10/14/2026
JILL BALLARD Why Does She Create?
Growing up, I was surrounded by art—and music. My mother always had some kind of creative project underway.
Over the years, my own interests have included macramé, pottery, stained glass, origami boxes, and photography. Then, on a trip to China, I became enamored with the finely knotted and beaded jewelry I saw there—and a new passion was born.
Today, I create jewelry using bead weaving, made with a needle and thread and sometimes a loom, as well as micromacramé, which involves knotting delicate 1mm threads.
I love working with design and color. After the initial excitement of developing a design and choosing materials, the actual process becomes meditative and calming.
Creating beautiful objects gives me a sense of optimism and joy—and we could all use a little more of that in our lives!
Under Jill’s guidance, SDAG has been in excellent financial hands throughout her four years of service as our Board Treasurer. We are deeply grateful for her dedication and careful stewardship. Thank you, Jill, for all you have done for SDAG and Off Track Gallery!
