Tempest in a Teapot, Bay Head, NJ
Tempest in a Teapot is a combination of talents between long time friends and partners, Elsa M. Mikus and Barbara C. Ryan. Elsa has been actively involved in crafts and craft shows since 1990 doing decorative painting and reproduction primitive dolls. In June 2001, Barbara decided to retire from Avaya. As she was casting about for her new career, friends decided that they too wanted to retire and offered to teach Barbara their techniques on how to make wind chimes from recycled silver plate teapots and other items. Determined never to go back to an office again, Barbara eagerly accepted their offer and in September 2001, Tempest in a Teapot was born.
After making (and selling) the first few chimes, it was clear that people were interested in these different looking chimes. Taken as a look at Americana, glorified junk or even recycled history, they cross over ethnic and religious boundaries, making them the perfect gift for any occasion (especially for the person that has everything). All of the sugars, creamers, teapots and silverware used in the chimes come from local New Jersey/Pennsylvania flea markets and auctions. Customers are also welcome to provide their own heirloom flatware, teapots,
creamers, sugar bowls, baby cups, etc., so that they will have their own personalized piece of recycled history hanging in their homes.
Tempest in a Teapot chimes and jewelry can be found in homes and galleries from Juneau, Alaska to Milan, Italy and Geneva, Switzerland (and a lot of homes in New Jersey).
