I am a self-taught jewelry designer who originally studied textile design at Philadelphia University. I never worked in that field, and for a long time suppressed my creative spirit. That changed about 1995 when I wanted a pair of Halloween earrings. Unable to find what I wanted in the usual retail shops, I went to a craft store, bought some beads, and made myself some earrings. There were leftover materials, so I made more earrings, and eventually, I was making necklaces and bracelets. Pearls and sterling were my primary materials.
As my taste became more discriminating, and my design skills more sophisticated, I began to experiment with new materials and methods. I learned Kumihimo, a Japanese form of braid making, and given my background in textiles, soon fell in love with weaving cords from yarns and ribbons. And the color combinations seemed endless. I continued looking for new methods, however, and found a different way to make cords that resulted in more asymmetrical designs than Kumihimo. The hand-woven cords were perfect for suspending large pendants or other interesting pieces, such antique dress clips. As an offshoot of that, I became interested in creating my own pendants instead of using ready-made ones. This lead me to natural brass filigree and stampings, which I can bend, fold, or wrap to create the one-of-a-kind jewelry I do now.
I am a lover of antiquities, especially antique jewelry. My current work reflects that love but adds a modern twist. Buttons, buckles, old pins, cuff links, keys, bottle caps, and odd earrings are just some of the "finds" I might integrate with beads, chain, or wire to create a one-of-a-kind finished piece-what I like to think of as an "heirloom of the future."
I welcome opportunities to create custom pieces from personal mementos, such as odd earrings, a broken pin, or a piece of out-dated jewelry.
Awards
Jan 2009 - Design Challenge winner - www.Vintaj.com blog
Education
B.A. - Textile Design - Philadelphia University (formerly PCT&S)
Jewelry Designer
Warrington, PA
Phone: 215-343-4790
