How long have you been creating?

As far back as I can remember. Fortunately, the paparazzi happened to be present and captured my premiere "eureka moment" making it possible for me to share it in black & white with all of you.

As a child I loved drawing, painting, coloring, writing poetry, sculpting with clay, needlepoint, knitting, playing the piano, and last but not least, designing jewelry with things like buttons and other shiny eclectic items that I could get my hands on. I thought anything colorful, bright and sparkly was the cat's pajamas and that sentiment remains to this day.

In addition, I've always had a deep appreciation for music, nature and the Bible. All three continue to serve as valuable sources of personal and spiritual inspiration that help keep the creative juices flowing.

What is your media of choice?

Being a very detail oriented person, I thrive on the intricacy, challenges and time consuming nature of working with tiny seed beads, needles and various beading threads. Currently, my favorite pieces to create are my hand stitched right angle weave chokers, bracelets and pendants. In particular, I find that the stunning brilliance of Swarovski crystals and the more subtle delicate beauty of seed beads make for a dynamic, elegant and glamorous combination.

What are your motivations for creating?

I create because it's within me to do so. I find it both tremendously fulfilling and an invaluable means of communication and self expression. In other words, it flows from my heart and soul.

Creating challenges me. As a very self-motivated individual, I enjoy the fact that each creative journey compels me to stretch and grow both as a person and as an artist. It's a never ending learning and maturation process that I find stimulating, invigorating and highly rewarding.

What other artists or movements inform your work?

I absolutely love the clean geometric lines, angular shapes, bold colors, streamlined curves and rhythmic patterns of the Art Deco movement. It's what works for me visually. I'm a believer in the phrase "simplicity is elegance." Or, to say it another way, less is more.

I would describe myself as a graphic designer at heart that subconsciously applies basic design principles to the jewelry pieces I create. As I begin a project, I usually have a concept or general idea where I'm going with a particular design. Then, as I start working through it, I make the necessary changes and adjustments along the way. In the end, it's more a matter of what works for me visually and feels right when I see it taking shape and finally coming together. A good analogy between what inwardly works and doesn't work for me is like the difference between putting on an itchy, scratchy sweater versus one that is soft and cozy. The latter just feels comfortable, warm and natural.

What do you find visually stimulating right now?

Watching shows about the cosmos on the Discovery channels. If you've never done so, I highly recommend it. It just puts everything in perspective for me. The universe is so grand and glorious in it's immensity and complex design. It's amazing how contemplating the density of a black hole, the beauty of Venus or the vastness of the universe can really help to ground a person and put things in the proper perspective. Every time I look up into the night sky or watch one of those shows I'm in awe.

My garden. Whether it's visualizing the layout, color and design for the next year's growing season or routine daily maintenance. The vivid colors, textures and designs found among the plants and flowers continually stimulate and inspire me. Their beauty, elegance and fragrance is a delight to the senses and soothing to my soul.

What's the last book you read?

Unfortunately, I can't even remember that last book that I read cover to cover. I love to read but much of what I do read is for informational purposes rather than pleasure. I do a tremendous amount of spot reading, googling, researching and the like. I prefer reading non-fiction. The internet is a wonderful tool, a wealth of information and incredibly convenient. I spend a lot of time doing intricate needlework, photography and working on the computer that require a lot from my eyes. Therefore, in an effort to give them some rest, I try to avoid too much recreational reading.

Any artistic goals for 2007?

I'm looking forward to getting my trademark registered in the next month or so. It has taken over a year to obtain and the process is finally coming down the homestretch.

In the next few weeks and coming months, I plan on taking some time to create some new stitched chokers, bracelets and pendants. It's one of my goals to start looking for a specialty store that would like to carry some of my right angle weave pieces by the middle of this year.

In addition, I'm looking forward to experimenting with some new techniques and media. However, I have to be careful because there's so much out there that I would love to dabble in but I need to remain focused. There's only so much time in a day. I'm the kind of person that would rather develop my own little niche and work hard to excel in that rather than diversify too much. That way I can have my own style and do it with gusto rather than spreading myself too thin.

What would you like your fellow EBSQ artists and our collectors to know about you and/or your work?

My business name is 3Fine Design. In addition to jewelry design, I'm also responsible for the photography, web & graphic design associated with my business. I'm basically an optimistic blue jean, T -shirt and boots kind of gal that's fond of sparkly colorful accessories. I love life, laughter and adventure. I'm crazy about animals. They make me smile and warm my heart. My desire is to bring joy and beauty into the world through the gifts God has given me. I'm a very dedicated person, enjoy what I do and reach for the stars. Heck, "If you're going to dream. . . . . dream big." Why not?

I'm grateful and honored to have been asked by EBSQ to do this interview and want all my fellow artists to know that I'm truly inspired by your talent and dedication. I wish everyone the very best.