As a child, Bernadette was introduced to beads by her father. Father and daughter worked with seed beads, ranging in sizes 12-18, creating traditional Native American designs with a contemporary feel.  Bernadette had a passion for beads, although seed beading never advanced beyond a hobby.

Then in 1991 Bernadette attended an Art Show which introduced her to Hand Made Glass Beads.  Bernadette's life was forever changed.

At that time, there was a lack of readily available information and equipment for creating glass beads, as well as materials were scarce and very expensive. Because Bernadette's desire to make beads was strong, she would work for many hours on experimentation, while still working full time. The hole on the bead and the dots were bigger than the beads she was use to working with and it took a few years for Bernadette to realize the potential of large beads. With much encouragement from her husband, Paul, Bernadette began to put her work for sale. At that time people would say, "What are these? How do you use them? You want how much?" Bernadette is always amazed at peoples' love for beads and their desire to touch and own them, even when they did not know what they were going to do with them.

Then in 1995, Bernadette's husband, Paul's work place closed down, thus causing the family to move to Texas. After the move, Bernadette and Paul decided it was time for Bernadette to make beads full time.

In April of 1996, Bernadette was featured in Lapidary Journal and was featured on the cover of the Buyer's Guide.  In 1999 Bernadette's glass art was featured in The Crafts Report. Bernadette was honored when chosen to create the commemorative bead for the Bead & Button Show, 2001. Bernadette's beads were featured in Lapidary Journal’s Step by Step Magazine, 2004. Now her wedding series will be featured in Beads Unique in the spring of 2005 and was asked to be a demonstrator at the International Society of Glass Beads Makers Conference 2005.

Each bead is created individually using ancient old techniques. Using a stationary torch, fueled with propane and oxygen, glass rods are heated to the consistency of honey and manipulated to create each bead. Then they are put into a kiln to insure stability. Over the passed years she has worked with Moretti and Bulls Eye glass. 

Bernadette is known for her unique color combinations done by mixing of colors, fuming with fine metals, such as fine silver and 24kt gold.  Bernadette's favorite techniques are clear encasing and building canes. 

Beads can be purchased as individual pieces of art or in finished jewelry.

Over the years Bernadette has felt blessed to do what she loves best and can not imagine a life any different.