I first became interested in jewelry making and Silver Smithing in about 1978. I took a number of classes in the late 1970s and early 1980s and knew I had found a hobby that I wanted to dedicate more time to. However, with a family to raise and a business to run, I didn't have a lot of spare time. As a result, jewelry making moved to a back burner.

After I retired, I missed the opportunities to create and design that I had enjoyed as the owner/manager of my own flower shop. My interest in jewelry making was rekindled and I took numerous classes during winters in Arizona. My main interest is Chain Making, but I also do Wire Wrapping, Precious Metal Clay and Silver Smithing. I am also involved in teaching both Chain Making and Wire Wrapping during the winter months in Southern Arizona. My studio in my Canadian residence in Lethbridge, Alberta is set up for Chain Making and Wire Wrapping but I currently do not have all the necessary equipment to do Silver Smithing or work in Precious Metal Clay.

I purchase metal wire (Sterling Silver, 14KT Gold Filled and Copper) and coil it on various sized mandrels. I then wax and cut the resulting coils to yield individual rings. Depending on the design I am making, I select the appropriate diameter rings and make the desired piece one ring at a time using hand-held pliers. After a piece is completed, it goes into a vibrating burnisher for at least 2 hours. This mechanical process work hardens the metal, removes any wax & burrs and polishes the piece.

I purchase both round and square wire if available. My chains are made from Sterling Silver, Twisted Sterling Silver, 14KT Gold Filled, as well as Copper. I twist the 14KT Gold Filled square wire myself and am able to create some designs that are not available elsewhere. I especially enjoy the result of combining Sterling Silver and Gold Filled in the same piece.

Not all people want the same fit in Bracelets and Necklaces and everyone has their own earring length preference. I delight in designing custom sized pieces and sets specifically for individual clients.

My work is currently available year round in the Southern Alberta Art Gallery Gift Shop. I also sell my pieces at various Craft Shows, Artisans Markets and Farmers Markets in Southern Alberta in the April to November months.