Kumihimo is the art of Japanese braiding. Literally, the word means ‘the gathering of threads.’
Using many strands of delicate Japanese silk and other fibers and a braid stand called a marudai, I create kumihimo in a wide variety of traditional and contemporary patterns, some relatively simple, others very complex. I embellish the braids with lampwork beads, also created by me.
Lampworking, another ancient art, is the process of melting colorful glass rods in a torch to create beads in an infinite number of styles and color combinations. I love the combination of silk and glass together. Their luminous qualities enhance one another as each captures and reflects the light.
Many of my pieces are inspired by the natural elements which surround me--- stones from the beach, wild flowers, tidal pools, -- the blue-greens of sea anemones, the reds and purple of starfish -- you will see this reflected in my work.
