ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Lauren Hoehn

• Tell us a little bit about your shoppe.  Ever since I was little I adored art. I was always working on some type of project. I must have learned how to knit when I was very young, but it wasn’t until I was in college, that my grandmother re-taught me how to knit. I was hooked. I was a closet knitter for years (as knitting was not as cool as it is today). A good yarn shop was hard to find. I had a pair of needles in my hand at some point every day. LapisBeach was born when my love of jewelry and knitting melded together. I started with tiny seed beads and made long knitted ropes. They took weeks to finish and then I thought of how I designed my own sweaters- why not jewelry… and LapisBeach was born. My art training kicked in when mixing the color combinations for my stone mixes. I bought more and more beads and created new pieces. Bracelets, then rings, then necklaces. Soft knit pieces, to wire knit so I could utilize all the gorgeous freshwater pearls. Each piece is hand strung and hand knit by me and every single piece is one of a kind. I am excited about a new line I have dreamed up for 2012. I had no idea that my love of knitting these pieces would be such a blessing, as in 2007 my one son was diagnosed with epilepsy. I suddenly became a mom that was constantly “on call”. I had to be available to help whenever a seizure struck, available for all of the doctors appointments, the hospital stays. LapisBeach, my fabulously supportive husband  and my wonderful clients have allowed me to be a mom that can be there for her son and I am so grateful.

• What is your favorite product in your shoppe and why?  I would have to say my favorite piece is my Wire Knit Cuff in gold as one of my good friends was the inspiration for the wire-knit line and that piece reminds me of her. But, everytime I visit a bead show, I get giddy over the possibilities of new creations and new color combinations… and new favorites in my mind.

• When you’re not creating beautiful pieces of jewelry, what are your hobbies?   Hmmm, who has time for hobbies? Haha, just kidding. I love to take my rescued Great Pyrenees for long walks, occasionally get to do Pilates, read a great book and hang out with my husband watching movies that make me laugh till my sides hurt. Hanging out with my twin boys and family time are always cherished moments.

• What do you like best about The Artisan Group?  I adore the enthusiasm of this group. The supportive nature, excitement and happiness of artists sharing with other artists. To appreciate handmade and to recognize each others accomplishments and share in that joy is heart warming. I love being part of such a fabulous community.

Lauren will participate as a display participant in the upcoming luxury celebrity gift lounge on January 13-14, 2012 at the L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, in honor of the The 2012 Golden Globes Nominees and Presenters.