I grew up in a neighborhood full of boys, which meant constantly having to prove that girls can do that, too. Ultimately, I felt more comfortable wielding a hammer than a hairbrush. And now, years later, I'm convinced my metalsmithing stems from that scabby-kneed tomboy who built tree forts and schemed of go-carts.

As for felting, it was triggered by yet another trip to the yarn store and a long night with my wheels spinning. It satisfies my need for color and tactility while adding a healthy dose of irreverence.

And so it all adds up.

Now I have a studio full of hammers and tools and tables covered with tufts of wool. My metalwork is the architecture for my felted shapes. I begin with flat sheets and wire of sterling silver and then build the 2-dimensional pieces into 3-dimensional forms. When I felt I get back to the basics - the wool fibers themselves. Using wet and dry felting techniques I start with loose wool and sculpt my shapes, which I then combine with their silver complements.

In the end, each piece is a reminder that we can be elegant and playful at the same time.