My vocation for creating rosaries and prayer beads grew directly from my passion for the beads themselves. I'm always inspired by the fact that the word "bead" comes directly from the old English word for "prayer." The rosary's structure, with its specific numbers and sizes of beads arranged in a prescribed pattern, is a framework, like a haiku or a sonnet. Within that structure I can use any beads I choose to evoke a mood, to illustrate a Scripture verse or hymn, or to contemplate a truth. Although there are specific gemstones (most notably onyx, amethyst, lapis, amber, and coral) associated with rosaries, I have developed my own symbolism. For example, the earthy hues of moukaite jasper are symbolic for me of the bread and wine of Communion. Fancy jasper evokes the beauty and diversity of the world and its people. Jade, with its strength and enduring beauty, symbolizes the Eternal. I also enjoy using seeds, nuts, and other durable natural materials as well as materials that are regarded as sacred or historic--olive wood from Bethlehem, sacred bodhi wood from India, Hebron beads from Israel, Kiffa beads from Mauretania, and of course trade beads from all over the world. Vintage and antique beads often find their way into my work.

Beads have been my abiding interest for well over twenty years. During most of that time, I earned my living as a computer systems engineer and consultant, specializing in networks. I was away from home for much of that time, traveling each week to a job site in some distant location. Working with beads gave me the chance to emerge from the space inside my head and to work with something both concrete and beautiful, and I developed a collection that included gemstones, antique and vintage beads, and my special favorites--trade beads. I began making rosaries in the immediate aftermath of September 11, 2001. On that day, I broke my own rosary, and it occurred to me that I could use beads that I had on hand to create a new one for myself. A work layoff during that time provided me with the time and space to begin cultivating a new business and a new life. The Web has provided the perfect venue for showcasing my work, but I can also be found at local shows.

A long standing client once wrote about my work: "Everything is handmade and to order: there's no sense of a factory at work, just a skilled and devout craftsman... I will deal with her again in a heartbeat." Although those words were written several years ago, I still try each day to bring that thoughtful, unhurried approach to my worktable.

I began praying the Marian (Catholic) Rosary when I was a college student--back when the dinosaurs were still roaming the earth. I give it, and Them Above, full credit for helping me avoid some very bad life choices during that time. Although I am an Episcopalian, I derive great satisfaction from creating prayer beads for all Christian faiths, including traditional Catholic rosaries, Anglican beads, Orthodox chotkis, and the Lutheran "Wreath of Christ." I have recently stepped outside my own spiritual path to create a set of Juzu, Buddhist prayer beads, for my brother. Prayer beads are truly universal.

I live with my husband Greg, and Spencer-the-Beagle, in Baltimore, Maryland. Our two sons are now adults. I greatly enjoy camping, tramping around in the woods, and volunteering in Beagle rescue.