Merchant Feature: Lee Ohio Designs

About Lee Ohio Designs

Jennifer Hallsey was born and raised in central Maine. She attended the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia where she earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts in painting and art history. In 2002 she studied painting and drawing abroad at the École des Arts in Lacoste, France and in 2005 began her Master's of Philosophy at the College of the Atlantic and Bar Harbor, Maine.  The luxurious jewelry of Lee Ohio Designs can be found online and in a number of exclusive, chic boutiques across the country. Lee Ohio Designs was established in 2007.

How did you first get involved in designing for weddings?

I first started making jewelry - and then a customer approached me for a custom wedding piece. I really hadn't thought of it before as an avenue. I really like the idea of a bride wearing my creation on one of the most important days of her life.  

What inspires you to create everyday?

I've always been an artist. I've always needed that outlet - and whether it is designing jewelry or painting or even just coloring in a coloring book, creating keeps me alive. I even feel anxious when I can't work, it's like I have to sit on my hands to keep from fidgeting or doodling.  

Do you have three tips for the bride and groom on planning their wedding?

My only tip is to not be too rigid in your ideas - often we end up working on a design totally different from what the bride had originally wanted and she's even happier with it. So be open.  

Tell us about your creative process.

Often I have a specific instance or concept that inspires me - like working in the garden, a particular place or a painting I've admired. But more often it is just playing with the gems that gives me my ideas. I lay them out, like dollops of paint on a palette, on my desk and pull colors together. I think that is how I end up with my unique, often dramatic, color schemes.  

If you could take a trip anywhere, where would you go?

This is the hardest question here! Can I say the world? Do I choose a place I've already been but loved? Top five? can I do a top five? In no order, where I have never been: Brouge; Istanbul; Dubai; Ireland in general and any of the islands off the coast of Greece.