A little about Erna:
Erna is one of 5 children. She has 2 older brothers and 2
younger brothers, whom were all raised on a farm near Belleville, Illinois.
Erna wanted to go to college and study art but wasn't able to afford it. Instead, she ended up receiving a scholarship loan to go to Nursing school and did so at Deaconess in St. Louis. In 1961, Erna became an RN (or registered nurse).
Soon thereafter, Erna got married and moved to England because her husband was in the service. They moved around a lot because of his job. Erna has two sons, the first of which was born in Denver, Colorado and the second one in Ashland, Ohio. In 1971, Erna's family moved to the St. Louis area, where she became a stay at home Mom. She also began to take art classes, where she learned tole and watercolor painting, and even cake decorating! Erna made and sold cakes (including wedding cakes) and also taught cake decorating classes! She even grew her own herbs and made herb wreaths and potpourri, which she sold at craft fairs.
In 1993, Erna's sister-in-law talked her into going to Washington D.C. and taking a lampworking class from Kate Fowle. At that point...she was hooked. She makes beads mostly for pleasure and manages to sell enough of them to fund her hobby. Erna enjoys making beads more than jewelry, and has even sent beads as far away as Germany and France as gifts!
Today, Erna still enjoys gardening and sewing, and even knows how to knit (although she hasn't done that since she lived in England).
Erna has also had several publications written about her work! Lapidary Journal wrote and article about her for their March 1997 issue, and St.
Louis Homes and Lifestyles did a small article on her chocolate beads for their May 2002 issue (you can see those beads on page 14 in the book, 1000 Glass Beads).
The SLLS wouldn't be what it is now if it wasn't for Erna. She was the charter's first Vice-President, is a former President, and is currently the Librarian!
At this time, you may purchase Erna's beads at Sorella Beads and through our St. Louis Lampwork Society's annual bead show in the fall.
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Pumpkins
Various Florals
Blue Rounds
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