About the Artist

I grew up in Nebraska and attended Buena Vista University in Iowa where I obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree. In 1986, I moved to Dallas, Texas. For a number of years, I worked in various retail support including pre-press graphics, fashion photography, wayfinding and retail signing and custom fixtures. Dallas was also where my journey into custom jewelry began. I studied jewelry making techniques at the Creative Arts Center. At first, it was terrifying. Jewelry making required sharp blades and torches! Soon after, however, I began using my skills to repair jewelry for non-profit resale shops. It was just what I needed to overcome the fear. I started collecting the tools necessary to repair or recraft the damaged jewelry. I was hooked. My spare bedroom at home now doubled as a workspace.

By the time I moved to East Texas in 2014, I was creating jewelry in my own studio. I attended additional classes and workshops, was fortunate to learn indigenous jewelry techniques from a third-generation artisan in Bali and began developing relationships with other jewelers who generously shared their experience with me. In turn, I have shared the joy of metalsmithing at a local High School and taught “Jewelry Making for Beginners” at the Winnsboro Center for the Arts.

From 2018-2020, I was the Curator for the Winnsboro Center for the Arts. I continued as co-organizer for the Center’s annual Art in the Gallery Student Art Competition until 2024. 

My jewelry is showcased at art festivals and is currently sold at Vanora Artisan Studio in Winnsboro.  

I now stay busy creating commission pieces for clients.  Most of my creations incorporate natural, precious and semi-precious stones set in silver. Occasionally, gold accents add warmth and interest. Collaborating closely with my clients on the design of each piece, my goal is to create jewelry that is as unique as the amazing individuals who wear it.