"Bonprise" is based on a French rock climbing term (la bonne prise!), inspired by the warm, bright colors, fragrant wild herbs, and complex rocky cliffs of the South of France. When I choose gemstones, the more featured, "earthy" and colorful the better. I carefully handcraft my earrings, earwires, clasps and links of precious metal, brass or copper. I also enjoy working with lovingly crafted, one-of-a-kind artisan beads and, whenever possible, I buy them directly from the artists. To me, such artistic collaborations help to keep my jewelry distinctive.

I started out as a jewelry designer by teaching myself, acquiring my skills through my own experimentation as well as through books and inspiration gained from a community of artists who generously mentor others. I've since completed several formal courses in metalsmithing, each taught by a different talented local jewelry designer. I plan to continue both my formal and informal studies indefinitely, so that my designs can continue to evolve, always moving in new, fresh directions.

I am a member of the Self Representing Artist Jewelry Designers (SRAJD member #944) as well as EtsyBead, a dynamic and collaborative "street team" on the artists' website Etsy, where I operate a shop called "Bonprise" (www.bonprise.etsy.com).

As an animal lover, I volunteer for animal rescue groups, especially American Lab Rescue and have donated my jewelry to events that benefit ALR. I have also donated jewelry to EtsyforAnimals (www.etsyforanimals.etsy.com), an online shop where profits go to causes that benefit animals. I have designed some very special dog- and cat-themed jewelry now offered for sale at the "bricks and mortar" shop Dogma (and Catma, too!) in Union Sq, Somerville (www.dogmacatmatoo.com/). Some of these designs are also for sale at my online shops.

Examples of my previous custom orders and other jewelry can be seen in the "Jewelry Samples" set on this Flicker site. If you see anything on there of interest, please contact me. I'd be happy to make you a custom order and set it up for you to view and purchase in my Etsy shop.