Loving Life
I earned my bachelor's degree in fine arts with a focus on painting in 2003. I met my husband 5 years prior. He is an amazing blacksmith and craftsman. I learned the art of forging metal from him and began creating my own line of iron jewelry. I published a website, ironjewelry.com for many years prior to launching my brand Nancy Fe Designs. It was clear that I could earn a living creating and selling my wares online and I began a branding a new logo and business called Nancy Fe Designs in 2005 and I'm still going. My married name is easily misspelled and mispronounced so the idea of "Fe" was developed as it is the periodic symbol for iron; Ferrous. I primarily forge iron and its modern day counterpart, steel, by using blacksmithing tools and techniques, but I also can create the same designs with copper, silver, bronze and aluminum. I pair the forged elements with various materials such as semi- precious and precious stones, pearls, leather, and chain. The result is a unique and original handmade product. Over time, Etsy has proven to be a wonderful tool to add to my online portfolio. It has provided additional exposure and opportunities that I am very grateful for. I live in piney woods bordering a large creek in southeastern Louisiana. I am raising three amazing children with my husband John who is also my best friend and mentor. We homeschool our children in an attempt to instill a love of lifelong learning, an appreciation of hard work, entrepreneurship and craftsmanship. We also own and operate a small craft school called Chappapeela Crafts, where we offer private or group blacksmithing classes, art instruction and children's art. Chappapeela is the name of our beloved creek our property borders. My husband and I are both full time self-employed artists. This means we do not rely on a paycheck to make ends meet. Our sole income is based on the sale of our unique hand made art works. Without the support of wonderful customers who seek out hand made original gifts rather than big box mass produced items, our children and ourselves would have to take a different path to survive this life. I am so grateful for my Etsy customers and the ability to so easily reach a world wide market to showcase our original art. I am very happy to be able to stay home with my children and support my family through the sales of my unique creations. Thank you so much!
