Gerlinda Studios Original Handcrafted Jewelry; PhotoArt; and Vintage Items. Member since Apr 2010, Profile

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About Gerlinda Studios

Our Service Pledge To You:
Your satisfaction is guaranteed or a full refund will be issued. We respond to all orders within 24 hours.

About Us
My original photo greeting cards are for those who prefer the elegance and refinement of handcrafted stationery. Each card is meticulously created from start to finish. I'm emotionally, rather than technically, drawn to images and hope that my passion for beauty is translated. Currently, I shoot with digital cameras. After uploading the images to my Mac, I might digitally enhance some of them in Photoshop. Finally, I print my work on Epson premium photo papers using Epson inks and mount the photos onto Strathmore heavyweight 5"x7" greeting card stock. The cards are blank inside.

Buyers often frame the cards for themselves; some give them as gifts, and many use the boxed assortment as a hostess gift. I also print larger sizes on request. Please email me for further information.

A little personal history...

In 1998, the road turned for me. After a lifetime in the creative fields of writing, stage directing and documentary video, an unexpected permanent disability challenged me to reinvent myself. With the generous help of Vocational Rehabilitation and the support of a handful of exceptional friends, I was able to grow new strengths, learn new skills and gradually regain independence.

Designing jewelry and shooting photos have become my primary mediums for self-expression. When working with stones, I love the immediacy of using my hands to build an object of my imagination. It's breathtaking to witness someone wearing something I passionately poured my heart into and I hope you will find beauty and joy in my work, too.

I primarily use gemstones, Swarovski crystals and sterling silver as a base for my designs. Recently, however, I've been taking classes in metal stamping, so have broadened my repertoire of metals to brass, copper, aluminum, among others. Although each component may be beautiful, I believe it's more about the relationship of the materials, rather than the materials themselves that imbue the piece with magic.

When shooting images for my greeting cards and prints, my first love is botanicals. My work has been purchased by the Missouri Botanical Garden for sale in their gift shop, by Paraquad Independent Living Center for their permanent gallery and I was also commissioned to do photos for the set of TV's remake of "Rear Window," starring Christopher Reeve. In April 2011, one of my photos, 'Abstract Rose Blue,' was published in "Where We Can Read the Wind," VSA's 2011 Anthology for Missouri Writers and Artists with Disabilities. In July 2011, I was a panelist at the Midwest region of the Women's Caucus for Art 'Art & Social Justice' Conference at the Regional Arts Commission in St. Louis.

Other recognition:

=== Juried Art Exhibit: November 4, 2011 to January 12, 2012
Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital's "Art Ability" Exhibit, Philadelphia, PA
"Abstract Rose Blue" 16x20; Sold

=== Juried Art Exhibit: December 2, 2011 to January 9, 2012
Studios Altius' "SEEN 2011" Photography Exhibit, St. Louis, MO
"Abstract Rose Blue" 16x20

=== Commissioned Photo: November 2011
Paraquad Independent Living Center; Thanksgiving Appeal, St. Louis
"Welcome Home"

=== Permanent Collection: October 2011
Boone County Council on Aging, Columbia, MO
"Abstract Rose Blue" and "Abstract Rose Orange"

=== Holiday Card Photos (2) Winter 2011
VSA Missouri, St. Louis, MO
"Liberation" and "Winter Tree"

=== Newsletter Photo, December 2011
VSA Missouri, St. Louis, MO
"Liberation"

Customer satisfaction is of primary importance to me, so if you are displeased with any aspect of your purchase, I will do my best to resolve it or refund your money in full.

I live with my support dog, Hank, in St. Louis.

Thank you for visiting Gerlinda Studios!


TESTIMONIALS:

"Good morning, Gerlinda. The only way I can describe what went on this morning is 'feeding frenzy.'ï¾ I had six women poring over your jewelry, bargaining with each other about who would get to buy what, pulling jewelry out of each other hands, hurrying to try on pieces..."

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"A few people I work with have come to ask me about your jewelry.... because they've seen everyone else wearing their gerlinda stuff and want to see what's available. You need at least six more hands!"

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"You can't make this stuff up. A friend came over, took your Cappuccino necklace off my neck to try it on, looked at herself in the mirror, and said she wanted to buy it! I sold it to her on the spot, so I want to place an order for another one!"

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"...I have to say that you've truly outdone yourself this time around."

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"The three anklets arrived today. Caroline adored all three. She is absolutely thrilled with them and says that they are very pretty and unique and that she is spoilt for choice. After much initial looking and appreciation, she thinks that the Palm Tree anklet is possibly her favourite.......... but then again (she says), she really likes the other two as well! The pouches are a very nice ''touch'' Lynne - much nicer than a box."

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"Wow!!!! ï¾ I love the necklace and earrings. ï¾ They are simply beautiful and so much my style. Love them. ï¾ They are my new favorites and most loved pieces. ï¾ Stunning!!!"

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"I am absolutely blown away by these earrings. You see, today is my birthday and the earrings are my birthday gift to me! Thank you!"

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"Tuesday I had 4 women at the career center ask me where I got my jewelry. Later, I was at another site meeting clients and three employees at that site commented on the jewelry. Then, I stopped by the grocery store on my way home and one lady in there literally stopped me and asked about it. ï¾ Seriously! All this happened in one day!!!"

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"I just received the earrings today and they are fantastic! Thank you so much! You went above and beyond what I had expected from an online shopping experience! I loved the little touches you added. Your service is as if I went to an actual boutique to shop--very beautiful and thoughtful! Thanks again!"

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"Great, wonderful, beautiful, distinctive cards... fast delivery, hand assembled and signed. Total class."--David

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"Hi Lynne.....Just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know the necklace arrived Monday and it's simply beautiful......It's delicate and "floaty" and just perfect for the summer as I had hoped.....So far, I've worn it to work two days in a row and people keep commenting.....

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"Thank you for the beautiful work -- you have a great eye...."

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"Your work is just beautiful, those abstracted roses are stunning! Really perfect."

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"I'm so excited about ordering more greeting cards from you."

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"Your greeting cards are wonderful. Thanks for offering such great items in your shop."

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"The package from you arrived yesterday. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! Everything was perfect."

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"You can surprise me on which cards you send. I absolutely love all of your photography. "

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"I have bought 3 of your cards, with the plan to use one or more as the pattern for a quilt. May I have permission to display the quilts (when finished) and possibly enter them into competition? Thank you for your consideration... you take lovely photo art."

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"Your cards have been a big hit with my friends. I can't wait to give more as gifts."

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"The cards arrived on Saturday and they were a hit! My daughter loved them (she is 21) and my Mother was delighted (she is 78). They both gave glowing reviews. My Mom described everything down to the smallest detail, she was super impressed with the photos, the packaging, the quality of the card stock, and the other goodies included. So, thank you, thank you!"

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"By the way, I use your cards all the time, and always, always get comments on how beautiful they are."

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"...wore my birthday bracelet again this week - woman stopped me in a store and asked me where I bought it!"

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"...your print sold the first day of the Exhibit!"