Charlene (”Cat”) Therien has been working with polymer clay since 2001. She is interested in a variety of handicrafts, and enjoys incorporating polymer clay designs into jewelry, buttons, home decor, and gifts.

She has taught workshops, given demonstrations, and written articles for craft magazines such as Bead Unique and PolymerCAFE. Her work was included in the gallery of the book, "Adapting Quilt Patterns to Polymer Clay” by Sarajane Helm and Judith Skinner.

She is on the board of directors for the IPCA (International Polymer Clay Association), and the founding president of the CIPCG (Central Illinois Polymer Clay Guild).

Charlene owns and operates a polymer clay business, C. A. Therien Polymer Clay Arts, a company with three divisions: Memorial Beads, a division focused on taking fresh or dried flowers and turning them into keepsakes that are reminders of special people or events; Fimo Nail Art Canes, a division for cute and whimsical fingernail art; and her instructional division, which provides tutorials and tools for polymer clay enthusiasts.

Charlene lives with her husband of 27 years in Peoria, Illinois. They have 6 grown children, 3 children-in-law, 2 cats, a cranky iguana, and a tankl of freshwater fish.

You can visit her website at www.catherienarts.com