Tempest in a Teapot is a combination of talents between long time friends and partners, Barbara C. Ryan and Elsa M. Mikus. Elsa had been actively involved in crafts and craft shows since 1991 doing decorative painting and, most recently, primitive dolls. In June 2001, Barbara decided to retire from Avaya (the new spin-off from Lucent Technologies). 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 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. Around the holiday season, they are were a popular item at craft shows for gift giving. Taken as a look at Americana, glorified junk or even recycled history, they cross over ethnic and religious boundaries, making them the perfect gift.

Barbara & Elsa search at least one flea market per week to come up with enough stuff to create their chimes. In 2004, Barb & Elsa participated in many retail craft shows. They also made custom orders for people that have their own history to recycle. Customers are welcome to provide their mother’s or grandmothers’ flatware, teapots, creamers, sugar bowls, baby cups, etc., so they can have their own personalized piece of history hanging in their homes.

See the Tempest collection at Artisan's or visit www.tempestinateapot.net.