As a child growing up inJuneau,Alaska, I had admired the exquisite beadwork displayed at the local museum, along with the beautiful handcrafted finery the native Tlingit wore during the ceremonial shows performed at my local high school.

Around 1987 my Mother visited me on vacation and showed me how to handcraft some simple seed bead earrings she had learned to make.  I remember how proud I was of my first earrings which I still have to this day.  Funny thing is, now when looking at those first attempts at jewelry making it makes me laugh because they were terrible.  And now those earrings are a cherished memory of time spent with my Mother.

When handcrafting jewelry, sometimes I have no idea what my design will be until I get out my beads and arrange them with the minds eye of my imagination.  The colors of the world inspire me to design unique one of a kind jewelry pieces I hope will be enjoyed by those who would wear them.

Valerie
Spanaway, WA
March 15, 2011