Gypsy Coats

Hello, My name is Doris, and I am so lucky to be living in the foothills of The Great Smoky Mountains. As far back as I can remember I have been making things. In the second grade, I remember making a small woven basket out of braided pine needles and giving it to my teacher. Little did I know at the time that teachers always “ooh and awe“ over handmade gifts from their students. Her appreciation was enough to compel me to move forward in this wonderful world of creating. I attribute my love for beautiful things to my mother. She was a talented artist. As a young girl, living in Germany during World War II, she learned to appreciate and see beauty in even the smallest of things. This she captured on paper, creating her own world of beautiful things in the midst of an ugly war. How she managed to hold onto to her work with countless trips to the bomb shelters still amazes me. I am so lucky to have her artwork today, reminding me to create my own world of beauty to share and take with me wherever I go.Twelve years ago, I was drawn to the art of making jewelry, and my journey continues - making beautiful things. Four years ago I began re-purposing clothes. Sweaters turn into gypsy coats, arm warmers, hats, bags. Bringing new life to forgotten things. I guess this comes from my Germanic, gypsy heritage. Fairy tales, fables, folklore and the unlimited world of imaginations are all sources for what I do. I hope you enjoy these pieces as much as I enjoy creating them. By the way, I still believe in magic!