I use as much natural materials in my jewelry as possible. Natural stones, shells, vegetable tanned leather, and precious metals. I will use stabilized turquoise if I feel I need a stronger material but is usually rarely used. I continue to use traditional techniques that Santo Domingo jewelry is known for. I shape natural turquoise by hand because machines can be too aggressive and can potentially crumble the stone. I have been learning to braid leather and cut all my lace by hand. This allows me to braid leather into the thickness the jewelry piece requires. I inlay on shells for traditional pieces. I will also inlay into silver if I�m experimenting with more contemporary designs.