Chrisman’s American Country Store keeps Kelly Lyons’ art in stock
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Since retiring from the State of Illinois six years ago, Kelly Lyons has patiently been waiting for her farmer husband to do the same.
“We hope to travel more once our schedules free up a bit,” Kelly told us. “However, we are able to enjoy a couple of months each winter in Florida on Fort Myers Beach at Red Coconut RV Park located right on the beach.”
This past year, Kelly was invited to attend a Sea Glass Art Class in the club house. Lyons quickly grabbed her neighbor and the pair went off to be creative. “I had seen some of these pieces at the local flee market and loved them,” Lyons said.
The class supplied the frame with glass in it and a table full of everything coastal imaginable. “The possibilities are endless. If you can picture it, you can create it.”
Cups were filled with different kinds of shells, sea glass, rocks and pearls. The items are then laid on the glass and can be moved around using a dry paintbrush to place them in the perfect spot. “If you had a specific idea, you were encouraged to use your own beach treasures,” Kelly said.
Once the creation was to their liking, participants were given a cup of resin, along with a spoon to give the items a 3D effect. After every piece was covered along with the glass itself, it sets to dry overnight. “One piece may take you an hour to create from start to finish,” Kelly said. “It was so easy to create something so unique.”
Upon her returning home, Kelly went straight to Habitat for Humanity to stock up on frames for future projects along with purchasing resin on Amazon. “I have made several coastal pieces, but in this area, I thought maybe more of a Midwest feel would sell better.”
Lyons’ recently made a custom piece of her mother’s high school homecoming jewelry, something her youngest granddaughter quickly made her own.
“Gracie latched onto that,” Lyons said. “So much of our old jewelry from special occasions just sits in a drawer not being enjoyed.”
Kelly has also made a piece with her late father’s badge and pins from his job that her son displays proudly.
Her friendship with Carla Haga from American Country Collections in Chrisman has helped out Kelly with her creations.
“I’ve known Carla for several years now and she has always been gracious enough to make beautiful grave sprays for my in-laws at Christmas,” Lyons said. “I have several pieces and I was looking for an outlet to sell them and she as kind enough to agree to display them in her shop.”
If you would like to have a custom piece made, you can contact Kelly Lyons at 217-260-3290.
If you would like to purchase one of her already made pieces, stop by American Country Collections to see her work.
