In sixth grade, it was macramé necklaces and bracelets. In high school, I glued earring posts onto found objects. As an adult I moved on to beading, wirework and now chainmaille. Growing up, I was the tomboy who loved pretty things. Now I take a form that had been used to equip men for war and use it to create pieces to enhance a woman's beauty. Isn't jewelry one of the ways that we 'arm' ourselves to face our days?

I've been working in jewelry "seriously" for about 6 years, making pieces on commission, and selling on consignment and through home parties. I began making chainmaille when a project caught my eye and imagination. I had instructions, but still couldn't make it work. Finally, I sat down and stared at the photo of the finished piece until suddenly, I got it. I saw how the pattern worked, how the rings related to each other. It was a magical moment, and I was hooked. Every chain begins with a pile of rings, and two pair of pliers. I love the challenge of making armor look beautiful, and of finding ways to add beads onto (or into) the weaves. My goal is to push chainmaille beyond the Renaissance Festival, creating pieces that can be worn and appreciated by men and women anywhere.