About Rare Bird

I work in a mixture of media, and am always excited to explore new techniques and materials. My pieces are made using a diversity of materials: you may find a simple riverstone, an exquisite piece of kyonite, a delicate fossil or tiny pearl brought back with me from a recent trip to China. There are also collages with vintage photographs, scraps of paper, words strung together, and brilliant objects cast in resin. Ancient Elements include exquisite glass from Afghanistan once carried on the Silk Road, authentic Ching Dynasty coins, and African Trade Beads brought over by the boatload from Europe to Africa to ease the Europeans into the continent.

Each piece of jewelry is unique, one of a kind and made with the care of combining elements in a way that enhances their individual beauty. A soulful power is created when the antiquities are added. All of my work is handcrafted, with the best quality materials and findings. Some of my work is combined with beautiful charms and findings made by other artists, each complementing the other.

About the Artist

I live in the beautiful bluff-country of Northeast Iowa with my husband, two children, and our dog Nell. We are active outdoors folk, enjoying the woodlands and rivers of our homeland. I have spent most of my years as an environmental educator, with an emphasis on birds. The beauty of nature has always inspired my creativity.

I love to make adornments that are unique and rich, a perfect combination of metal, stones, and glass. A part of the joy in making adornments comes from finding the individual a piece belongs to—or for them to discover the piece. To adorn yourself in something that gives you joy, strength and/or courage, and accents your beauty is a powerful thing.