E: My background is in graphic design and product development. I have always had an artistic drive but put all of that on hold for 6+ years to spend time raising my 3 children.

J: I am a hair stylist with a background in studio art and education. My training in mixing color- both in paint and hair color has influenced my style and Twine & Twig

What inspires you and your designs?

 E: I consider myself very earthy and am drawn to rustic & organic elements. I am a naturally drawn to neutral tones and draw a lot of inspiration for Twine & Twig from the outdoors.

J: The need for something new and different. There are no duplicates of any necklace so each piece is its own work of art! Being a hairstylist- you see how fashion and beauty are so intertwined- I love seeing what trends are coming out next and how the two will complement each other

 What is your favorite piece? 

 E: I truly cannot choose just one. Each one is unique and handcrafted by one of us that its impossible to pick. Over the winter I was always sporting a limited luxe double tip, but this spring I am sure I will have on one of our signature shell designs as well as some very tribal inspired pieces that we are launching soon. Stay tuned…

J: I still have the first necklace we made on our signature suede strap- I would have to say that it is my favorite. I love seeing where we started and where the line has changed and evolved to since the launch.

 How has the your area influenced your work?

 E: My home is my sanctuary. Its truly a perfect mix of the elements that inspire me. It has actually turned me into a bit of a home body and I prefer entertaining at home instead of going out. The very organic, collected feel of my home inspires and sets the perfect working environment (after the kids go to bed and a glass of wine is poured, of course!)

J: I lived in Charleston for five years and now live in Chantilly. I really appreciate the historic preservation of places like Charleston and Plaza Midwood- our necklaces are newly crafted but have a certain vintage feel to them 

What is your favorite restaurant in Charlotte?

 E: Good Food on Montford is one of my all time favs! I love sitting at the bar with a glass of wine and some good company.

J: Soul Gastrolounge is our go to- I love the food, the staff and the vibe

What is your favorite cocktail?

 E: My summer drink is a salty dog. My winter drink is a good pinot noir and my normal go to is a glass of prosecco.

J: I’m a beer girl- but if I drink a cocktail it’s a dirty martini with blue cheese stuffed olives.

How do you balance personal life and work?

 E: Im still trying to figure that one out… let me know if you find the perfect solution!

J: I have an amazing husband that helps me balance the two. I did ask Santa for an extra day in the week- no such luck!

Dream trip?

E: An African Safari. We have so much African & tribal influence in our line that I am constantly thinking about that adventure to take it all in.

J: I’d like to travel to Italy where I can overindulge in red wine and pasta and then go meet up with Elizabeth on her safari

  Dream commission?

 E: Honestly, it’s so hard for me to answer this because the success of Twine and Twig has been a dream come true itself. Every piece of Twine and Twig jewelry is unique, so with that said, I feel like we put in a lot of thought to creating a different piece each time we sit down to make a new necklace.  BUT, if I had to choose a dream commission, it woudl be to design a piece for Christiane Celle, the founder of the clothing line Calypso St. Barths.  I admire the easy, comfortable. and casual chic look of Celle’s clothing line, and think that Twine and Twig would only enhance it. It would be incredible to create a piece for her!

 Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

 E: A bottle of Crystal Head Vodka with a burlap bow tied around. I love unique packaging and this skull bottle is pretty cool. 

J: I usually beg Elizabeth to help when I have showers and parties- she always comes up with a fun idea

Who is your style icon?

E: I’m pretty simple with my style…Kate Bosworth has an amazing surfer-chic meets natural beauty that I constantly covet.

J: I love the Olsen twins– they definitely rock the boho chic look I love

Your favorite up and coming artist?

 E: While I do like to keep a pulse on up and coming artists by attending gallery openings when I can,  I do have a favorite artist right now — Jenny Nelson.  She is an abstract artist and her choices in color are so incredibly soothing to me. I love the sense of calm her work exudes, as well as the detail layering she puts into her pieces.  As you know I like a neutral pallet, but with Jenny Nelson, her work and incredible use of color can transform a room while still maintaining the peacefulness of a room. I adore!  Her work can be viewed at one of my favorite galleries– Hidell Brooks here in Charlotte. Check it out!

J: I’ll go the music route- I have been digging the Charleston duo Shovels n’ Rope. I got to see this husband/wife band recently and they are so impressive- they make a lot of sound for two people. Elizabeth and I went the Gentlemen of the Road Tour in September and watched Edward Sharpe and Mumford perform- and all of the smaller opening acts were amazing. I wish I could see live music once a week- it’s good for your soul.

What is your most treasured possession?

 E: My African bead collection. I have been collecting these over the years and they have come from near and far but each one holds a special memory to me. I love walking into my closet every morning to see my wall of hooks holding all of these necklaces that I love mixing in with my twine & twig.

J: My wedding ring. It was my grandmothers- I love looking down and seeing a constant reminder of her

What are you reading?

 E: Does Llama Llama Red Pajama count? I wish I had time to read for myself these days… the only reading I get in is my night time snuggle reading time with my kids.

J: I sound like Elizabeth- Goodnight Moon. When I have time to read- I like looking  at local Charlotte magazines to find out the new cool restaurants and stores to check out.

What are you listening to? 

E: Music is constantly playing… and it influences my designs so much. Most recently I have been playing a lot of acoustic tunes with favorites being Everything but the Girl, Griffin House