Creativity has always been a major part of my life.  My undergraduate degree was in vocal arts and organ (B.M., Westminster Choir College 1964) and my advanced degrees in history (M.A. and Ph.D. from Duke University, 1979 and 1986).  Throughout my academic career I kept returning to creative projects to give meaning to my life.  I dabbled in knitting, scrapbooking, and even taught sewing after retiring.  It took a stroke in 2004 to change my life and bring focus and contentment.  My physical therapy involved sorting coins and beads and led to the creation of Kreative Karats in 2006.

"Expect the unexpected" has become my mantra.  I thrive on new mediums--enameling, resin, and silver.  I am currently working in silver chain maille and free-form casting.  I continue to design in semi-precious stones and pearls.  My sources are varied, from Brazil to Thailand, and I always use silver or gold vermeille, never any nickel or potentially dangerous alloys.

I am a regular contributer to Stringing Magazine.  I also hold jewelry arts shows quarterly.