Fine Craft Shows at Chautauqua July 7–9 & August 11–13, 2023
I create small, beautiful things to wear in bead weaving and bead embroidery. Each piece is unique, made with needle and thread, one bead at a time. I make art, not “products,” so I do not skimp on time or materials to make the most exquisite pieces I can. My materials, both vintage and new, are Japanese seed beads, European crystals, semiprecious and precious stones, and pearls with reliable fittings of gold fill, sterling, pewter and bronze. I am making increasing use of French precious metal threads (usually 90% silver or 2% gold) within my beaded work. Recently, I have been developing novel techniques for embroidering lustrous, high quality keshi pearls in versatile collar necklaces. I have also been working with techniques derived from French beading models for distinctive, light and lacy earrings. Bezeled pendants built around remarkable stones, scrimshaw, or artifacts often appear in my work, always hung on handwoven chains. My bracelets most often emerge as textured cuffs.