about elle

My love of words started sometime before kindergarten, on the couch with Daddy. My love of shiny things, at eight, playing dress up at Grandma’s. My love of beads, in 1990, in a communiversity class. My mom has been saying, “oh honey, WE can do that!” all my life (and usually she was right). A jewelry-making class in college gave me just enough knowledge to be dangerous. A fascination with a small box of number stamps that Granpa used to mark keys with when I was little, lingered in the back of my head. The knowledge that the imperfections and differences in things are what keep it interesting came to me at some point. And with all these things in the mix, on a random blue moon, a door opened and these ideas began tumbling out. Although it was slower and not nearly as poetic sounding in real life.

Now I live in a 100 year-old house in midtown Kansas City, Missouri with 2 dogs and 3 cats (not sure who’s the boss in that equation, but I’m pretty sure it’s not me). I’ve given over the back bedroom to my metalsmithing and glass studio, the polishing machines have taken over the bathroom and there are beads all over the living room...and dining room...and most of the flat surfaces.

And that’s where I combine all those wonderful influences with a healthy dose of making-it-up-as-I-go-along and create my jewelry. I think that words are one of the most powerful forces in the world. Amazingly crafted clutches of words that can summarize a feeling, an experience, even a life; and they are made even more powerful and amazing when they can be shared. My work is my way of celebrating and sharing these words, while incorporating my love of shiny things. These words speak with wisdom, inspiration, silliness, memories, experiences and much more with a voice you can wear everyday.

I hope they speak to you.

©2007 elle silverworks