The first necklace I made was from wooden beads & chicken neck bones my Grandma Rhoades boiled up for me - Lady, our Cocker Spaniel loved it! My designs have evolved for the better since then. Born to an artist Mom & cop Dad, who designed & sold badges, I learned to love jewelry. Training in bench work, including casting, sawing & soldering while at Kentwood High School furthered my love to creat
e. Since then I've had more training at Kalamazoo Institute of the Arts & a lot of books & DVDs expanded my knowledge. My husband, Mike, is my rock - no pun intended - for my work. He encourages me & never discourages me from any endeavor I might try. After retiring from 25 years at Kent Co. Sheriff Dept., in the jail, it's wonderful to be able to work at something I love, in the quiet of our woods & see my designs develop from start to finish. Most of my designs are at ArtWorks in Big Rapids - with other super talented artists from Michigan. Please stop in & take a look. I also welcome the opportunity to re-purpose old or broken pieces, making them over into wearable heirloom quality items. Thanks for looking - Sue
