New Jewelry Artist, Patsy Kanthak

"I have always loved art and over the years I have dabbled in many forms. I have never met a craft that did'nt spark my interest. My home and garden have been my lab and workshop where I house my collections of the unique, the whimsical and occasionally the obsurd. I have attempted to create a celebratory life that includes family, friends, pets, travel, health, exercise, gardening, nature, photography, music, art and a "stop and smell the roses" attitude. My biggest passion has been making cards for the past 5 years or so, but I also  took time to make purses and aprons and decopagueing anything I could. My craft room, or 'sweat shop' as I lovingly refer to it is filled with all sorts of supplies, I think I can rival Hobby Lobby. That room is where I love to spend all the time life will allow. My most recent enterprise has been making jewelry, as I bent my first wire I was hooked. Well you guessed it after a few months, my jewelry was piling up and I was looking for an avenue to display my goods. As luck would have it while having my hair done I ran into Micah and showed her my earrings and I am proud and happy to now be showing my jewelry at Second Saturday Studio."

SSS welcomes Patsy to our group!  Come see her beautiful and very affordable handmade jewelry!  Remember, not only are we open on the Second Saturday of each month, but if you come by and the lights are on, we are open!  Stop in and see us!

New Work Available at the Studio...Open this Saturday!

By Mary Ann King

From Shannon Jeffrey of KatEva Designs

By Sandra Kraft...the Santa painting can be customized with names of your choice...what a great gift it would make!  Come see us this Saturday...10-2!  Ten percent of all sales on Saturday will go to The Sunshine School in Searcy!  Please help us raise some money for them!

Welcome Helen Roberts...

...of Gathering Steam!

 As I step from the gathering steam you see the grandaughter of a railroad worker. He was of Native American descent and when he had too much hootch, he would dance for you. I still remember the switch yard in Clovis, New Mexico, where the engines would be turned around by a giant steam powered wheel. PaPo as we called my grandfather, would sometimes let me "drive" the train. I was five. I still remember the great smell of steam.

  Jewelry has always been an important part of the Navajo culture. I was taught by some of the greatest unknown jewelry artists there were. Perhaps you have seen some of the silver and turquoise jewelry that is produced by the Indians.

  I started out producing Button Brooches. I would take a Bride's  Grandmother's old button collection add freshwater pearls, a button engraved with the bride and groom's names, and make a work of art suitable for the bride to wear on every anniversary.

  After a conversation with my son, Jarod, who is seventeen, in which he told me the basics of

the theory of Steampunk, he showed me a hair bow on the internet. I was intrigued. Thoughts swirled in my head:  freshwater pearls, wind up watch parts, the Victorian era, the smell of PaPo when he got home from work.  The steam gathered in my mind and thus Gathering Steam was born.

  My philosophy is this: What if eras of bygone days could have the technology of today, combined with the constraints of their time? My example is this: a steam powered personal  computer.  

  Using movies, cultures, watch parts, steam, and time. I create jewelry that is unique and yet pleasing to the eye.

  Come join me in the GATHERING STEAM........

Please join us in making Helen feel welcome at Second Saturday Studio, this Saturday from 10-2 and Sunday 1-4 for Christmas Open House!  We have gifts for everyone on your list!  Come see us!

New to SSS...Drumroll...

...Shannon Jeffrey of KatEva Designs!  We are so excited to have Shannon and her awesome jewelry designs in the studio...

Shannon Jeffrey has an eye for finding beauty in the discarded.  She would rather dig through a box of old brooches, baubles and forgotten beads than shop for the latest jewelry trend.  Estate sales and yard art are more likely to inspire one of her future creations.

Shannon makes jewelry - one-of-a-kind, handmade statement pieces.  She uses odds and ends, beads, buttons and vintage pieces as inspiration.  She is the creative force behind KatEva Designs.

The name is a creation of Shannon's too.  "The line is named to honor my grandmothers by combing parts of their names:  Kathleen Jeffrey and JimEva Kelso = KatEva."

Shannon starting making jewelry because she loves to wear it.  In early 2009, Shannon took a class to learn how to hand-knot and strand pearls.  Then she was "hooked."  Soon afterward, friends and even strangers would comment on her jewelry and asked to buy her pieces.  Shannon decided, "Why not?"

Shannon makes sure that shopping for KatEva Designs is as fun as wearing the jewelry itself!  She organizes design shows.  Individuals or groups of friends host jewelry parties so that guests can see, touch and experience the pieces in a fun, pressure-free atmosphere.

The parties also provide an opportunity for feedback as to what people like, need and are looking for.  Shannon uses that feedback in her design development.  She now offers custom-designed pieces to fit an individual's fashion.

Recently, Shannon announced that if you send her a photo of a special occasion dress, she can design a signature piece just for that occasion!  This is tailor made fashion at it's best!  Fall homecoming, class reunions, autumn weddings and holiday parties all offer the perfect opportunity for a custom design.

Statement jewelry also compliments the "transition" wardrobe.  Finding the right fashion for late summer and early fall in the 501 is no easy task.  Bold and vintage jewelry can help carry a summer outfit through to early autumn.  Pairing a lightweight fabric with a bold necklace in a fall or earth-tone color extends the life of a summer favorite.

Shannon's flair for design and her strong business sense have made an impact in the 501 area; so much so, that she was chosen to be the featured artist in July and August at the State Treasurer's office.  What started as a curiosity led to a class, which combined with Shannon's artistry and skill, has grown into a fulfilling career.  What a statement!

Please join us in making Shannon feel welcome by visiting Second Saturday Studio this weekend!  You will find beautiful work and a wonderful place for that perfect gift!  For yourself or someone else!  We thank you for your support.

Introducing Jewelry Artist, Christie Young Williamson...

Christie Young Williamson is a Jewelry Artist and Native Arkansan.  She grew up in Searcy and has spent the last 20 years making Little Rock her home.  With a background in the business of jewelry and accessorizing, a calling to tap more into her own creative side set in at the age of 39.  Christie began taking Jewelry classes at the Arkansas Art Center.  Using Sterling Silver, Copper, and all natural stones, beautiful unique pieces are created by hand.  Inspiration comes from the simplicity and beauty of nature. Hammered metals and irregular shapes give the designs a rustic, organic appeal.