llyn strong is a local artist with more than a unique way of spelling her name to make a person sit up and take notice. The award-winning artist designs and creates jewelry as a way of life that, she explains, is more than just creating pieces with which others may adorn themselves.

"There is something magical about the act of creation: By making things, we both understand and express ourselves," llyn said. "My work embraces materials, techniques and traditions of both the ancient and the recent past, but explores forms and uses relevant to the present and the future. I always aspire to create art which enriches appearance and reciprocal understanding."

Always a creative thinker, llyn made her first piece of jewelry in 1972. At first thinking she would be a painter or maybe a graphic designer, llyn said jewelry did not enter her life until her sophomore year in college.

Now, having taken that path for over 30 years, she opened her first store in 1989 and moved to her current location downtown in 1992.

Most would agree that the cornerstone of the store is llyn's line of jewelry and custom design work, although she does represent over 60 jewelry and glass artists in all price ranges.

"One of the greatest feelings is when you believe the piece of jewelry you created or sold to a customer could one day become a treasured family heirloom and that customer feels you have helped them select the perfect gift," llyn said.

These days, llyn works six days a week, two of those in her studio. Thanks to a renovation of the space above her shop, the walk home is not a long one.

"My loft is very eclectic and very 'me.' My husband, Brad, my mother Alice, and my daughter, Sydney, when she is here, all live there, and we love it. We are right in the middle of everything."

From an artist who describes herself as "very shy," we can look forward to eye-opening new creations like the eyeglasses she still hopes to design and lots more, since she says her inspiration comes from "everywhere!"

We're a lucky city to have so much talent right downtown, and we're sure to see her recognizable style growing and changing - as she says, "just like life itself."