About the Materials

The majority of materials used in Stix 'n Stonz creations are gathered on the shores of Lake Superior; beach glass, metals, driftwood, stone, china, bone fragments and sometimes some "unknowns" are collected along Lake Superior in Upper Michigan. The artist spends her summers in the tiny hamlet called Jacobsville and on many mornings, afternoons and evenings is found scouring the family beach for the newest treasures. The beach itself becomes an element in the creative process by instilling a serenity that overwhelms one with inspiration. With the help of family and friends, the artist collects the sundry beautiful gifts the lake graciously deposits within their reach. While some materials are more common than others, the final creation is truly a unique and interesting piece of art!

Beach Glass has taken on a new meaning in the last few years. Commonly called sea glass or Mermaid's Tears, it can be found in various colors, sizes and shapes. Some may find it fascinating to note that what was once discarded as useless trash, can be reformed into objects of beauty and value. Clear glass, the most common color found, can usually be attributed to Coca Cola and similar Bottles. Brown, also common, comes from beer bottles. Less common are the green (7-Up, Heineken) and turquoise (antique bottles and insulators). Rare to very rare are the cobalt blue (Vicks, Milk of Magnesia and Noxzema jars) and lavender (very old insulators).

All of these bottles and jars were thrown in the lake years ago then tossed and churned in the lake.  The small pieces wash up on the beach in a new and beautiful form. The artist does not tumble or form the glass. In  addition, pieces of metal are incorporated into some designs. Parts of old machines, cans, buckets, cars and other things that were thrown, tossed or fell into the lake wash up in various shapes and sizes. The tops to old aluminum toothpaste tubes, parts to old coffee cans and even the sardine can "keys"  can sometimes be found. The contrast of the smooth and rounded glass with the hard and mangled look of  metal complement each other beautifully. Various pieces of china from sunken ships (maybe even the Edmond Fitzgerald!!) and old abandoned houses that have fallen into the lake can be found, sometimes with  writing or identifiable designs. All of these treasures are collected by the artist (or other family members) and used to create one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry. The designs are created individually without molds so each piece is truly a unique creation. The jewelry becomes an eye-catching, wearable form of art with a story!

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