Liz grew up in the Silicon Valley with original oil paintings her grandparents created scattered throughout her childhood home. In college, she joined a medieval re-creation group called the Society for Creative Anachronism. Through the SCA, she learned about the craft and art of embroidery. She tried out many different techniques and explored many materials, from cotton and wool to gold and silk. Much of Liz's work was given to friends and family over the years; she kept few pieces for herself. 

Goldwork (a term that encompasses all metal-thread embroidery) became her passion. Liz pursued it within the SCA for decades, earning accolades for the quality of her work and the research she did into the art and craft of embroidery in 16th century England. 

When Liz moved to Seaside, long walks on the beach turned into inspiration. Liz has taken centuries-old goldwork techniques and stitched pieces based on life beside and below the water. She's obsessed with fish and octopuses and the play of water and light. 

If you see sand dollars and seashells on a piece of Liz's work – they're real! She combs the beaches of Seaside and of distant shores she visits (like Hawaii and New Zealand) for shells she can incorporate into her art. 

After 30 years, Liz still considers herself a student of embroidery art. She learns something new with every piece she creates.