Two new local artists have begun showcasing their creations at Artists at Work in downtown Elkins. Cynthia Sandeno will reveal her line of unique, handcrafted jewelry and Marsha Louk, owner of Laurel Fork Farm, will have her line of all natural products including goat milk soap, lotions, salves, lip balms, shaving soap, bath milk, bath salts and all kinds of other all natural products.
Sandeno first discovered the art of jewelry making five years ago in a small town in southern Indiana. She was lured by the beauty of beads and how the color, shape and texture of beads lend them to endless design possibilities.
Her inspiration comes from two lifelong loves - art and the great outdoors - which turned into a passion for creating jewelry inspired by the many natural places she has visited around the world.
Sandeno has taken classes in wire-wrapping, metalworking, lampworking and bead-weaving to expand her artistic skills. Semi-precious gemstones, pearls, shells, seeds, wood, horn and bone are among the natural materials incorporated into her distinctive jewelry.
Some of her most striking pieces are those completed using bead-weaving techniques. Right-angle weave, herringbone stitch, Ogallala lace, spiral stitch, and many other methods are used to create incredibly intricate pieces of art that are sure to dazzle everyone who sees them, a spokesperson said.
When asked about sharing her work at the store, Sandeno said, "I'm thrilled to be involved with Artists at Work, and as an artist, I couldn't ask for a better venue to share my collection."
Louk was recently accepted into the Pocahontas County Artisan Co-Op and now joins the Artists at Work community.
The owner of Laurel Fork Farm, she makes some of the best goat milk soap in West Virginia, the spokesperson said.
Her soap starts with the gentle and loving care of more than 20 Nubian goats to get the most important ingredient - goat milk. Her goats are raised in the most natural ways possible and handmilked twice daily to get the richest milk possible for her soap. The goats are not given growth hormones and they enjoy free range on the farm.
Laurel Fork Farm's secret goat milk soap recipe is 100 percent handmade and cold processed, promoting a high standard of quality for each bar of soap made.
Goat milk soap is extraordinarily gentle and is renowned for its richness in protein, vitamins and minerals.
Louk does not use colors, preservatives, fillers or water making her soap a must have for many people with allergies, according the a spokesperson.
She packages all of her soaps and really enjoys making each and every bar unique. She also makes glycerin soaps and some artistic melt and pour varieties for special occasions and party favors.
"I am very excited to be a part of Artist's At Work and look forward to working with all the other artists that make up this community," Louk said.
