Biography

My mother tells a story of how, as a toddler, I placed broccoli florets in the holes of a play rotary phone near my high chair. I have been fulfilling my need to create (and recreate) things ever since.

Through the years, while pretending to pursue other professional avenues, I developed skills in silversmithing, enameling, stone carving, ceramics, papermaking, knitting, embroidery, theatrical costuming, and set design. Finally, in 1995, I decided to use the excuse of the impending birth of my first child to make the switch from having a small jewelry business "on the side" to creating a home-based company.

That year, I also jumped into the world of bead weaving. I started to explore the three-dimensional possibilities of weaving simple cylindrical glass beads (Czech and Japanese seed beads) into complex hollow and undulating forms. My beaded work is created off-loom, using only a needle and thread and, occasionally, wire.

I am interested in the sculptural possibilities presented by the surface of each bead, as well as the texture of the overall beaded fabric. My work is inspired by the combination of geometry and randomness in natural forms. Some of my pieces incorporate other materials including sterling and precious metal clay elements, precious and semi-precious stones, handmade paper, and found objects.

Schooling

I hold a BA in Art History (Harvard University, 1985) and a Masters in Early American Decorative Arts (Winterthur Program, University of Delaware, 1992).

My crafts background includes many self-taught techniques. More formal training includes classes in metalwork (Penland School of Crafts), papermaking (Haystack Mountain School of Crafts), and stone carving (Corcoran School of Art).

Professional Memberships

American Crafts Council
Bead Society of Washington, DC
James Renwick Alliance
Precious Metal Clay Guild - Certified Teacher
Society of North American Goldsmiths
Washington Guild of Goldsmiths

"Triangle Pillow Earrings," Step by Step Beads, Spring 2003,
Vol.1, no. 1, pp. 18-21

"Beautiful Boughs," Step by Step Beads, Mar/Apr 2006,
Vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 30-33

"Beaded Leaves," Step by Step Beads, Mar/Apr 2006,
Vol. 4, no. 2, pp 34-41