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Inspiration for the artist comes in many forms.  The other day, I noticed that many of my pieces have a stick shape.  But the influence for the shape comes from different places.  The bronze bent and hole-filled pieces are inspired by coral forms in the ocean's reefs. Reefs are like gardens, teeming with life and diversity.  

The other "sticks" are inspired by driftwood.  This influence is not only the shape of the driftwood, but the spirit of it - a bit of a wanderer, buffeted by adversity and coming out more weathered, but also more experienced.  

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It's true!  My Loofah I necklace is indeed inspired by an actual loofah sponge!  As an artist, I never really know when inspiration will strike me.  Sometimes it's something I see, or have been thinking about for a long time, like the ocean or driftwood.  

Other times, it's something I see regularly, but for whatever reason, I suddenly see it in a new light and, boom, an idea sparks!  This is what happened with my loofah sponge, sitting on the shelf in my bathroom. I saw the end, with the chambers, and the spongey part with the holes and thought, hmm, that would be a fun design.  

And Loofah I was born!  

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I love the texture and design of barnacles on shells or rocks along the seashore.  So I decided to have a little fun and design a necklace with barnacles!  

This is a case of "art imitates life" - as I intended.  

There is only one Barnacle necklace now, however the intention is to have a series of pieces, all barnacled up.  These pieces, along with some other seashell surprises, will become part of a Shoreline collection.  

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A large dollop of my creativity and my love for jewelry comes from my maternal grandfather.  Buppo (my cousin's version of grandpa that stuck) was the only grandparent I knew.  

Among other things, my grandfather was a rockhound in his later years, searching and finding treasure among the rocks and pebbles.  I remember the loud chunk chunk sound of his tumbler in his basement and the stories of the polished treasures he would show me - agates and tiger eye; jasper and jade; even possible arrow heads!  

There might not be a Leonajeanne Designs had I not gone to a rock and gem show to see if I could reconnect to the spirit of my grandfather.  That show ignited a curiosity and drive in me that has continued to propel me forward with designing and creating jewelry.  

One of the life lessons my grandfather taught me is that jewelry has a story - and jewelry is part of your story.  These stones were found, polished and set by my grandfather for me when I was young - perhaps 6 or 7 years old.  Each stone is from our family's lake property and carries it's own history and memories for me. 

The story of my jewelry is about rising up and claiming your strength and your beauty that is all mixed together in your special recipe.  Elegant and Audacious.

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