"The mini bug bit me as a child of 11. Many of us remember when trolls first came out in the 60's. I spent many hours making houses, clothing, furniture, etc. for mine from bits of cardboard, paper, yarn and material. I found that exact same troll about nine years ago - and it sparked my adult miniature art."

From her studio in Murphysboro, Illinois, USA, she runs her thriving business Barb Naas Art. Her work is in high demand from appreciative collectors around the world. She is a self-taught artist and more than happy to share her knowledge with others.

"I have taught workshops in schools and 4-H groups in subjects including glass mosaic, lampworking, painting, glass enameling and glass fusing - just not in miniatures as of yet!"

A few minutes of conversation with Barb and you quickly discover the pure joy she gets from creating and sharing techniques with others. But she's quick to add it's not all enjoyable.

"Though I'm very computer literate, I dislike the process of putting photos online or listing items for sale," she laments. "Part of me feels I'm stealing time from the studio!"

And the studio is where she finds that sparkling joy of a creator thriving on creating.

"I love creating tiny glass objects on my Minor Bench Oxy-Propane Torch, In particular, glass vessels that are far different than what one can find either on the web or in your local minis shop."

But her propane torch is just one of her tools of the trade.