When I was a child, I would work on a picture puzzle at nap time. I'd look for objects hidden in between the bold black lines of the obvious, and from a simple shift of perception, they'd emerge. So, early on, I guess I developed an eye for seeing beyond the literal—that the “apparent” was not the only reality. My folks reinforced this sweet vista, teaching me to behold the nobility in people, and the beauty of the Creator in my surroundings. There were plenty of opportunities to embrace this practice in the many places we lived, but since “home” was everywhere—and so was beauty—it didn't matter if our house turned up in the middle of oil refineries, or beach communities, or even the flat, wind-swept desert. We had love and laughter, music and art. And....we had an enlarged sense of the Real Estate of Spirit. During this time, a translation, of sorts, began for me, turning the imagery of daily life into some deeper essence—first, in writing poetry, and later, in making jewelry. Whatever my address, Nature, in it's infinite patterns and palates, continues to be a source of inspiration for my hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind designs. From the flaming sunsets of West Texas, to the frosted peaks of Alaska...from the angles and architecture of San Francisco, to the dramatic pines and Pacific of Carmel—regardless of geography, my quest to merge imagery with that true view within, is yielding new forms of expression and techniques. Now settled on the gorgeous Oregon coast with my husband, Dan (an artist in his own right), my jewelry may be found in galleries, juried shows, and exclusive boutiques.

With a strong background in fashion, my thematic pieces utilizing precious and semi-precious stones and beads framed in silver, provide the perfect embellishment for any event—from casual—to corporate—to formal and bridal attire. Each item evolves uniquely, focusing on the elements of color, texture, luminosity, space, scale, and movement. There are features such as: sterling chains latticed like staircases, or swaying like swings; Silver Art Clay fired and “floating” in shapes of leaves, feathers, wings and shells; and the warm drizzle of gold fused onto silver. Necklaces range from wire-wrapped, silver-bezeled boulders, to ”add-a-strand,” to delicate briolettes. Bracelets, “wrist halos,” embrace the arm in sparkling sterling chains and wires, with the rhythmic movement of gems and beads. And earrings may be drops, dollops, hoops, or cascading chandeliers. Collections include “Celestial Sojourns,” “Ethnic and Eclectic,” “Bridal Baubles,” the western-flavored “Laramie Lady,” and mouth-watering “Divine Desserts,” to name a few. For the most exclusive finery, “Aurora Borealis Palace” is electrifyingly elegant. There's even some entry-level offerings in “Trifles and Trinkets”—modest adornments, moderately priced. And “Today's Treasure,” not only showcases a special sale attraction, but adds a spark of uplifting (some, even award-winning) poetry, too!

I'm gratefully learning many lessons in this jewelry-making journey. Interestingly enough, I find that I'm the one getting “worked on,” the most! My character is being polished daily—almost cabochon—teaching me patience, perseverance...and Possibility. The joy of this process far outshines any gleam of silver or gold. It is in the scriptural passage from Psalms that I approach my business: “The king's daughter is all glorious within...” My jewelry is a celebration of the majesty I see inherent in each of us.

Mary Cleveland