Creating is my passion. I worked as an art director for many years before I began working with jewelry 25 years ago. Working predominantly with semi-precious gemstones, in recent years I have added some crystal and glass accents to some of my pieces. In a few instances, the crystal and glass have become the major material comprising the piece. The colors, textures and patterns that spontaneously occur in nature inspire me to create unique works of art that may become a cherished family heirloom for you! I live in West Tennessee by the Tennessee River where diving for mussels to extract their fresh water pearls and pearl farming are major industries. My jewelry career began as a lost wax jewelry artist and designer making one-of-a-kind pearl jewelry for a local company. After several years I started my own company and branched out to work with all kinds of gemstones. My original focus was wire-wrapping. I loved twisting wire around gemstones, and "Gemtwists" was born. I prefer to hand pick my gemstones and beads, so I often go to Tucson in January to the biggest gem shows in the world. I also attend gem shows in other parts of the country to find my treasures. Vendors from across the globe come to sell gems indigenous to their own corner of the world. For over 20 years I have traveled the Eastern US exhibiting at arts and crafts fairs as far west as Missouri and Illinois, as far East as Virginia and the Carolinas, and as far North and South as New York and Florida. Perhaps you have seen me at an event. I enjoy talking with my customers and hope my creations have somehow touched their lives. I work in a smoke free environment and sometimes have the "assistance" of a long-haired orange tabby cat who enjoys the sparkle and fluid movement of a strand of beads as they dangle from my hands. I have recently begun to offer Jewelry Parties with my original and one-of-a-kind jewelry to my customers who live within 2 or 3 hours of my home.