Creating Treasure for over 50 years!
My first creative step began when my mother brought in a footstool so I could stand beside her in the kitchen and make miniature versions of whatever she was cooking! I started sewing in a similar fashion and it wasn't long before I was making and selling doll clothes to all the other neighborhood girls. I think I was born with rings on my fingers and bracelets on my wrist so it wasn't long until making jewelry, hair adornments, watches and other accessories became a part of my repertoire. Decoupage, found objects, needlepoint, vintage buttons and fiber arts all became new projects and a new way to express my creative monster, which I supported by selling my original designs to friends and colleagues through my senior year at college.
I took several detours on the road to opening my Etsy shop, not the least of which were going to law school, getting married, having a child and practicing law for many years. During those years I still sewed, created adventurous foods for my family and made jewelry for myself and my female friends and relatives, but I had time for little else. When I finally stopped working as a lawyer full time, I had more time to finally satisfy my creative bug and I started taking art classes, sewing and expanding my jewelry repertoire. My husband is the one who convinced me that I should be selling my designs so my Etsy shop was born.
Although I am a largely self-taught artist, I have taken numerous classes on painting still life and landscape with oil and pastel, glass bead making, metal smithing and precious metal clay. I think my many years of sewing and my love of gardening have cemented both my love of vibrant, lively colors with a love of florals, both of which are often found in my creations. I hate to waste ANYTHING, so I'm constantly trying to find ways to turn junk into things of value. At the same time, I love the idea of keeping alive the legacy of each woman who previously owned a part of my creations and adding my own story to that history. I know also that whoever wears it will add her own story as well and that idea of inter-connectedness is a constant source of inspiration for me to continue creating unique, Eco-friendly designs.
I am owner, designer, creator, photographer, copy writer, marketing director, legal advisor and accountant for my shop and it is now my full time baby and I couldn't be happier.
