Beads are procured from broken necklaces and bracelets, as well as many other types of vintage jewelry. Everything in my vast collection is carefully sorted and categorized, a job that never ends with my constant need for more material.
I have tiny beading bins I use for this purpose, as well as a good assortment of smaller Sterilite containers for my larger, brooch-size items.
I search out and set aside special findings, components and semi-precious stones - as well as pearls, sea glass and so many other interesting knick-knacks.
I also have a huge collection of buttons. Who doesn't love buttons? And have added that and more into my creations.
One of my background methods is creating my art on either glass or acrylic panels that I reverse-paint. I utilize a technique similar to acrylic pour, while also employing brushes to create more dimensional-ity and interest.
I love this part of the process because I so love working with color.
I love texture! These background panels are hand-painted on double-mounted archival board. If you look closely, you can make out the layers of color and texture giving the panels a more rustic and aged look. I take as much time with my background colors as the foreground!
I also have a lovely collection of vintage washi and origami paper, which is a fine Japanese paper with beautiful patterns and textures as my background. Honestly the best thing about creating art is I can utilize whatever materials happen to have found their way to me - whether by me actively searching estate sales, antique shops or anywhere unwanted items are yearning for a new beginning.
I like to remind myself the start of each new day is a new beginning, this works both in my art and in my personal life.
Eclectic Substrates
I also have been working on salvaged pieces of wood and driftwood - almost anything that resonates with me can become my next canvas.
Once my substrate is prepared, each element from my vast collection is individually and intentionally hand-set. This process can take tedious hours and many days to complete. I work with beads and elements from just 1 mm and up - this process is very time intensive and is how my work takes on a life of its own.
Mermaid on driftwood is one of my favorite pieces. She rests on a driftwood that I personally discovered in 2023 on a secluded beach at Lake Superior, near Pictured Rocks. After painstakingly sanding, I sealed the wood and also added a hanging wire on the back - so before I even began the mermaid design she would be all set to hang securely on the wall.
I took care to incorporate sealife objects such as shells and sea glass - but my most favorite piece is the carved abalone shell button, located below her breast. The more you gaze at my art and discover the hidden treasures within, the more you realize there is a story to be told within each unique piece. I like to think of this as good karma.
My ultimate goal is to inspire a sense of connection to our natural world through my art.
Frames, panels, Wood ..
almost anything can become my next canvas
Found materials are sometimes completely remade, are repaired, painted and otherwise given a second chance.
Check out a selection of some of my more unusual reclaimed and repurposed pieces.
I'm always on the lookout for interesting and unique materials to craft my growing menagerie of dragons, birds, turtles, insects and elephants.
One of my favorite quotes about my process is,
Art enables me to find myself and lose myself at the same time.
It's so important to Love what you do. And I can say without a second thought - I am in love with creating my art & jewelry creations.
I take great joy in finding a little bit of the magic I see in the everyday, from a pretty pebble or a beaded necklace - and elevating my found materials into purposeful and beautiful art.
