About Me

My name is Dianne and I run Dizzy Di’s Bead shop and School of Jewellery. I am addicted to making jewellery, Lampwork beads and wire work. In 2010 I came runner up in the advanced Lampworker category at Flame off 2010 GBUK (Glass Beads UK) with ‘Ladies Day’ a set of lampwork hats, I also came 3rd in the British Bead Awards for Sand Storm beads and was a finalist in the wire work with a chain mail bracelet celebration.

I live with my wonderfully patient partner Pete who can be seen with me at some of the bead shows. The Tribe of grandchildren is growing yearly at the moment with 6 grandchildren so far.

I discovered lampworking in 2001 by watching Martin Tuffnell at the Epsom show, boy did he make it look easy. Away I went, starter kit in hand and totally addicted. Hot head and propane bottles took over my downstairs lounge, so for some reason I got moved to a purpose built log cabin, known as the Shabin by the rest of the family. Then onto Wat Tyler Country Park but sadly Basildon council closed the craft village at Wat Tyler in December 2009, where I then moved to a studio at View Garden Centre, Wickford. In May 2011 I made the amazing jump to Romford Shopping hall, where I run Dizzy Di’s Bead Shop and School of Jewellery, Unit 3 outside the shopping hall.

I have completed a basic bead making course with Barbra Mason, Kate Fowle Meleney and Sharon Peters. I have also completed HNC 3D Design at Havering College, where my addiction grew to jewellery making and fusing. I have recently gained my preparing to teach qualification.

I now teach beginners and advanced classes, at the shop and a Wednesday evening class; including jewellery making at all levels, wire work, Viking Knitting. If you would like more details please email me. dizzy-di@btconnect.com

Unfortunately I am not teaching Lampwork at the moment due to lack of time! But if you would like to learn lampwork do not hesitate to contact me and I can put you in contact with some really great tutors.

I am a member of the Guild of Essex Craftsmen, GBUK, Bead Workers Guild, and a Self Representing Artist. All my lampwork beads are fully annealed in a digital kiln.