About Us
From Corporate to Creative
Tempest in a Teapot is a combination of talents between long time friends and partners, Barbara C. Ryan and Elsa M. Mikus. Elsa has been actively involved in artistic endeavors her whole life and has participated in juried craft shows since 1990. She retired from AT&T in 1999 to pursue her creative talents on a full time basis. In 2001, Barbara retired from Avaya. As she was casting about for a new career, friends decided that they too wanted to retire and offered to teach Barbara their techniques for making wind chimes from recycled, vintage silver plate teapots and flatware. Wanting to take her life in a new and creative direction, Barbara eagerly accepted their offer and in September 2001, Tempest in a Teapot was born.
After making (and selling) the first few chimes, it was clear that people were interested. Taken as a look at Americana, glorified junk, or even recycled history, these chimes cross over ethnic and religious boundaries, making them the perfect gift for ANY occasion (especially for the person who has everything). All of the sugars, creamers, teapots and flatware used in the chimes come from local New Jersey/Pennsylvania flea markets and auctions. Barb and Elsa specialize in working directly with clients to create meaningful pieces out of family heirlooms.
In 2009, Barb and Elsa launched their new line, Silver Flat Wear. It is a line of jewelry that consists of necklaces, bracelets and rings made from the silver plate flatware (some of it dating back to the late 1800's). There are pieces that also contain antique buttons, copper, brass and handmade glass buttons.
As of June 15, 2010, Barb and Elsa can now be found working in their studio/retail location which is co-located with Wickit Good Candles, 604 Route 88, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742. Store hours are 10AM - 5PM Monday through Saturday, and 11AM - 5PM on Sunday (other hours available by appointment). They can be reached at 732-598-4690 or 4691.
Tempest in a Teapot chimes and Silver Flat Wear jewelry can be found in homes and galleries from Juneau, Alaska to Geneva, Switzerland and even Milan, Italy (and in a lot of homes in New Jersey).
