My name is Lorraine Allan. I have worked in the glass industry in partnership with my husband, since 1985, 16 of those years spent building Leadlights. After many years of experience I began teaching leadlighting classes in my studio in Adelaide, South Australia for 6 years.

My love for glass has also lured me into the fusing and slumping of plates and making fused glass clocks. I also made copper foiled lampshades, jewellery boxes and many other items, which I sold through our studio, craft fairs and retail outlets.

I became interested in making lampwork glass beads in 1997 after doing a weekend workshop with Peter Minson in Victoria, Australia. This led me on to enrol in a silver jewellery course for 12 months which I incorporated my glass beads into the pieces I made. Since 2001 I have put all my other glass making aside to concentrate fully on lampworking beads. Watching the glass melting and flowing in an open flame, is the most relaxing work I have ever done with glass, I don't think I will ever stop!

I have a very supportive family with 2 sons, Kane and Jake, and my husband Pete. Pete has now gone back to his carpentry trade and is a long time musician, a drummer. Music is my second love and I really enjoy supporting Pete and his bands, the old dancing shoes often come out!