A die-hard rockhound, lapidary, and wire jewelry designer, instructor and author, Dale credits her mom for spurring the main interest that led to Dale's chosen career. Her mother was an avid rockhound and many, weekend family adventures involved traipsing through the White Mountains of New Hampshire in search of abandoned pegmatite mines. This is where Dale’s fascination with, and education of rocks and minerals began, some 40 years ago.

Dale/Cougar, has a diverse art background, training in two-dimensional art with Carl Haskins of Vermont, and William Keyworth of New Hampshire. She also spent several years receiving personalized instruction with Karl Drerupe, renowned cloisonné and repossé artist. Dale attended the University of South Florida where she studied fine arts and geology. She worked as a technical, advertising artist for several years, ‘before the age of computers’.

Under her studio name of Cougar’s Creations, Dale displays her works at juried art shows, where she has taken many awards. As a featured artist, Dale has been interviewed on live television and has works for sale in museums and galleries, (including the 5 Points Museum located in Cleveland, TN). Dale “Cougar” Armstrong contributes to various publications including Step-by-Step Wire Jewelry, Bead Unique, Art Jewelry and Lapidary Journal magazines. She is a frequent instructor at Interweave Press BeadFest events, has made a series of instructional DVDs, produced by Jewelry Television and her recently released book “Wirework” is an international best seller. As an instructor, she conducts workshops in her personal studio and travels to teach classes nationwide. She has recently partnered with Wire-Sculpture.com - a major Jewelry Making Supplies Company in a variety of areas.