Our artist, Beverly, was born in Eastern Canada. When she was two years old, she, along with her parents and younger sister moved to Ontario, Canada. After graduating from high school, she entered a University in the United States, and eventually became a United States citizen. Her education background is in music. Her fondest memories of childhood are centered around her grandparents' dairy farm in Northwestern Ontario. It was there that she discovered her love of nature and animals. She also learned how to bake and cook on a wood stove. She was in awe of her grandmother, who cooked meals for 15 or more hungry men on a daily basis and without effort. Her grandmother seemed to enjoy it! She learned to love all aspects of the farm and her heart's desire was to always live on a farm. The antique furniture, the simplicity of life, the warm hearth fire and her grandmother's tender love and wise counsel gave her a sense of security, love, joy and contentment. It was on the farm that she became enthralled with flowers in the fields and in her grandmother's gardens. Early in the morning she would go on her "flower cutting excursions" and comeback to the dry sink on her grandmother's back porch and arrange flower bouquets for every room in the farmhouse. Although she loved music, she realized she loved designing and flower arranging more.

She eventually owned her own floral design shop. She specialized in European floral design with hints of warm country touches. Her favorite time of the year for designing and decorating was Christmas. She and her husband owned a 14 room Victorian home, built in 1865, in a small town in Northwestern Pennsylvania. She directed the yearly "Colonial Christmas Tour" of historic homes throughout the quaint village. She especially enjoyed decorating and opening her home to tour guests. She says that over 2,000 guests toured their home during the 4 years of tours and not one knick knack came up missing!

She was widowed at the age of 46 and at the age of 49 she was diagnosed with kidney cancer. It was during her long, recuperation struggle she discovered her desire and love of painting. Her sister suggested a new painting technique called "one stroke painting". She tried it and was hooked. She had an idea! These designs could be adapted and modified for galvanized pails - the same pails that Grandma used on the farm and she could incorporate goodies in them and call them gift pails! She started making them as gifts for family and friends for birthdays and Christmas.

She has recently been diagnosed with a new cancer. She is determined to beat this one too. She donates her talent to Jo Pud Pails™ and says that her painting is a calming therapy in the midst of this new storm. Living in rural Northwestern Pennsylvania, along with the horses, llamas and fresh country air, she designs and paints the galvanized pails and receives her inspiration and happiness. She tells us that every morning she opens her door, surveys the surrounding fields and landscape and tells the Lord ....."It doesn't get any better than this! Thank you, Jesus!”