I'm not sure what brought me to crafting because I've always enjoyed creating things. Since my Mom is a very creative person it must be in my genes! I have enjoyed drawing and painting as long as I can remember, and about seven years ago I discovered sculpting with polymer clay. Polymer really opened my eyes to a new three dimensional world of art. I could now suddenly bring my drawings off the page and into the real world! I experimented with flexible polymer clay a few years ago and discovered I could make fun and functional works of art in the form of character coasters. I started flattening everything in sight - dogs, cats, cows, pigs, farmers, teachers, birds, fish—you name it, I think I've made a coaster out of it! I guess that's how I came to my current tag line for my shop - Most things are funnier when you flatten them!

If there's one thing that defines you, what is it?
Unpredictability maybe? Indecisiveness as well?

Tell us about your family and the role they play in your craft.
My Mom is probably the original 'hippie' version of Martha Stewart. I remember shopping with Mom as a kid and when we would see something we liked the first question was not "Should we buy it?" but rather, "Can we make it?" My husband is also very supportive of my art and is content to be a 'craft widow' when things get really busy.

Tell us about where you live.
I live on the sunny panhandle coast of Florida. The atmosphere here is closer to New Orleans than Miami. There's a very laid back lifestyle, and art and music play a big part in the small coastal communities of the area.

Where did you learn to craft?
Mostly self taught since I was a kid, I'd say my Mom had a big influence on my creativity. I was always happiest with a few colored pencils and paper.

Who is your favorite craft supplier?
Normally it is the store which has the product I want at the lowest price! I like Dick Blick for selection but Michael’s is the closest physical store to where I live. I use Sculpey exclusively for my flexible polymer coasters - I have a formula that I've perfected over the years that gives flexibility and durability to my finished pieces. I prefer FIMO for art dolls and more delicate pieces.

If there is a new craft you could learn, what would it be and why?
I have always worked with watercolor paints and pencils but have never had the courage to attempt much with acrylics or oils. I've just finished a really fun acrylic class and think I may get into more acrylic painting this year.

What are your goals with your ArtFire studio?
I'd like to slowly build my inventory and show off the pieces I enjoy creating. My coasters have been incredibly popular in my other online shops so I'm hoping I can create a market for my wares here on ArtFire. It's also important for me to be part of an online community that really cares about the artist and the creative process. I think ArtFire is that place.

Where do you receive you inspiration, in general?
Absolutely everywhere! I love to see the funnier side of life so you'll usually find something in my shop to make you laugh.

How did you come to selling crafts?
Like most people, friends and family wanted something special or a gift for a friend. When the 'handmade movement' took off on the internet I was happy to jump right in!

Who are your other favorite ArtFire artists?
There are so many! Of course all of the members of the "Fun, cute and Whimsical Guild" of which I'm a member. I love Auntiedis, AuntiFranni, MadeByMoms, BlueSaphire, and on and on...

How did you come to find a home on ArtFire?
My other crafty friends joined in the fall of 2008 and they told me about it!

What is the best piece of advice you can give other crafters?
Do what you love! If I can't laugh and enjoy myself it's just not worth it!

What is the most treasured thing in your craft stash?
A few sculpted pieces I will never sell. They have taken on lives and personalities of their own and I can't bear to part with them.

If you won a thousand dollar craft shopping spree, what would you spend it on?
Wow! That' a tough one. What I would love the most is more space to work! I'm not sure $1000 would go very far in making my office bigger, maybe I could use the money to better organize the space I have!

Why do you think that buying and selling handmade products benefits society?
I like the fact that the money I spend on a handmade product goes directly to the artist. They are in control of their art and by purchasing from them I am making the choice to support them in their efforts. I like not having to worry if the piece of art I enjoy very much was made in a factory by small children in some poverty stricken corner of the world. As an artist I make careful and deliberate choices about my work environment, my materials, and the way I interact with my customers. These things are very important to me as a seller AND a buyer.

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