I have always been attracted to the fanciful rather than the practical. When I discovered beads, love was immediate. I am drawn in by the color, as they gleam, glint and glow. Wire, the perfect companion to beads is strong, yet malleable. It longs to wrap itself around beads, framing each one to make it special. With wire and beads I can create anything imaginable. I can create fanciful things that have no purpose other than answering the question “Is this possible?” It is with wire that I can whisper.....

Being a native to the Pacific Northwest, I am inspired by the organic forms found in nature, Japanese motifs, textiles techniques and the sinuous lines found in the Art Nouveau movement. My focus is sculptural wirework and becoming intimate with the subtleties of wirework and sharing these techniques with my students.

I teach at The Bead Gallery in Hawaii, NanC Meinhardt Studio, Bead Expo 2005, 06, & 07, Bead & Button 2005, 06 & 07, Crystal Creations, Creative Castle, The Great Lakes Beadworkers Guild, Beads by Blanche & The Puget Sound Bead Festival.

I am a frequent contributor to Beadwork Magazine.

My three tier wire tassel “Moontide” won best of show at the Puget Sound Bead Festival 2005. My Neckpiece “Maharajah” won 2nd place. “Maharajah” is also on tour with The Dairybarn 2006.“It’s a Mystery” placed third in Non-wearables in Bead Dreams 2006 at Bead & Button. My work is carried in Bothell in The Heart and Soul Gallery, and at Beads and Beyond.

Of course, I did not get here all by myself.
I owe great Thanks to many friends and mentors.

Kathy Dannerbeck,
Without her vision of Beads and Beyond, I would not be here today. She brought together the best bead store in the Pacific Northwest. She asked me to work for her from the very beginning. Even though I had a full time job when I started, it was only a matter of time before beads would take over my life, eventually becoming my livelihood. Kathy not only opened the gate to this path, she encouraged me to start teaching. She continually supports me in all my endeavors!
Thanks for everything Kat!

Lynne Merchant
Lynne single handedly launched wire working as it is known in the United States today. I am grateful to have studied under her. She taught me not only how to relate tools to wire, but to do it with integrity. She holds a high standard for everything in life, Use nothing but the best and be nothing but the best. Thanks Lynne!

NanC Meinhardt
When I first thought that I could teach nationally, NanC was the first to schedule me. and to promote me through her contacts. I thank her for her belief in me when I wasn’t so sure I could do it. Thanks NanC!

Cynthia Rutledge
Cynthia I hold as my standard of excellence. She is always organized, poised and delightful! She is always there with gentle guidance and support. Thanks Cynthia!

Tracy Stanley
What can I say about Tracy? She has been there through thick and thin. She is the one with whom I have traveled the most and she is damn near the perfect roommate. I have had the great opportunity to be around her and I credit her with teaching me the most about problem solving. Thanks Tracy! Let’s hear it for the next ten years!

Cheryl Sweeney
A Huge Thank you to Cheryl Sweeney for designing the best logo and web art there is under the sun. Did you see our logo? It Rocks! Check out the great lampwork beads she makes in her spare time at Sweeneyarts.com.

Jack Berkebile
Lastly I’d like to thank Jack Berkebile for his undying support. He not only allows me the freedom to do what makes me happy, he helps me by making my headpins and feeding the animals while I am away. Mostly I thank him for teaching me how to love and to be loved. Thanks Jackabilly!