I have been working on all kinds of mixed media and altered art since Jan 1999. I love learning new techniques by reading books, magazines and simply experimenting! I am absolutely addicted to the creative process and I love to share my enthusiasm with others :)

My Passion is Teaching

I love to encourage creativity, and it is so rewarding to see my students leave a class or workshop with a smile and a handful of their own creations. I have been teaching a variety of workshops in the Seattlearea since 2003. I have also created product samples for local companies Tsukineko, Rubber Soul, A Muse and currently Clearsnap.

So many things inspire me and I love to work in my garden, where I am surrounded by nature. I am drawn to creating with anything vintage, particularly old photographs. I love to imagine a story that comes along with the people in the photos. I enjoy browsing through Antique stores in search of old game pieces, lace, buttons and anything else I feel I can use.

When you come along to any of my workshops, you will find that they are very informal. I provide lots of help, ideas, samples and all the materials you will need to make as much as you want in the time allotted to the class. You work at your own pace and I want you to have lots of fun!

My wonderful Hubby Joel. He is my biggest supporter and I'm so very thankful and lucky!

Moving From the UK To The USA

My hubby Joel and I decided to move from the UK to the US in 1996 with the intention of staying for a year or two. We spent two and a half years in the St Paul/Minneapolis area, we then moved over to Olympia, WA for about a year and then we moved up to the Seattle area in 1999. We decided to apply for our Green Cards and five years later, the US became our home!

I was a Nursery Nurse/Kindergarten Teacher in the UK and by the time I left, I was managing a Nursery School. I now enjoy teaching Adults!

Choosing To Stay Positive!

I decided to share the following to hopefully inspire anyone who suffers with chronic pain to never give up!

In August 2004, I found out that I have some damaged cartilage in one of my knees which unfortunately can't be 'fixed' and at times requires me to walk with a cane. It hasn't been easy, but as time has moved on, I have found that this just made me feel even more creative!

In February 2007 I was diagnosed with Aides Tonic Pupil in my left eye which was caused by an infection. This basically means that my left pupil is now permanantly dilated, so it's a little hard to focus, especially in bright light and when I'm working on anything that requires fine details! Like the knee, it can be a little painful at times.

To make life even more interesting, in November 2009 I contracted Human Parvovirus and I spent most of 2010 recovering. Unfortunately I have had chronic pain ever since, but I'm a "glass is half full" kind of gal :) I'm not saying I don't have my down days - I am human after all, at least that's what my Dr tells me! I was very excited to get back to working and teaching again, and as I continue to recover, I embrace every single day that I am blessed with!

I believe Art is incredibly healing and it can take your mind off a bad day! I'm finding that being creative, along with meditation, reflexology, accupuncture, reiki, a wonderful circle of friends, and you know who you are, helps me a great deal!