Raised in Maryland, I currently live in a 1920s bungalow overlooking the Severn River.  Surrounded by abundant flower and vegetable gardens, native birds, and wildlife, I am indeed fortunate to be able to appreciate and enjoy the natural beauty and bounty offered by this Chesapeake Bay area.  I enjoy fishing, crabbing, and gardening (though I do ask myself why I planted so many tomatoes) so I like to intertwine or showcase elements of nature in many of my artistic creations—crab shells, oyster shells, seashells, driftwood, bits of things I find on the beach…

Why “Sandy on the Half Shell”?  A nice friend gave me a LOT of shells and I had a wonderful time making different whimsical and creative crafts from them—birdhouses, wreaths, trinket dishes, table centerpieces, and tree ornaments.  I also used shells to decorate mirrors and picture frames and then started adding oyster shells in my designs.  When I decided to start selling my shell crafts, another good friend came up with “Sandy on the Half Shell”.

Beading has been a passion of mine long before making shell crafts.  I still make everything from simple dangle earrings and necklaces to intricate wrist cuffs, hair barrettes, and statement necklaces. Featuring beads, stones, wire, antique silver, bone, and even porcupine quills, each piece is specially made and not duplicated. I now sometimes sneak in a little bit of shell with my beading.  I never know where my fancy will take me!

Distinctive, stunning, and often quirky, describe the one-of-a-kind necklaces I create.  My imagination really takes flight when I start a “statement” necklace so each piece is truly special!  If you don’t have a black-tie event coming up, be gorgeous at a backyard barbeque in a little black sundress and a stunning piece of jewelry! 

I also make beaded clutch bags and small purses. Each one is individually crafted with unique designs and handsewn lining.  Perfect for a formal event, a night out, a wedding, a homecoming dance, a prom, or just everyday chic.

I consider myself "an artist of many mediums"!