Sarah Walor photo
Charlottesville native Gwen Campbell has loved crafting ceramics ever since she was big enough to play with clay. Now, working from her home studio in the Near West End, she's a full-time mom and an artist in between. "Ceramics are my main medium, but the way I make my silver jewelry is with special clay called precious-metal clay," Campbell says.
Campbell says she loves mixed-media work, combining valuable, precious-metal clay — which produces a purer metal than sterling silver when fired — with vintage beads and semiprecious stones, and creating decorative boxes and wall art through a series of steps including forming, glazing and firing clay, then styling with feminine touches. Her line, Gwen's Garden, also offers custom items that are perfect for Mother's Day, such as ceramic baby hand or footprint forms glazed with custom colors ($25 to $35). Her necklaces can be personalized, with moms often opting for customized charms, one for each child's initial ($32; $20 for each additional charm).
Campbell's pottery and accessories are at The Shops at 5807 (5807 Patterson Ave., 288-5807) under the name Wee Whimsey Three and at gwensgarden.net .
