houseofelle's Profile

Bio

I am a lively Aries lady who lives in a little old house owned by two cats and a Jack Russell terrier who looks a bit like a pot bellied pig. I took a class to learn the ancient art of wire wrap after losing my youngest son. Creating jewelry became my therapy. I began to take an interest in stone and gem lore, joined a rock and mineral club and made more jewelry and bought more stones.
I have studied at Riverbend Art Center in Dayton under the guiding hands of master wire wrapper, Donna Kuszpa, who, I believe, is part rock gnome. I have taken classes from Sheldon Studios of NY and at Zeffers Farm Studio in Ohio. I learned to make dichroic glass and to craft with Art Clay and to bead and macrame. My favorite pieces are what I call the Bold and the Beautiful, large fascination pieces that say "look at me! I am unique! I am special!" Most of my jewelry is not for the timid nor the meek.
I do realize that many women like smaller pieces so I do make some of them. Some people are happiest with plain and economical items. I have those too. I am inspired by fantasy books or by earth based religions, Celtic lore and Native American tradition and my work reflects my spirituality at times.

As I studied and crafted, I began to haunt gem and mineral shows and bead shows and other trade shows and found hundreds of stones and beads that wanted to come home with me. I just couldn't resist them. They are waiting patiently to be made into something pretty. Won't you help me find a home for all these stray beads and stones?
I have delved into the meaning behind the stones and the traditional and magical reasons why they are worn. I'm always excited to share this knowledge so I'll be sharing with you as I list items.

I also want you to know that when you buy from me, you will help support creative children in our town. I am an instructor in the youth program at the art center in Dayton, Ohio. Our grant money for the youth program is no longer available. I feel that children who participate in sports recieve the most attention in our society. It is just as important that children who long to study the visual arts be supported also. The Council Board at Riverbend is endeavoring to interest businesses and corporations in supporting the Arts. We hope to be successful. I believe if you want someone to do something, you should be willing to do it yourself. So, each piece I sell that costs over $10 will put one dollar toward a Young Artist Grant. Five pair of earrings will put one dollar toward a Young Artist Grant. Twenty five dollars will pay for one Young Artist Grant and one child from a low income family may take a four week class in the visual art of his or her choice. Classes include pottery, drawing and cartooning, dance, drama, silk painting, lapidary, technical arts (computer skills that include video production), jewelry making and others. A $75 dollar YAG will send one older child (age 15 to 18) through a nine week adult class of his choice in painting, sculpting, line drawing wire wrap or pottery. Schools do not offer this type of training. Children of lower income families who are struggling just to get by do not have any outside alternatives. I feel very strongly that children need exposure to the arts. They need to explore their creative side. I know from experience that using your creative nature can heal and help anyone. Children are our future and we need to take an interest in their well being.

All purchases will be shipped promptly upon receipt of payment and sent priority mail. I include the cost of insurance in the shipping price as all items over $10 will be insured. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can expect a full refund upon returning the piece as long as it isn't damaged. Refund will not include shipping cost however. You will have 9 days after receiving your item to contact me about returning it.

Custom Orders: I welcome the opportunity to work with you on a custom order. Do you have a stone of your own that has special meaning to you? Would you like it wrapped so you can wear it? Would you like to know what kind of stone to wear for special life situations? For instance, do you have a lot of stress in your workplace and would you like to know what kind of stones would help neutralize the negativity? Do you have a hard time making decisions and would like to know what stones would help with that? Do you want to give a gift for someone and would like to give them a stone suitable for their occupation or life situation? Maybe you would like to know what it the best stone to give that son in law who is a fireman or your uncle who is an attorney. Email me and we will talk about it. I can offer suggestions and help with your choices. All custom orders must be reserved with a down payment of half the agreed price. You will see a picture of the stone before the work begins and one of the completed project for your approval before the item is shipped. Let's talk. I'm looking forward to working with you.

Female, Born on March 31

Favorite Materials

silver, silver wire, copper, brass, gold wire, PMC or Art Clay silver, natural stones, dichroic glass