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Justine Bursoni hails from Chicago. She tried as hard as possible to leave here, graduating after three years of Art History school. It was Custard Cup that forced her to stay. She now lives in downtown Champaign and works as a nanny and at the Orpheum Children's Science Museum.
With places like Forever 21 or Urban Outfitters gobbling up artists' ideas and designs and calling them their own, originality seems hard to find these days. As I was feeding my craving for handmade jewelry online, I came across Bumblesea and instantly fell in love. Not only is the jewelry stylish and modern, it's also local. How delicious is that?
Designer Jennifer Morris pleasantly answered a few questions for Smile Politely:
Name: Jennifer Morris
Age: 20
Hometown: St. Louis, but my heart's in Champaign
Occupation: Jewelry designer
Consumed by: Making everything myself. Right now I'm in the middle of soap, a chair, two lamps and a mannequin. I nearly attempted making my own boots but I decided that I'd gone too far.
One item you can't live without: Margarine. I have some on my desk right now.
What has influenced your style?: Pop culture, flora and fauna, my sardonic mind.
What are you working on next?: A more upscale jewelry line for Bumblesea, and a blog called Nine Orchids where I feature indie artists and designers.
Most prized piece you've created: The "I hate Metallica" design will always be my baby since I made it when I was only fourteen, but I think the orchid spine is my best design.
Loveliest person, place and thing about Champaign-Urbana: Person: Nearly everyone. I've lived all over the place, but C-U has the most witty and interesting people I've ever met. Place: Central High School, I can't believe how much we got away with there. I'm surprised the building's still standing. Thing: The character in the older parts of town, cobblestone streets and old style lamp posts.
Nastiest person, place and thing about Champaign-Urbana: Person: Judy Fraser, definitely. Place: The only place that comes to mind is Bobo China. Thing: Since it's a college town there's hardly anything for high school kids to do. You pretty much have to become a mall rat, start a band, or get in trouble. I couldn't play guitar very well so I got into trouble.
Jennifer Morris hates Metallica, and loves Champaign-Urbana. She spends her days gardening, writing for her art/fashion/design blog Nine Orchids and running her online jewelry boutique, Bumblesea.
