My mother, Carol, was sitting next to me at our table at Elemental Mercury's most recent craft fair. She picked up one of my business cards and asked me, "Where does the name 'Elemental Mercury' name come from anyway, why not just 'Designs by Laura' or something like that?"

The answer is Alchemy, Astrology, and being a nerd :)

I am a Gemini with a lot of Gemini and Virgo in my chart - you could say I am riddled with Mercury (which is Gemini and Virgo's ruling planet). Mercury was the element most used when alchemists attempted to turn lead into gold. I love the idea of transformation and enlightenment in my personal life, and love seeing/hearing stories about it in the lives of other people. I just love stories of a hero(ine) on a journey!

While living in New York City in the 90's, I used to read astrological charts for friends, and then friends of friends. Using my knowledge of the metaphysical properties of stones and crystals, I would suggest certain stones to people based on their charts, to aid in balancing their energies and enhancing their gifts. One of them said, "It would be great if I had a necklace or bracelet that includes these stones!" and BOOM it hit me that I could do that for them. I've been making jewelry since I was a teenager, but only for myself, and here was a way for me to put together so many things that I love.

I moved back to CT in 2002 and eventually met and fell in love with my husband while performing in a community theater production of Godspell. I moved in with him and his two sons from his previous marriage (he was a widower) and set up a space in the basement to use as a "Crafting Lair". However, my stepsons started playing guitar, bass and drums in the basement, too, and they'd turn it up to 11.

I created a studio space in an unused semi-finished part of the attic in our Cape Cod style home and moved all my supplies up there, and everything clicked into place. Many nights you'll find me upstairs messing with beads or my glue gun with some Nag Champa incense burning and some World Music or rock and roll playing on the stereo. Sometimes my cats Yoshi or Roxy will come up and hang out with me while I'm working.

I still love to use semi-precious gemstones for their metaphysical properties almost as much as for their beauty. I'm also crazy about pearls of any shape, Czech Glass and Austrian crystal. I'm looking to take a Metal-smithing class in 2013 to add to my skills and be able to make my own findings.

We just started doing craft fairs late last year and the response has been encouraging, I just need to find the time between my full time job, my family, and my other interests to upload all the great things I have to offer.