I like to create jewelry using vintage, gemstone, and what I like to call "reincarnated" beads — old and new beads and findings from discarded jewelry, given a second life in new, reimagined pieces.

About three years ago I made a bead pendant as a gift and I enjoyed doing it so much that I started collecting beads and learning more. I discovered old, broken or unwanted jewelry at thrift shops and yard sales with gorgeous and unusual vintage beads that could be re-used, and I wanted to give these abandoned pretties a new life. Now I seek out these kinds of beads and incorporate them into designs wherever possible. I love using beads that have a sense of history.

I also like that I am recycling something and making it useful again. To that end, I try to find materials when I can that are recycled, second-hand, or "found," and use them to package and display my jewelry.

My first love is writing, which I do for a living, but of course I am also a hopeful novelist. I also love photography, and am very active in community theatre. Cat Nap Studio was created out of my wish to have a place to explore my creativity. With two kitties who love to sleep in the sun in my studio, it's a natural place for me to play (and sometimes nap, too). Thanks for visiting.