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 three Persian cats. I work as a provider credentialing specialist at the largest medical system in the northwest, have a tiny (but thriving) 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 probably a combination of "French country" and "cottage" styles...if I had to label it, which I don't like to do. 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.

Love to make jewelry...I make 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 am a novice at wire wrapped jewelry, and am just now experimenting with polymer clay beads.

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!

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 Food Network, DIY, and HGTV; Army Wives, Saving Grace, and Sons of Anarchy (yes, I know) are shows that I tape.

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.

Favorite place? Well, other than home, probably Vancouver Island. I have friends who live on Vancouver Island, and truly, it is my favorite place to visit.

Favorite colors? Probably ivory, old rose, and "faded" blues and greens. I love buttons, and use them extensively in my crafts. Favorite flower? Definitely roses and hydrangeas. But wait...dahlias! I so love dahlias!