ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Vickie Barber-Ellis

by Valerie

The Artisan Group is proud to announce today’s Artist Spotlight Feature is Vickie Barber-Ellis of Sunshine Jewels!

We caught up with Vickie and asked her a few questions about her exquisite jewelry designs, and her experiences so far working with TAG. Here’s what she said:

Tell us a little bit about your shoppe. 

I started Sunshine Jewels in May of 2006 as a creative outlet, or what I called my daily “therapy”, to the challenges of my corporate job. I’ve been involved in just about every kind of art and craft you can think of since a very early age, but I found a special joy in making unique, one of a kind jewelry pieces. It’s an intuitive process for me and as each element starts out with its own intrinsic strength and beauty alone, together they become something magical and full of a new energy.


What is your favorite product from your shoppe and why? 
I think they are all my favorites, so it’s hard to isolate a single favorite piece, but I’d have to say that my “What’s All the Buzz” necklace makes me smile the most. It’s a whimsical piece that was very fun to create. Sometimes during the creation process I get to push the traditional methods of metalsmithing and I think this was one of those pieces. When I completed it, I just felt it was a “happy place” kind of piece.
When you’re not handcrafting such stellar handcrafted jewelry, what are your hobbies? 

Too many to list, but I especially love the outdoors and any chance to be out in the fresh air, whether hiking, boating, exploring or just relaxing on a beach somewhere is where you’ll find me.


What do you like best about The Artisan Group? 

There are so many fabulous artisans! Such a huge variety of the arts are represented by the group and not just locally, but worldwide. Not only are they artisans but they are professionals and in so many ways mentors and great inspiration to one another. It’s very collaborative and The Artisan Group gives us opportunities to market ourselves in venues that would likely not be available otherwise. It is great to see the energy created by each event, and whether you are cheerleading on the sidelines or an actual participant it’s a very supportive and positive experience. I’ve been blessed to participate in some huge events (Country Music Association’s 2012 CMA Awards and the GBK 2013 Oscars Celebrity Gift Lounge), press gifting opportunities such as the 2012 GBK Primetime Emmy Awards Gift Lounge, as well as individual gifting opportunities for Drew Barrymore, Vanessa Lachey, Nia Peeples, Christina Hendricks, Denise Richards and Renée Zellweger. The founder of The Artisan Group, Valerie Guerrero is a fabulous artist and in my opinion, the best facilitator a group could have. She is a top-notch professional who not only supports the group for main events and gifting, but provides daily moral support and continually seeks new opportunities and venues for the members. I’m truly grateful for her and the opportunity to be a member of TAG!
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SUNSHINE JEWELS

Vickie recently participated as a display participant in the official talent gift lounge on October 29 – November 1, 2012 at The Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, in honor of the Nominees and Presenters of The 46th Annual Country Music Awards (CMAs).

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