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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
wrapping to
metalwork to chainmaille. She has studied with nationally known instructors,
including Melissa Cable, Barb Switzer, Dallas Lovett, Lisa Claxton and Kate
Richbourg. 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 (hence the theatrical name of her
jewelry business).
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.
Ellen is now a full-time jewelry artist and freelance writer -- and she
continues to create
drama whenever she can!
Ellen lives in the Seattle area with her wonderfully supportive husband. (Rest in peace, precious Ruby
and sweet Kody.)
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!
Affiliations
"Art is a collaboration
between God and the artist -- and the less the artist does, the better!"
-- Andre Gide
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