After nine years of designing, creating and teaching beading techniques and bead weaving, and being published several times in beading magazines (and even a book) I gave into the desire to works in metals. What began as one small workbench and a few hammers and pliers has developed into three eight foot workbenches in a studio of 600 square feet. There is little to compare with the feeling of manipulating metals to conform to my will. Aside from one course at New Hampshire League of Craftsmen, I am completely self taught. I have learned through experimentation and lots of mistakes as well as the guidance of my mentors. I have learned not to listen when I hear it can't be done and to try anyway. After all, if it can't be done, I want to know why. It teaches me more about the metals and other materials I use. I am constantly learning, exploring, and developing as an artist and metalsmith. I find my inspiration for form and color in my natural surroundings using leaves from trees and herbs to create texture Because I can't carry my tools with me....and I can't sit still, I continue to weave beads every now and then, creating new patterns for my bead weaving friends and customers. I live in a small town in Vermont with my husband and our dog Ollie; our 5 children are all grown and off on their own adventures.