donetta

Hello! I'm Donetta from Portland, Oregon. I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and lived there most of my life. I moved to Portland in 1992, and except for a 2-year hiatus in Dover, Delaware, have lived here ever since. Love it, love it, love it...I honestly feel like I should have been born here!

I have three adult children, five grandchildren, and live in a cute little house with my two Persian cats. I am happily retired from a very demanding position with one of the largest health care systems in the northwest, have a thriving little jewelry business, and enjoy spending time with friends and family.

My home is extremely important to me; it's my haven, my joy, and the place I feel most relaxed. I enjoy decorating for the different seasons and holidays, and my home is a reflection of my style and personality. I love muted colors with an aged look, rich wood tones, vintage linens, and roosters. I'm a thrift store fanatic, and have found some wonderful treasures for my home.

I love to make jewelry...I started making beaded "badge necklaces" for work, and sell many of them at the hospital holiday bazaars. I sell necklaces, bracelets, and earrings at a local hair and nail salon, and beaded eyeglass chains at an optical shop.

My jewelry has a classic look; I love vintage-looking findings and beads, and use lots of crystals, pearls, and antiqued copper, silver, and gold wire and findings. I enjoy making wire wrapped jewelry, and am working to perfect the art of polymer clay beads...they can be amazingly beautiful!

I make cards as well, using my Cuttlebug and adding embellishments such as ribbon, sequins, pearls, and paper and silk flowers. I enjoy taking classes, since they give me great ideas and spur my creativity.

I spend part of each day "stitching"...I have a project rotation list that contains cross stitch, needlepoint, hardanger, crewel embroidery, and redwork, as well as knitting and crochet. My latest interest is crazy quilting; I am addicted!

I enjoy making and receiving ATCs...they are such a great way to practice new techniques on a small scale. I get inspiration from the beautiful cards I receive, and enjoy seeing my own style evolve and become more sophisticated with time.

My sewing and craft room is my favorite room; it's the closest thing to a treasure chest I'll ever find!

As far as TV is concerned, I love to watch Dexter and Homeland (absolutely riveting); Army Wives, The Good Wife, and Sons of Anarchy (yes, I know) are shows that I always watch.

My favorite authors are Ken Follet, David Baldacci, and Tami Hoag. Many, many others as well...but you know; space prohibits. Also, I collect and read cookbooks like novels. I love to cook and entertain.

My favorite place in the world is my home,but Vancouver Island runs a close second. I have friends who live on Vancouver Island, and it is my favorite place to visit.

Favorite colors? Ivory, old rose, and "faded" blues and greens. I love buttons, and use them extensively in my crafts. Favorite flowers? Roses,hydrangeas, and dahlias, plus any other beauties I find locally to add to my garden.