Meet Jennifer

Jennifer grew up in a talented family of artisans who encouraged her creativity from an early age. By age 9, she had already earned the Grand Prize in Macramé and first place in Sewing at the Minnesota State Fair. From there, her love of making and design continued to grow, eventually expanding into clothing, jewelry, face and hair adornment, painting, costuming, and a wide range of decorative arts.

Her college studies included computer-aided design and fashion design, with an emphasis in historical costuming. That interest became a lifelong passion, and Jennifer became active in Renaissance fairs and medieval recreation groups, creating and sharing historically inspired garments and accessories.

After graduation, her instructor and mentor, designer Mario Gesualdi, recommended her for a teaching position at Los Angeles Fashion College, where she taught professional sewing and beginning pattern-making. She later followed him to Mattel, Inc., where she spent more than three years working on Barbie lines including Designer and Historical collections, along with other Mattel projects connected to Nickelodeon, Disney, and Cabbage Patch Kids.

While performing with the Renaissance fair dance troupe Tribe Roman Morga, Jennifer discovered the Vedic art of Mehndi, or henna painting, and became skilled in that medium as well. She later added face painting and hair wraps to her repertoire, touring with Ozzfest for six summers and continuing to work private events.

In 2005, Jennifer moved to Oklahoma to be closer to family. She has continued to teach, design, make, and sell her creations ever since. Always learning, she has also added Japanese crafts such as Kumihimo and Kanzashi to her many skills.

Jennifer especially loves helping beginners gain confidence. She enjoys teaching new sewers and designers and sharing the techniques, creativity, and practical skills she has gathered over a lifetime of making.