I was born in New York City, a twin, one of seven children. I left home at 15 with the ability to housekeep, cook, sew, knit and crochet. I always wanted to create things. I moved to New Mexico, and at the age of 20, I learned to do loom bead work from a Hopi woman and Peyote stitch beading and this has become my income. In 1976 I moved to Arkansas after an impressive visit to the Ozarks the year before. Taught by local native Corky Craig in 1984, I learned to make Gizzard Baskets, how to collect materials in the wild and prepare them. I made many of these baskets and researched books to learn other styles of baskets; I began my career as a basket maker. Later I taught Extension Homemakers, and students in Elementary and High School how to make baskets. I taught it at nursing homes and at the Norh AR College of Continuing Education Program in Harrison, AR. As of 2013 I have made 3,951 numbered baskets, and now make fewer per year than I used to.