My start in metalsmithing was completely by accident. I grew up learning all the textile and fiber/needle arts from my mother and I had three older sisters who all became very talented in one area or another to look up to. In designing some fancy pillows for my living room, I decided that using copper accents would look great and went looking for a way to learn to make my own. I found jewelry classes at a local community college and fell in love with the art. I've been making jewelry and experimenting with other pieces in my spare time for the last 6 or 7 years. Inspired in part by my oldest sister who developed a brain tumor and passed away recently, and the desire to make the most of my art while I still can, I've recently cut back to working 1 or 2 days a week in my dental hygiene profession and starting building my jewelry business. My love of making shawl pins is related, I am sure, to my mother's and sisters' talents with needles and hooks and my own humble efforts with them. I attend many knitting shows like Vogue Knitting Live and will attend my first Stitches show in 2017. Jewelry, however, is my main focus. I have always felt naked if I went out without earrings. Personal adornment has been around since prehistoric times, and I find that wearing jewelry can make one feel a little more special, whether it's to compliment a particular outfit or you just need to lift your spirits. My own heritage is Celtic, and I love designs that have that feel to them. My hope and desire is to make jewelry that will last and be loved for many years and be passed on to future generations.