My philosophy about my business is simple - I want to have fun, or I don't want to do it! That's not too much to ask, is it? That's why I love what I do. My designs are humorous and light-hearted because that's how I want to live. I believe in being silly, laughing way too loudly, and having as much fun as I possibly can.

My background is in "Corporate America", as you can tell by my designs that poke fun at the most popular business sayings. I spent twelve years as a management consultant and then in marketing for a consulting firm. (Oh, if I had only had the "BS Meter" back then!)

I discovered metalsmithing by accident. I happened upon an exhibit of metal artists and was truly overwhelmed - so much beauty and creativity. I took classes and found an internship under Marlo Miyashiro. I started my own business, One-Eyed Collie Jewelry Design, in 1998 and started to make my own rules for my business – the first being to lighten up and to get my sense of humor back.

Now, I only make the designs that make me happy. If I'm not smiling when I'm making a piece, I walk away from it until I'm in the proper mood again - because the work is all about getting you to feel great - to smile or laugh when you wear it! I really believe that if we all have more fun and do what we love, the world will be a better place!

For those of you that attend tradeshows, you've probably been wondering where I've been for the last year. In April of 2003, at the age of 39, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. A shock in and of itself, compounded by the fact that they couldn't find the source of the cancer for six months, made for an "exciting" year. 

The cancer originally manifested itself through an enlarged lymph node, found during a follow-up mammogram exam (please, please, please - if you don't read anything else, read this: Get an annual mammogram/breast exam. And be sure to do monthly self-exams all the way up into your armpits.)  The news was the most shocking I have received in my life. It was an extremely difficult time for me - I felt completely lost. All of my doctors seemed to speak a language I couldn't quite understand. So, step-by-step, I set out to learn as much as I possibly could about the disease and my treatment options.

My breast cancer was elusive. Many different tests failed to show the location of the cancer. So, we decided to start with chemotherapy treatments in the hopes it would affect the cancer and make it visible. Following the first rounds of chemo (which did indeed result in nausea, hair loss and fatigue) more surgery was done and, thankfully, the cancer was located and removed! I was fortunate that it had not spread to any other lymph nodes and decided to continue chemotherapy treatments, followed by radiation therapy. I finished my radiation treatments in May, 2004, and am happy to say that my energy levels are high once again.

Although it was an extremely difficult year, I feel very blessed for a number of reasons. But one of the most important is the love and support I received from the crafts community.  Because the treatments take months to complete, I was physically unable to attend any of my regular summer or winter trade shows. That was devastating to my business and my spirit. But as soon as they found out, I was surrounded by support from other craft artists through emails, prayers, cards, flowers, and well-wishes. Friends in the industry, including Natascha Gerlach of Brown and Company, Amy Peters of Amy Peters' Studio, Carol Hall of White Light Productions, and Stacy Saul of Lavana Shurtliff Designs, pulled together to set up and work my booths for me. It was truly amazing - my dear friends and their dear friends took the time to give me a precious gift - the gift of enough orders to keep my business afloat.

In looking back, I would have to say that the most important thing I did for myself was to have a positive attitude. To feel hope, optimism, and to keep my sense of humor. I decided early on that I would not stop living my life during this process - that I would make the most of every day and try to continue to find humor in the little things - something I try to remind myself of every day. 

I have finished my treatments and I am moving forward with life. I have my energy and creativity back and I am now able to spend more time on my business and my designs. My new collection, "Twisted", reflects the renewed energy in my life. This new collection represents "freedom" for me - freedom of movement, freedom of style. The bright colors excite me and remind me to get on with life.

Last year was truly a year of opposites for me. A mixture of curses and blessings, good and bad, sorrow and happiness, helplessness and strength. But most of all, it was a time for me to reflect on my life, priorities, family, friendships, and love. 

And, it is definitely a life worth living.