Hello friends,
Here is a little bit about my past, present, and future.
~I am a retired teacher, a writer, published poet, and a crafter.
~I work with several mediums like polymer clay, resin, leather, feathers and beads.
~As a jewelry crafter, I search for the prettiest glass beads and the most interesting elements I can get my hands on. I work primarily with premium Czech fire-polished glass beads that catch the light with a variety of facet cuts and sizes, and specialty Picasso beads with delicate surprises of color.
~I use tiny 11/0 Miyuki Delicas for my loom beading. I love ceramic beads , wooden beads, and natural stones.
~I am obsessed with the alchemy of verdigris and anything mystical, magical and whimsical.
~I call this collection The Elementals.
~I live in California and draw inspiration from the earth and sand, mountains and desert. I am inspired by the ocean and beaches and rivers. I am inspired by birds and sky. I feel like fire is represented by the Cali sun, the passion of creativity, and the colorful history of California.
~I love California and feel blessed to live here. I am a first generation Californian, however, several generations of my family are from Oklahoma’s Cherokee Territory. I have many relatives who still live there.
~Although I am not a registered Cherokee tribal member, I continue to connect with, and learn more about my roots. I will always be inspired by my Tsalagi ancestors and all the relatives. I come from a long line of crafters; quilting, sewing, embroidery, leather crafts, jewelry making, fine artists, and servers of the community.
~As a reminder, though, please purchase authentic Native American and all Indigenous Arts and Crafts by tribal members, only. Let’s respect and celebrate the original designers.
~My website is a place that welcomes all and celebrates diversity.
Come with me on this crafty journey!
I would like to respectfully acknowledge that I live in the San Joaquin Valley, which is the traditional ancestral homelands and the original stewards of the land of the Northern Valley Yokuts People, specifically, the Cholbumne, Hulpumne, and Tammukan.
I would also like to respectfully acknowledge The California Valley Miwok Tribe of Shingle Springs, the sacred powwow land, community garden, and the craft-makers, dancers, musicians, and all the people who are still stewards of this precious land, who generously and diligently give back to their community.
I would like to pay respect, and recognize and acknowledge the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous peoples and their traditional territories, and commit to moving forward in partnership and respect.
