Creations by Lonni
March 13, 2008 by Cyndi Lavin
Filed under Beading, Mixed Media, Other Bead & Jewelry Sites, Wearable Art, Wire
Art Attack Thursday!
Lonni Tanksley has always had a passion for the creative arts. Growing up in Philadelphia, she studied acting at Freedom Theatre and ballet at Philadanco. Later, she obtained a music degree. As an adult, this borderline obsession crept its way into arts and crafts. Her mother dubbed her “the family’s own Martha Stewart” after she decked the halls in gilded pinecones and evergreen arrangements one holiday.
Creations By Lonni was conceived through trial and error. After peddling beaded flower jewelry to various retailers and getting nowhere, Lonni designed a comb and matching choker that struck her as being bridal. She took them to Bridals by Danielle on 13th Street. Though the posh atmosphere and $5,000 dresses were intimidating, Lonni was happily surprised when Danielle liked the designs and wanted to give them a trial in her store. The next stop was Vows Bridal Millinery just off of South Street. Patricia Grooms fell in love with the unique beaded flowers and placed a custom order on the spot. That’s when Lonni knew she was onto something.
This initial success sparked a crafting frenzy that blossomed into the first collection for this line. The beaded flowers, made with Miyuki Delica beads, are embellished with crystals and funky looking pearls for a look that is fun and charming. Lonni hopes that brides will choose her pieces for their distinctive style.
These are neat! Bravo to her and her success at finding the right niche.
Those are beautiful. I wish I had known about them for my wedding!