Handmade, One-of-a-kind, One-at-a-time

Handmade, One-of-a-kind, One-at-a-time

Since birth I have been umbilically connected to the temperate zone. I love all things tropical, thrive in the heat, adore flamingoes and pelicans.  I am a strong supporter of the endangered manatees and the clean water movement.  As a child, I always expressed my artistic creativity in the form of sculpting, gardening, and mosaics, all pieces in some way tropical and vibrant.

From 1985 to 2003, I was the owner and sole artist of Donatelli Designs. My body of work consisted of hand-sculpted functional art and jewelry with a tropical theme, in the images of flowers and exotic birds.  Despite my affinity for clay, I was fascinated by glass, and in 2003, my medium for expression evolved; I set the clay aside and returned to school to focus exclusively on the art of kiln-formed glass. I attended fused glass and casting classes at the University of The Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in addition to attending technical workshops at Vitrum Studio in Beltsville, Maryland and continuing education classes through Bullseye Glass online videos.

Finally, in June 2005, Palm Island Glassworks, LLC was formed. 

Today, my glass designs and exciting color palette continue to reflect my love of nature while combining tropical contemporary style with a touch of whimsy.

I am the Vice President of the Southwest Florida Fine Craft Guild, Member of the Sanibel-Captiva Art League, and North American Quilling Guild.  I hope my work brings the warmth and happiness of the tropics to your home.