Almost 30 years ago while I studied painting in art school, I was introduced to beads and began creating wearable works of art. After graduation it was a natural choice to use beads and jewelry as my medium, creating tiny masterpieces with clay, wire, and metal. Just like the painters and poets before me, I look to nature as my muse. Now I translate those art school lessons of color and design into beautiful beads that reflect the natural beauty surrounding me.
My greatest joy is to inspire others to find their creative voice. I hope to encourage you to grab hold of what captures your imagination and create jewelry that holds a bit of poetry; that serves as a reminder to slow down and cherish the beauty around us.
The shores of Lake Michigan and the woods of my sleepy hometown have provided me with lifelong inspiration. Birds, tree branches, leaves, flowers, and sundries from the sea reveal the beauty of nature that I pay homage to in all of my work.
My family and I live in my hometown of South Haven, Michigan. My husband, Jess AKA Mr. Humblebeads, creates along side me.
My jewelry and beads have appeared in the pages of BeadStyle, Beadwork, Bead Trends, and Stringing Magazine. My work has also been displayed on HGTV and PBS’s “Beads, Baubles, and Jewels”. I'm the author of three books, Jewelry Inspired by Nature, Beautiful Elements and the Beadmaking Lab.
Whether through teaching, hosting events, writing, or making beads - it is my goal to give out as much inspiration as the world has gifted me! Nothing makes me happier than seeing someone’s creativity sparked after using my beads, taking a class, or reading my book.