The Artist behind Artistic Works by Lu

In 2007, I found myself standing with my husband in an empty, for-sale store in the heart of historic downtown Leavenworth, KS. The brick walls and vintage character were speaking to me...speaking creativity and adventure. And with that, we decided to take my home-based jewelry business and turn it into a full jewelry boutique and my design studio.

When I started designing jewelry in 2003, I was an Air Force wife and mother of three children who couldn’t have imagined I would one day own a clothing and jewelry boutique. With a lot of hard work, prayer, and support from my high school sweetheart husband, here we are, 20+ years later, still loving the jewelry and clothing boutique business!

I am blessed beyond words to have the pleasure of designing jewelry for the beautiful and unique women who come upon my boutique clothing and handmade jewelry store in Leavenworth, KS, our second boutique in Springfield, MO, or on our online boutique website.

When I design, I lean into my Iowan country roots and urban style to create jewelry that is still the star of the show at the studio boutique. I use mixed metals, leathers, beaded work, silver, turquoise and more to create my designs. My very first ever designed piece was a beaded turquoise watch. I made it after spending 3 years in San Antonio, Texas inspired by the turquoise in the area. Since then, I've expanded to carry earrings, necklaces, bracelets, custom hand-stamped pendants, lariats, rings and more. We have expanded to now accessorize our unique handmade jewelry with trendy, free spirited and boho clothing and hats that I hand select for my customers. I select boutique clothing while keeping in mind price point, age and styles. I love that women can wear my jewelry and hand-picked boutique clothing at any age. We have many beautiful shoppers in their teens, all the way to my mother, Dorothy, who is in her 80s. It's a store for every woman. 

I believe in bold beauty, feeling beautiful in your own skin, and loving life. So, at Artistic Works by Lu, our mission is to help women, “feel beautiful . . . every day!”

To this day my favorite part of designing is the end result of the smile. The smile that a beautiful woman wears when she feels confident. Thank you to all my customers, friends, and family who bless me with your smiles and warm energy that continually inspires me!