Meet Christine

Artist—Storyteller—Mountain Soul

Tucked away in a hand-built log cabin atop a quiet Appalachian mountain in West Virginia, I create each piece of jewelry with intention, inspiration, and a deep love for natural beauty. From my hill, I can't see another house, only the whispering trees, roaming deer, occasional turkey, and morning mist rising from the hollows. This serene world—full of rivers that carve the land, hills that roll like ocean waves, and forests teeming with hidden life—is where my spirit comes alive and my creativity takes root.

My journey into jewelry wasn’t something I planned. It unfolded naturally—like so many meaningful things do. I’ve always been an artist at heart. As a child, I painted, carved, sculpted, and explored every creative path I could find. Years later, in my pottery shed, surrounded by bits of leftover clay, I pressed them into little cabochons, melting glass into their centers. I didn’t know it then, but those tiny experiments would change everything. They sparkled. They felt special. So I bought a wire-wrapping DVD, and the fire was lit.

In 2008, I was mentored by Master Wire Sculptor Bill Crouch, a gifted artist from Hurricane, WV whose intricate designs inspired me to push further. I began wire wrapping anything I found beautiful—especially the lesser-known gemstones that carried such mystery and wonder within their swirling colors. Each stone was like a world unto itself.

Getting juried into Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia, our state’s premier artisan gallery, gave me the confidence to deepen my craft. I pursued silversmithing, spending long hours at the bench, learning through both successes and mistakes. Today, I work mostly in silver, though copper also enchants me with its warmth and energy. I also play with brass, aluminum, and enamel.

Every piece starts with raw metal. I hand-cut each design, saw every shape, and apply every texture myself. I repurpose century-old dies, using antique jewelry-making tools to press out patterns once formed by master artisans long ago. Their legacy lives on through my hands. I draw on everything I’ve ever learned—wire wrapping, painting, carving, metalsmithing, and blend it into a style that’s uniquely my own.

Inspiration finds me everywhere: in the rhythm of a babbling brook, the curve of a wave, the flight of a bird, or the rustle of leaves beneath Millie’s paws—my loyal dog and studio companion. I believe jewelry should tell a story- your story. That’s why every piece I make is one-of-a-kind, handcrafted to capture a moment, a memory, and a feeling.

Beyond the studio, I’m a mother of three, grandmother to ten, and great-grandmother to three more. My family, my mountain life, and the magic of nature keep me grounded, grateful, and ever inspired. When I’m not at the bench, you’ll find me foraging for wild plants, laughing with my husband Warren, or marveling at a new stone I just couldn’t resist.

Each piece of Chrizart Creations carries a little of my heart, a touch of Appalachian soul, and a lot of love! I hope when you wear one, you feel it too.