#6 Laurie Kollins

Laurie K Designs

Silver, Unique Stones & Gems, Jewelry

680 Northpointe Drive

Mountain Home, AR 72653

(870) 424-2746

lauriekdesigns@yahoo.com

Directions: Follow US-62B E. Turn left onto AR201N/AR5N. Turn right ont AR201N. Follow Russell Ln to Northpointe Dr. Turn left onto Russell Ln. Continue onto Northpointe Dr. Slight left to stay on Northpointe Dr. Turn right to stay on Northpointe Dr.

Silversmith and jewelry-maker Laurie Killins began her journey into crating art with the oh-so-common Arkansan treasure, the rock, when she realized that she was "growing" them in her backyard. All it took was one trip to Mount Ida and she was hooked. Once she started collecting pretty cyrstals she began wire-wrapping them.

Kollins claims to have always had an artistic flair, but her inspiration was not truly found until she moved to Arkansas in 2002, and witnessed the "beautiful sunsets, hills, rivers, and wildlife." Of course, the unique stones she find lend much in the ways of inspiring her to create beautiful jewelry. She also draws inspiration from traveling the Ozarks, and watching other silversmiths work and create at county fairs and craft shows.

"I love to search for that one-of-a-kind stone and let it talk to me," says Killins. Once found, she uses either copper or fine sterling silver along with gem facets to fix the stone into place. She compares the process to telling the story of the stone. "I especially revel in a client who wants to wear one of my 'children' and have a part in its design. This makes my heart sing," she says.

Kollins studied art throughout high school, and continued at Arkansas State University under Phyllis Bailey. In 2011, she studied with goldsmith Joan Tenebaum, and continues to be mentored by her. "It made me hungry to learn more," she says, and with the encouragement of her loved one, she will continue to grow and pursue her passion for creating beautiful pieces of art out of seemingly insignificant, yet one-of-a-kind stones.