I have always loved old things! My German grandmother and aunts always used the term "Old Country" to refer to where they came from. Those words were mysterious and intriguing for a pair of identical twin girls looking through old trunks, jewelry boxes, and basement treasures. I began to learn the handmade arts at a young age from my mother who taught me how to crochet, embroider, knit, sew, and other wonderful things. Because of childhood Polio ( My family was the 1958 March of Dimes poster family) I could not run and jump outside, so often I turned to one of these arts for fun, sedentary but fascinating. Of course I dabbled in beads in the late 60's. But time and adult responsibilities put all of this behind. Then one weekend while visiting Savanah GA in 2003, I went into a bead shop...and BAMB! I was hooked again!
I have enjoyed beading with seed beads, gemstones and now using detail images of vintage paintings and cameos. Over the years I have learned techniques for coloring metal and assembly. I start with raw brass stampings and go from there. My pieces are made "from scratch" with no broken jewelry. I love all Swarovski products, gemstones, freshwater pearls, Czech glass beads, wood, and anything else that I can use to bring to life the visions I have in my head for a particular focal.
This narrative is long, I know, as I am also known for being a talker! Words can't really express my love of the handmade arts and the loving ones who had the patience to teach me. The ones still teaching me. Brenda Sue Landsdowne (owner of www.B'SueBoutiques) is my mentor and friend from whom I have learned so much. Stay tuned for the continued story of my handmade love story...