I've been crafting almost every day since I was in my teens. My mother was a display artist, when store windows in New York City were filled with paper mache figures of giant rabbits at Easter and whimsy prevailed. I grew up surrounded by glitter, sequins and paint. Many times, as gifts for birthdays, Christmas, etc., I received tempera paint, new boxes of crayons and construction paper. I cherished receiving anything crafty, and spent hours playing and learning about color, design and technique.

In the 1970s, when self-expression was very much encouraged, I embroidered on my (and many friend's) clothes, and crocheted and sewed many of my own garments. I also knit, tried my hand at weaving, painted a little, and dabbled in other crafts.

I majored in art in college, and even while working full-time, I kept crafting and making things. My dad was a talented embroiderer, and also made many native-American style beaded projects.

He gave me beads! The first few, simple necklaces were seed beads in multi-colored patterns. I never would have guessed that it would lead to my owning a roomful of boxes filled with beads and beading materials!

Ever since, I've focused much of my crafting time on jewelry. I get inspired by looking through those bead boxes, looking out the window at the changing seasons, and melding those things that inspire me into pieces that I hope bring people joy. If I can lift your spirits in any way with what I make, I will feel truly accomplished.

As for the name I've chosen - The Constant Beader - I apologize to the late, great Dorothy Parker, known during her New Yorker magazine days as "The Constant Reader." She was a talented and fascinating human, and I hope my use of this moniker would find her amused.

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