I love art and inspiring design. Nothing makes me feel happier than finding a unique photographer, crafter, artist, fellow blogger or designer and then writing about them.

My side business is all about hair accessories and crafting them from silk flowers and feathers mostly. I love trying out different materials of both natural and manufactured to create fun accessories that a modern woman would be happy to wear at a fun party, wedding, special event, or just to give as a fun whimsical gift. I am always experimenting and draw upon my experience as a floral designer, photographer and love of fine art to make a piece that is unique and very often a one-of-a-kind design. I have been into sewing, stained glass, gardening, and cooking from a very young age thanks to my mother and herthree sisters. Being exposed at a young age to different mediums of art and crafting on a regular basis hasdefinitely shaped who I am today and has allowed me to see it not as a hobby or a even a job, but as playing.

Inspiration for me comes from many places. Sometimes a particular flower or feather has a lovely shape or line that I want to highlight or showcase. Often I am inspired by color combinations and keep in mind what is on trend for the season or what might be appropriate for a particular event. I love all the wonderful fine art museums in the Bay Area and to be able to see amazing artists on a regular basis helps keep my mind open and thinking about how to push myself further.

I enjoy selling at craft fairs and seeing how people respond to my work very much. It is a lot of work, but I find that when a person can touch, see and try on a piece it is easier for them to see themselves enjoying it, rather than browsing through a photo catalog online. I also enjoy finding new materials to work with and just playing with them to see what works; the design process is very important to me.

My normal 9-5 job is with a non-profit organization, and my day is filled with energy efficiency, the environment, and is 100% done with a computer. Not much room for creativity or imagination so I find that having this outlet of craft, photography, and art is how I stay sane. Finding balance in my life is so important and trying new ventures is the only way to get there.