Country: USA

Design/Expertise-related information

What technique(s) are you particularly focusing on?
All techniques with a thread and needle

Since when have you already been holding workshops?
1989

What fascinates you about using SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS?
Most fascinating is the contrast of texture that they offer when used with seed beads and the amazing range of colors and shapes, all perfectly and uniformly made.

What is your favorite SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS color?
Indian Red AB-2X (374 AB)

What is your favorite SWAROVSKI ELEMENT and why?
XILION Bead art. 5328, the bicone, because of its versatility and color range.

What was your first experience designing with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS?
A few years ago, Ayumu Miyake, Sales Manager for SWAROVSKI Japan, invited me to teach in Japan. When I said I hadn’t used SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS in much of my work, he suggested that I convert the techniques in my book, “Zulu Inspired Beadwork,” from seed beads to SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. It was a brilliant idea and many, many people have enjoyed the results.

What is your favorite design you have ever created with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS?
One of my favorite designs is a bracelet made with the African Circle Stitch that is featured in the upcoming book, SWAROVSKI CREATE YOUR STYLE Ambassadors Book, to be published by Kalmbach Publishing. This technique offers great potential for creating new color patterns and may be made wide or narrow. My next favorite is the Xilion Flower Necklace because it reminds me of a circle of Forget-Me-Nots that can be worn around one’s neck. But those are just two…like children, one can have many favorites and you love each one for what it is!

Personal information

What are your hobbies?
Beading, reading, creating and writing.

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Happy, lucky and fulfilled.

What would you definitely take with you on a lonely island?
First, my husband because he is a walking encyclopedia, next, my bead stash, and finally, my computer and an electric generator.

What is the first thing at the day you usually do?
Check to see if my brain came up with any new beading ideas while I was sleeping, then coffee, the New York Times and then beading for an hour or two.

What is your motto of life?
Give respect and encouragement to others and maintain a sense of humor.

What advice do you have for new SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS enthusiasts?
Collect samples of each bead you use and note the color name, finish, size and article number. Having a color reference will be a valuable resource as you develop your ideas.