The Woman Behind the Bee
Nearly 35 Years in the Making
This site and the creations it features are labours of love nearly 35 years in the making. When I first envisioned Worker Bee Design as a freelance graphic-design entity in 1987, I was still working for other companies. When I retired as a graphic designer from Texas A&M University in 2013, I desired a way to continue constructing and distributing beautiful works — and with the benefit of my newfound freedom, I pivoted from high-tech design to hands-on creation.
The Stained Glass (and the Band-Aids)
It was around this time that I both discovered stained glass and began buying Band-Aids in bulk. The two happenings are not unrelated.
I am endlessly fascinated with the process of constructing intricate and ornate stained-glass pieces from simple glass, metal, and other natural materials that strike my fancy. I also love to do university, sports, and business logos in stained glass — message me with requests any time.
The Market, the Felting, and the Needles
I first visited Eugene, Oregon, and the city's renowned Saturday Market a few summers after retirement, and was instantly enchanted by the incredible jewelry creations on display. Before long I was thrilled to return to Saturday Market in the summer of 2018 as a vendor myself.
The felting? I learned that from my baby sister, along with some good advice. When I first poked myself with a savage-yet-effective felting needle, she simply said: "Carolyn, if you're not bleeding, you're not felting."
In the market seasons since, my booth has evolved to feature a rotating assortment of works across different mediums — but there's only so much space under an eight-foot canopy. So, here I am.
The Studio
I work in a lovely little home studio right here in Eugene, and I'm never far from my computer — I still work in graphic design. I love to discuss my process, and if you have questions, I'll do my best to get back to you as soon as I'm done bandaging my latest glass or felting wound.
Something Custom?
If you want me to make something custom — something you've craved, something you've discovered — you know how to find me, as you already have.
That's it, that's all I got.
I love to create things. I hope you like what I've made. Thank you for being here; it means a lot to me. And now, it's time I got back to work.
— Carolyn
Also find me on Instagram @carolyns_beehive — you never know what will show up.