Betty Rocks

Welcome back to The Expressionist Magazine

I love jewelry.  Okay, it’s more like a small addiction.  I’m not talking rehab by any means, but I have sort of gotten carried away over the years.  My chests and boxes have, well, overfloweth.  I have all types of jewelry.  Some are jingly-jangly and sparkly, while others are classically feminine and demure.  I guess I have a special adornment for every dazzling night out, and a trinket for every carefree afternoon.  Despite my three large jewelry boxes, I am always on the lookout for a new and exciting piece.  As a woman, can you ever have too many of any one fashionable item, specifically jewelry?  So, when I found out about Anne Groff’s collection, Betty Rocks, I knew I couldn’t wait to check it out.

Groff, a New Hampshire native, has a passion for creating jewelry, especially when it comes to stringing and knotting beads.  To be able to take a loose strand of beads and turn them into something beautiful and unique is a gift that this jewelry artist surely possesses.

Groff says she got started with the art  just after high school when she went on a family vacation with her at-the-time boyfriend.  His brother-in-law was in the jewelry business and was considered a “rockhound,” someone who enjoys collecting rocks and/or mineral specimens from their natural environment.  At this time, the brother-in-law had with him a collection of semi-precious beads and asked Groff if she wanted to make jewelry.  Being that Groff considers herself to be crafty and has always been willing to try new things, she jumped at the opportunity to learn the skill.  After being taught, Groff realized how much she enjoyed it and thus began her love for designing natural gemstone jewelry. Designs by You was later created and Groff and her ex’s brother-in-law started doing home parties.  ”He’d supply the beads, we would show people how to lay out a design and then the people would put the beads on a wire and I would finish the pieces with a clasp, ” explains Groff.  Even though her relationship with the boyfriend didn’t last, her passion for jewelry making has endured.

In 1991, Groff landed a job at the largest jewelry store in New England, where she worked in the semi-precious stone department selling fine jewelry.  She says she still had an eagerness for making jewelry, in addition to her just selling it. Groff was happy to learn a technique from the company’s pearl stringer.  In 1994, after the birth of her first child, Groff started stringing for the company she was with, and also for another local jeweler.  She stayed with that company and still strings for those jewelers, as well as many others.

When Groff first started professionally stringing, she started a company of her own called Pearlstrings.  To string means to indivually hand tie a knot for each bead.  With Pearlstrings, Groff has done custom and stock work, stringing strands of pearls for jewelers in New England and many other states along the East Coast.  Pearlstrings services include jewelry redesign, restringing, service contracts and customized designs.

Then, in 2008, Groff took jewelry making to another level.  She had fallen in love and wanted those closest to her to know.  So, one night as Groff recalls, she went out to dinner with her family and friends and introduced them to her significant other.  With a strikingly beautiful aquamarine stone necklace, much larger than her typical pieces, Groff excitedly showed off her newest creation.  A one-of-a-kind showstopper, full of delicious color, the necklace was naturally well received.  When Groff asked her loved ones what they thought of the necklace, a very famous cartoon character came to mind- Betty Rubble.  ”I thought that was funny, growing up with the Flinstones,” chuckled Groff.  The jewelry artist felt the name, Betty, to be fitting in more ways than one.  Groff always loved the name, because for her, what comes to mind is a pretty, fresh and natural girl.  Someone who is down-to-earth and fun.  In addition, Betty was her grandmother’s nickname, and Groff was given her name as a middle name.  It was while Groff was in high school that her grandmother passed away from cancer.  Holding a dear place in her heart for her grandmother, the name Betty became even more special to Groff.  ”I then thought of the other Bettys in my life and they all give me such joy, and they all rock! ” lovingly confides the artist.  ”Betty is all woman and so it stuck and I loved it!”

The Betty Rocks collection consists of large, bold statement, beaded jewelry.  Natural and earthy semi-precious stones, individually hand-knotted on matching silk threads fastened with a sterling silver toggle clasp.  The individual beads vary in character, making each piece special.  Groff adds that the classic styling makes her creations perfect for wearing daily for any occasion.

When it comes to semi-precious stones, one must understand they each come with their own unique properties.  For example, some stones promote confidence and clarity, while others promise to enhance psychic ability or encourage relaxation.  ”There are natural energies that come from gemstones and the people who wear them will absorb that energy.  ”I think that is pretty cool,” states Groff.

When asked about the inspiration behind her work, Groff explains that it comes from her background of pearl stringing and her love of natural gemstones.  ”A friend of mine came to me with a large strand of nugget style chalcedony and asked me to knot them.  Usually I have seen large beads as accent pieces to a necklace, not as a whole strand.  I strung it and loved it, and I was totally hooked from there,” Groff remembers fondly.

With all of Groff’s amazing creations and her brilliant choice of stones, I couldn’t help but ask her if she had a favorite. “That is like picking a favorite child,” laughs the talented jewelry maker.  ”I really do love them all!”  However, if Groff did have to choose, she would lean towards labradorite, which is a deeply rich, gray stone with an opalescent iridescence.  She further describes labradorite as a unique stone that many are not familiar with.

The Betty Rocks collection is so beautiful and wearable, it’s no wonder its getting attention and from pretty well-known folks.  ”I had a wonderful opportunity to meet Mrs. {Barbara} Bush.  I did a fitting for her for a necklace that Mr. Bush had gotten for her birthday and I brought with me some pieces of my Betty Rocks collection and she loved it!  Instead of pearls, she might go for Betty Rocks now,” proudly states Groff.

The artist says that her Betty Rocks collection is for the bold and fearless woman who isn’t afraid to make a statement, and it is also for the classy, elegant woman who continues to bring a classic element to the world.  ”I want to see my jewelry on musicians such as Taylor Swift, television personalities such as Betty White (another great Betty!) and people of influence such as Barbara Bush.  It’s for the fashionistas across the country, and for the women who never feel completely dressed without a finishing piece of jewelry.

Groff continues on to say that her dream would be to have Betty Rocks in fine retail establishments all across the nation, places such as Barney’s and Neiman Marcus.  Seeing her collection in top fashion magazines, museums, hotels and on websites is a huge goal that Groff hopes to one day fulfill.

Not only is Groff a highly skilled jewelry artist, she also projects a very genuine heart and soul.  ”I am always willing to help out a cause in any way I can,” states the New Hamphsire resident.  Groff takes much pride in volunteering in her community and gives to various charities.  Specifically, the artist has done bike tours to support Multiple Sclerosis, and recently was asked to donate a Betty Rocks piece for an ovarian cancer benefit in September.  ”I am going to create something special for that one,” says Groff with great honor.

After talking to the New Englander and perusing her online collection of beautifully colored semi-precious stone creations, I have become a true fan.  Groff’s Betty Rocks collection is for every kind of woman, regardless of age, race and style.  Her designs are all one-of-a-kind and are as classic as a black dress.  There is no doubt in this writer’s mind that Groff will go far with Betty Rocks.

And for those of you paranormal enthusiasts out there, if Groff’s name sounds familiar, well, it probably is.  After all, the artist is the aunt of Nick Groff of Ghost Adventures, which airs on the Travel Channel.  When it comes to her nephew’s success, Groff gushes about how great of a job he is doing with the hit show.  ”I am very proud of him.”   And, according to Nick, it is only fair to say, the feeling is most definitely mutual.

Website Information and E-mail addresses:

www.PearlstringsNH.com

Anne@PearlstringsNH.com

Facebook page for Betty Rocks:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Betty-Rocks/398488846411?ref=sgm

To purchase Betty Rocks online:

www.LNT.com (Linen’s ‘N Things)-just put in Betty Rocks into the search engine

Retailers in New Hampshire and Maine sell Betty Rocks, and soon-to-be, Massachusetts and New York

In New Hampshire, find Betty Rocks at:

Fresh on Main Street in Nashua, www.freshofnashua.com

A&E Jewelers at Pennechuck Square in Merrimack, www.aediamond.com

Roxie’s Fashion at Salzberg Square in Amherst, www.roxiesfashions.com

Wholly Tara on Main Street in Ashland, www.whollytara.com

Puttin’ on the Glitz on State Street in Portsmouth, www.puttinontheglitznh.com

J.M. Princewell at On the Oval in Milford and Maine, mail@jmprincewell.com

Coastal Jewelers in Kennebunkport, www.coastaljewelers.com

Extra Information:

Linens ‘N Things-on this site Groff sells the bulk of her designs, but she also has exclusive pieces that are sold in the above listed boutiques and jewelry stores

Groff belongs to the MJSA-Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (through LinkedIn)

On Groff’s Pearlstrings site:  She is planning to update the site so you will be able to see the entire Betty Rocks collection, not just a few select pieces.  Groff welcomes anyone’s suggestions, comments and questions.

If you would like to have a piece of jewelry done by Groff, she can string necklaces, bracelets and earrings.  She offers two types or styles of earrings which both come in sterling silver – long drop or lever back style drop dangle earrings.

Michele Palenik on HGTV

Andy Warhol once said that everyone will have 15 minutes of fame, well, due to the economic slowdown and inflation, that is now reduced to 6 whole minutes. Mine will come on March 25th at 8 am on the show “That’s Clever” on  HGTV. Be sure to watch, it should be entertaining, after all, it is TV.

Two years ago, HGTV came to the Bay Area to film Artists in their studio making all kinds of crazy artsy projects. The small crew descended upon my home very early in the morning and began their long day. I submitted a mixed-media collage art piece with my signature fused glass items,two mermaids and a fierce sea monster in this case. The producers and crew were really young and congenial and it made the day go quickly. I had to do and say some zany lines and quirky things with my tools, so know that when you watch, if you don’t know me personally…yes, I am a fun-loving Artist, but TV is strictly a medium for entertainment value!

Please watch the show and support local Artists. If you like my project, there is more of where that comes from and visit my website www.purplecludstudio.com

Michele Palenik – Walking On Broken Glass

Michele Palenik is not only a fantastic jeweler and fuse glass artist in the Tampa Bay area,  she is also a leader and inspiration to artists everywhere. Michele throughout the years has found ways to survive in this art stricken community, in economically troubled times like: finding innovative ways to promote her self, coming up with innovative and unique art ideas, and most importantly she believes in herself and what she does for a living.

She successfully runs Purple Cloud Studios in Land O Lakes, Florida, where she works in fused glass and jewelry.  She has a history of working with precious metals in her past, but has turned her attention to glass and jewelry which she loves the most. Her pieces of work have been found in art shows across the Tampa Bay area, and most recently she turned broken bottles, found in the wreck of the Odyssey, into a wearable piece of history.  Her line stems from beautifully colored bowls and plate-ware that are food safe, to decorations you can hang on the wall with her fused glass; and jewelry you can wear for any occasion. 

Some of her new collections and ideas include the ”Used and Abused,” which is inspired by the benefits and turmoil friendships and love go through, these hearts are battered and out of shape but still strong. Each heart represents the good times and bad times each lover or friend goes through, as a unique symbol that love will survive the test of time and the memories are still there.  Michele also has in her collection, Grave Stone Ornaments that can be custom designed to decorate your loved ones memorial; as well as her one of a kind Odyssey collection where you can wear a piece of Civil War sunken ship history.

Michele is much more than just an artist, she is a motivator and sees every blank wall as an opportunity for an artist.  She has throughout the years, unselfishly dedicated her time to helping other artists survive, helping the art community in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding areas, and has stood up for art in our communities and schools, such as doing teach-ins at local elementary schools.  Not only is her work beautiful but her heart is too!

You can find Michele by going to www.purplecloudstudio.comand checking out her work.  There she has some of her newest ideas and bios of this incredible woman, as well as a store to purchase her work.  Michele also does custom work so contact her if you want that something special art that she does best.

DON’T MISS HER SPECIAL PODCAST WHERE SHE GIVES SOME OF THIS GREAT ADVICE TO ARTISTS, HER ADVICE CAN ALSO BE USEFUL TO ANYONE THAT WANTS TO LISTEN… ITS IN OUR PODCAST SECTION.  DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST ON ITUNES AND IT WILL AUTOMATICALLY DOWNLOAD.

Tina Gasperson – Jewelry Artist

From time to time I surf the web in search of new talent. Recently, I found Tina Gasperson, jewelry artist.  Tina’s studio is here in the Tampa Bay area, and she customizes jewelry for all occasions. I had the pleasure to sit down with Tina and get to know her and her talent in a bit more detail.

What got you interested in jewelry creation?

I’m very much a sensory-driven artist. By that, I mean the elements that go into the final product, and how I interact with those elements and how they interact with me, are all very important ingredients. I like to “get my hands dirty.” I discovered that silver and copper wire are quite sensuous in the way they respond to being worked, and I find that very enjoyable. I have always loved stones, gems, and crystals, and so that love aligns well with idea of bending and shaping the wire. The fact that what results is a thing of lasting beauty, is deeply satisfying.  Jewelry making seems to be particularly fulfilling in that way. Maybe it’s because we wear our favorite jewelry on our body and keep it close to us, we lock it up at night, we pass it on to our children. It makes an impression in a unique way.

Did you go to school for this trade or was it something self-taught?

I taught myself the actual craft of putting the jewelry together, mostly from reading books, online articles, and watching cool YouTube videos; then trying the basic functions myself, practicing over and over again to learn the right touch with the wire, to learn how to wrap a loop just so without nicking it all up, to figure out the right amount of pressure to put on the wire to make it bend smoothly without angles.  The whole thing started when I decided it would be a great idea to hand make 50 tiaras for a women’s conference – and I had never worked with wire before and had no clue what I was going to do. I found a book about tiara making, ordered it, and taught myself that way. I even came up with my own design, because the ones in the book were really pretty but didn’t quite fit the bill.  I went through quite a bit of 26 gauge silver wire and spent hundreds, maybe thousands of hours working, tearing apart, and reworking those crazy, beautiful tiaras. Ah, memories.

How many years of experience do you have with creating jewelry?

My artistic journey has led me around many twists and turns. I have been creating literally my entire life, using different mediums and building on that creative expression. In this part of my journey, I am working on jewelry. I’ve been doing that for about a year. Many of my creative pursuits overlap, for instance, I’m a writer. I’ve been supporting myself with that for ten years, but I’ve been doing it for much longer than that. I’m not going to stop writing now that I’ve begun creating jewelry. Those two things can work together quite nicely. I also play the acoustic guitar and sing and write songs. I attended the International Academy of Merchandising and Design (back when it was called that) and learned how to draft patterns, and do fashion illustration, and work with textiles. But before (and after) that I was always sewing. I designed wedding gowns and embellished them with crystals and pearls and sequins…. kind of sounds like what I do now, except I’m embellishing wire instead of fabric. I’ve recently become much more focused on my photography skills, especially composition, because I take pictures of all my jewelry work – but I’ve been interested in photography all along. It all overlaps and interweaves, and I think what I am doing now is really just a culmination of all the other things I have done — though I will say that jewelry-making is a particularly rewarding and soul-satisfying endeavor and I believe this is one of those things that I will want to keep doing forever. I think it’s a part of my soul. It just took me a while to discover it.

How important is it to be unique in this field, and how difficult is it to do that?

I think that it depends on the individual. Some people make and/or wear very beautiful jewelry that isn’t necessarily unique. And some jewelry artists are very successful in selling pieces that are made with commercially-manufactured findings and beads. For me, I like to make each piece of mine by forging the clasps, jump rings, links, ear wires, chains, stuff like that myself, instead of going to JoAnn’s and buying a bag of factory made clasps. Now, I do use Swarovski crystals or faceted gemstones and things like that, but in my work I think the major focus is on the metallic elements and how they work with those occasional embellishments of a really nice agate or citrine briolette, or that deceptively beautiful labradorite chunk. So, it’s not hard to be unique, but it does take some extra work, maybe? Or maybe it’s just a different focusing of energies.
What kind of jewelry do you make, what materials do you mainly work with?

Right now I am working with silver and copper, sometimes oxidized, which is a very special quality in itself and really beautiful. I like stones, wood, crystal, and gemstones. I have been looking at gold-filled, and I have also used aluminum from time to time. I don’t want to box myself in or label myself as an artist, because a year from now I might have discovered something and started following a different direction in my path.

Do you do custom pieces or is it standard from a catalog you create?

Neither or both, depending on how you look at it. I would tend not to make multiples of most things I do. This might sound way too artsy-fartsy, and I don’t mean it that way, but there’s a certain “spirit” that goes into some pieces that you just can’t duplicate easily. Then there are other fun, cute little things that I can whip up several of, like my swirly rings, for example. Or there may be a certain motif that you’ll see repeated in a lot of my designs, but the piece itself may not ever be duplicated. As far as custom work goes, if someone has a request I can certainly consider that. I’ve recently been commissioned to make a necklace and bracelet featuring a ginkgo leaf design. I find that challenging and really hope it will be a growth experience for me. Would I do just anything that anyone asked for? No. And I’m not sure ahead of time what would prompt me to decline or accept a commission. I think a big part of it is, how much artistic freedom are you willing to give me? Just like I don’t manufacture certain things over and over, I don’t want to simply “produce” someone else’s vision. We can perhaps co-envision, though. So if you have an idea, ask!

Are there any notable people that sport your jewelry today that you know about?

I’m quite sure not. I do know there’s a politician out in Hawaii who bought one of my bracelets for his wife, and a college professor out in Indiana picked up an ear cuff the other day. I think that’s about as notable as it gets.

Who is your greatest inspiration in the Jewelry field and/or art field

I don’t know that I have one source of greatest inspiration. I look at everything around me, and I look at jewelry specifically, and just absorb it all. I think there’s a danger in focusing too much on one person or source because I think then your work starts to reflect that, maybe more than you would want it to. Having said that, I greatly admire and respect artists who have captured the essence of beauty and are able to express that beauty using the elements at hand. I think a true artist can use whatever he or she has available to them to create beauty. I’m not a big fan of artists who purposely look for and express horror, gruesomeness, or perversion in their work. I’m not against expressing those feelings, because I think we need to express those things and get them out, as artists, but then turning around and casting that negativity on the world is, in my opinion, irresponsible. I believe that artists hold a certain power of expression, and we’re better off using that power for good.

Any advice for artists in your field or art in general?

Don’t be afraid of your talent. If others are moved by something you’ve created, believe in that, and act on it. And always follow your heart – it may lead you “out of the box” and in many different directions over the years, but you will be a much better person and a much better artist for it. Just because right now, for example, you’re a photographer, doesn’t mean you have to stay in that box if you’re feeling drawn and captivated by painting, or wire-work, or knitting, or whatever. Don’t let people paint you into a creative corner. Don’t let other artists get you down when they’re feeling negative about life or about their work. Exercise your freedom to be who you were created to be, and if you really honestly do that, you will be successful.

Where can people find your work today to view and/or purchase it?

I sell on Etsy, at tinahdee.etsy.com, and occasionally blog about the creative process and what I’m thinking about, at tina.gasperson.com. I am planning some local art/craft show appearances for later this year. I’ll also be at the Books-A-Million in Kissimmee (The Loop) on August 9th doing some free jewelry-making and wire-wrapping demonstrations.

To contact Tina Gasperson you can e-mail her at tinahdee@gmail.com, or leave me a voicemail at 813.230.1328.