Barbara Steffen
Barbara works with a torch, glass rods, and a kiln to create original, unique, handmade beads, off-mandrel pendants and marbles using a variety of Italian and American glass rods. The beads are then integrated into her designs to make jewelry and functional pieces. Barbara sells individual beads to others for their own jewelry designs. Her love of creating new things led her to sterling silver and copper. She makes unique bracelets and earrings using her metalsmith tools and skills. Recently Barbara added functional pottery items to her bag of tricks.
Barbara’s jewelry has been sold on Facebook, at various shows in the U.S. including Milwaukee Bead & Button, Tucson Gem and Bead Show, and Bead Fest in Santa Fe. She has been an artist at the following galleries: Gold Country Artists’ Gallery, Artists’ Collaborative Gallery in Old Sacramento, Auburn Old Town Gallery, Jacuzzi Family Vineyard in Sonoma, and The Melting Point in Sedona, AZ.
A native Californian, Barbara was always intrigued with art in one form or another. She kept searching for "her" medium. It wasn't until she lit the torch and melted glass for the first time that she knew she had found it.
Barbara lives in the Sierra Foothills where in her lovely yard are rose bushes and lavender plants along with a summer vegetable garden. Barbara sits in her studio viewing the garden lushness and draws the spirit of nature into the jewelry.
