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As you browse our site you will find only one-of-a-kind hand crafted pieces of jewelry.
Each piece in unique, so when you find one you like, you might want to buy right away!
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My interest and love for bringing happiness to others through my creations happened quite accidentally.
My dad purchased an expensive bracelet for my mom. In examining it more closely, I felt I had the capabilities to share my creativity with others by creating unique designs that would be more economical. Therefore, my dad inspired me to pursue my interest in jewelry making and helped my dream become reality.
I approached my mom about acquiring the components at a more reasonable cost, which would allow me to make my creations at a lower price. With my mom’s help, we searched out sources where we were able to do this.
I began by creating jewelry to give to my family as gifts for birthdays and different occasions. As I began wearing my creations, my friends were interested in having me create items for them. Soon I found myself creating gifts for my friends, their families, and even my teachers.
A major stepping-stone was when customers at my parents’ restaurant, “The Island Cow” on Sanibel Island in Florida commented about pieces of jewelry my mom was wearing. Soon, I was creating pieces for my parents’ employees to wear, which created more interest in my designs from the patrons.
My jewelry making became a hobby that I found myself doing during my spare time and every vacation from school. Soon, I had quite an inventory. So, my Dad set up a table at our restaurant for me to see my creations. It was very well received. I had numerous repeat customers inquiring about creating items for their families, friends, and employees.
My mom and grandmother became very involved in helping me to acquire quality gemstones for my creations. We would travel to many different locations to purchase only the very finest components needed for my designs.
As you can see, my jewelry making has become truly a family affair. Seeing my creations bring happiness to others is the most rewarding part and helps inspire future creations for all to enjoy!
Sanibel Student Does It Again! - 2011
 Congratulations to Sanibel student Amanda Podlasek on her First Place win at the Thomas Alva Edison Regional Science Fair for her study involving public knowledge of Red Tide.
Amanda’s research started as a 7th grader at the Sanibel Sea School, working closely with creator and director, Dr. Bruce Neill. Although Amanda was not required by her school or district to present a science fair project, she felt compelled to do so because of her passion for animals and nature and belief that Red Tide is a pressing subject in our community.
“Thank you to my mentor, Dr. Neill, my teacher, and everyone who took the time to fill out my survey”, said Amanda. “Without all of you I couldn’t have gotten so far. You’ve proven to me that you care about Red Tide as much as I do.”
In reaching out to the public through local newspapers, community flyers and a variety of social media outlets, Amanda was able to collect approximately 2000 surveys in just 2 weeks. She was very excited with the response and she plans to continue her research.
Amanda continued, “I will keep working on Red Tide, even after high school, until a solution is found.”
 Her journey started with a first place win and the award of a 4-year full scholarship to Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers. Ding Darling Wildlife Society also presented her with a $200 special award. This is the second scholarship that Amanda has received, her first coming from winning last year’s Edison Regional competition.
“She has worked very hard with Bruce at Sanibel Sea School and did her project there. We couldn’t be prouder,” said mom, Elke Podlasek.
Amanda, whose parents own Island Cow Restaurant on Sanibel, is a freshman at Canterbury School in Fort Myers. She will now move on to the State Science Fair.
Canterbury Student Places Second at State Science Fair - 2010
 Amanda Podlasek, an 8th grader at Canterbury School in Fort Myers whose parents own Island Cow Restaurant, on Sanibel Island, has won second place at the State of Florida Science Fair which took place in Orlando on April 7th. "She worked with Bruce at the Sanibel Sea School over the summer and she did her project there. We couldn't be prouder." said Elke Podlasek, Amanda's Mom. Her competitive journey started with a first place win and an award of a full scholarship to FGCU at the Thomas Alva Edison Regional Science Fair with her project on the topic of Filter Feeding of Karenia Brevis by clams and oysters. Her goal was and is to help and further the research of red tide and to find a way to control and eliminate the problems faced by our local fishing industry and tourism. Her research stared as a 7th grader at the Sanibel Sea School and lasted two years, working closely with Dr. Bruce Neill creator of the Sanibel Sea school. Amanda was not required by her school or district to present a science fair project, she felt compelled and moved to do so because she has a passion for animals and nature and thought that red tide is a pressing subject in our community.
 Four of our local residents are back from Haiti after helping relief efforts by vaccinating 300 children from five different orphanages. These vaccinations for Measles, Mumps and Rusella, (MMR) will protect the orphans from deadly diseases that will begin to appear when the rainy season comes. Many scientist say that, because of the earthquake and mass devastation that all diseases will be at an all time high and the best way to help the Haitian people is to vaccinate them. This mission is exactly what, Martin Thomas, Scott Miles, Elke Podlasek, Allendy Doxi have set out to do . Elke and her husband own Island Cow, on Sanibel Island and Doxi originates from Haiti, they brought with them donated syringes medical supplies and needles, they also brought bouncy balls and lollypops to try to cheer up the Haitian children in this troubling time. Everyone agrees that the UN is doing a great job in putting up tent cities but they don't have time to play with the children and give them the TLC they need, and that's where they come in. Podlasek said, "I am very thankful I had the opportunity to do this. Haiti should not be forgotten." The Haitian people are very thankful for the help and anything we can give them, The Group would like to go back to Haiti as soon as possibel and we would love more volunteers who whould like to travel, for more supplies. If you can help in any way please call Sandy Messinger at 239-770-2425 or Elke Podlasek at 239-848-5533.
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