I usually spend several hours just figuring out what I want the fly to lool like.  This includes holding different combinations of materials together and deciding what I like best.  Some flies have taken over a month to create (I typically spend 3-5 hrs per night working on a fly, so a month would equate to about 80 hrs total), while others have taken just a few days. 

I try to be creative and imaginative when putting a background together.  Hobby & craft stores have a lot of items that can be right out of the package, or after being modified slightly.  Some materials come from where I fish and hunt like drift wood and leaves.  The whole thing is a lot easier when you know what look you're trying to achieve, like a woodland forest scene, and then find materials that convey that look.

One of the greatest things about fly tying is...its easy!   All you need is a vice of some sort, some thread, and a few feathers.  I love showing people how easy it is, and they are amazed.  Now don't get me wrong, it takes many years of practice to be good at it, just like anything else.  Getting started is very easy, though.  You can grab a starter kit at most any store that sells fly fishing equipment or even online.  They usually contain the basic tools and materials plus an instruction book for beginners.

I do tie my own flies and occasionally buy some to check out new patterns.  The flies shown on this website, however, are for viewing purposes only.  They are meant to be hung on a wall, sat on a shelf, or placed on a desk. 

I only need a few things from you to start working on a fly.  Tell me what hobby, background, or color scheme you want incorporated into the fly.  Also, I can use several framing methods like a shadow box, glass dome, picture frame, etc.  Let me know what you're thinking and we can work towards a truly unique gift that has very personal meaning.

I generally start off with a really eye-catching bead or a large wing feather.  From there, I hold up many different materials trying to find just the right color combination.  As I tie each fly, however, they always end up different from what I had originally planned.  I'm constantly reviewing my choices for feathers, beads, ribbing material, etc. as I tie.  Once the fly is complete, then I try to put a background together that compliments it.  The key is having a lot of materials to choose from.