Barbara Henthorn
by Sigrid Wynne-Evans © March 2005
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Barbara was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, 13 minutes after her twin sister, making her the "baby" of the family. During WWII, her family moved to Pittsburgh, PA when her dad was called to active duty. When her dad received his regular Army commission, the family was stationed at Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland. Eventually, Barbara's family spent two years in Japan, where Barbara graduated from Yokohama American High School in 1950.
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Barbara attended the University of OK, and received one of the first baccalaureate degrees in nursing to be awarded in OK. Twenty-five years later, Barbara was awarded a Doctor of Public Health degree (Dr. P.H.), with a minor in nursing.
Barbara now lives in Edmond, OK with her husband of 50 years. She has a daughter, a son and three grandchildren. She is retired and is able to spend a lot of time with her beads!
Sampling of Barbara's Designs:
Click on an image to view the pattern.
 
 
Barbara began beading several years after she retired. She made dream catchers and spirit masks with materials she bought from Tandy's. Beading classes were offered at Tandy's, but Barbara didn't do much with her new hobby until she discovered the Prodigy Beading Board. With the support from that group, beading for Barbara began in earnest. Eventually, Barbara signed up for classes at Bead and Button and at Beadwork's Beadwork Bash. Her favorite instructors have been: Dianne Fitzgerald, and Donna Zaidenberg. Barbara has also been a "bead elf" for Suzanne Cooper, Elizabeth Scarborough and Arleen Hardin.
Barbara began designing after Bead Pattern Designer came out. She still uses this program. Barbara prefers to create simpler designs that beginners can use. Many of her ideas come from requests from her students.
Joining bead-patterns.com seemed to be a natural extension of the Prodigy group that Barbara belonged to. Rita was also a member of the same group, so when Bead-Patterns.com started, joining the website was a natural extension of the friendship that had already developed.
Ornament Barbara created for a secret Pal swap for Frieda Bates, and details of the ornament.
 
Barbara has a bead room, which is a relatively new addition to her home. There are cabinets for storage and a big desk with a view to the garden. Even though Barbara has what sounds like a wonderful workspace, she says she finds herself on the love seat in the living room with a lighted magnifier around her neck so that she can be in the same room with her husband (even if he is asleep in his recliner).
Sampling of Barbara's Designs:
Click on an image to view the pattern.
 
 
Barbara hopes to one day win a prize at the local Downtown Edmond Art Festival that is held in May. She did get an honorable mention one year for jewelry. Barbara's work is constantly progressing. She is especially proud of the beaded eggs she created. They were featured in Beadwork Magazine. Presently, Barbara is working on a series of small beaded vessels. Barbara encourages everyone to try beading. She says "You are never too old to begin! There are lots of aids for mature eyes. I am 72 and will continue beading until I can no longer see. I 'm afraid I am addicted. Use the bead magazines and books for inspiration, but don't be afraid to make each project unique."
Sampling of Barbara's Designs:
Click on an image to view the pattern.
 
 
Barbara Henthorn
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