Jerri has been making Gem Trees since 1995. She fell into rockhounding and Lapidary Arts in the process of home-schooling her four children. The family joined the Toledo Gem and Rockhound Club and learned rock collecting, cabbing, soapstone carving, gem trees and flint knapping together. She has also studied Silversmithing, Beading, and Scrimshaw. Jerri took Gem Trees to a new level, designing her own styles and patterns, as well as developing her own techniques. She specializes in species specific gem trees. She has taught Gem Trees for many Gem and Mineral Clubs, local schools and scout groups, as well as William Holland and Wild Acres. Her Gem Tree competitive exhibits have earned awards with the Rocky Mountain Federation, American Federation, Florida State Fair and the Florida Strawberry Festival. She relocated to Florida and is a member of four rock clubs (so far).