17 Nov 2012 Creating sparkle
by Mathilda Hatfield Hulett
Throughout history art has been a means of communication. Inspired works of music convey an emotional testimonial to those who listen. Paintings, sculptures, poems and writing all express an artist’s personal statement. Each witness to art is the recipient of its message.
If you hold these ideas to be true, then, take heed of the declarations made by the beautiful jewelry designs of Rebecca and of Elle Designs.
Becky Moorehead and her daughter, Ellen Moorehead, both of Conway, are a typical mother-daughter duo — alike yet different. Becky was born in Texas, then grew up in White County. She graduated with a history degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
Ellen was born in Little Rock and has lived in Maumelle or Conway all her life. Ellen also earned her degree from the University of Arkansas. However, her degree was in apparel studies. Ellen started making jewelry in high school; so, in this case, mother followed daughter. The creative spirit soon took over family vacations. In the beginning, during family trips, Ellen would ask to stop and shop at bead stores. Soon, that led to trips to specialty bead shops and, presently, “vacations” are planned in conjunction with bead shows or jewelry shows and sales.
Becky describes her jewelry designs, tagged and sold under the name Rebecca, as “traditional, colorful.” Ellen, without hesitation, calls her Elle Designs, “modern, fun, sparkly pieces.” Becky notes that their styles have evolved over time and are reflections of their individual personalities. Becky’s style in particular “has gotten more dramatic.”
Ellen draws her inspiration from textiles or fabrics often seen in furniture stores. Becky is inspired by current fashions. Both enjoy keeping up with current fashion and color trends by reading fashion magazines and shopping. Ellen, a former women’s apparel and accessories manager for a national retail company, will often see jewelry pieces while shopping and then come home to make something similar, only “bigger!”
Both artists use the same materials — among them, crystals, semi-precious stones, natural stones, antique brass and sterling silver. Both enjoy using different materials to produce contrasts in color and textures. Ellen designs jewelry that a working woman “can throw on in a hurry; pieces that can be worn with everything.”
“I picture more the clothes when designing each piece,” Becky said.
Right now she is busy getting statement necklaces, earrings and bracelets ready for holiday fashions. For the sixth consecutive year, both artists will have their creations on display and for sale during Dazzle Daze. They also feature their jewelry at Grand On Oak in Downtown Conway. Bobbi Jo Gwatney-Feltmon and Sena Lovette, co-owners of Grand On Oak, revel in the fact that Becky and Ellen are local artists.
“People love the jewelry more knowing that it is from local artists,” Sena said. “Our customers know them, know of their outstanding quality and reasonable prices.”
“It’s very gratifying when you sell a piece,” Becky said.
Creating fashion and all its accessories is an art form. Rebecca and Elle Designs create art in a dazzling fashion.
