Amazing Hand-Sculpted Jewlery

I was born in Seattle and spent my formative years in the Pacific Northwest, gardening, hiking and fishing with my family. At an early age I learned to appreciate beauty and creativity, from my mom. I graduated from the University of Washington with a BFA in painting and an individual study in Fiber with Richard Proctor(a student of Jack Lenore Lawson). I have lived in Mt. Vernon, Washington, Seattle(on a houseboat), Massachusetts, Washington D.C, Ohio, Louisiana and now we live in New Mexico.
Currently I am painting and making jewelry. I previously have made quilts and wearable art. The two things that inspire my jewelry making are combining color and texture and the joining of old and new. I am inspired by nature and organic objects. There is a little bit of Native American and Asian influence in every piece I make. I have found great joy in creating these pieces and I hope you will enjoy wearing them.

I am continually searching for different and unusual beads. Sometimes I see a bead and I know the necklace that goes with it. Other times I want to use a certain animal and I look for something that fits what I have been thinking about. In my necklaces I incorporate beads from many countries.
In particular:

• THAI SILVER BEADS- which are a higher silver content than sterling and are perfect little works of art in themselves.
• TIBETAN SILVER CAPPED BEADS-these wonderful beads can be carved or painted, the ends are capped with tooled silver. The stones that I use are most often carnelian, lapis, turquoise, and carved Naga shell.
• CHINESE CLOISONNE-these are lovely beads that are enameled, usually with a floral design and are created in many gorgeous colors.
• CHINESE AND AFRICAN WOODEN BEADS-the beads from China are often painted. The carved beads represent many types of wood and a variety of textures and patinas.
• BONE FROM INDIA, CHINA AND AFRICA-from Chinese batik dyed bone, to the multitude of colors and shapes of the carved beads from any countries . Bone lends a warm touch to many pieces.
• HORN BEADS-mostly from Africa, they lend a richness.
• AFRICAN TRADE BEADS-most of these are glass beads from Florence, that have become more lovely as they traveled through many lands and many hands.
• SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES AND METALS-these beads come from all over the world; Navajo sterling, Ethiopian brass and nickel prayer beads, Chinese metal beads, jade, turquoise, copal amber, carnelian, amethyst, lapis, coral, fresh water pearls and many other wonderful beads find their way into my work.

• VINTAGE BEADS-this category includes many of the beads that are listed above. I particularly like the craftsmanship and patina of the older beads.

How my jewelery is made: Every necklace has one or more feature pieces that are hand sculpted from polymer clay. After the pieces are fired, I paint each one with acrylic paint, to compliment and be complimented, by the beads I have chosen. I then varnish the sculpted component with acrylic varnish. Every piece that I make is individual. No forms or molds are ever used.
Here are some necklaces I've made. If you wish specific information about these or other necklaces please email me.

One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art.

Oscar Wilde

7/12/07

I'm going to start posting my newest necklaces. They are whimsical and the most detailed work I have done. These necklaces are animals wearing kimonos. The first image is kyokuba monkey. Kyokuba means acrobat in Japanese. The monkey is holding a carved piece of jade and hanging from his tail, on a necklace of copal amber, chinese nickel silver beads, carved jade and bone, copal with Tibetan silver, Thai silver and carved bone and sterling clasp. The price is $385.00.

Dragonflies and other Insects

Don't forget the fishermen:

Other Fish: To your immediate right, Swimming Upstream was in the Best of 2006, the Ohio Designer Craftsman show. It is sold. The second to the right is a fish with a wonderful collection of African trade beads, turquoise and Thai silver. Price:$210
The third one is made for my sister. It has carved jade and pressed metal Chinese beads. Next one is sold as well, same elements. The last one I sold last year in Anacortes.

Be sure to check out my earlier posts: the animal wearing kimono series. They are lots of fun and whimsy. Before we hop in the car to head for the Anacortes Arts Festival, August 3rd, 4th and 5th, i want to add a few more images.

Chinese Rook has enameled Chinese beads, vintage Chinese glass and embossed metal beads,lapis, Ethiopian prayer beads and a pewter clasp.Price: $195.
Also shown are some other necklaces with ravens. The second is called Thief of Corn and is sold. the next one down is called Loves Shiny Things it captures the true character and personality of these lively birds. the necklace has freshwater pearls, abalone, amethyst, and Thai silver, with a sterling clasp. Price:$290. Then just to remind you to look at the kimono series I have included Kujaku (peacock)Kimono.