Hi - I'm Fran Paulman and I've been fiber crafting since age 6 (that means "for many years" which is all I'm saying!) when my mom taught me how to knit. I started hand- sewing clothes for my sister's and my Barbie dolls at age eight. At 12, my mom let me use her vintage (now!) Singer sewing machine and by High School I was making my own hip-huggers and crop tops (yeah - I'm THAT old!)

I love to knit, sew, crochet, embroider, cross stitch, quilt and bead, including jewelry, bead weaving and of course, knitting with beads. Next on my "to learn' list is spinning!

My bliss, however, is teaching … teaching crafts, of course. What I know, I want to share with others who enjoy working with fiber and color. What I don't know, I seek to learn from other teachers and from my students, who teach me many things in many ways.

I spent most of my life in New England, working in the corporate insurance industry as a Programmer/Analyst and pursuing crafts as a hobby. In 2003, my job was outsourced overseas and I decided to work from my heart and with my hands as a fiber artist and teacher. I currently live in Portland, Oregon and teach knitting, crochet and beadwork in several venues, including Bead Happy in Oregon City and Michaels Craft Stores. I also do private lessons and craft class parties in homes, clubs and churches.

Every piece I create is made with a sense of how blessed I am to be doing joyful work, and a prayer that she or he who receives my gift be likewise blessed with joy and peace.

This wonderful poem by the Persian poet Hafiz is my life's anthem …