I have been working with flameworked glass since 1997. Several years ago, I began adding handmade studio buttons to my repertoire of lampwork glass beads. My techniques involve the use of an oxygen/propane torch, glass rods, and sundry other materials, such as frit (crushed glass), silver foil, powdered glass, and hand pulled canes.

I make many styles of glass buttons, from sculptural to paperweight. My favorite subjects are fairies and mermaids and are mostly one of a kind. While I may make similar items, each handmade button is unique and special.

I anneal all my work in a digitally controlled kiln to assure a lasting work of art. If you would like to see my glass beads, you can find them at Beadsbymavis.com.

To see buttons that I have available for purchase now, see my Current Work page.

I make my own canes, known as murrine and sometimes as millefiore. The techniques are similar to the way polymer clay artists build canes, except I work with molten glass. My canes are directly assembled in the flame and can involve days of making and assembling various parts to complete a final product suitable for use in my lampwork beads and buttons.

Assorted murrini slices, nipped from lengths of cane and ready for use in my buttons and beads.