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Karen Bradley and Cheri Earnest, the sisters who launched Silver Pansy Designs in 2006, grew up
in a small Missouri town. They were devoted to their maternal grandparents, Nana and JoJo, and
spent many special times with them. They watched the more than 40-year loving relationship that
they shared. Theirs was an affectionate relationship, and one of the ways that their grandfather
demonstrated his love was through the beautiful jewelry he designed and had made for their
grandmother. The two sisters treasured time spent at their grandparents’ home, and loved being
allowed to go through Nana’s jewelry box and try on the sparkling gems. She took them shopping
and taught them about jewelry. She insisted that, as young women, each have their own jewelry so
they would learn to appreciate and care for fine things. Karen and Cheri now enjoy owning some of
Nana’s gems, and delight in the memories that wearing them brings. Nana’s exquisite jewelry
pieces have instilled in both sisters a love of fine jewelry.
With Karen’s children grown and gone, and Cheri’s retirement approaching, the time was right to
cultivate their love for jewelry with a second career in jewelry design and artistry. Cheri is the jewelry
artist/designer of the duo. She learned artisanship from the jewelry designer she worked for in the
early years of her career. He taught her to have an eye for detail. When Cheri began creating
bracelets and earrings for her sisters and nieces, people began asking where they could buy the
jewelry, and the idea for Silver Pansy Designs was born.
After two years, it was time to expand Silver Pansy Designs. The obvious expansion was into textiles,
as both sisters love fabrics almost as much as they love jewelry.
Karen is the textile designer/artist of the pair. The girls’ mother, Joan, inspired Karen to begin
sewing as a young girl with the beautiful garments she constructed. Karen’s love of sewing and
needlework continued on through her teens. Nana and Joan taught her about fine fabrics and
exceptional handiwork. As a young adult she worked at a fabric store where the owner instructed
Karen in tailoring and design principles. The special tips and techniques she taught helped give
Karen’s design and construction an expert look. By the time Karen had children she put the
knowledge to use and designed many of their clothes. Now, she applies her time to the textile
designs for Silver Pansy Designs.
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