A handmade piece from Jeannie Trelles' line of sterling silver and semi-precious stone jewelry is so much more than a necklace or ring. Vikse Designs is an extension of Jeannie's love for creating, years of practicing her skills, and the thought she puts into each individual piece. Her newest endeavor is cutting and polishing each stone herself before crafting the perfect setting for them, which is a true testament to the care she takes with each step of her process.
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Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Jeannie Trelles, and my business is Vikse Designs. I am a silversmith and lapidary artist. I specialize in one of a kind sterling silver and semi-precious stone jewelry.
What’s the latest thing you’ve been working on?
Lately I have been working on making necklaces and rings featuring stones that I have cut and polished myself. This is one of my newer skills, and I am excited to use materials that I have seen through the entire process of shaping the stones and creating the settings.
What was your first memory of making something?
The first jewelry that I ever made were friendship bracelets when I was in second grade. I started out with a kit, and from there I changed the patterns and came up with my own designs. I have always been creative, and have tried many different types of arts and crafts over the years. Jewelry making has been a way to combine all of my different creative interests.
What do your customers love most about your products?
I think that they love the variety of the natural stones that I use. The stones are the focal point of my designs, so I am always on the search for really unique pieces. I think they also appreciate the quality of my workmanship.
What do you love most about craft show vending?
I love being able to meet and interact with my customers. I put my heart into my work and become very attached to some pieces, and I really like to meet the people that will be wearing my jewelry. It just wouldn’t be feel the same if a really special piece sold in a store and I never got to meet the buyer!
Is this a full time business for you?
In addition to making and selling my jewelry, I am also a cello teacher. I have a Master’s Degree in Cello Performance and a full studio of private students. I love the balance of my two professions.
How did you get started in your business?
I first started making and selling my jewelry when I was in high school. At the time, I was making jewelry from seed beads and selling to friends and family. When I was in college, I started selling my work at a coffee shop that I worked at. About 10 years ago, I started looking for more places to sell, and turned my hobby into an official business. Each year, it has continued to grow, and as I have learned new skills, my style and materials have changed.
Where did your business name come from?
My business name, “Vikse”, is my maternal grandparents’ last name, and my middle name. It is Norwegian. When I started my business, I wanted to use my name without using my first or last name. This was also a way to honor my grandparents, as my grandmother was a huge influence in many of my earlier creative endeavors, having taught me to crochet as a child.
Check out more of Jeannie's work online, and be sure to stop by her booth at the Minneapolis Gift & Art Expo, November 2-4, 2018 at the Minneapolis Convention Center!
www.viksedesigns.com