Artist Biography: Talisman; a treasured object held to act as a charm, bringing good fortune, producing magical or miraculous effects on those who value them.

Judi was born in Vallejo California, and has been a Benicia resident on and off since 1987, always returning to her home-base of Benicia. Judi started crafting jewelry in 1989 while living near Laguna Beach's colorful art scene, and has been practicing Mehndi (henna tattoos) since 1996, focusing on tradition, recipes, spirituality, and technique.

Judi's Mehndi style is based on traditional patterns, she only applies henna free-hand, and often lets each tattoo develop on it's own. "Mehndi is a very personal thing, and should reflect the spirituality of the individual person."

Judi has practiced Mehndi at Las Olas Surf Adventures for Women in Mexico, the Burning Man festival and Amsterdam street festivals, where she recently lived for a year. Judi plans to offer Mehndi body art at Benicia's Farmer's Market on Thursday's this summer. Judi's jewelry is made up of unique glass & metal beads, vintage buttons, toys, old keys, foreign coins and other small treasures, similar to her favorite things from childhood.  During her travels over the past year, Judi has added treasures from Mexico, Amsterdam, and France to her work. Her jewelry has been exhibited at Arts Benicia, the Benicia Peddler's faire, antique faires, and boutiques in Laguna Beach and Albany.