History

Early Artistic Development and Certification:

Amy Turner James’s, an artist of Chester County in Pennsylvania, history inspired by the beauty of her surroundings for over 36 years. Creativity has always been an integral part of Amy’s life. In 1980, she discovered her passion for picture framing, allowing her design talent to merge with her fabrication abilities. In 1984, while working at The Artful Framer in Paoli, PA, Amy became a Certified Picture Framer. She then embarked on a journey to explore her love for stained glass, creating captivating two and three-dimensional pieces. This hands-on artistic process brought her immense joy.

Unique Pewter Founding and Creative Expansion:

Driven by her desire to support her family through her artistic endeavors, Amy founded Unique Pewter in 1994. Starting with modest beginnings, she crafted pewter charms adorned them with glass and semi-precious stones. Her imaginative designs spanned a wide range of themes, including animals, angels, nautical elements, hearts, flowers, and holiday motifs. The positive response to her work led Amy to showcase her creations at art and craft shows.

Teaching and Community Engagement:

In 2000, Amy opened a store in Malvern, PA, where she operated as a retailer for seven years. Initially located at 13 East King Street, she later transitioned to The Olde Malvern Firehouse. Here she created an antique co-op and gift store. It was within this space that Amy’s passion for teaching and sharing her knowledge blossomed through “Come Bead with Me.” This platform she taught jewelry making to children and adults. As an active member of The Malvern Business and Professional Association, Amy played a vital role in establishing two juried art shows in Malvern, fostering community cohesion, and supporting local artists and retailers.

Transition to Glasswork and Artistic Focus:

With her passion in glasswork, Amy made the decision to close the firehouse and focus on honing her skills as a lamp worker, while also delving into the techniques of kiln-fired glass. Both kiln fired and torch worked glass techniques form the core of her creative pursuits, allowing her to fashion unique and extraordinary glass pieces.

Present Endeavors and Ongoing Artistic Journey:

Amy was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and has lived in Chester County for most of her life. She draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the surrounding area, often exploring the bike trail and seeing wildlife. As a full-time artist and picture framer, Amy continues to develop her skills through advanced glass working education, the design of fine jewelry. Recently, she launched an up-dated website called Uniquepewter.com. The website provides customers across the USA with the convenience of buying her designs and products online, complemented by free shipping.

UP Design Studios: A Fusion of Artistry and Craftsmanship:

Amy’s artistic journey is an ongoing quest to blend history and create colors and designs inspired by the world around her. With her torch and kiln, she skillfully blends spectacular hues to craft one-of-a-kind pieces, seamlessly incorporating them with her pewter castings. Today, Amy invites visitors to witness the magic firsthand at UP Design Studios. Her studio is located in picturesque Chester County near Historic St. Peter’s Village. The studio encompasses her multifaceted talents. You will see custom high-quality conservation picture framing alongside her glass and jewelry creations. Amy’s extensive range of frame samples and mats cater to customers’ unique styles and preferences. This makes UP Design Studios a destination for personalized art enhancement. From basic framing needs to intricate projects, Amy’s expertise extends to mounting needle art, creating shadow boxes for 3D art, framing repairs, and much more.

UP Design Studios: A Fusion of Artistry and Craftsmanship:

With a warm and welcoming environment, Amy personally guides customers through their options, ensuring their finished art perfectly complements their vision, their homes, and their individuality.

History

Amy Turner James’s, an artist of Chester County in Pennsylvania, history inspired by the beauty of her surroundings for over 36 years. Creativity has always been an integral part of Amy’s life. In 1980, she discovered her passion for picture framing, allowing her design talent to merge with her fabrication abilities. In 1984, while working at The Artful Framer in Paoli, PA, Amy became a Certified Picture Framer. She then embarked on a journey to explore her love for stained glass, creating captivating two and three-dimensional pieces. This hands-on artistic process brought her immense joy.

Driven by her desire to support her family through her artistic endeavors, Amy founded Unique Pewter in 1994. Starting with modest beginnings, she crafted pewter charms adorned them with glass and semi-precious stones. Her imaginative designs spanned a wide range of themes, including animals, angels, nautical elements, hearts, flowers, and holiday motifs. The positive response to her work led Amy to showcase her creations at art and craft shows.

In 2000, Amy opened a store in Malvern, PA, where she operated as a retailer for seven years. Initially located at 13 East King Street, she later transitioned to The Olde Malvern Firehouse. Here she created an antique co-op and gift store. It was within this space that Amy’s passion for teaching and sharing her knowledge blossomed through “Come Bead with Me.” This platform she taught jewelry making to children and adults. As an active member of The Malvern Business and Professional Association, Amy played a vital role in establishing two juried art shows in Malvern, fostering community cohesion, and supporting local artists and retailers.

With her passion in glasswork, Amy made the decision to close the firehouse and focus on honing her skills as a lamp worker, while also delving into the techniques of kiln-fired glass. Both kiln fired and torch worked glass techniques form the core of her creative pursuits, allowing her to fashion unique and extraordinary glass pieces.

Amy was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and has lived in Chester County for most of her life. She draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the surrounding area, often exploring the bike trail and seeing wildlife. As a full-time artist and picture framer, Amy continues to develop her skills through advanced glass working education, the design of fine jewelry. Recently, she launched an up-dated website called Uniquepewter.com. The website provides customers across the USA with the convenience of buying her designs and products online, complemented by free shipping.

 UP Design Studios: A Fusion of Artistry and Craftsmanship:

Amy’s artistic journey is an ongoing quest to blend history and create colors and designs inspired by the world around her. With her torch and kiln, she skillfully blends spectacular hues to craft one-of-a-kind pieces, seamlessly incorporating them with her pewter castings. Today, Amy invites visitors to witness the magic firsthand at UP Design Studios. Her studio is located in picturesque Chester County near Historic St. Peter’s Village. The studio encompasses her multifaceted talents. You will see custom high-quality conservation picture framing alongside her glass and jewelry creations. Amy’s extensive range of frame samples and mats cater to customers’ unique styles and preferences. This makes UP Design Studios a destination for personalized art enhancement. From basic framing needs to intricate projects, Amy’s expertise extends to mounting needle art, creating shadow boxes for 3D art, framing repairs, and much more.

With a warm and welcoming environment, Amy personally guides customers through their options, ensuring their finished art perfectly complements their vision, their homes, and their individuality.