Workshop List

As a Kumihimo jewelry artist, I am influenced by the Japanese esthetic of exposing beauty through the simplicity of form I use traditional Japanese braiding techniques, combined with modern and innovative materials to create braided jewelry that is both unique and timeless. I work on a Marudai, the traditional Japanese braiding stand. The repetitive braiding movements, and the sounds of the wooden bobbins hitting against the legs of the stand becomes a form of meditation and focused relaxation. The challenge of working with such a colorful array of beads, materials and tools is what keeps the creation process interesting. I attribute my love of and background in textile arts for exciting color combinations, especially in creating ombre effects where one color blends seamlessly into another. I realized that all the years of working in textile arts were a great preparation for some of the techniques I use in my jewelry. So many skills from my past has influenced my work today. Since I discovered Kumihimo in 2013, I’ve taken six master classes and traveled to Japan in 2015 to study with Makiko Tada at the Kyoto Institute. I currently teach classes at the Fountain Hills Artist Co-op, and in my home studio. Online Shop: http://www.complimentsbydesign.com