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About Me:
I have been a glass artist since 2004 and LOVE every minute
that I get at my torch! I attended classes at Delphi glass in Lansing, Michigan
to learn the art of lampworking. After lots of continued research,
self-teaching, reading tutorials and practice, practice, practice I started
selling my glass beads to jewelry designers which was the beginning of my small
business. My husband and I visited the lovely Murano Island in Venice, Italy where I was able to
observe, learn and grow my passion for glassblowing even further, it was absolutely mind blowing.
I studied metalsmithing with Lexi Erikson and Helen Driggs,
two very talented metalsmith artists and again practiced many hours to develop my
own metalsmith style. The combination of
glass and metal really sent my creative muse to another level! There’s just
nothing like molten glass, metal and fire. I’ve always had a creative soul,
wanting to learn every craft possible, but these two mediums are definitely my
forte.
I spent many years in the corporate world as a registered
nurse, meeting new people, caring for
patients and letting the left side of my brain be in charge. My nursing career launched into management where I learned a lot about the business aspect of the
medical field as well as all of the stress that goes along with it which took
up most of my time, leaving very little left for jewelry design. I truly enjoyed my medical profession for many
years, but I've decided to take that great leap of faith, tap into the right side
of my brain and let my true love of the arts shine!
My inspiration comes from a variety of venues including
music, color, texture, nature, life experiences, family and honest sentiments.
I pride myself on being a minimalist; my designs can be described as simple,
refined, yet sophisticated and elegant.
Where does my shop name come from you ask? Well, bauble is a
word described as a trinket which I think is a quirky way to describe my
simple, yet chic designs, plus it’s a fun word to say. Eli is my husband’s
nickname for me, short for my middle name, Elizabeth; hence my business was
born “Baubles by eli.” Elilampwork is the name of my website which was developed when I first start out with my lampwork beads.
Many thanks to my family and friends for all of their
support and to my wonderful husband who built my entire studio in our basement,
making it a perfect environment for me to let my creativity soar.
I welcome you to browse my Etsy shop in hopes that you find
a bauble for yourself that puts a smile on your face and makes you feel
pretty. Or, maybe a gift for a special friend or family member. If you don’t find what you’re looking for and
would like a custom design, please convo me in Etsy, I love to make custom,
personalized orders. Etsy is a retail shop, but I do wholesale orders as well, please contact me for more information. My current design collections include: - Dotz - simple jewelry designs with a splash of enamel color
- Simple Sentiments - a collection of stamped, personalized jewelry made from copper, brass, sterling silver and leather
- Simply Wired - personalized jewelry designs made from 14kt gold and sterling silver wire
- Organic Elements - jewelry designs featuring textured copper, brass, sterling silver and glass
Etsy:
If you are a social network browser, please take a minute to visit my facebook page to see my newest designs and specials or sales I may be running. While there, click the "like" button to show your support for my handmade or better yet, heartmade small business.
Facebook:
Thanks for visiting, Sharon Kopko, designer aka "eli"
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