In 2003, after taking a gourd art class, Norma was instantly hooked.  She found she could combine gourd art with her other creative talents; sewing and jewelry making.  Her passion is creating Native American and African dolls, unique gourd masks, gourd jewelry and jewelry boxes.  After entering her first gourd art competition at the Welburn Gourd Festival in Fallbrook, California as well as the Orange County Fair in 2004, she walked away with numerous ribbons.  She has been the Home Arts Division winner at the Orange County Fair four times with her gourd masks and her dolls have won numerous blue ribbons.

Norma and her husband travel several times a year, on their motorcycle, to the Southwest, Four Corners area where she gets much of her inspiration for the Native American dolls and masks.

Norma is so passionate about gourd art that her house is decorated with her own work and a variety of pieces she has collected in her travels.  Her company, Stillwater Designs, reflects her love for the quiet time where she can just relax and create.

Norma is a proud member of:

• California Gourd Society
• American Gourd Society
• Orange County Fine Art Gallery Santa Ana, where her work is displayed

The gourd dolls in the Gallery will be featured in Art Doll Quarterly Magazine Spring and Fall Issues 2011.