"I am so lucky! Every day I wake up to the sound of pattering puppy feet, wonder what crazy thing they will do today, then anticipate how quickly I can get to my studio with the new idea I dreamt about the night before.

"I've been blessed with an ever-present urge to create. I feel compelled. If I can't create my life is dull. My family knows if I'm not in my studio, something is wrong."

Working primarily in 1/12th scale, Barb has been dabbling in smaller scales, with ¼ being her most recent.

"My goal for Minis' is to keep pushing the envelope, making items that are smaller, more realistic, unusual and difficult to create. I feel like I've accomplished something."

Her pieces are definitely an accomplishment that she can share with others - and Barb has found ways of sharing that may not be evident at first glance.

"As an artist, I'm always challenging myself - making something that makes someone smile, that gives pleasure to the recipient. I want to leave something of an artistic legacy for my family. I've been known to put my art in a hole in a wall before we re-plaster it, under floors, etc. Glass has existed for thousands of years in desert sands; why not leave some of my work for someone to find some day?"