For over 25 years I made macrame jewelry, avoiding the look of the 60s and 70s like the plague. Chokers, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, full sets, wall hangings, gems, pendants, lace, hemp, cotton, linen, I used whatever material suited my ideas. 20 years of knots, beads, bells, and bones.

Then I had a bad fall down a set of stairs covered in ice and landed wrong. I ended up tearing a ligament in my wrist. I originally thought it was a bad sprain, a couple doctors told me it was tendonitis. After five years I finally got to see a specialist. In 2016 I had surgery to repair the ligament. I can make jewelry, but I take frequent breaks to prevent myself from hurting my wrist.

Thankfully I did find something to occupy my time when not making jewelry. In Fall 2015 I took up the family tradition of quilting. I'm a fourth generation quilter (though my mother said it may go back further in our family), and picked it up with ease. In no time at all I've found my style, preferred technique, built up a healthy collection of fabric and patterns, and now fully immerse myself in my work.

I've made several gifts (great way to practice) and small items. Now I'm working on larger projects! I have a lot of time on my hands, and have found a method that works well for me. It also helps that the region I live in has a lot of quilt shows during the Summer. So much exposure and encouragement, and from complete strangers!

Growing up I was surrounded by colors, prints, fabrics, and quilts. Now I know how to make these things and share the family tradition. It's a good feeling finding something that sings to me.

I'm also, finally, sharing my watercolor work. I've been painting for over a decade but kept it relatively private. Nearly every painting has been given to my family as gifts. Now I hope to sell my paintings. I've also looked into having my paintings printed on fabric I can use for quilts, and I plan on taking up applique in a couple years to bring my paintings to life by way of fabric.

Being permanently disabled has left me with a lot of time on my hands, and I do my best to put it to good use. My goal is to bring in some income into my home by way of my art and craft-work. My husband is the only one who can work a "real job", so I do my best to bring in what I can with what I do. With all this time I have I find myself improving drastically with every project, and hopefully my buyers will see it too.