original works of art ....

Early on, the artists at funk e decided to name each of the pieces.  It is impossible to make two identical pieces using vintage beads and fabric.  Each piece is considered a work of art that cannot be duplicated and with a name –  a creation of its own identity. 

Each piece has special meaning and was created through the inspiration of one thing or another.  Some grand, some simple, but original with an identity and personality all it’s own that cannot be duplicated.  Just like us – all of us.  So enjoy, have fun, take a chance…live outside the box.

funk e sightings....

   

funk e was at First Friday in front of Art on Broad at 1028 Broad Street from 5 - 10 PM on May 6th.  

funk e was at the Farmers Market on McCartan Street between Broad St. and Reynolds St. 8 AM - 1 PM on May 7th.  

funk e was at the Farmers Market on McCartan Street between Broad St. and Reynolds St. 8 AM - 1 PM on May 14th.  

 

the funk e story .....

It all began with a fascination for beads and vintage jewelry.  Erin Thrush, jewelry designer and founder of funk e, collected them for years from all of the places she explored. 

This collection, her eye and soul candy, inspired her to create pieces of art.

 

A friend saw a couple of pieces and insisted she take them to a local art gallery with intention to sell.  The owner wanted every piece!  At that point, funk e was born.  The name came from the word funky being one of Erin's favorite adjectives.  She used it when describing her style or something she considered cool.  So, what better name could there be?  Only replacing the y with an e for Erin.

and then there were two ....

Along came Julee Bode.  Julee is a handbag designer, and what goes better together than jewelry and handbags?  Julee is a genius with a sewing machine and having owned a vintage clothing store she specialized in amazing funk e vintage material.  Erin and Julee shared the same vision and realized early on that they worked well together.  They decided to become the funk e duo.

funk e comes full circle ....

 

In their spare time, Erin and  Julee would go on and on about creative ideas they had .  They would bounce them off each other and become entrepreneurs over night in their minds, but quickly realized when none of their genius ideas ever came to fruition that they were missing something.  A planner and maker of dreams come true.  They needed someone to organize their illusions of grandeur.  Kelli Strickland was the only person for the job.