I have been doing woodwork since 1990. It all started when my mom wanted to work in the shop with my dad; he was an avid woodworker. She came across an Intarsia pattern (3D wooden wall hangings of life-like people and animals) and fell in love with the art. I thought, "she can do it – so can I." I lucked out in 1997 with meeting my partner, Scott, the owner of JMK Kitchens. Much of my work is made from using the leftovers of cabinets he makes; I upcycle the waste.

My parents passed away in 2008 and 2009. Since then I have progressed into making clocks, crib boards, Chinese symbols, silhouettes, candle holders and, my latest, jewellery boxes. The jewellery boxes are my favourite because each one is a one-of-a-kind piece that I design off the top of my head.