Hi! I'm Vampi Choy and welcome to my little space on the web.

I've been asked, so many times, how can I do such intricate work... where do I get the patience. In 1999, after losing my job and having a short stint in the hospital for depression and suicidal thoughts, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder type 2. Two years after this diagnosis and having absolutely no creative outlet, I 'borrowed' my Mom's bead collection and interfacing and started to bead. After four intense days, I bead embroidered myself a koi fish. I was addicted.

I had been prescribed medications that made me sleep approximately 19 hours a day and I was sick of it. I was sick and tired of being and feeling non-productive and so the addiction grew. With my family's support (and some-what loose purse strings) beading took me off of the sedatives and has kept me this side of sane, ever since.

In Sept 2003, I made a big move to Houston, Texas, to marry my husband, Frank. Frank has been a loving supporter of my work, encouraging me to continue producing pieces that bring me contentment and satisfaction. Since that time, I have met the people of Antiques, Beads, & Crafty People in Pearland. The owner, Helen, her daughter Chawnia, friends Donie and Paige, have all done their parts to draw me into varied area's of jewelry making. Wire work, bead stringing, polymer clay.... you name it, Helen has waved in front of my face, tantalizing me with tidbits of information and product. They are wicked, wicked women ;) My husband agrees with me.

People constantly ask me 'how do you do this?? You must be near blind!' Well, my sight is actually better after a stroke at 31 than it ever was before. Who'd have thunk?! I find seed beading to be one of the only ways I can get through high stress days and instead of needing patience to do so, beading gives me patience... it gives me peace.

Even though I am an artist, I find that my learning never stops. Every day is a new lesson, every piece is a new experience. I hope your art is the same for you :)