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someone’s old jewelry and arrange them together to create a collage piece. It can be worn as a pendant on a necklace, a broach, an embellishment on a bag, or display it as you would another piece of art. However, Dedra’s heart for the process seems to infuse a sort of magic into each design, not only making it functional, but giving it life. In describing the connection she feels to this work, Dedra says, “When I pick up a pin, a necklace, or bracelet worn smooth on the edges, all I feel is energy; the vibrations of a life lived separate from mine yet somehow connected. That is what I love about Babe Fables. Recreating pendant art jewelry once owned by a teacher, a mother, a grandmother, a lawyer – all now woven into a new design.”

She feels as personally connected to the stories that she holds in her hands as she does to her own story, as a woman, and in fact compares the art to any woman’s journey. “First, jewelry is taken apart and looked at in new ways. As layers are formed, the new pendant reveals its own identity – its own personality. That is when “she” is named and her story emerges. Similarly, we look at ourselves in new ways and become wise through experience. It is over time that our true selves emerge.” The “she” Dedra is referring to is the new creation – the new pendant. It is more appropriate than you may think to use “she” and not “it.” As each piece is nearing completion, a name is given to it. The pendant has truly begun a new life, reminiscent of the past but pressing forward, like the strongest of women and friendships. Dedra and Carolyn’s friendship is another example of a work of art forged under trauma. Six months after they met, Carolyn’s husband of just a few months was told that

his cancer had returned. Bobby was only 36 at the time. Carolyn found herself needing a friend who would be there through the tears and the fear, to remind her to eat and to breathe. Dedra spent months doing just that, and when Bobby passed away in 1989, Dedra and Carolyn were left standing together, having soldered a friendship that has stood strong for 22 years.

One of the things Dedra has always admired about Carolyn is her talent to create a work of art in the kitchen. Before she met Bobby, Carolyn was a single mom raising three boys. She began a catering business as a second job, which both helped support her family and allowed her to do something she loved. Dedra explains, “For Carolyn, creating your child’s favorite meal, your husband’s favorite dessert, or your friend’s favorite dish is an expression of love.” With this in mind, they began to realize that a good recipe can touch a woman’s heart much like a meaningful piece of jewelry. As a result of this discovery, Dedra and Carolyn now include a unique recipe with each pendant.

The creative process looks a little like this: From the trays of recycled jewels on her dining room table, suddenly one little silver charm catches Dedra’s eye. She reaches for it and simultaneously sees an old brass stickpin. The vision becomes clearer in her head while her hands try to keep up. Finally the “dusted-off dreams” are given a magnetic synergy as they come together as one. Dedra has already been playing with the name for this one, and, not unlike parents are likely to do when they fnally lay eyes on this perfect, unique being, says with pride, “Yes, she looks just like a Michelle.” Then she settles in to write Michelle’s Story – “My