Woman’s hand-crafted jewelry set to expand

Contributed photo Colleen Pike of Waynesville designs jewelry. "I've been making jewelry for four and a half years," she said.

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By Beth Anspach 8:31 PM Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Colleen Pike of Waynesville said she has had to “reinvent” herself time and time again. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Pike has moved dozens of times because of her husband’s job. And about a year ago, Pike moved to Waynesville when her husband began working for the Huffy Corporation.

She has been working hard on launching a business where she sells hand-crafted jewelry. “I’ve been making jewelry for four and a half years,” Pike said. “It all started in Seattle with a group of friends just doing crafts. I met Terri Brush, who taught me how to use a torch, and she became my mentor.” Brush, a nationally known paper mache and jewelry designer, helped inspire Pike to submit her designs to Jewelry Affaire Magazine.

“I don’t think of myself as some fabulous artist,” Pike said. “But I submitted three pieces, and they loved everything. I was so excited when I heard they would be publishing my story in the October issue of the magazine.”

Pike said she had to write her own story for the article, and found it challenging at best. “What’s funny is that I never considered writing my strong suit, but I had a lot tell me they have been inspired by my story, so I just started writing.”

Pike also started a website and blog to help introduce people to her jewelry, and has already sold several pieces. She also works at the 5 Seasons health club in Bellbrook, teaching martial arts, healing arts and dance.

“I will be having a trunk show featuring my pieces on Nov. 12 at the Winsome Cottage in downtown Waynesville,” Pike said. She also has shown her jewelry at the 5 Seasons during a breast cancer awareness event.

Pike said she is up late most nights making jewelry for the trunk show. She recently travelled to Oregon for Terri Brush’s fall art camp.

Pike describes her style as “vintage” and she can be found most weekends searching local flea markets for old jewelry she can “repurpose.”

“I look for old rhinestones and hardware that inspire me,” Pike said. “Then I hand solder and make silver shapes and leaves to connect the jewelry. The flea markets are eye candy for me, and have been ever since I was a child, going to them with my grandparents who had an antique business.”

Pike admits her lifestyle has taken a 180 degree turn with her move to Ohio, but she said she is adjusting to her new lifestyle. “I went from a west coast city girl to moving to the country in Ohio, and this is the farthest east we’ve ever lived,” Pike said. “I guess I would say that this was a big jump for me, but I am privileged to be able to live with passion and follow my heart. To anyone out there who wants to try something different, I always say to do what you love and the money will follow. I can’t imagine going back.”

To see Pike’s work, visit  fleurishcreativestudio.com.

Contact this writer at (937) 475-8212 or banspach@ymail.com.

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