16. Darla & Glen Ellickson

Creating contemporary award winning designs in silver and gold since 1979. Darla and Glen live northeast of Decorah on a wooded acreage. The Ellickson Jewelry Studio and Gallery markets their hand-fabricated, original sterling silver and 14 karat gold jewelry, with many styles featuring unique gemstones. The gallery also features blown and fused glass, pottery and much more, from other Artists and is open on an appointment, call-first basis. They traveled annually exhibiting at 12 to 16 Fine Art Fairs throughout the United States.

Darla and Glen started the Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour and continue to organize it today. Darla is the Director. She designs the jewelry, does the torchwork, stone-setting, one-of-a-kind pieces and hand-polishing. Glen handles production pieces, chemically treats and tumble finishes their jewelry. Her Earloops© – a no holes required, comfortable earrings alternative – is drawing attention nationwide. A specialty of Darla’s is designing with customers and fabricating their own specially designed custom gold and silver jewelry (including wedding rings, necklaces, etc.). Darla has received more than 65 awards for her designs over the years. Her large neckpieces were featured in 2001 photos in both the American Artist/November and The Craft Connection magazines. Other awards include “Best in Shows” and “Awards of Excellence” at various venues.