Franchon.
I discovered resin art when trying to think of handmade items I could make for my family. My goal was to combine it with my heritage. Indigenous from the Lakota Nation and Afican American from Seabreeze, NC. In my mind I envisioned a buffalo with the ocean washing over it. Then I began the journey of learning to make waves. It took me several months to learn the lacing technique, but in the end if paid off.
These techniques ultimately help me connect with my customers because I love explaining this process to them. Telling about the part where I light the alcohol ink on fire is so much fun! Also our customers give us great ideas. My favorite part is when I don’t like something and they react with, “This is great!”
Gabbie.
I was watching Franchon and her process one day. A few days later I joined her and starting using molds to create this amazing art. Once I discovered the gold flakes…well the rest is history!
I enjoy explaining the layering process and letting customers know the plants, sand, and shells are hand pick by Franchon or myself. People’s faces light up, and that makes me happy!
There is PURPOSE in everything…
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Franchon's Necklace
Throughout my life I have liked different animals, unicorns, frogs each for different reasons. When I moved to Wilmington, I started finding myself drawn to elephants. I reflected on traveling to Africa and getting to be near an entire family of elephants. I learned about the role that martirach plays in elephant families and how she cares for the herd and those in her age group. This reminded me of my family. I have also learned that the elephant signifies healing in other cultures. I just love them! And this is one of my favorite necklaces.
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Gabbie's Necklace
I am often asked if that was the year I was born, mostly by the kiddos I work with. However, 1913 represents the year the devastating divas of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was established on the campus of Howard University on January 13th, 1913. I became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc by way of the Alpha Lambda Chapter at the illustrious North Carolina Central University located in Durham, North Carolina in Spring 2017.
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Franchon's Inspiration
The ocean, my culture and customer t-shirts is where I have found the most inspiration so far!
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Gabbie's Inspiration
I get my inspiration from nature walks and customer ideas.
We are therapists with a passion.
We are both therapists and we never dreamed we would make art...and least not art that we successfully sold. We didn't even really consider ourselves artists until our artwork started selling. When we were thinking of a name the word dream kept coming to us both....but dream what? Then I thought, let's have fun, incorporate culture. Gabbie loved it and enjoyed both saying it and the way it sounded. It's basically spelled how it's said, Ee-Hahn-Blay.
FRANCHON’S ART
Imagine it. Often times I will order a wooden shape or buy an outline of something and it will sit in my house…on the coffee table until I can clearly see in my mind what I want to create…then the challenge is creating it.
What are your favorite pieces to make?
“Umm waves are blast! Rose gold flakes in a mermaid’s hair. Deep blue raptors..neon green unicorns!!!”
GABBIE’S ART
I start with nothing but a silicone mold and a flat, clean surface. The actual process depends on the market we are setting up at or what the customer requests. You definitely want to catch the eye of your audience and different audiences are looking for different pieces of art. Anything poured in a silicone mold has to be poured backwards, so the first to pour and cure will be the top layer and the bottom will be the last.
What are your favorite pieces to make?
Coasters are definitely my jam! Adding flakes to any piece of art adds a majestic feel. I have thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful bold colors I am able to create to make a coaster set or finding random plants outside on a walk and placing them in a set. Oh the things you can do with resin!!