My Story
Member of the Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington. Selling through the Arts Alliance Center in the College Mall in Bloomington Indiana
I began working with beads in 2009, making jewelry for myself and friends.
As I was honing my craft, I learned that a friend regularly visited orphanages in the Ukraine, and began donating jewelry for the kids. Hence the name of my studio.
When I began selling my work, I committed to donating a piece to the orphanages for every sale.
I love to work with natural materials, such as stone, wood, bone, and shell. I value economic justice and sustainability, and often used reclaimed items or fair trade products in my designs. Recently I have been exploring many other uses for beads, such as face mask holders, beaded glassware and various types of charms. I love variety!
I enjoy the design process, and offer custom design services in which the customer and I work together to select the elements used in a new piece. I offer beaded watches as a custom item, as watches require a precise fit. I also offer jewelry repair and modification services.
I spent my professional career as a rehabilitation counselor, and have many years of working with individuals with disabilities. I can modify or custom design a piece for anyone with special needs, such as difficulty with clasps or sensory sensitivities.