I have always enjoyed making pretty things. When I was 8 years old, I made jewelry with tiny shells for my teachers. I became a teacher, and after retiring, I started making jewelry again, this time using pearls, crystals, and semi-precious stones. A friend suggested that I apply to sell my jewelry in the Terrace Shop in Duke Gardens. I was accepted, and named my jewelry “Garden Stones.”

With that success, I became bold enough to apply to WomanCraft. I was excited to be accepted, and have enjoyed being a member, and recently a consignor, for many years.

Most of my necklaces, earrings, and bracelets are made with natural stones. It’s interesting to see what Mother Nature has created, and to use these stones in my jewelry. I use jasper, onyx, agate, lapis, and malachite for their beautiful colors and patterns. Garnet, tourmaline, peridot, citrine, moonstone, apatite, and precious stones ruby and sapphire are used in small necklaces.