Meet Elana Levine

Elana is a kindergarten teacher for nine months of the year and spends much of her free time now making jewelry. It all started on accident! She always turned to her older sister Arielle for making her own jewelry, and then received some jewelry-making tools from a friend as a gift! Well, she felt as though she had to at least make one piece, just to show off to that friend, and lo and behold, now she's an addict! Who wouldn't be really, all those sparkly gemstones... besides, when you add a little sibling rivalry into the mix, the fun really begins! What Elana has found in this creative outlet is not only a common bond between her sister and herself but also how their individuality shines through.

What is your favorite piece of work that you have created? 

So many….I’ve recently enjoyed mixing in chains made of tiny gemstones. Still delicate but stunning!

What are your goals for the future, both artistically and in life?

My artistic goal for the future is to continue to make pretty little things to add a little beauty to the world!

In life, well, I’d love to travel the world more…my bucket list includes so many places!

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently getting into the fall colors…with back to school happening, the weather cooling down, darker shades, bright oranges, deeper greens.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or maybe a fun story about an experience involving your artwork?

I love cooking. I used to say baking not as much, but this summer embraced that too…made some tasty cupcakes including Key Lime Pie ones and Bourbon Butterscotch ones!

What is your strongest memory of your childhood?

One memory was from when I was maybe five years old. Underoos were pretty popular and I remember playing around the house with my sister in Wonder Woman ones. My mom had a thick gold bangle that we wore to complete the look, like Wonder Woman’s armbands!

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

I have been a teacher for the last 19 years. This is my 13th year teaching kindergarten, and I’ve also taught first and second. Earlier than that (high school years) I’d babysat, worked at a grocery store, a children’s clothing store and day camps.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

For a long time I never really considered myself an artist. Growing up my sister was always the artist. This jewelry business happened on accident and allowed me to see myself in a different light.

Do you have any tips or inspiring words for others?

One of my favorite expressions is, “this too, shall pass.” I am by no means an expert in the field, but I remind myself of this in order to try to not sweat the small stuff in life.

Where do you gather most of your inspiration for your artwork?

Sometimes from other artists, or from perusing gem shows with new products. Sometimes I look at something outdoors and the combination of colors guides my work.

What is your favorite...

Color: Purple

Pet and/or animal: Basset Hounds (we’ve grown up only with them!)

Season: Spring

Movie: Beautiful Girls

Board game: I used to LOVE Monopoly..we would make games last for days

Holiday: Christmas/Hanukkah…my family celebrates both and I love that it brings us together each year

Website: Facebook – it keeps me in the loop and connected to my family and friends near and far. And, its been good for business!

Best cup of coffee: Latte. Warm in the winter, iced in the summer

Ice cream: Mint Chocolate Chip

What superpower would you have and why?

To read minds, heal others or make money grow on trees lol!

What's the best piece of advice you've been given? That not everyone has to be your best friend. Surround yourself with those you love and who truly love you back.

What’s one thing you can’t live without?

Coffee in the morning, tv, my car, sunshine

What has been the best cultural event you visited in the past year?

It may not be exactly what you were thinking about with the question, but seeing Black Panther in the theater moved me. Not only because of the strong African Americans represented but the amazing display of “girl power” in light of the current political times. It impressed me!

Do you admire any artists?

Courtney Fischer: https://www.etsy.com/shop/cefische

Nicole Ray: https://www.etsy.com/shop/sloeginfizz

What are some of your favorite reads?

The Cooking Gene by Michael Twitty

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Educated by Tara Westover

What do you like to listen to?

Imagine Dragons, Tom Petty, Rihanna, the Lumineers, Beyonce, Adele, Mumford and Sons.

You can find lots of Elana's gorgeous gemstone jewelry at Yellow Door and online.