Beautiful things in nature, flipping through magazines and catalogs, and just ''playing'' with beads and findings can really inspire me to design jewelry. I often go into a project without a plan -- I simply let the beautiful beads lead the way. Of course, there are times I wake up in the middle of the night with a really great design idea and can barely keep myself from working on it right away. Making jewelry makes me feel proud and creative. It validates my work when people who know me cannot believe that I've made the jewelry that rivals store-bought merchandise. The number of people who do not know me, but love my work and appreciate me as a serious artist, is mind blowing. It reminds me that if I continue to be creative, upgrade my skill and technique and seek opportunity, the sky is the limit. My inspiration comes from my love for jewelry. I don't have a particular artistic style -- I am continually growing and learning as an artist. I enjoy all my designs and don't have a specific favorite. I just hope what I create is enjoyed and worn for years to come.
