My active involvement in basketry began in 1994, although there had been some hit-and-run interest as far back as Girl Scouts. In 1996, I attended my first North Carolina Basketmakers Association convention, and won my first award ... Best New Weaver. It was at this gathering that I was initially exposed to the "sisterhood" of basket makers, a warm, generous, good-humored and helpful lot, willing to share whatever knowledge or technique might aid another in the pursuit of excellence. Various state conventions, workshops, seminars and one basket making dream trip to Irelend have provided the opportunity to learn from some of the most gifted basket artists and teachers available,inculding Patti Quinn Hill, Flo Hoppe, Judith Olney, Cass Schorsch, Martha Wetherbee (all American), Joe Hogan, Martin and Yvonne O'Flynn (Irish).

The creative process, for me, begins with pattern, color or form, all of which are influenced by my perception of my surroundings. My color choices are often inspired by birds' plumage, a walk in the woods or a special watercolor. Patterns are everywhere ... in a fence row, a ski sweater, ice cream. Form is limited only by imagination.

I have been actively teaching since 2003, and work primarily with reed, although natural materials are incorporated in some and completely take over other projects. All colors are hand-dyed in my own kitchen.

My work has appeared in Asheville at the Folk Art Center, Grovewood Gallery Fair, Interiors Marketplace; in Cary at lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival; in Ellenboro at Artists Under the Arbor Craft Show; in Rutherfordton at The Gallery; in Saluda at Saluda Mountain Craft Gallery; in Shelby at Synergy Studios and Cleveland County Arts Council.