From Looking inside glass cases of ancient jewelry in Istanbul palaces, to rummaging through street jewelry in cardboard boxes, I find various ways to be inspired.   By observing new styles I believe I often unconsciously incorporate them into my work. Creating jewelry for me is a form of self expression.

I began my jewelry experience by working with macramé and large wooden beads. The summer before senior year I went on a vacation with my family to visit my grandmother in Post Falls.  Once we made it a large craft store-the wire hanging on the wall was a little more appealing than the macramé.  I ended up staying up past midnight twisting and turning the wire around ceramic beads. The following morning we found a local gemstone store, and I ended up borrowing some money from my mother to buy my first supply of stones.  (Thanks again mom!)

                During my senior year and I made jewelry for teachers, classmates, and friends.  It became a strange addiction to me, and it still is. Whenever I find the time to sit down with my tools in hand I relax and all of my worries began to fade away. It is absolutely a form of meditation for me.

Two years ago, with the assistance of my mother, I registered as a business in Montana, Gek Mooi Jewelry.  I began selling my work in boutiques in the Flathead Valley and at various local markets. I made just enough to purchase more beads, and that is enough for me.

                In 2007 I taught a children’s Jewelry class at the Stumptown Art Studio in Whitefish.  The experience was absolutely gratifying. I look forward to teaching my passion for making jewelry once again.  Teaching others how to begin their path toward making jewelry is such a joy to me.  While I teach my students, they are also teaching me.  I love new challenges, and new styles of art- so please present new/creative ideas! It is heartwarming to see students walking out of the door wearing their new necklace and earrings-gleaming inside saying, “I made this.”

                I am returning back to Montana after a seven month “vacation” in Istanbul, Turkey. I have rummaged the back streets of Istanbul walking between grain sack bags full of beads. It was a mixture between a beaders heaven, and a nightmare. After a few hours I feel like I had an unlimited ticket on the roller coaster.