I am inspired by the colors, textures and patterns I see all around me in nature.  Creative all my life, I started beading as a youngster and was in my first arts & crafts show in high school.  Since then I’ve been making jewelry and been in many shows.  When my husband and I made a lifestyle change by moving from northern New Mexico to a beautiful beach in the Fiji Islands in 2001, I brought my jewelry making supplies with me.  When not taking our guests snorkeling or on village visits, I’d be busy creating beautiful freshwater pearl, shell and crystal jewelry under my Fijian name “Susana Vatu” that I’d sell in several Fiji resorts and visiting cruise ships.  Recently I discovered the creative and colorful aspects of polymer clay and have enjoyed creating unique vibrantly colored lightweight earrings.

In 2017 we sold our little tourism business on the beach and eventually moved to Port Townsend in 2019.  I enjoy being back home and am busy continuing to make my beautiful jewelry for galleries and participate in many arts & crafts shows on the Olympic Peninsula.