I have always admired people who were able to create works of art with their hands. I have tried several hobbies but none of them created a passion in me. Then fate struck. A friend invited me to her place to make a silver chain. Always open to new adventures, I went to see what it was all about - and I was hooked!
I started looking for courses, DVDs and magazines to expand my knowledge and skills. I enrolled in courses at Wm. Holland School of Lapidary in Georgia. The classes are taught by skilled artisans and I attend every year without fail. I continue to hone my skills, all the time learning new, exciting techniques and creating lovely, elegant designs. Thanks also to Helen and Becky Goga, two very skilled (and helpful!) wire artists, for giving me some much-needed inspiration. You can meet these lovely ladies by going to www.wirejeweler.com/aboutus.html.
Kumihimo
At college I learned lapidary skills, wire wrapping and glass fusion so I would be able to create beautiful focal pieces to hang on my hand-crafted chains. But then I figured that a bit of colour would really enhance the focal point. So the next logical skill to learn was Kumihimo.
Kumihimo is the Japanese art of braiding. I combine the braiding with pearls, Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones to make beautiful necklaces. During the creation of a necklace I work with a minimum of eight cords and 700 (count 'em!) beads.
Seed Beading
Seed beading, also called bead weaving, is stitching tiny glass beads together using a needle and thread. While touring gem and artisan shows in Arizona I was always amazed at the intricate and colourful patterns that could be created by using these tiny beads. I located an instructor and thus began a love of seed beads. The many different colors and finishes of the wonderful variety of seed beads means the designs I can create are limited only by your imagination. Or mine!
My Studio
After selling my jewellery at shows I found that people really loved my creations; however, sometimes the piece they fell in love with was not the right size - or they needed a different accent colour. What to do? The answer was really quite simple: I would create a studio and office in my home so I would be available to answer any questions - and to make custom pieces.
You are welcome to visit. Please call first to make an appointment and I will create your special piece. I also located at the Perth County Welcome Centre and Artisan Marketplace because the friendly staff will make your visit enjoyable!
The Artisan Marketplace is the showcase for my hand-crafted chain-maille jewelry. Here you will find elegant, artistic pieces all woven, one ring at a time. The displayed pieces will give you a taste of what's possible, but if you don't see the perfect piece please don't hesitate to ask about modifying a design or starting something new.
I take pride in the quality of my work and you will be proud to wear one of my unique creations or give it to a loved one as a timeless gift.
