SPECIAL PROJECTS
Most of these images are portals leading to galleries showing each project. Here's a list of some of these interesting commissions and a statement on how and why I choose my projects.
In recent years, I have been designing special pieces for bishops, churches and church organizations. Purple text provides links to designs that can now be purchased.
Special Projects/ Design Commissions
*A pectoral cross for the consecration of The Rt. Rev. Kai Ryan, a suffragran bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas (2019)
* A pectoral cross for the consecration of Bishop Coadjutor of The Diocese of Texas, The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle. (2008)
* A pectoral cross for The Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia in Western Washington. (2007)
*A pectoral cross for the consecration of The Rt. Rev. Dena Harrison, a suffragran bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas (2006)
*A pectoral cross for the consecration of the Rt. Rev. Rayford High, a suffragran bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas (2003)
*A pectoral cross for the consecration of the late Rt. Rev. Leopoldo Alard, a suffragran bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. (1995)
*A pectoral cross and ring for the consecration of The Rt. Rev. Wilfrido Ramos-Orench, a suffragan bishop of The Diocese of Connecticut (2000 - 2006).
*A pectoral cross for the consecration of The Rt. Rev. Miguel Tamayo, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Uruguay.
*50th Anniversary Cross (2007) for The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, Houston, TX (wearable crosses and design for print purposes)
*50th Anniversary Cross (2005) for The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Dallas (wearable crosses)
*50th Anniversary Cross (2000) for St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Dallas...this includes wearable crosses for its members, a wood and sterling processional cross, and eventual adoption of the design as their church logo.
*75th Anniversary Cross for St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Houston (wearable crosses)
*Turning the logo for Church of the Holy Apostles in Katy, TX into a jewelry form for its members
*Jubilee Jewelry Design for Christ Church Cathedral, Houston, TX
*I was invited to submit a design for the Episcopal Church Women's Triennial Logo, which they selected for use as their official logo at the 2003 national meeting. I also created the design in jewelry form, which remains available for purchase as A New Light Is Shining.
*I designed a new ECW butterfly in 2001 for the centennial celebration of the women's organization in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. It is available for purchase in jewelry form.
*I create wearable crosses to identify members of The International Community of Hope, a pastoral care ministry, with its origins at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston.
*Matching pectoral cross and verge for Church of the Epiphany's first verger/ the same cross is worn by many lay readers and clergy and a small version worn by members.
why and how I choose my projects...
Since I choose to work alone, doing most all the work myself, I cannot take in all the work I am requested to do. I came to realize I wasn't supposed to be doing just any and all work presented to me. As my reputation and following has grown though the years, I have learned to exercise a discernment process of what I am called to work on next. I ask, "Can someone else do this project just as well? Will this project utilize my special gifts and voice?" I exercise much caution when taking on a big project for a church or organization, making sure I can commit to the project at that given time. Being a "one person business" means all work stops when I have to leave for business, family, or volunteer work. I also can't make jewelry while I am out exhibiting at shows, so I have many things to consider when scheduling shows and projects. Many of my decisions are simply based on how to best manage my valuable time, which I never seem to have enough of. It is a constant balancing act that I don't take lightly. I am always in a process of examining what I am doing, where I am going with it, and for what reasons I am doing it.
Some other general rules of thumb: I rarely do custom work for individuals and I don't do repair work except what falls under service and maintenance of my own products.
With all that said... feel free to present your special projects to me. If I feel it is not a project with my name on it, know that I have thought it through, and made a decision I think best for all involved at that particular time.
