Toni Menk
Magnifying Glass & Beads
Amber Black Ivory Bracelet
Appetizer Set
Liberty, KY
Website: http://www.cyrildastorch.com
I started making beads after returning from the 2003 ISGB (International Society of Beadmakers) “Gathering” in Lowell Mass. I went as a guest of my sister, Judi Emerman, an accomplished lamp worker from Cleveland Ohio. The last day of the conference I bought a “starter kit”. After a brief lesson from my sister, I drove the 400 miles from Cleveland to my home in Liberty Kentucky, set up my torch and started making beads. The sun went down, the sun came up and I was still making beads.At the time I was an organic farmer selling vegetables at the Lexington Farmer's Market. I spent more and more time on the torch and less time in the garden. The weeds took over and my career took a radical turn.
Beads not only allowed me to express my creative side, but they weigh less than cantaloupes and they don't spoil.
The first year I lived on the torch. I took lessons from Bonnie Blinco and Katy Abbot. I read books on bead making and studied various internet forums on the art.
In 2004 I started doing craft and bead shows, including the Bead Bazaar at the 2004 Gathering in Portland, Oregon where I took a class in jewelry design for Kate McKinnon.
In 2005 I was juried into the Sheltowee Artisans and in 2006 I was accepted into KGAC (Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen). In 2007 I was accepted to participate with eleven other member/artists in the ISGB Booth at the Buyers Market of American Craft show in Philadelphia.
I continue to upgrade my skills and equipment. I now use a Nortel Minor Torch and have upgraded my studio with the thought of someday instructing.
At the 2006 Gathering in Kansas City I took a class from Sage and Tom Holland, the first couple of modern glass bead makers, who are leading experts in ancient beads and beadmaking techniques. I have a degree in Anthropology from the University of Kentucky and found the deep and broad history of beads and beadmaking especially interesting.
