In 2001, when I was 26, I had a near death experience that changed my life in many ways. I had a terrible case of bacterial meningitis that caused me to lose my fingers, toes, and my kidneys. By the grace of God, the love of my family and friends, the hands of a very talented team of doctors, and the immense power of prayer, I am alive today! In the year after my illness I learned to walk, and adjusted to becoming left-handed while I learned how to use what was left of my right hand. It was my occupational therapist that first put the beads in my hands. My skin was so sensitive after the amputations so I had to learn how to use my right hand and figure out the different sense of touch that I now had. During that time I was on dialysis. To pass the time I began making beaded crafts during those long hours pinned to the dialysis machine. After I got my kidney transplant, I shelved the "crafts" so I could begin living life again.
Fast forward to 2006, I had just married my Prince Charming and was going through a nesting phase as we settled into our new home in a new town. I walked into a bead store and a whole world opened up to me. I quickly took a class making a RAW bracelet and have never looked back! I spent a couple years doing outdoor art and craft shows but I am now consigning with a few local shops and I'm eager to begin my ETSY experience!
*** I am a proud member of the Etsy BeadWeavers Team. Search EBW TEAM for more beautiful beadwoven creations or visit our blog for links to all members’ shops: http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com