I've loved small, detailed things since a was a little thing; beads are tiny, shiney, and come in such astounding variety, it takes my breath away. The first time I went to a bead show, I'm pretty sure that I almost passed out!

I grew up in a family who owned a jewelry factory in the heyday of Rhode Island jewelry manufacturing; both my parents are designers. Some of my earliest memories are of going through the semi-precious stone room and swooning over sodalite, jasper, quartz, and of course Swarovski crystal (oh, if I only had that room now!!!). My Grandmother used to give me beads to string & I'd be content for hours. 

Even though I come from a family steeped in the jewelry business, until I reached my 30's it never occured to me to try jewelry making myself. Now it's like something has woken up inside me - I see color combinations in my dreams!