Meet artist Stephanie Steadham of My Honeypickles

The Southern C recently spoke with artist Stephanie Steadham, owner of My Honeypickles and creator of beautiful seashell art celebrating the bounty of the sea. Her work includes seashell crosses, boxes, crowns, wall art and other delightful and tasteful pieces which are designed to convey her love for the beach and the beauty in nature. She lives in Greenville, AL, with her husband Ronnie, daughter Holland and fur babies Beaux and Princess.

What is the story behind the name of your shop?

Honeypickles is the name my daughter, Holland, gave her favorite flower, honeysuckles. She would always say, “Those honeypickles smell so good!” To this day, each time I see or smell Honeysuckles, I’m reminded of this.

While trying to decide on a name for my business, I wanted a name that was memorable and meaningful. My daughter’s name for honeysuckles – honeypickles – was perfect! This silly name she gave her favorite flower many years ago still brings a smile to my face. And that is what I hope my art does… bring a smile to your face and remind you of your own fond memories.

How has your background influenced your work?

My hometown, Elba, is located in southeast Alabama. It’s only about an hour and a half from the beautiful Emerald Coast, so my love of the beach was fostered from an early age. My creativity has always been encouraged by my family and friends.

I graduated from Auburn University with a degree in fashion merchandising…War Eagle! I completed my masters at the University of West Florida with a degree in Elementary Education. I currently work as an interior decorator assistant at Karen Rainey Interiors. I guess I’ve always had a desire to be surrounded by pretty things!

How would you describe your art/creations?

My goal is for my art and creations to be inspired by the coast and for each piece to be unique.

I believe seashells are a part of nature that belongs in any home, no matter where you hang your hat. Each piece is hand crafted with no two pieces the same.

Many of my pieces include crosses that are adorned with a variety of shells. Crosses are simplistic in form, but to me, evoke feelings of love, hope, and strength. They remind me of blessings, old and new. My crosses are made from reclaimed wood and can be personalized on the back to include a special date, name, or a message, making them a treasured keepsake.

I also enjoy working with customers to create that truly customized piece. I have been blessed to have my art displayed in homes throughout the United States.

Who or what inspires you?

I find inspiration from many sources, but my deep love of the coast remains a dominant inspiration in my art pieces. One of my favorite quotes: “You can shake the sand from your shoes, but it’ll never leave sour soul.” Oh, how true these words are!

Five Favorites:

Artist: Nan Cunningham

Book: An Affair with a House by Bunnie Williams

Indulgence: Chocolate

Journey/Trip: Seagrove Beach, Florida and Saint Maarten

Quote: “You can shake the sand from your shoes, but it’ll never leave sour soul.”

Stephanie’s pieces can be purchased thru her Etsy shop (www.etsy.com/shop/myhoneypickles), Facebook (www.facebook.com/myhoneypickles), and Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/stephsteadham). Or, if you are lucky enough to find yourself in the Florida Panhandle, her work can be found at Lily Pads at Grayton Beach on Hwy. 30-A.

Stephanie has graciously given us a shell-encrusted cross to give away to one lucky winner! The contest begins Wednesday at 2 pm. Visit The Southern C Summit FB page for more details on how you can win.