| A life long crafter, I came to kite making about 11 years ago. Our son arrived; I needed something I could do in small blocks of time. Margaret Gregor and Leland Toy's books gave me inspiration to get started. Oh, a new sewing machine helped, too. The MAKR workshop sponsored by the Chicago Skyliners each March provided a big push. That 3-day total immersion in kite making with so many wonderful, talented people keeps my imagination running full speed for the next year. This will be my second year teaching a class there. I try to show others how to get that intricate pieced look without cuting lots of pieces, and that "mistakes" are not disasters, but creative opportunities. |  |
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Intricate pieces, geometric designs and strong colors typically characterize my kites. I start with long strips sewn together first and then cut so I rarely have to cut individual small pieces. I like to use contrasting, not blending colors, subtle is not part of my color vocabulary. After all, the design needs to be effective 300 feet away. I love tails and line laundry, of course, all matching the kites. Attending the 1997 AKA convention, Jerry Houk convinced me to enter the crafted kite competition. What a thrill to win 2nd place in "soft and Flexible". This year (1999) I was part of the Midwest Area Kitemakers auction project. My auction donation, a 6 foot double para-sled also won a 2nd in the "Soft and Flexible" catagory. My 14-foot double delta-conyne with a 35 foot banner tail took 1st place in the "Delta and Derivatives" catagory. |  |
| My children, Scott, 13 and Twyla, 9, are convinced that they are privileged to be allowed to cook their own meals. (More sewing time for me!) They and my husband, Alex, provide inspiration & act as launch crew. Top: 6' Double Parasled Right: 14' Double Coyne Center-L: 14' Double Coyne R: Skinny Rokkaku |
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