The Elegant Owl: A Folk Artist’s Tale

While attending the Black Creek Arts Council 2011 Christmas Shoppe, I met folk artist, Charis Saunders O’Neal of The Elegant Owl. This unique and beautiful collection is sold at LuLu’s Clothing Boutique. I took this opportunity to find the inspiration and story behind this whimsical collection.

“My inspiration comes from nature and my family.” For Charis new collection, the Nest Series, her inspiration bloomed from a conversation with her curious six-year old daughter. On the way home from school, her daughter asked how a mother bird creates a nest for her baby birds. The conversation sparked an idea for a series of jewelry resembling a mother bird’s nest. “I never realized how much goes into making a nest. It took me 4ft of wire to make one nest.” The ring to the left displayed the work that went into this dainty design.

The realization of her talent is not something she harbored since birth but came as an “Ah-ha” moment two years ago. Charis had spent the previous years raising her two children and knew it was time for her to try something new. She stated that she felt God had given her a gift to share with others and was determined to find it. She discovered her inspiration while wearing a feather hairpin. She knew she could create something similar and from that her talent and business began to develop.

It did not take long for her to make a name for herself by attending local artisan workshops. It was at the SHE magazine weekend that she met Brandi Wheeler of LuLu’s Clothing Boutique. “I love the Elegant Owl because it is made by a local artist and is just that, elegant and timeless.” Brandi said about the collection. After Brandi spotted her collection she was soon selling accessories from LuLu’s shop.

Charis wants each piece to tell a story. “I like creating things that take time and care.” She stated. Anyone can see the time and care that goes into each individual piece of jewelry or accessory. For those whom may be starting their own career as a folk artist, Charis encourages emerging artist to “express themselves and their own voice.”

Charis is very thankful for the opportunities and talent she has been given. Therefore The Elegant Owl is not only an elegant collection but a service to the community. On each purchase 10% of the proceedings go to help a local charity. Past charities have included the Hartsville Soup Kitchen and the Pee Dee Coalition.

To inquire more about the Elegant Owl, check it out on Facebook or visit LuLu’s Clothing Boutique. Check out the Elegant Owl’s Facebook for holiday sales! Customized orders are welcomed!