Thank You for Walking Beside Me — and Looking Forward To What Comes Next

As this year ends, I find myself reflecting not only on what I created, but on who made the journey worthwhile. I am profoundly grateful to every person who supported my work, whether by purchasing a piece of jewelry, stopping to speak with me at a show, sharing a kind word, or simply following along quietly from afar. I am equally grateful to the artists I shared time with this year, particularly those who joined me during The Artist’s Way. Their presence, conversations, and encouragement reminded me that creativity is not a solitary act, even when it often feels that way.

One truth became very clear to me over the past twelve months: jewelry is where my heart, hands, and business align most naturally. While I have no intention of abandoning painting or mixed media fusion art, I have had to be honest with myself about what consistently brings me joy and what consistently allows me to make a living. The answer has always been jewelry. There is something very powerful about knowing that a piece you made is not only worn, but worn daily, to the point that the leather literally wears through. I repaired five wrap bracelets for customers this year, not because of flaws, but because they had become a personal staple for the wearer—something akin to going without shoes if left behind. That, to me, is one of the highest compliments an artist can receive.

In the year to come, I will be placing more focus on the work that has repeatedly proven itself, both financially and creatively. My double-wrap bracelets remain my most successful item, the “goldilocks” of my offerings—not too simple, not too bold, but exactly right. I will continue creating these, while also expanding the collection through new materials, bead styles, found objects, and unconventional components. I enjoy the challenge of pairing Japanese tila beads with something as mundane and unexpected as nuts and bolts. It is, in many ways, a metaphor for how art often works: contrast leading to cohesion.

Another part of my work that I value deeply is custom orders. Approximately 40% of my bracelet sales at shows this year were custom pieces, and I consider that one of the most meaningful aspects of what I do. It is impossible to predict every wrist size, preference, or stylistic detail in advance—much like clothing, jewelry is personal, and the right fit cannot be guessed. Many custom requests involve adjusting length, making a bracelet smaller or significantly larger (men’s sizes in particular), and there is no additional charge for those accommodations. The next most common request is changing the button closure, as customers often spot a button on a different bracelet and realize it is the detail that will make theirs feel complete. The same applies to peyote stitch bracelets, where customers sometimes request a change in bead order, pattern, or color combination—often in ways I would not have imagined myself. I am in the process of bringing custom options to my website in a simple, streamlined way, and when that launches, I will gladly share it. Until then, if you want a bracelet made precisely for you — reach out. I am always happy to create the piece that becomes part of your daily life.

There will also be a new chapter unfolding. I will begin offering beading kits so that others can share in the tactile experience of making something by hand. These kits will begin with wrap bracelets and will eventually include components (buttons, beads, and findings) for anyone who wishes to purchase “just the pieces.” I will also return to teaching. Before the pandemic, I held workshops that prioritized technique and creative exploration over the end product, and I look forward to bringing that part of myself back into the world.

And I'll be approaching shows differently moving forward. While I enjoy certain events, the physical and mental demands required are difficult to ignore, and the time away from home (Steve, Meg and Maggie, and my life outside of being an artist) has weight. In 2026 I'm putting more emphasis on my online presence, meaning I can choose shows based on desire, not necessity. That is the goal.

To everyone reading this, whether we met in person, exchanged messages online, or you simply own something I made, it matters, perhaps more than you will ever realize. Thank you for being part of my creative life. I look forward to continuing to make work that is appreciated, worn with admiration, sometimes repaired, and most importantly loved.