I was born in Washington, D.C., but grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, with my parents, two sisters, three brothers, and a large  -- and colorful -- extended family.  When I was in grade school, my Irish grandmother, who lived with us, and her youngest sister, a seamstress, introduced me to sewing.  I soon moved on to embroidery, quilting, and other textile media, so I have been creating for most of my life.  After my Italian grandmother died in 2003 at age 97, I  re-strung two of her costume jewelry necklaces, thus beginning my new passion for jewelry design.

In 2004, I took a silver clay class, and was fascinated by the process.  Except for a brief hiatus after badly fracturing my wrist, I have continued to work in this medium, striving to refine my designs.  Bill Struve's recent introduction of bronze and copper metal clays has expanded greatly my ability to work with metal in a non-traditional way.

I love reading, and learning, and exploring new ideas -- I liked school and I still enjoy taking classes! -- so I am thrilled to be able to share my interests and experiences through my work.

 Member, PMC Guild