with an oxygen concentrator; her favorite tools are a brass poker, a graphite and brass marver, and a Zooziis Kalera Press used for squeeze beads.  Lyn also keep Bucket'O Mud Bead Release nearby as “[it] is my friend, it has saved many a bead!"

Lyn finds inspiration in the designs of “Amazoo, because of her bright colors and innovative shapes.  Corina, because of her teeny tiny beads with such amazing detail.  Kimberly Affleck, because of her amazing use of twisty and stringer.  Plum Loco Designs, because she thinks way outside the box and has a fertile and fun imagination.  Last, but not least, Amy Caswell’s adorable animals, I think her beads were one of my primary inspirations originally.”

Lyn’s advice to those just beginning lampworking is to start out with a bare minimum of tools.  Join groups for guidance and support.  Many tools can be traded or purchased at a great discount from other lampwork artists.  Lyn also suggests that joining the groups is a great way to learn the art, build confidence, and make new friends.

Lampworking is a culmination of all her years as an artist.  Glass offers her endless possibilities; she truly feels she has found “the perfect and final outlet for (her) creativity and love of shape."  Even without formal training, Lyn is  producing lovely beads leading her to remark, “I think the glass and flame love me as well.”

When asked if she does this for a hobby or for work, Lyn replied, "I see bead-making as an exciting career, not work.  I don’t want it to become work or it won’t be fun!”

Please join us in the forum to congratulate Lyn, ask her questions or just say hello!  click here to go directly to the thread.

Lyn's glass art beads are featured on the Auction Boutique

You can see more of Lyn's bead designs at:

www.ArtemisLampwork.com