I believe that something truly magical happens when an artist's hands create. When the hands finish the work, something new and beautiful exists in the world. To me, that's magic -- even though I know and experience the effort and skill required by every step of the process. Handmade Magic is not the result of a wave of a wand! It's a labor of love, and (aside from being a Mama) the most satisfying thing I know. I opened my Etsy shop to share that magic and love with the world.

I have been a maker and a crafter since childhood, and I am passionate about creativity. I am primarily self-taught, and I am always experimenting with new skills and techniques. Right now, my shop focuses primarily on jewelry, eco-friendly crafts, beading, and wire working. I also knit, sew, and quilt and plan to add more product lines soon.

My Handmade Magic is primarily available online, though I participate in various craft fairs in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. (Check out my website calendar for more information.) Locally, my jewelry is in the gift shops of the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles and the Triton Art Museum.

I am also active as a leader in the San Francisco Etsy Street Team. My leadership focus is the South Bay area, and I enjoy putting together events and activities for the team. I've been part of the Etsy community since 2006, when the site was in Beta.

Photography by Jill Bernhardt