About the artist

Ellen Chappelle discovered the art of jewelry design in 2004, but her childhood attempts to weave rings out of grass and glue feathers and buttons onto crudely made pins suggest that the roots of this art form have always been growing deep within her.

Upon unearthing this newfound passion, she began devouring every jewelry-making book, website and class she could find, dabbling in everything from wire work to precious metal clay to lampworking. A self-described "web-surfing addict" and "class junkie," she continues to learn new techniques and hone her skills. Ellen is a proud member of the International Guild of Wire Jewelry Artists and the PMC (Precious Metal Clay) Guild.

Prior to making jewelry, Ellen first exercised her creative juices on the stage. Some of her earliest memories are of singing, dancing and acting in musicals and plays. She went on to major in theatre and journalism in college, followed by touring with a professional theatre company and performing on a cruise ship. She is now a freelance writer and continues to perform whenever she can.

Ellen lives in the Seattle area with her husband and their two beloved golden retrievers.


Artist's statement

"I love the process of taking raw materials that don't look like much on their own and creating something completely different that is exquisite and unique. Whether turning emotions and stage directions into a living, breathing character; molding thoughts and words into a richly descriptive article; or taking a pile of wire and beads and weaving them into a beautiful bracelet with color and movement and shine, it is a thrilling endeavor!

"It is my belief that in the creative process, we mirror and praise our Creator, in whose image we were made. Although He fashioned the raw materials we all use, He has given each of us the ability and desire to design or compose or concoct something brand new. He could have written all the songs or created all the art for us to admire, but He did not. He left so many things unfinished -- by design, I believe! I think it is His way of allowing us the joy of participating in the creation of our world. What an honor!"

Special thanks

Ellen would like to thank the talented and generous artists of the Creative Wire Jewelry forum, who gladly share their wisdom and experience, and the great teachers at beadclub! Thanks also to Denise, who took Ellen to her first bead show and made the gorgeous crystal and pearl bracelet that started it all!
 

About the name "Limelight Designs"

In the early 1800s, "limelight" was the first theatrical lighting that was bright enough to use as a spotlight. It was discovered that when calcium oxide, or "lime," was heated to incandescence, it produced a brilliant white light. Also called Drummond's light, after Thomas Drummond who popularized it, the limelight was commonly used to illuminate starring actors in stage productions, giving rise to the phrase "in the limelight," which means "the center of attention."

The use of this term for the Limelight Designs name not only gives a nod to the artist's theatrical background, but also illustrates her hopes that wearing this jewelry will help keep you and your unique style in the spotlight wherever you go!

 

"Art is a collaboration between God and the artist -- and the less the artist does, the better!"
-- Andre Gide