Growing up in Florida, my sisters and I loved going to go the beach and being outdoors and near the water. To me, the beach is one of the most relaxing places I can think of. I have always loved beach combing, and as an adult, who has moved from her home state, I love going back to Cocoa Beach to walk, take pictures, and collect beautiful objects that wash ashore.

The first piece of jewelry I ever made was back in junior high, and later as a teenager, I would often make my own earrings as well as beaded macramé chokers. When I got older, I went to college, got married, and started a family, so I had little time to design and create. As my children grew up and one by one left the nest, I returned to my love of making jewelry, and soon after, people were asking me to make custom jewelry pieces, very often to coordinate with special outfits they might have. This encouraged me to finally do something with my jewelry. Since I am a Florida girl and love to dance, I started a blog called Tappingflamingo, and in Oct 2015, I opened my Etsy Shop....TappingflamingoBling.

I started out with beaded necklaces and earrings and branched out into using recycled items. I love to use paper to make beads and old guitar strings that I gather, clean, and make into ornaments, keychains, and jewelry. Additionally, I make cruise items such as lanyards (which you can wear to work), keychains (great for gift exchanges or fish extenders), and beaded dread locks or hair jewelry.

The items I have in my shop have somewhat of a beach-boho or even elegant hippie flair to them. I prefer the organic look of natural stones and also colorful glass beads and crystals. I love making one of kind items that are unexpected and beautiful, inspired by nature.