First off, what role does your art play in your life?
It lets me explore my creative side. I never thought of myself as a creative or artistic person until I began making jewelry. It started out as a hobby and now has developed into a full time endeavor.

If there’s one thing that defines you, what is it?
My family. They are the most important part of my life. And each relationship is precious, be it wife, mother, or grandmother.

What role does your family play in your art?
I have 5 granddaughters so I love making jewelry for them and with them. It makes me feel good that they also appreciate what I do. It is also good to know that they will have something that will remind them of the time we spent together. Hopefully one day maybe one of them will follow in my footsteps.

Where do you live and what is it like?
I live in Sanibel, which is an island on the gulf coast of Florida. It is a great place for an artist to live. There are 3 great art studios on the island and an art co op. And of course there are lots of boutiques with lots of great inspiration for designs and opportunities to sell your work. The sub tropical weather is a big plus too. Oh, and did I mention the gorgeous beaches and all the inspiration there too? I love living there.

Where did you learn to craft?
A good friend turned me on to jewelry making. She showed me a few things and then we started taking classes together. In the beginning I didn't have a lot of time to spend on it, but then I really got into it and took a few more classes. I started reading and subscribed to some jewelry magazines. Of course there is so much on the internet to learn from as well.

Who is your favorite craft supplier?
Auntie's Beads. They usually have what I am looking for and they also have tons of ideas and tutorials. I also like Fusion Beads for the same reasons.

If there is a new craft you could learn, what would it be and why?
I want to learn to work with glass and clay. Both have many possibilities for creating jewelry.

What are your goals with your ArtFire studio?
I’d like to gain exposure for my jewelry and build a loyal customer base. I could create endlessly but I need a revenue source to support my endless desire to create new things.

Where do you receive your inspiration, in general?
Magazines, television, traveling and I always check out what other people are wearing.

How did you come to selling crafts?
I started making jewelry for family and friends and everyone kept telling me that I should be selling my jewelry. I decided to make a few items and give it a try and it just grew bigger and bigger from there.

Who are your other favorite ArtFire artists?
SpoiledBratzWear, NinjaJenn, LaDeDaCreations, RedPanda, AuntiFranni, and all the members of the ArtFire Jewelry Artists and Jewelry Supply Shops Guild.

How did you come to find a home on ArtFire?
I honestly cannot remember where I first heard about ArtFire. It may have been on Indie Public. But I figured at $7/month it was worth giving it a go, and it was one of the best business decisions I have made to date. It has been a totally positive and rewarding experience so far.

What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists?
Pick something that you really like to do. Make a plan and then go for it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. With the advent of internet shopping there is a big market out there. It is very competitive so you need to be able to invest time in marketing and promoting. However, it can be a really positive and rewarding experience too.

What is the most treasured thing in your craft stash?
My grandmother's bracelet. It is made with Swarovski crystals in the colors of my 7 grandchildren's birthstones. I receive compliments on it all the time. And I have custom made them for other people as well. Everyone I have made one for has really loved it. I like making memory jewelry as I know it will have special meaning to the recipient.

If you won a thousand dollar craft shopping spree, what would you spend it on?
I would take a class for working with glass either dichroic or lampwork and also for supplies.

 Why do you think that buying and selling handmade products benefits society?
It will keep the art of handmade alive. People who appreciate handmade items versus mass produced need a venue to support the craft. And as long as the venue exists then the craft will continue to be passed on to the next generation. It is an important part of our culture to pass what we know and do on to the next generation.

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