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Barbara Minz creates unique jewelry at her home in Campbellsport. She uses sterling silver and 14-karat gold in creating her pieces (photo inset), incorporating opals, amethysts, garnets, black onyx, turquoise, Malachite and mother of pearl.
Story and photosby Katie Kleine
2008 Sigma Holiday House
Saturday, Nov. 22
FDL County Fairgrounds Recreation Building
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
* Over 70 juried artisans
* Holiday Parade of Baskets
* Sigma Cafe (lunch and snacks)
* Raffle and silent auction
* Homemade cookies
Tickets: $4 in advance and $5 at the door.
Story and photos by Katie Kleine
Many women know that great jewelry can help an average outfit look better. Furthermore, unique and one-of-a-kind jewelry will stand out in a crowd.
Barbara Minz, of Campbellsport, specializes in just that: creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry, a craft which she has spent many years perfecting.
In addition to her more than 30 shows a year, Barbara will display and sell her handmade jewelry at the Sigma Holiday House to be held Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds Recreation Center.
Sigma is a women’s charitable organization which donates money from the holiday house to local charities like Loaves and Fishes, Beacon House and ASTOP. Local families and children also directly benefit from Sigma. Sigma Holiday House is the organization’s main revenue generator.
Barbara, who is a member of the Wisconsin Alliance of Artists and Craftspeople, will be one of 70 juried artisans at Sigma Holiday House featuring gifts, collectibles, crafts, clothing, artwork and of course, handmade jewelry.
"This is a different area for me to have a show. I don't usually sell close to home. It should be interesting, though, to see the response I'll get," said Barbara. "I like it (Sigma Holiday House) because it's one day - short and sweet and I can stay at home."
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As part of the program, the mentee sets goals that she would like to accomplish or change in her life such as education or opportunities in the workforce. The mentor is there to provide the support and positive framework for her mentee to reach the goals established.
Barbara's creations are made from semiprecious and precious cabochon, or faceted, stones. The stones are bezel mounted, meaning that the metal is formed around the stone and it is held in place by prongs. There is no glue involved.
Barbara uses sterling silver and 14-karat gold in creating her pieces, incorporating opals, amethysts, garnets, black onyx, turquoise, Malachite and mother of pearl.
"I really enjoy making things that people think are unique," said Barbara. "I like to use interesting and different colors."
Each year, Barbara and husband, Tom, travel to Tucson, AZ, to buy new stones to make one-of-a-kind pieces.
Barbara's eye for art goes back many years, as she was an art teacher, teaching first graders to seniors. After 17 years of teaching, Barbara left her job in 1987 and she and her husband opened a business in Milwaukee called Copper Mountain Arts.
"It's worth the time and effort," said Barbara. "It's so intriguing and exciting when people walk up to a case and really like what I made."
Barbara strives for customer satisfaction with each piece she creates and tells her customers that, if it breaks, they can return it and have it fixed. She also offers free ring and bracelet sizing.
New this year at Sigma Holiday House is a Holiday Parade of Baskets, each decorated and inspired by elements of nature, and handcrafted by Sigma members. Shoppers can also enjoy the Sigma cafe for a beverage or snack.
A raffle will be held with tickets available for $2 each, three for $5 or seven for $10. Prizes include a pheasant hunt package, dining package and an 8 x 8 ft. wooden playhouse.
A silent auction will also take place featuring exciting donations from venders and area businesses. Theme baskets filled with donated items will also be available.
Shoppers will enjoy a tasty treat of Sigma's homemade cookies, made from scratch. The supply is limited, so stop in early.
Tickets to attend Sigma Holiday House are $4 in advance or $5 at the door, available from Sigma members or at the Knitting Room, National Exchange Bank & Trust or Partners by Design.
Visitors are asked not to bring strollers.
To learn more about Barbara Minz and her jewelry, or to attend one of her shows, visit her Web site at: www.coppermountainarts.com, or call 533-8911.
Barbara will hold an open house sale Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 29 and 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call for directions.
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