ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Kathy Messick

• Tell us a little bit about your shoppe.   In the Fall of 2010, at the urging of friends and family, I opened my shoppe, www.KathsElegantAccessories.com. During college I worked with an accessories designer, but my focus in her company was sewing (I got a child sized sewing machine when I was about four years old). My ongoing obsession, I mean relationship, with wire and beads really started with a mother/daughter bracelet set I created for my niece. From there, I discovered knitting with wire and I was totally hooked. I love flowers (especially roses), so many of my designs are floral inspired creations. The items in my shoppe are named for family, friends or individuals that have been supportive of my creative endeavors or have inspired me with their sense of style. Since I am a self-taught artisan I love learning new techniques and am currently experimenting with some exciting new designs for my shoppe. Stay tuned.

• What is your favorite product in your shoppe and why?   That is a difficult one to answer. The first piece I ever knitted, a statement necklace of rose quartz, seashells and pearls will always have sentimental value, because it was named for my late mother, Sarah, whom I lost to pancreatic cancer in 2007. But, I would have to say, the Mother of Pearl Statement Necklace – Tina II is my favorite. I have the prototype of that design and I wear it year round.

• When you’re not handcrafting your gorgeous jewelry line, what are your hobbies?    Hanging out with my wonderful husband; walking with my Alaskan Malamute, the Z dog (Zorro); trips to the beach (Santa Rosa, FL is my favorite); reading (I love sci fi, especially David Weber books); cooking, baking (Chocolate Kahlua and Fuzzy Navel Cakes), entertaining and gardening.

• What do you like best about The Artisan Group?   I love the sense of community that I have found in The Artisan Group. I have never been a part of a more supportive, helpful or generous group. In the eight months that I have been a part of TAG, I have learned so much and had opportunities that I never imagined would be possible. Through The Artisan Group, I had business cards in the 69th Annual Primetime Emmys; participated in the Golden Globes with a statement necklace on display as well as wire-knitted pendants in the press and celebrity bags; and am participating in the Oscars with business cards and press gifts, along with an advertisement in the Oscars Event Guide. I can’t thank Valerie and Nikki enough for making this amazing group possible. I love TAG and its members and can’t wait for all the exciting opportunities that lie ahead!

Kathy recently participated as a display participant in a luxury celebrity gift lounge on January 13-14, 2012 at the L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, in honor of the The 2012 Golden Globes Nominees and Presenters.