I have been creating with my hands since I was a young girl. My academic studies led me to a M. S. degree in Chemical Engineering. The pursuit of that career was put on hold with the birth of my first child and the gift of my first sewing machine. On that machine, I have stitched hundreds of miles, producing clothes and accessories for myself, kids, friends and family. I also enjoy knitting, crocheting and crafting. These pursuits have enabled me to enjoy creative outlets and maintain a sense of sanity while raising four children, three of whom are currently teens!

I have an Etsy shop, http://www.maidenjane.etsy.com in which I make  products that are “practical, yet pretty” and include tote bags, stash bags, headbands, bandana bands, wine totes and aprons.  I also like to upcycle t-shirts, sweatshirts, coffee bags and other items into new designs. I have sewn many T-Shirt quilts over the years, mostly for high school graduates.  I blog about my creative life and have developed straightforward tutorials to solve simple problems or create practical items at http://www.maidenjane.blogspot.com

My non-creative pursuits include listening to music, reading, biking, and searching for sea glass on the shores of Lake Erie.