Hello, welcome to my website, my name is Cheris Murphy and I love jewelry, but more than that I love designing jewelry! This love of mine stems from a creative desire I have had all of my life. I get inspired by the beauty of the beads, by the colors of the world, and most of all by the potency of style in people. The design process starts so simply, then slowly and methodically develops into this complexity of tiny decisions, all forming around an initial idea. When people find a piece of my work that truly reflects who they are and makes them feel beautiful, I know I must be doing something that I love!
I have been selling jewelry for over 15 years, teaching myself most of what I know, and never duplicating any of my designs. I am originally from Arkansas where I studied architecture at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. After quite a journey, I made my way to the Twin Cities in 1998 and have called it home since then.
I have sold my jewelry in a variety of venues. Shops such as Larue's on 40th and Lyndale, Evoke Gallery in St. Paul, Blue Moon Trading Co. at 46th and Bryant, C'est Fou on Grand Ave., Il Vostro on 50th and France, and Emella off Minnehaha Dr. have all carried my work. I was a part of a seasonal Employee Art Show during the time I worked at Bobby Bead in Uptown. I set up for a full season at the Mpls Farmer's Market. I sold in the Dealer's Room and Art Show for 5 years at Convergence (a science-fiction convention). For 3 years, I sold during the art crawls in Northeast at the Northrup King Building. I have done numerous Home Parties, Trunk Shows, and small Art Fairs.
In 2006, while I was trading out pieces on consignment in Blue Moon, an artist living in London (originally from Duluth) was in the store and saw my jewelry. She loved what I did and offered to represent my work. Some specially designed pieces were placed in boutiques in Paris and London!
In the Spring of 2009, I had a show in Lowell Park of Stillwater, and decided to take a coffee break. I came to Luna Rossa's Gelateria and Espresso Bar on Main St. The cheery barista commented on the piece I was wearing and after a conversation about my jewelry, she offered me a space to set up a boutique! Turns out she's the owner's daughter and ran the restaurant, coffee shop, and cave tours.
The very next weekend, Memorial Day, I opened "This Love of Mine"! It has been very well-received, and I am producing and selling more now than I ever have!
It has been wonderful to see the shop quickly grow into something so beautiful. It really does feel like you have stepped into a very special place every time you walk through the door. Finally, I am able to make it and sell it all in one spot! For someone who has worked very hard to get their creations out into the world, it is such a great feeling!
I am constantly coming up with new designs and the possibilities are truly endless. Take a close look and see if there is anything that interests you. Come by my shop, check out my Etsy shop online, or contact me if you would like a custom design! I look forward to connecting you with the jewelry you desire....see you soon!
