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We are living in very trying times aren't we? I hope you and your loved ones are staying healthy and finding happiness. I also hope you are like me and finding some positives as we quarentine. With lots of togetherness Gail and I are carving out new routines and special times. Long neglected house projects, reclaiming our yard because of other priorities and adding an evening ritual of card playing with a cold beverage rounds out most of our days. We don't know what the near future will hold but I hope we can get back to a somewhat normal time. Albiet a "new normal" maybe. So, until we see eachother again, I wish you well.    A guru once quoted; “Skills are cheap, passion is priceless”. It couldn’t be more accurate. Keep in mind I bend forks to make jewelry. I get to travel to great places doing art fairs and have collected the best customers an artist could ask for.
What follows is the story of one of them. It is a story of love, persistence and drama. A story that lead to lives that to lives forever changed and a chance for this jeweler to make two pieces that would signify this love. Kai’s Journey Home: These are their words: We always wanted to adopt. In February of 2011 we were finally approved for adoption from Ethiopia through Children's Hope International. This was the beginning of a 2-year 8 month wait, as the process of adopting from Ethiopia was steadily getting more difficult. It eventually ended not long after Kai got home. Kai was found abandoned at 15 days old. The police report said someone took him to a local church and left a note "thanking anyone who takes and raises this child in the name of God". He was then sent to an orphanage where he would wait for his forever home. On April 23, 2013 we received a referral for Kai (the name we gave him) who was 6 months old. We would eventually receive a court date for July 9, 2013 to go through the formal adoption process in Addis, Ababa, Ethiopia. With only carry-on luggage, (half of which we would be forced to check and would not get back until 4 hours before we went home), we boarded our Lufthansa flight on July 5. Our airline tickets cost us just short of $5,000.00 for humanitarian air fare, but we didn't bat an eye. Just before flying over the mountains of Addis, on the final leg of our trip, we heard a loud squealing noise. During that time, flight attendants were running around yelling, and we were told to get in the emergency position. The captain came out of the cockpit, not something that we expected post 9/11, and listened to the noise. Eventually we were told there was a pressurization problem, and we began a rapid descent. The plane was eerily quiet. I realized then that most people pray in silence. And that's all we could do. The captain made a hairpin turn to avoid the mountains and eventually came over the loudspeaker announcing that we had averted a disaster. We landed back in Khartoum Sudan where we would spend the next 24 hours. Our passports were confiscated per Sudan law and we were told not to leave our hotel. It was a harrowing experience. We spent time making calls to Lufthansa, having a passenger group meeting to see who would get to leave first if they let us go wondering who had our passports. Khartoum eventually received pressure from Lufthansa to let us out in small groups and we were finally allowed to leave Khartoum, Sudan at 4:30 a.m. the next day. We would meet and adopt Kai all before 10:00 in the same clothes we left home in. We had one more day with him after that and would not see him again until late September. After several months of waiting, we were expecting to have our paperwork sent to Nairobi where they eventually send paperwork for children who cannot be cleared for some reason. They wanted to find and interview "the finders" mentioned in the police report, but as each week went by, we realized that this was not going to happen. It was late September, and now we were more nervous than ever. Then Nairobi was hit with a terrorist attack. It was Saturday, September 21st, and we had no idea how this would affect us. On Sept 23, 2013, we went to bed and attempted to sleep, but as usual we were restless. This night would be different. Sometime after midnight a little ding broke the silence. It was Matt's email, and it was from Ethiopia. Pick a date to come and do the VISA paperwork was the only line we needed to read. No mention of not finding the finder, just pick a date. We bought two more airline tickets and one for Kai for the way home and headed off to Ethiopia again. This time we did not take Lufthansa. Gotcha Day was Sept 27th, and he hasn't left our arms since. I received a simple request from Robyn for a pendant of Africa, complete with a mamma and baby elephant. It would symbolize the adoption, the bond between them and the homeland that gave birth to Kai. Sometime later Robyn asked about a ring I had made that had an Ethiopian opal and diamond in it. Since Kai was from Ethiopia, she fell in love with it but asked if I could remove the diamond and move it to the pendant, placing it where Ethiopia was located. Now it was perfect and complete! "When I wear them, I think of Kai, and all the people who played a role in bringing him home. Those we meant on our journey, and the people waiting for us back home. It makes it all the more special that these pieces were made from a friend who really knew us. I know when Don was making these pieces that he was thinking of us the whole time, they are absolute treasures." --Robyn Guempel  A guru once quoted; “Skills are cheap, passion is priceless”. It couldn’t be more accurate. Keep in mind I bend forks to make jewelry. I get to travel to great places doing art fairs and have collected the best customers an artist could ask for.
What follows is the story of one of them. It is a story of love, persistence and drama. A story that lead to lives that to lives forever changed and a chance for this jeweler to make two pieces that would signify this love. Kai’s Journey Home: These are their words: We always wanted to adopt. In February of 2011 we were finally approved for adoption from Ethiopia through Children's Hope International. This was the beginning of a 2-year 8 month wait, as the process of adopting from Ethiopia was steadily getting more difficult. It eventually ended not long after Kai got home. Kai was found abandoned at 15 days old. The police report said someone took him to a local church and left a note "thanking anyone who takes and raises this child in the name of God". He was then sent to an orphanage where he would wait for his forever home. On April 23, 2013 we received a referral for Kai (the name we gave him) who was 6 months old. We would eventually receive a court date for July 9, 2013 to go through the formal adoption process in Addis, Ababa, Ethiopia. With only carry-on luggage, (half of which we would be forced to check and would not get back until 4 hours before we went home), we boarded our Lufthansa flight on July 5. Our airline tickets cost us just short of $5,000.00 for humanitarian air fare, but we didn't bat an eye. Just before flying over the mountains of Addis, on the final leg of our trip, we heard a loud squealing noise. During that time, flight attendants were running around yelling, and we were told to get in the emergency position. The captain came out of the cockpit, not something that we expected post 9/11, and listened to the noise. Eventually we were told there was a pressurization problem, and we began a rapid descent. The plane was eerily quiet. I realized then that most people pray in silence. And that's all we could do. The captain made a hairpin turn to avoid the mountains and eventually came over the loudspeaker announcing that we had averted a disaster. We landed back in Khartoum Sudan where we would spend the next 24 hours. Our passports were confiscated per Sudan law and we were told not to leave our hotel. It was a harrowing experience. We spent time making calls to Lufthansa, having a passenger group meeting to see who would get to leave first if they let us go wondering who had our passports. Khartoum eventually received pressure from Lufthansa to let us out in small groups and we were finally allowed to leave Khartoum, Sudan at 4:30 a.m. the next day. We would meet and adopt Kai all before 10:00 in the same clothes we left home in. We had one more day with him after that and would not see him again until late September. After several months of waiting, we were expecting to have our paperwork sent to Nairobi where they eventually send paperwork for children who cannot be cleared for some reason. They wanted to find and interview "the finders" mentioned in the police report, but as each week went by, we realized that this was not going to happen. It was late September, and now we were more nervous than ever. Then Nairobi was hit with a terrorist attack. It was Saturday, September 21st, and we had no idea how this would affect us. On Sept 23, 2013, we went to bed and attempted to sleep, but as usual we were restless. This night would be different. Sometime after midnight a little ding broke the silence. It was Matt's email, and it was from Ethiopia. Pick a date to come and do the VISA paperwork was the only line we needed to read. No mention of not finding the finder, just pick a date. We bought two more airline tickets and one for Kai for the way home and headed off to Ethiopia again. This time we did not take Lufthansa. Gotcha Day was Sept 27th, and he hasn't left our arms since. I received a simple request from Robyn for a pendant of Africa, complete with a mamma and baby elephant. It would symbolize the adoption, the bond between them and the homeland that gave birth to Kai. Sometime later Robyn asked about a ring I had made that had an Ethiopian opal and diamond in it. Since Kai was from Ethiopia, she fell in love with it but asked if I could remove the diamond and move it to the pendant, placing it where Ethiopia was located. Now it was perfect and complete! "When I wear them, I think of Kai, and all the people who played a role in bringing him home. Those we meant on our journey, and the people waiting for us back home. It makes it all the more special that these pieces were made from a friend who really knew us. I know when Don was making these pieces that he was thinking of us the whole time, they are absolute treasures." --Robyn Guempel  “Thank you thank you thank you for busting your tail … by the way she said yes and she loved it”. This was a text I received four days after he picked up the ring I created for him before headed for a flight to California to pop the question on a beach he’d already chosen. He looked at the ring and said he loved it. I told him it’s not important that he love it. She has to love it. With a wide smile he agreed. Two days later on a beach in California he went on one knee, asked for her hand in marriage and placed this ring on her finger.
Having a small part this couples most important day is both flattering and gratifying. He wanted an emerald with a diamond accent. This ring has a 1.39 carat Columbia emerald and accented with a .39 carat diamond mounted in an 18 carat gold setting. Another reason I love what I do.   Tomorrow - our 2019 Art Fair kickoff!
- Fri 5PM - 9PM - Sat 10AM - 6PM - Sun 11AM - 4PM - Over 130 juried artists from more than 20 states - Bring your children & expose them to art. There are plenty of things for them do; draw, paint and make things out of clay - Music - Wine & Cheese tasting tables - Rain or shine, hot or cold weather, you're inside in the comfort of the climate controlled Greensfelder Rec Center DIR $1 OFF COUPON  Another reason I love what I do. A custom re-do of my "Angularity" pendant is now around the neck of a new customer. From an Iowa art fair I recreated this by making it smaller and adding a special dark gray natural pearl at her request.
Hi, Don. I received my new pendant yesterday. It is BEAUTIFUL! The size and pearl are just perfect. I love it!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! You have a wonderful talent and create beautiful, unique pieces. I am a very happy customer! Take care and thanks again!!!! Marilee
 Another great Laumeier Art Fair around the corner! A beautiful park - perfect for an art fair. See you there. Come see my Mothers Rings! Friday, May 11 / 6:00–10:00 p.m. Saturday, May 12 / 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Sunday, May 13 / 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Map  Mother's Ring from Seafood fork! I'll have some at Laumeier next weekend!
 New stones and a new crop of sterling forks still equals one-of-a-kind jewelry. Bring a fork to the Queeny Art Fair and let's talk about a custom piece for you. Could be a bracelet (yes I've been busy creating bracelets) or pendent, earrings or a ring.  Queeny Art Fair is this weekend! Fri 5PM - 9PM Sat 10AM - 6PM Sun 11AM - 4PM Click here for directions, a $1 off coupon and complete info  Come for the music, wine tasting and great art
My booth is directly across from the wine table. Secret word is "Lapis" for a 10% discount of any piece of jewelry  My 2018 art fairs are about to commence. In 11 days The Art Fair at Queeny Park begins! New year - new work. I've acquired some stunning stones and lots of sterling forks that you've got to see. Whether you come for the music, the wine or the fun you'll love the art Where:
GREENSFELDER RECREATION COMPLEX 550 WEIDMAN ROAD BALLWIN, MISSOURI 63031 When: Fri Mar 23 5PM - 9PM Sat Mar 24 10AM - 6PM Sun Mar 25 11AM - 4PM Go to for add'l directions info and a 1$ off coupon to get in I'll see you soon at this premier art fair Use the secret word "LAPIS" and get a 10% discount for any piece of jewelry in my booth  Just a reminder of our Holiday Boutique
Sunday Dec 10 OA Gallery 101A Argonne Ave Kirkwood, MO 11am - 4pm Gail and I are looking forward to seeing you. We'll have our latest work, snacks, wine and some holiday cheer. Don Kelley - award winning artist/jeweler Gail Kelley - fiber artist It's a party! Stop in for a glass of wine, Christmas cheer, snacks and see our latest work! Help us celebrate the season and another great year of making art! Our shows have taken us as far away as Colorado so it's great to be back home and in the OA Gallery.
 Will you be going to the Art Fair at Shaw Nature Reserve this weekend? November 4th & 5th?11/1/2017
 There are artists in these cabins! I’ll be in Lee Cabin similar to this one and look forward to seeing you. Other cabins along a short path with artists are all eager to show you their work and talk to you about what they do.This is the 12th year for this wonderful event in the woods. The 2017 art fairs are coming to an end as the holidays are just around the corner. There are some amazing artists with their work that will make great gifts for loved ones. Shaw Nature Reserve just 25 minutes from Saint Louis 307 Pinetum Loop Rd, Gray Summit, MO 63039 Saturday Nov 4 10AM - 5PM Sunday Nov 5 10AM - 4PM
Stop by and say hello. Be the first to see the newest pieces or talk to Don Kelley about a custom piece for an exquisite holiday gift.
The Art at the Shaw Nature Reserve Show & Sale features 100% hand-crafted works by area artists in a beautiful setting at the SNR's Dana Brown Overnight Education Center. This indoor event is open and free to the public. Lunches and refreshments for purchase. Enjoy a walk at the SNR, bring the kids, have lunch, and get a jump on your holiday shopping.
 St. Louis Hills, rich in architecture and home to beautiful Francis Park, provides the backdrop for Art in the Park. Family, friends and neighbors enjoy art, music and food surrounding the majestic lily pond at the center of the park.
Come see why I love this park and this wonderful art fair. It's behind Ted Drewes in Francis Park for just one day!  Both will be at Queeny Park next weekend for three days over Labor Day weekend. Fri - Sun I just got this in and couldn't wait to use it in a pendant. Using a sterling silver fork with sterling wire for accent this amazing and rare stone will make a stunning adornment for a lucky customer. All this is happening at the Labor Day Art Fair at Queeny park. Victoria Stone also known as “Imori Stone”, is named after it’s Japanese creator, Dr. Imori. It is not an artificial or fake stone. What Dr. Imori was able to accomplish was to actually blend several different minerals using a special process known only to him to come up with this amazing stone, commonly called a Victoria Stone. Dr. Imori is no longer alive and no one knows how he did this. I will have this and many new pieces next weekend over Labor Day at Queeny Park. Stop by my booth #93 just inside the doors to the large room of the Greensfelder Rec Center. Say the secret word "Kandinski" and receive a 10% discount for any one item in my booth. (Sorry the Imori Stone pendant doesn't qualify for this) For more information   That's right, It means there's an Art Fair at Queeny Park! I'm back from a great summer of art fairs in Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa and Colorado! For three days next weekend I'll be one of over 120 artists from across the country at Queeny Park inside the Greensfelder Rec Center. Emmerse yourself! Talk to the artists about what they do. See and buy art, have a glass of wine and enjoy the ambience and music. Stop by my booth #95 just inside the main room, use the secret word "Kandinski" and receive a 10% discount For a $1 coupon Map & Directions
Thank you thank you thank you for busting your tail … by the way she said yes and she loved it”. This was a text I received just days after he picked up the ring I created for him and barely 3 hours before catching a flight to California to pop the question on a beach he’d already chosen. He looked at the ring and said he loved it. I told him it’s not important that he love it. She has to love it. With a wide smile he agreed. Two days later on the beach he went on one knee, asked for her hand in marriage and placed this ring on her finger.
Playing just a small role in this couples most important day is both flattering and gratifying. He wanted an emerald with a diamond accent. This ring has a 1.39 carat Columbian emerald and accented with a .38 carat diamond mounted in an 18 carat gold setting. . Another reason I love what I do.
 Art in the Park - Columbia MO is what's happening! I'm in booth 36! Say the secret password "Kandinsky" for a 10% discount! It looks like a very nice weekend in Stevens park Columbia MO to view and buy some amazing art. See you there.. ADD'L SHOW INFORMATION Yes, that's a Kandinsky-ish pendant above. Love the masters.  She gave me a sterling silver seafood fork from her family's silver and asked if I would turn it into a mother's ring. While flattered by her words, it's the feeling she conveyed to me that inspires and makes what I do so worth while.
Her words when she wore it: "Just wanted to take a moment to let you know how much I value and appreciate your talents! I have been Thoroughly enjoying my new Mother's Day ring. You are uniquely blessed with a beautiful skill set. I look forward to commissioning you for additional projects! Happy Blessed Easter"! Mary  A big thank you to all who stopped by my booth this past weekend! It's always great making new friends and seeing old ones at my art fairs.
This pictured pendant along with many other pieces were purchased over the weekend making it another outstanding Queeny Art Fair! Please stop back often to see my new work and to see what art fairs I'll be doing in the coming months.  2017 Spring Art Fair at Queeny
Fri 5PM - 9PM Sat 10AM - 6PM Sun 11AM - 4PM Come enjoy a glass of wine and stroll among some of the best art in St. Louis NEW THIS YEAR - VALET PARKING! - Wine tasting - 135 artists from over 20 states - Inside climate controlled Greensfelder Recreation Center MAP CLICK HERE FOR $1.00 OFF COUPON |
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