Elizabeths

by Elizabeth C. Zipay

I have always found joy in the self-expression possible through art. Over the years I tried diverse mediums from painting to pottery, cross-stitch to calligraphy. All of these were pushed to the back burner however, when, fifteen years ago, my grandma and I sat down together and she taught me the technique of tatting. A love of this beautiful lost art consumed me.

Tatting is a form of lace-making consisting of knotting threads into rings and chains, forming beautiful patterns of open and closed space. It is created by using thread, your hands, and a tool called a shuttle. Traditionally, tatting has been used for practical items like baby bonnets, table doilies, and lace edgings on various linens. I wanted to use my tatting in a fresh and modern way, but one that would still allow it to be displayed and easily identified as this beautiful old craft. My tatted lace jewelry developed as I searched for a contemporary expression of this classic form of lace-making.

My purpose is to create something that people want to wear and display because they find it beautiful and fashionable – but also because they recognize the piece as this wonderful lost art. Tatting reminds them of days gone by, of their moms and grandmas and elderly neighbors with lace-making fingers flying, and it has a simple and basic beauty all its own. From my fingers emerge lace necklaces, bracelets, barrettes, pins, and earrings, and as I tie the knots, my tatted jewelry ties the past to the present.

~Welcome to Elizabeth's~
I have been creating my tatted jewelry for fifteen years.

Tatted Lace Jewelry

Elizabeth's Lace

~Please Visit My Etsy Shop~
for some "hot off the shuttle" pieces