ElegantRelics's Profile

Bio

Check out my blog at www.elegantrelics.typepad.com for lots of low-cal eye candy.

I can’t help myself. I am obsessed with searching for homeless treasures, combing through a box or drawer of cast-offs, the dustier the better, to find the odd little gems that deserve to be unearthed and better appreciated.

I then happily create unexpected combinations from these unusual, well-loved materials to produce jewelry that captures attention. Each individual bit tells a story, and hopefully each finished piece of jewelry will live on to create its own unique history in your life.

Some pieces use hand-crocheted wire; some incorporate metal bits you’d be hard-pressed to identify; all combine colors, textures and materials in unusual ways. The chains come with a history; the clasps weren’t always clasps. And what’s dangling at the bottom is usually a surprise.

Within the combination of wire, glass beads, found objects and one-of-a-kind salvaged treasures, the sparkly bits contrast with those with a rich patina. Some pieces are elegant, others more funky, but all borrow something from the past to create unconventional wearable art that I hope you'll love to show off.

I think I'm genetically incapable of making the same thing more than once...I always need to tweak the design, alter the materials or sometimes veer off in an entirely new direction. I'll leave you to be the judge of whether that's good or bad.

My background: a long history of creating art of every flavor. I’ve taught art classes in the Seattle area, including at the wild and wonderful ArtFiberFest. I’ve published several articles in art magazines and co-authored one of the first books published about altered books.

I love watching the ocean in all its temperments. My favorite word is "grace". I found a 100-year-old cobalt trade bead while scuba diving in the Caribbean. I live in a funky cottage in Seattle brimming with teenage daughters, noisy cats and enough art supplies to create an avalanche hazard. I love to laugh.

I hope you’ll find my jewelry a joy to own. Feel free to send me a picture of you wearing it!

Favorite Materials

beads, baubles, trinkets, treasures