The Skiba family is a long line of very creative people that were great with their hands! My grandparents came from Italy, my grandmother was very talented, she made quits, clothes and anything else you can think of with fabric. My grandfather built several houses and was very good at design and woodworking. Those skills passed down to my parents; my dad built our summer home and was an artist and professional photographer and my mother loved to sew! 

I give credit specifically to my grandmother who always had a needle in her hand making something! It’s because of her that I have a love of fibers, buttons, beads and fabric! I can remember playing with her button box and making necklaces, then I would take them apart before I left only to make new ones upon my next visit. I still have 2 quilts that she made over 50 years ago! She taught me how to embroider when I was just 8 years old. I still have the very first piece I ever made with her!

I have explored so many different forms of art over the years; I used to have a floor loom and a tabletop loom, I have done lots of embroidery, cross stitch and needlepoint!  I got into beading and jewelry making later, including bead embroidery, fabric art and art quilts! I can’t really say I have a favorite as each one of these offers something different to me in terms of a creative outlet. I spend my days in my office/studio dreaming and creating for hours on end!

About 2 ½ years ago I was involved in a very serious car accident and sustained brain nerve damage. My whole life changed as I was no longer able to work, I had been an accountant for about 30 years and that came to an abrupt halt. Part of my rehab was doing exercises for my brain and motor skills. My love of beading and art quilts has helped through some very dark times and my creativity is what keeps me going everyday. In fact, I think I am more creative now more than ever!!

The creation of Skiba Co has taken a lifetime of learning and experience through the arts to fine tune my ultimate form of self expression through creations that speak to an international community of people that support us. Every piece we create has its own story, from the pieces we gather from all around the world to create it, to the hands that put it all together into its final form.

Our mission is to inspire others around the world with the art and jewelry we create!