Ulla Norup Milbrath – Multi-Media Artist
Website: http://www.ullam.typepad.com/I met Ulla some 15 years ago at a craft festival and was immediately drawn to her work, warmth and bright smile. We were mutual fans and quickly became lasting friends. Ulla’s life is an unfolding canvas of creativity. I have watched in amazement as she morphs from jeweler to doll maker, sculptor, photographer, and blogger. Her style is whimsical, ethereal and elegant. She shares her creativity through teaching and inspiring others to discover their creative passion. She is an inspiration to me both artistically and personally. Ulla is the writer and creator of the very popular blog, Ullabenllulla.
Merry-Lee Rae – Cloisonné Artist
Website: www.merryleerae.comI met Merry-Lee 30 years ago at the original San Francisco Harvest Festival. We were both young, just beginning our creative paths, and driven to create. We soon became friends, and our friendship has grown over the years. Merry-Lee's talent and discipline has earned her prestige in her field as world-class cloisonné artist. Nature is her inspiration. The vibrant colors of coral reefs, flowers, and animals are featured in her jewelry. She shares her talent and creativity by teaching workshops and inspiring others.
Tabra Tunoa - Jeweler
Website: www.tabra.comI met Tabra nearly 30 years ago at the original San Francisco Harvest Festival. By then she was already a legend, and I was in awe of this exotic gypsy woman and her creative genius. It was not just her tribal, gypsy-style jewelry that inspired me. She has an adventurous spirit and travels the world searching for beads, components and inspiration. We have much in common, as women, jewelers and travelers. This year I had the pleasure of visiting her at her studio in Ubud, Bali, sharing inspirations and rekindling our friendship.
Cheri Lewis – Jeweler
Website: www.mamaslittlebabies.comI met Cheri 20 years ago when our girls were in preschool together. Initially our friendship revolved around our children and the mountain community that we lived in. When Cheri began designing jewelry, however, our friendship took on an added dimension. Her multimedia jewelry designs are inspired, playful and meticulously executed. Not only is her work inspired, but her business savvy is remarkable. I have much to learn from my multi-talented friend!
Robin Senour – Jeweler
Website: www.sacredlaughter.comI met Robin at a craft festival some years back. I was instantly drawn to her table and delighted by her work. As we traded jewelry, our friendship grew. She named her business "Sacred Laughter," and on the back of her card is printed: “a company committed to taking life less seriously.” Each of Robin's pins is a miniature painting and I have collected many over the years.
Wayne Robbins & Judy Mountain - Glass Artists
Website: www.mountainrobbins.comFor years, I have shown at many of the same Craft Festivals as Wayne and Judy, and I built a collection of their work. They each have their own distinct style of making beads and jewelry. I am especially drawn to the whimsical animal beads that Wayne creates. Alisha and I took one of his workshops several years ago and had such fun!
Anna Konya – Clothing Designer
Website: www.annakonyadesigns.comI met Anna at the San Francisco Harvest Festival nearly 30 years ago. I fell in love with her gypsy style clothing and we soon became friends. I wear her brightly colored, multi tiered skirts regularly, and she designed and made my wedding dress 18 years ago. I love her bold combinations of colors and patterns of fabric. Let the carnival begin!