Jewelry making is the offspring of my printmaking and fashion design background. I have been working in polymer clay for many years and more recently in fine silver and sterling silver. Polymer clay and precious metal clay (PMC) are very freeing mediums. I began using these materials to hand craft my jewelry components when they were first introduced to artists. Rules weren't established and common sense was the method used to achieve the desired result.

I strive to create pieces which pair individuality with wear ability. My work has an elegant look, yet it can be worn with jeans, office wear or evening wear. My main focus is color and customers tell me that my use of color is what attracts them to the jewelry.

Profile

On the Kansas farm where I grew up, we made the things we needed and wanted. This early experience in problem solving and working with my hands has remained with me in everything I do and eventually led to my career in jewelry making.

I graduated from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas with a B.F.A. in Printmaking, Drawing and Painting. I remember throwing expensive, hard earned paint at the canvas. This loosened my style and today I am unable to do anything creatively unless it allows perfect freedom. Later, I obtained my Fashion Design degree and taught at the school for many years. Fashion design led to painting on silk garments. I needed a scarf clip and a dear friend introduced me to polymer clay. I feel the fine and sterling silver adds richness and weight to the polymer clay. I prefer simple lines and shapes which do not overwhelm or detract from the polymer clay image.