M.E. Parker - Photography
About The Artist:  Both photography and art have been passions nearly all of my life. A long list of photography and art equipment has passed through my hands, including brownie and polaroid cameras, paintbrushes and stained-glass cutters. These days, my love of the quiet and solitude in nature pushes me into the backwaters of Southwest Florida in my kayak - and along solitary trails stretching from Alaska to California to North Carolina and beyond. It is in these places that I find treasures beyond measure - good light, willing birds, dramatic skies and some of the most lovely scenery on earth. Each of my photography products has been hand-produced by me, the artist, including each handmade greeting cards and all matting and framing. This allows me, the artist, to give you the best quality and authenticity that can be found.
Artist Web Site:  www.meparkerphotography.com
Michael Beans - Wood Art
About The Artist:  Born in Washington, D.C. in 1950, attended University of Houston Architecture School 1968 to 1971. Upon return from a summer in Europe I sailed a 25 foot sloop from D.C. to Florida. For the next 10 years I alternated working in boatyards with sailing in the Bahamas. In 1982 I married Patte and while employed as caretakers of Cook Island off Little Torch Key, we built a 40 foot catamaran upon which we lived and cruised for the next decade. Next we bought a 45 foot power catamaran, had a son, bought a house in Key Largo where I worked in hardware and taught myself woodturning. Three years ago we migrated to Naples and later bought a house in Bonita Shores where I set up a woodwork shop and went to work for Sunshine Ace Hardware.
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Grace Becker - Hand-Painted Accessories
About The Artist:  Born in Shanghai, China, I have always been  fascinated by the delicate and unique style of all things Asian.  After a lifelong career as a French teacher in the boarding school world of New England, I have now entered into a very exciting and rewarding new direction in the art of oriental brush painting. Known as Sumi-e  (“ink picture” in Japanese), it is defined by spirit, simplicity and individuality, and I have applied it in watercolor on greeting cards and bookmarks, and in fabric paint on silk scarves, handbags, totes, and photo envelopes.   Now a resident of Sandwich, MA and Bonita Springs, FL, I  have the time to enjoy and share the challenges of my new passion.
Artist Web Site:  www.gracessumiegarden.shutterfly.com
Kathleen Hede/Bradford - Mixed Media & Wall Sculptures
About The Artist: Artist Kathleen Bradford (K. Hede/Bradford) received her art education in both Illinois and Michigan. Now living in the vibrant, tropical, Southwest Florida, Kathleen continues to apply deep, rich colors and detailed designs to all of her fine and functional art. As a skillful mixed media artist, Kathleen now integrates shells from the Gulf of Mexico into the various organic materials used in her compositions. In all of her artwork, Kathleen prefers a conceptual approach using abstract shapes. In the wall sculptures that Kathleen creates, she uses acrylic paint adhesives, metals, glass, mirrors, beads, wood and shells to continuously actualize new designs. As an environmental advocate, Kathleen also chooses to apply her mixed media compositions to items formerly enjoyed by others to renew their purpose and aesthetic merit. Kathleen redesigns lamps, mirrors and vases in all new original designs. She makes no duplications. Kathleen has won awards in several national and international competitions. Her artwork is in several private collections and she is represented in Michigan and Florida galleries.
Artist Web Site: www.artistkb.com
Corky Condon - Silk Painting & Jewelry
About The Artist:  Spending the majority of my first five years growing up in an older Hawaii (50s and early 60s) I was surrounded by the creativity, beauty and colors of nature.   As a reflection of this I often try and capture some of this in my hand painted watercolors and knitted glass bead jewelry.  Each silk piece is stretched, the design is applied with resist and then the fun of mixing and mingling the silk dyes begin.  Upon completion each piece is then steam set for hours to set and bring out the vibrant colors on the silk.  I currently reside with my husband and two rescue papillons on Fort Myers Beach and continue my education in all things creative.
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Marion Crawford - Hand-Made Ukranian Egg Art
About The Artist: Marion uses a wax and dye batik process to create these 'Psyanky' Ukranian eggs.
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Lisa Festa-Estrada - Polymer Clay
About The Artist:  I have been working in Polymer Clay for over 10 years and it always inspires me.   This medium has incredible flexibility with so many possibilities in colors and textures. My degree is in Communications and my background is in Sales Promotion but it wasn’t until I was homebound because of my pregnancy, did my creative adventure begin.  I began by painting on baby clothes for my newest addition and then branched out into other art forms until I found polymer clay.  Once I started creating things from polymer clay I was hooked.  I am totally self taught from books and tutorials I have read over the years and I try to learn a new technique every few months to add something new to my collection.   I began with fun yet functional business card couches and slowly added to that purses and shoes.  I create polymer clay jewelry, but my true passion is the actual creation of the pendant!  The very unique nature of this medium is the motivating factor of my designs.
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Francine Gerson - Fused Glass Artist
About The Artist: Fused glass is my favorite art medium. I enjoy turning flat sharp pieces of glass into a work that may be display art, functional or both. I love to see the changed texture and color of the finished work when I remove it from the kiln. Nature surrounds us with color; color that is not static. The colors we see in trees, flowers, water and sky are all affected by light. Sunlight can change a mountain from orange to purple. I try to capture this when I create a piece. I visualize how a finished piece will look with light from the front and from behind. I usually start with large pieces of iridescent transparent glass in the same color family. I add smaller pieces of contrasting color to create the final effect. Sometimes, I will add some dichroic to achieve a particular result. I find fused glass to be like a group discussion. Some people take the lead and others listen. But, this relationship can change when new information enters and opinions change. Similarly, a piece of glass takes on new meaning when viewed from another angle or from a new light. I think of this as I allow the shapes and colors to speak to me as together we work to complete the piece of art.
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Patricia Godoy - Alpaca Wire Jewelry
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Rafael Godoy - Fused Glass Art & Jewelry
About The Artist: "You ARE What You ART"  Rafael Godoy was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and immigrated to the US in 1983.  The Arts have always been a part of his life; he has always painted, drawn, designed, sketched, and enjoyed multi-cultural music.  For over 14 years, Rafael Godoy used his creative talents as a carpenter/builder by trade.  Always a designer at heart, he used his passion for design in what he built, and became known in the industry for this attention to detail and elegant yet bold construction.  He now uses that same passion and attention to detail in his Fused Glass Art and Jewelry.  He became fascinated with fused glass because of its ‘dancing colors’ properties , elegant and bold. Godoy creates his art and jewelry pieces in his home studio in Fort Myers, Florida.  There he shares a home with his loving wife, Patricia Godoy and their three creative children. 
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Ira & Batya Gold - Handturned Wood Pens, Desksets, Komboloi (Worry Beads), & Jewelry
About The Artist: After working as a massage therapist for almost 20 years in the Lee County area, Ira turned his attention to his great passion for wood working. His fine hand crafted writing instruments are turned from responsibly harvested exotic and domestic woods. He has also incorporated recycled materials and vibrant acrylics in the product line. Of special interested to many are the products using Olivewood which is shipped directly to the Artist from Israel. Each piece is unique and special commissioned pieces are also available. Ira Phillip Gold can be contacted at ira@ibgold.net.
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Carmen Haynes - Pine Needle Creations

About The Artist:  I first learned to coil pine needles by an eighty four year old woman about 7 years ago. Pine needle coiling is an Indian craft handed down in this area of south west Florida by the Seminole Indians. They would gather the long Florida Pine needles to coil them into usable bowls and baskets then lining them with mud-clay to make them waterproof. I have taken this basic technique and created art by dying my pine needles and using beads, leather, and wood for embellishments. The result is strikingly beautiful, one of a kind items, from hair pieces, and penile cups, to more expensive bowls and lidded baskets. I have won several awards for my art, and each created piece is signed and dated. I'm also enjoy teaching classes locally.
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Leigh Herndon - Custom Designs on Silk
About The Artist: Leigh embraces many different techniques of dyeing one-of-a-kind silk sarongs, scarves, wall hangings, and custom silk garments—direct dye painting, batik, and rozome (Japanese kimono design techniques). She started dyeing fabrics while working on her BFA at the University of Montana. Her training included printmaking, painting, and drawing. There were no courses offered in fabric design so a professor let her order dyes and teach herself batik. Later she taught what she had learned to many students of all ages at art centers and special workshops. She pursued her MFA at Southern Illinois University to study with leading fiber artist Joan Lintault, and learned direct dye painting from the late Lenore Davis. During that time her work included large dye-painted quilts which were exhibited in several national juried shows. More recently she studied with Betsy Sterling Benjamin, the artist and author of The World of Rozome, who had lived for several years in Japan studying the work of the master kimono designers. Currently Leigh is teaching batik at the Art League of Bonita Springs, Florida, and teaches a limited number of private students. a limited nof private students. Silk accepts dyes very brilliantly and the joy of working with color continues to fuel Leigh’s experimentation and new designs, often inspired by nature. She can be reached by email leighherndon@comcast.net or 239-262-7932.
Artist Web Site:  www.leighdesignsnaples.com
Mary Hertogs - Watercolor & Acrylic Paintings
About The Artist: In 1995, my life changed from being a school administrator to being an artist. I have pursued this endeavor studying with many well known painters. My primary medium is watercolor or watercolor with pen and ink. I like to paint on location. Italy is my most favorite place to photograph and paint. I am fortunate to have been able to travel there often with other painters. My paintings are fairly realistic of Italy, fruits and vegetables, Florida and flowers. I split my time between Bonita Springs, Florida and Edina, Minnesota.
Artist Web Site:  http://watercolorsbymaryhertogs.homestead.com/
Patty Kane - Acrylic & Watercolor Paintings

About The Artist:  Patty began pursuing her dream of being an artist after raising her three children in Orlando, Florida. When she moved to Southwest Florida in 2006, she had the opportunity to continue painting and teaching on a full-time basis. She now enjoys painting with watercolor and acrylic paint and often works simultaneously in both. It is a process which allows her to explore subject matter that inspires her creating and her passion for mixing color. Her "loose and juicy" paintings reflect the coastal lifestyle she enjoys in Fort Myers, Florida. She patiently layers transparent color, allowing the paint and paper to do a lot of the work. This process produces many unexpected bursts of color. Patty's work can be found in numerous private and corporate collections throughout the United States.
Artist Web Site:  www.artbypattykane.com

Nancy Krchniak - Portraits, Charcoals, Pastels, Acrylics

About The Artist:  nanART produces fine artwork for your personal, business, or community needs. Based in Southwest Florida, the skilled and talented Nancy Krchniak, founder of nanART, creates fine portraits, murals, and special art products for various purposes. She is a multi-degreed professional artist who has a wide background in fine arts and arts education.
Artist Web Site:  www.nanart.net

Sara Long - Hand-dyed Clothing & Scarves, Hand-made Jackets

About The Artist:  Ms. Long is an award-winning watercolorist and creative seamstress. Her jackets have won prizes at recent Naples Quilter's Guild and Southwest Florida Quilt Association shows. A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Art & Design, she has taught art in public schools and the Alliance for the Arts.  On her recent work, she says, "I have been in love with fabric since I was a child. Lately, I have been working with silks, using different techniques to create my favorite watercolor techniques on fabric. I usually begin with a "vision" of what the finished piece should look like, but as with all creative undertakings, the colors have a life of their own, and there are always interesting surprises!"
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Eileen Magrath - Handpainted Clothing & Accessories

About The Artist:  Eileen is a multi-media artist with a Fashion Merchandising Degree from Newbury College. She attended Massachusetts College of Art, and has been a member and student of the Art League of Bonita Springs.  Her career has been in Visual Merchandising: creating window displays, making props, designing interiors, and styling for fashion shows and catalogs. She also owned Perspective, a hand painted furniture studio specializing in custom orders.  I love all artistic expression- sketching, painting, writing and sewing. I enjoy painting on furniture, clothing or any object that inspires me to give it a new personality. Working on custom orders is especially gratifying because the client gets involved and excited. The whole process is exhilarating for me; to see how colors interact, shapes form composition, and a work of art is born. It is very therapeutic to just have faith, enjoy what you are doing, and see what happens!
Artist Web Site:  www.artegarb.com

June Marcantonio - Handmade Purses & Wraps

About The Artist: 
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Lanelle McCrone - Pet Portraits in Oils & Acrylic

About The Artist: I am from Chattanooga, TN. Having had pets my entire life, much of my art is based on my love of pets. I use oils and acrylics as my mediums. Most of my paintings are whimsical of the subject matter. I work full time and painting is an outlet for my creative side. I currently reside in Naples with my favorite husband Bill and my favorite dog – Dixie, my Yorkie.
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Wendy McKinney - Tropical Paintings

About The Artist:
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Diana Menzel - Handmade Jewelry & Painted Glassware

About The Artist: A few years ago, I took a jewelry design class and I was so excited to see that my designs were admired by others! I do not make any two designs alike and my pieces are very affordable.  Recently, I took a glass painting class and am now getting orders for my hand-painted wine glasses! I'm going to have to quit taking classes.
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Matthew Milligan - Local Nature Photographer

About The Artist:  Since the age of nine I've had a big interest in photography. I started with a Minolta 35mm and have since advanced to a Canon Rebel SLR. I've been in gallery shows and open houses at the Bonita Springs Art League. I always try to find new and interesting things to take pictures of. I hope to continue showing my work in galleries and art shows. My goal is to work for a major magazine such as National Geographic.
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Ginny Mintz - Ginni Lu Designs - Wire-wrapped and Silver Jewelry

About The Artist:  I'm a Florida girl, born and raised with the water and sunshine. As a young lady my grandmother introduced me to the world of jewelry making. This interest followed me into several jewelry professions, and now that I am retired, this creative spirit has again emerged. The art of wire wrapping and silversmithing gives expression to my spirit by creating art with shape and light. I enjoy working with silver, and a variety of metals, using different techniques to create one of a kind pieces. I love using pearls, semi-precious gems and beads to accent and finish my jewelry. My work often reflects the inner spirit of water and sun that I am inspired from. I take pleasure in creating jewelry that is everyday fun and fashionable. It can be enjoyed with your favorite pair of jeans or for special occasions.
Artist Web Site:  Ginni Lu Designs at www.ginniludesigns.etsy.com

Lorrie Nero - Mixed Media - Watercolor, Acrylic, Collage, Ink, Watercolor Pencil

About The Artist: For the past 10 years I have participated in 20 shows annually in Naples:Art in the Park, Artcrafters, Howard Alan Shows, Edens Invitational. I love to experiment with mixed media: watercolor, collage, acrylic, ink, pencil. I won Best of Show in 2008 in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for my abstracts.
Artist Web Site:  www.LorrieNeroArt.com

Ellen Pritts - Functional Potter & Fused Glass

About The Artist: 


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Cindy Reisenfeld - Cultural Fusion Jewelry

About The Artist:   Cindy Reisenfeld designs jewelry the way you would design a room using feng shui, color, textures and balance. She loves  to work with the earthy colors of natural stone beads, the translucentness and coolness of glass, the strength of the metal and carved edge left by the artisan's knife on bone beads." The fusion of style and materials makes each of her pieces look like unique treasures. Craftsmen in underdeveloped countries use natural resources of seeds, plants, trees, stones and common objects to make beads that reflect their heritage and culture.  I appreciate their resourcefulness and I use many of these natural materials as the backbone of my designs. I strive to make elegant and simple jewelry fusing styles from all latitudes of the world.  Jewelry is a wonderful way to express your individuality.  So many things we own are mass produced.  We are but one in a crowd wearing major department store goods.  Why not set off your wardrobe with jewelry that expresses your uniqueness, independence, adventure and mystery? Create your own style with the help of Latitude Blue jewelry!  
Artist Web Site:  www.LatitudeBlueJewelry.com

Mary Ross - Collage & Mixed Media with Rice/Handmade Papers

About The Artist:  Mary Ross makes her home in Marion, Massachusetts and winters in Bonita Springs, Florida. Mary received a B.A. from the Massachusetts College of Art. She was a landscape painter for many years, taking most of her inspiration from nature. The last 20 years have been spent exploring collage, combining her painting expertise with her beautiful handmade papers. To quote from the New York Times art critic Helen A. Harrison: “The collages of Mary Ross are constructed of layers of semi-transparent Japanese papers, often subtly textured, arranged as abstract backgrounds for still lives. Painted branches and flowers stylized in a modified oriental manner, project gracefully from torn paper shapes that represent jugs or vases”. The paintings and collages of Mary Ross are in many permanent collections throughout the United States and Europe.
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Melinda Russek - Abstract Art With Mixed Media

About The Artist:  I have lived in Florida more than thirty years and have appreciated it's beauty, which is now reflecting in my abstract paintings, revealing emotions and passions. I love nature and try to include recycled and organic materials in my paintings whenever possible. I have been drawing since I was two years old, and always desired to paint, and now I am following my dreams and working freelance as an artist. I am very excited about where this road will lead. Enjoy!
Artist Web Site:  www.myspace.com/mindolluin

Jennifer Sanders - Coiled Fiber Art

About The Artist:  I was born in South Carolina, but was raised all over the country. I fell in love with Bonita Springs the first time I visited here over 13 years ago. My husband, Tom, and I made Bonita Springs our summer home (and any other break from teaching in Illinois). We recently became full time residents. I have always fashioned myself as a cloth artist, designing and making many articles of clothing and decorative items. A year and a half ago, I began making coiled baskets and bowls. I have made 85 coiled creations ranging in size, color, and shape. As with a potter's wheel, my cloth coils take shape as I stitch and turn them. Each piece is an original work, and is titled, numbered, and labeled. They are made from at least 98% cotton materials with bead and shell embellishments. I love creating every piece!
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Joan Shapiro - Asian and Contemporary Pottery

About The Artist:  Joan Shapiro is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, and has sold her paintings through shows and galleries for many years. After "discovering" clay in 1985, she became a full time potter. She has been assocated for a number of years with galleries in Key West, Naples, Florida, Dillsboro, North Carolina, Bonita Springs, Florida and Philadelphia. She has traveled to Japan many times to visit Japanese pottery sites. After living and working in Key West for 26 years, she and her husband relocated to Naples in 2001 where she is currently exhibiting her work in galleries and shows in Southwest Florida. Joan is a member of a number of art associations in the area. She may be reached at joanshapiro@comcast.net or 239-596-8474.
Artist Web Site:  www.jmspottery.com

Barbara Singer-Boocher - Watercolor Giclee Prints and Cards

About The Artist:  Barbara Jean Singer~Boocher was taught the basics of lettering by an uncle, when she was around 11 years old, while growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  During those long, cold winters, she was able to practice, practice, practice the Art of Beautiful Writing.  She became self taught and handcrafted a lettering style similar to the "Chancery" type of lettering.  During High School, lettering for the Sisters of Divine Savior was an honor she took delight in. Becoming a Silk Screen Artist at Hambly Studios, Santa Clara, California, for seven years, was next for our budding artist.  Family ties pulled at her heart strings and Barbara moved back to Wisconsin and became owner/artist of Singer Signs and Designs.  Recently, after developing the love and talent for watercolor, while continually flourishing with calligraphy, the company became what it is today..... an opportunity for others to have special documents and heartfelt feelings set on paper with the skill of an accomplished calligrapher.  Truly, the Art of Beautiful Writing, for you to behold, for all the years to come. Barbara will be unveiling a new “Green” product at the November 21st, 2009 show!
Artist Web Site:  www.bjbcards.com

Cynthia Slack - Creative, Colorful, Upbeat Necklaces

About The Artist: Jewelry Making and Innovative Jewelry Design were my favorite courses at Skidmore College.  I was lucky to be able to study with Master Jeweler, Earl Pardon for three years. He was an extremely creative person, whose ability and interest in experimentation lead to a vast variety of technical skills.  As well as learning about design, texture, balance and using a variety of media, I learned to be constantly on the lookout for new ways to express color and form. As an artist, designer and craftsman, I try to create exciting, eye-catching Jewelry with a sense of humor.  I call them neck sculptures.  While wearing my designs, I seem to always get a smile, a question, a comment and often a compliment from people I pass.  They are fabulous conversation starters! Most of the beads and objects I use are vintage or at least old.  I find them at tag sales, thrift stores and Goodwill.  Others have been brought back from Thailand, Singapore, Italy and all around the United States and Canada.  The many colors, sizes, shapes and finishes of the beads form my design palate.  It is just like making a painting with unusual dimensional paints, and just like painting, I keep working until the results please me.
Artist Web Site:  www.cynthiaslackdesigns.com

Sondra Slone - Painting on Glass

About The Artist:  Sondra discovered painting on glass through classes a few years ago and was quickly fascinated and interested in this type of art. She now teaches private and group classes in several local communities from Naples to Estero, such as Village Walk and Bel Largo. She also paints on several other organic surfaces such as wood, fabric and paper. Her paintings focus on floral and tropical themes. She can be contacted at 239-272-7706.
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Joan Stobart - Watercolors of Nature

About The Artist:  I was born in Detroit, Michigan, and always loved to draw and paint. I graduated from CassTech where I majored in Commercial Art. I also studied Fine Art at Oakland Community College. My husband and I retired to Bonita Springs in 1997, where I became involved in the local art community. I have participated in many art shows in Southwest Florida and have been honored with several awards. I am a member of the Florida Watercolor Society, Art League of Bonita Springs and the Fort Myers Beach Art Association.
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Francoise-Marie Thein - Fused Glass and Polymers

About The Artist: Françoise-Marie Thein studied Decorative Arts in Brussels, Belgium. While teaching Fine Arts at Notre Dame de Lourdes in Diekirch, Luxembourg for several years, she started working as an independent artist. She refined the fine art of watercolor on silk and also turned to charcoal sketching, oil on canvas and her passion, sculpting. Established in the US since 1989, she lives in Naples, FL. She has worked at Rye Arts Center and currently at the Art Life Studio, with sculptors Ron Mineo and Michael J. Keriopian in Port Chester, NY.  In recent years she has integrated her past experience in new media, mostly fused glass and polymers. She is a member of  Art League of Bonita Springs, FL. Her works can be found in private, corporate and public collections in the U.S., Luxembourg, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Austria, Japan, Ireland, Bermuda.
Artist Web Site:  www.fmsculpture.com

Lorraine Weiss - Beaded, Semi-Precious Gem, Sterling & Leather Jewelry

About The Artist:Lorraine Weiss has always had a deep appreciation of color. She is an accomplished artist and has worked in various mediums including Stained Glass, Pastel portraiture and Oil painting in her quest to create with color. Lorraine has been working with semi precious stones, sterling silver and vermeil over the past two years and has now devoted herself to creating wearable works of art. She also works with shells that are native to the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast, creating unique, one of a kind collars. Each piece of jewelry created is a limited edition and is unique!
Artist Web Site:  lorraineweiss.etsy.com

Maryon Wiesenthal - Tapestry Totes & Purses

About The Artist: As a young girl, my mother encouraged me to make doll cloths, then my own outfits. I minored in Home Ed in college, and after many years of working, I retired and started looking for something creative to do. Fabric again consumed me and tapestry stood out. I started to make tapestry purses and totes in 1997. It has been fun, profitable and now therapeutic. I listen to my customer's ideas and incorporate them in my work, when possible.
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Jackie Willoughby - Handmade - One-of-a-Kind Purses

About The Artist: I started making purses when I needed something really "snappy" for a Red Hat event. I put pictures of myself in different Red Hat costumes all over it, and used lots of trim. Everyone loved it and asked where did I have it made...well, of course, I made it myself. I make all sorts of purses for a variety of different events and people. Clients usually give me a theme and basic color and I go from there. I make personal picture purses for grandma of all the grandkids or entire families, military photo purses, or purses with the picture of the family pet.. Some purses have a theme such as "MahJongg", Sports/Travel, or Red Hat. Some purses are dressy...some simply sassy. My purses have been featured in the magazine, "In Good Company". I welcome special orders. I use no patterns and take pictures of each purse so as to not make the same one twice. Each one is very unique, fun and funky.
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We have been privileged to have had so many talented local artists join us in our previous seaon. Please CLICK HERE to get a glimpse of the amazing and diverse artists that live right here in Southwest Florida.

 

 


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