Marie moved from Seattle to the Tri-Cities in 2011. While in Seattle she had the opportunity to take classes from many local lampwork teachers. Using techniques learned in these classes she expand her bead making skills in her home studio. Her studio includes a digital controlled kiln and a surface mix torch that combines oxygen and propane to melt glass.Marie began her lampwork journey in 2004. She was introduced to lampwork bead making at Pratt Fine Art Center in Seattle and by her sister Cheryl Matson. It has been a joy for Marie to learn the wonders of torch melting glass while developing her own style and designs, which are inspired by nature and organic elements. The beads she makes are formed using either Bullseye glass or Moretti glass. Her jewelry pieces include sterling silver findings, crystal components, leather and other cording material. Both lampworking rods and flat glass sheets come in a wide variety of colors.

Born from a simple recipe of soda and lime, each color holding unique properties to discover and master. Lampworking offers differentchallenges learning the different viscosities and how the glass reacts at different temperatures and chemical compositions. Chemical reactions add the element of unique organic surprise as some glasses may contain either copper, sulfur or lead. Adding silver or other reactive glass create endless possibilities to incorporate into the bead design.