Clay has been a part of my life since the very first day that I tried making a pot on the wheel, in a 7th grade art class. After high school I went on to get my B.A. in art with an emphasis in ceramics. After three years of making pots and working two other jobs, I went on to graduate school and received my MFA in ceramics in 1992.

While raising and homeschooling our four children (youngest is still in high school), I was unable to work in clay. At the time when my third child was still crawling, I started making jewelry to do something creative with my hands. I have since built up a jewelry business here on Etsy (www.etsy.craftlikeanartist.com). Since graduating three of our four children and purchasing our home, I have not only found myself with a place to set up a pottery studio, but also have a little more time to work. It was a very busy twenty years of not being able to work in clay, I am so excited to get my hands in clay again.

When I first started selling on Etsy, it was a way to help feed our growing family. Then it became a way to keep my kids in basketball, soccer, and especially dance. As they have grown, our financial needs have shifted, and now my husband and I have two kids in college and one heading that way in a couple years! How did that happen?!?

While my three oldest were in high school, they were each diagnosed with a progressive and degenerative disease that affects their peripheral nerves. The disease atrophies the muscles in their feet & legs, and hands & arms. All too soon, all four of my children were diagnosed. As you can imagine, this has been a life-changer for us all.

And this is how I gained my new motivation, my renewed energy, and strong sense of purpose. This is my why - THEY are my why.

Now, instead of worrying about groceries and/or dance class money, I am doing everything in my power to help them get their start in their adult lives on a solid foundation - without pulling college loans. Their disease is unpredictable and progressive. Only God knows their future.

Both of my shops represent the culmination of my motivation and my purpose. Thank you for supporting MY WHY!