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I earned my bachelor's degree in fine arts with a focus on painting in 2003 from Southeastern Louisiana University.  I met my husband, metal artist John Perilloux, 5 years prior while attending the University of New Orleans.  I primarily paint landscapes paintings with a focus on Louisiana wildlife, native trees and flowers.

 

I learned the art of forging metal from him and began creating my own line of iron jewelry in 2000. I published a website, ironjewelry.com for many years and exhibited in galleries and art festivals.  It was clear that I could earn a living creating and selling my wares online and I began branding a new logo and business called Nancy Fe Designs in 2005 which is still in operation.  In 2013 I moved my online store onto Etsy, an online platform for handmade items.  My married name is easily misspelled and mispronounced so the idea of "Fe" was developed as it is the periodic symbol for iron; Ferrous.  I also enjoy creating what I call metal paintings where I create forged iron scenes in a 2-dimentional format.  I enjoy working with a medium that is not traditionally occupied by women.  

 

I primarily forge iron by using blacksmithing tools and techniques.  I pair the forged elements with various materials such as semi- precious and precious stones, leather, silver and other precious metals.  The result is a unique and original handmade product.  In addition to iron, I work with steel, bronze, aluminum, silver and copper.  Many of my customers are seeking 6th wedding anniversary gifts as iron is the traditional gift given on the 6th year.  

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I live in the woods bordering a large creek in southeastern Louisiana.  I am raising three amazing children.  My husband and I are both full time self-employed artists.  We love to work in our studios, in our garden and always have a project going at any time.    Without the support of wonderful customers who seek out hand made original gifts rather than big box mass produced items, our children and ourselves would have to take a different path to survive this life.  I am so grateful for my customers and the ability to so easily reach a world wide market to showcase our original art.  

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Thank you for your support!