Please start by telling us a little about yourself and your studio.

I am a cat lover, artisan and photographer. My studio is a mess, and it's located in my basement. You wouldn't believe how much space beads take up! I have a whopping nine cats, and yes, they help! You can view some pictures of them "helping" on my Facebook page here, along with other snippets and deals and what-have-you.

I've been making jewelry and selling it since 1999. I can't believe how quickly time has flown by! Then came photography, and then I started making my own polymer clay beads. Right now, I have an earring obsession, which you can see in my shop. It's overrun!

If there’s one thing that defines you, what is it?

My creativity defines me. It's either that or imagination. I constantly come up with more ideas of handmade things I want to make! There's never enough time to create everything!

Where do you live and what is it like?

I live in West Salem, WI. It's a small town (about 5,000 people) on the outskirts of La Crosse, WI. It's wonderful! We're lucky because the interstate and the main highway in the area goes right through West Salem, so we're not isolated, but we keep the small town feel.

Where did you learn your medium?

I've always adored jewelry, but I really fell head over heels for it when I was an exchange student in Brazil. The wire work I saw there was truly phenomenal! I've been learning and making jewelry ever since (I'm self taught!).

What are your goals with your ArtFire studio?

To spread the crafting and jewelry love! Of course, I'd love to make a couple of sales along the way to help pay for supplies and to continue supporting charities with silent auction donations. I'm a big supporter of many causes -- animal support, women's rights, and more.

How did you come to selling online?

I started way back when with eBay; I made my first real sale there (it was a woven bracelet in whites! It sold for $3.50 in 2000). I was so stoked. Since then, I've expanded to other online venues.

How did you come to find a home on ArtFire?

I learned of ArtFire over a year ago, from a friend of mine: LeafyLady (You should totally visit her shop -- she makes and designs beautiful stuff). I just recently started listing on ArtFire though. I'm so glad to be here!

What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists?

Don't give up and be persistent! It's worth it! And try as many different ways to promote as you can!

Why do you think that buying and selling handmade products benefits society?

Not only does it support the economy, (local, national and world-wide), it spreads culture from one place to another, which is always a joy. It also fosters creativity, which is never a bad thing. If I can inspire just one other person, I'm a happy camper!

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