Several years ago I realized how much time I was spending on the computer, between my "day job" of editing medical research manuscripts and grants and my creative efforts at writing and computer graphics, and was looking for a pastime that would have me touching something other than keys and my mouse. I came across a site that offered rosary-making kits and ordered one. While that was the only kit I ever ordered (putting my own materials together is so much more fun), I've never stopped making rosaries.

Unlike a lot of rosary makers, except for a few pieces for myself I've never expanded into making jewelry. One reason for that is the joy of knowing I'm adding in a small way to people's spiritual lives. Another, I think, is the challenge of following the built-in "limitations" of designing a rosary. I compare it to writing a sonnet rather than free verse. There are very specific patterns to follow, but within those patterns there are infinite possibilities for creative expression. The possibilities are especially broad with beading wire rosaries (the only kind I make) because they can be made from just about anything that can be strung on wire.

I do use more than one pattern to design my "poems":

Having been a Secular ("Third Order") Franciscan since 1990, that first kit I ordered was for a Franciscan Crown rosary, and those account for almost half of the rosaries I've sold on Etsy. I know from experience how difficult it is to find Franciscan Crowns, especially if you want something other than plain black beads, so I try to offer a variety.

A couple of years ago, I learned to make Lutheran prayer beads for a craft show held at a Lutheran school. They didn't sell very well at the craft show, but when I posted the "leftovers" on Etsy they sold quite well, so I've kept carrying them. (I used to make Anglican rosaries, but lately I've been referring people who want those to a fellow Etsy seller who makes nothing but Anglican rosaries - there's a link to her shop in my shop announcement.)

I also make one-decade rosaries and an occasional chaplet and, of course, I make more "regular" five-decade Catholic rosaries than I do any other kind. I welcome custom orders and enjoy working with customers to create the rosary they want.