| Biography |
My journey with textiles began in the 60s when I learned to sew at the age of 6. At 15, I bought my first Kenmore sewing machine, igniting a lifelong passion for sewing, fiber arts and textile creating, and now creating natural handmade artisan soaps.
Papaya Cottage began as a seasonal boutique, Down East Dreams, nestled in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, where we specialized in creating unique, one-of-a-kind handcrafted fiber art pieces. Hurricane damage led to a transition, and in 2021, Papaya Cottage emerged.
With a background in graphic arts, interior design, and real estate brokerage, I sought a more creative path, blending over 50 years of expertise in various sewing disciplines. Specializing in unique fiber art bags, accessories, and home decor, I craft intricately embroidered and hand dyed rope baskets and other pieces using premium materials like cotton, silk, and linen.
During this time, driven by a quest to address a persistent skin condition, I discovered soap making. It easily became an extension of my passion for DIY creativity. My natural soaps made a huge personal difference in my own life, leading me to share my handcrafted soaps with others.
Each piece I create, from my hand-dyed baskets and fiber art bags to handcrafted soaps, is meticulously made. Many of my creations are one of a kind, all crafted with utmost care and unwavering attention to detail. I pour my heart and soul into everything I create.
My studio at Papaya Cottage is nestled in Nokomis, Southwest Florida USA, on the Gulf of Mexico, between the picturesque coastal town of Sarasota and the quaint downtown village of Venice. |
