About

Yep, that's me

My name is Dave Graham and I am a lampworker located in Portland, Oregon. I’ve been making beads since 2001 and have really enjoyed meeting lots of nice people.

I got the name “Farmer Dave” originally from my neighbor and it just kind of stuck. I’m what people refer to as an urban gardener. Our house is in the middle of Portland and our yard is exceptionally tiny. However, I still manage to grow tomatoes, peppers, onions, cherries, grapes, boysenberries, raspberries…..well, you get the idea. I don’t use any chemicals or bug sprays so everything is natural and organic, just the way I like it. I also volunteer occasionally at our local Farmer’s Market – I’ve been everything from ice cream scooper…to tomato slicer…to Santa Claus!  What a great place to spend every Sunday!

My background is in design, specifically Landscape Architecture, where I have an undergraduate degree from Cal Poly Pomona in California. I got started with glass in 2000 when I was taking different classes including stained glass, glass fusing, and bead making. I still occasionally do some glass fusing, such as bowls, vases, etc. However, most of my time is spent making beads.

My wife Toby designs and makes jewelry so it has been nice to be able to collaborate on some pieces together. We had our first child, Devera, in 2004 – - what a fun time she is!  We’ve been living in Portland since 1999 and absolutely love living here. Before Portland we lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota and New Orleans, Louisiana – - that’s where I went to school to get an MBA from Tulane University…..Go Green Wave!

Contact Me:
Dave Graham • dave@farmerdavesglassworks.com