I attribute my foray into designing birdhouses entirely to my two boys and the unique circumstances presented by the pandemic. If you've ever had children, you'll likely resonate with the ubiquitous presence of rocks—discovering them in pockets, the washer, dryer, and mysteriously finding their way under the couch. Each rock, seemingly inconspicuous to adults, holds immense value in the eyes of a child. I found myself unable to part with a single rock, and it was this delightful habit that inadvertently sparked my creative journey.

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As my boys and I collected rocks together, our searches became more intentional, evolving into a shared exploration for unique rocks and gems across North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, and even as far as Minnesota. The turning point occurred when my niece and I brought home agates from the shores of Lake Mille Lacs in Minnesota. Inspired by our discoveries and fueled by the circumstances of the pandemic, I felt compelled to transform these rocks into something meaningful.

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Picture this: safety glasses on, my boys and I ventured outdoors, breaking rocks and unleashing a surge of energy in the process. It was during these creative outdoor sessions that the idea struck—why not adorn birdhouses with these precious rocks? Thus, my journey into rock-infused birdhouse designs took flight.

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Over the past couple of years, this initial spark has evolved into a full-fledged artistic endeavor. Expanding beyond birdhouses, I now incorporate rocks and gems to design and refurbish jewelry boxes, keepsake boxes, and ornaments. My artistic palette has broadened to include a diverse array of mediums, from upcycled jewelry and corks to feathers, lichen, sticks, gears, and even sharks' teeth. Essentially, if something artistically captivates my eye, it becomes a potential element in my creations.

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What began as a whimsical habit of collecting rocks with my boys has blossomed into a passion for transforming ordinary materials into unique, handcrafted works of art. The pandemic, with all its challenges, provided the catalyst for me to channel creativity and energy into these artistic endeavors. The process of turning found treasures into cherished pieces has become a deeply rewarding journey, and I look forward to continuing this exploration, finding beauty in the unexpected, and sharing the joy that each creation brings.