About the Middle Maiden

I am Susan E J White - the Middle Maiden of Middle Maiden Arts. With a wide variety of interests in both fine arts and fine crafts, it seemed appropriate to choose a business name that would embrace them all. I'm frequently asked about the E J in my name. My response - middle name, maiden name. I am also the middle daughter in my first family.

I started creating lampwork glass beads and jewelry after receiving the gift of a torch and glass from my husband. My current focus with fiber, metal, and lampwork glass on is the challenge of combining techniques and materials. By combining wire, metal foils, enamel powders and other materials in the glass, I'm able to create beads with a variety of styles and color combinations.

I enjoy the development of unique jewelry pieces that give me the pleasure of creation and others the joy and pleasure of wearing something special. To do this, I draw on my background in metal and fiber arts and the fun of learning about new techniques and materials. I began incorporating precious metal clay into my work a few years ago.

As an active member of the art and quilting scene in Orofino, I taught a number of drawing and painting classes at the local schools as well as fiber art techniques at one of the local quilt guilds. When my children were young, I focused on fiber arts and had my work published in "Handwoven" magazine.

When my last child was finishing at the local grade school, I worked with the three 6th grades classes to design and create a large set of clay tiles. These tiles are the focus of the 8x8 foot mosaic mural at the entrance to Orofino Elementary School.

Since I am committed to a regular 9 to 5 job, I need to split my time many ways. I currently sell my lampwork glass beads at two shows per year and have beads at The Wild Hare in Orofino, Idaho and The Whooping Crones Gallery in Missoula, Montana. I hope to have beads available on this site in the near future.

Please feel free to contact me. Susan