Some of my fondest childhood memories are walking through my grandpas rummage barn in Poteet. I also loved riding horses and living the life of a country girl. I think both those things inspired the artistic work I do now.  One day I saw an old cowboy boot tied on to a tractor with tools in it and it got me to thinking…I could make a purse out of boots…so then it began. I went to the saddle shop and had the guy sew up a few boots for me and after having a few successful sales, I decided to buy a heavy duty sewing machine of my own. After the purses came the wine totes. In the midst of it all, I decided I wanted to take a soldering class…and one thing led to another…lots more classes involving metal. I’ve taken studio classes in and around San Antonio and gone out of state to take some too. I’ve also taken classes online. I have to say I’ve amassed a tool collection that would make most men jealous. Jewelry making and working with leather has become an addiction for me.

I like the idea of giving discarded things a second life and that’s reflected in a lot of my work. I am one who gets excited about walking through a scrap metal yard just to look for things to incorporate into my jewelry. Small rusty pieces of metal or an old rusty metal tape measure can make a nice pendant!  I also use nature in my designs, flowers, butterfly wings, etc. People may think I’m nuts as I’m scouring their cars grill guards for butterfly wings…they just don’t get it.  I love it when I’m at a show and people are looking at my work and then it hits them…oh my gosh, your purse is made out of a boot! Yes it is and the handle or strap is made out of a belt. All upcycled of course!  I’ve been known to pull over if I see a boot in the road! Being a former barrel racer, I have lots of cowgirl and cowboy friends that keep me pretty well stocked in the boot and belt department but I also find them in thrift stores and at garage sales. In my jewelry I usually use a variety of mixed metals, some new, some old, some broken, some discarded. I have quite a collection of old & discarded “stuff” in my studio just waiting to become new creations. I love bringing things back to life…a better life than they had the first time around.