I worked for several years in the product development department of a company that made high-end dolls. Working in that environment really got my creative juices flowing. I knew I had to something, I wasn't sure what, but something.

One day a designer sent me to a local bead store to buy beads for a doll accessory. Well, walking into that shop was like a light bulb going off in my head. I JUST HAD TO MAKE JEWELRY! I worked for a couple of years making beaded jewelry, creating my own designs, and selling them at craft shows.

Then I wanted to know how to make the setting for gemstones. I took an art metal class at a local technical collage. I learned how to work with metal - saw, solder, hammer, make settings for cabochons, and set stones.

Now I find that I want to learn how to cut my own stones so I can create my own shapes. I took a lapidary course and am beginning to make by own one-of-a-kind gemstones. It's really exciting because I have the opportunity to use so many different kinds of jasper, agates, and other interesting materials you just don't see in standard jewelry supply catalogs.