UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The work of jewelry artist Barbara Barnaby from Kelseyville is featured during the month of July at the Upper Lake Mercantile.  

A reception featuring the artist will be held at the Main St. store in Upper Lake on Saturday, July 19 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Barnaby, who is self-taught, has been collecting antique and vintage materials for more than a decade.

Her style ranges from simple to extravagant with highly detailed layered floral elements which have been hand-colored, distressed to look vintage and to blend with the antique lace and other elements.

The vibe is very feminine with a bit of ladylike whimsy – a bit of Downton Abbey.

Inspirations for Barbara’s pieces are haute couture, past and present, the gorgeous needlework of antique laces and embroidery, botanical illustrations and hand colored prints.

The techniques used are basic to costume jewelry with tube riveting, common in the 1940s and 1950s, being revived and emphasized.

The stones are prong set and the smaller beads and pearls are wired and screen worked in the same technique used by Miriam Haskell in the 1940s to 1950s.

Barnaby's work has been acquired by private collectors in the United States and Japan, and her production pieces were sold by major department stores such as Nordstrom and Barneys New York.

When Barnaby became an registered nurse she discontinued her wholesale jewelry production, with the making of art to wear jewelry enjoyed in the evenings and weekends.

Located by the town clock in the old bank building at 9490 Main St., Upper Lake, the Upper Lake Mercantile offers quality artistic pieces plus items for the home and garden, with an emphasis on locally made and sourced goods.

A sister business to the Tallman Hotel and Blue Wing Saloon, also located on Main Street, Upper Lake Mercantile is intended to appeal to residents as well as visitors to Lake County.  

It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In August, the sculptural works of Ukiah’s Spencer Brewer will be featured at the Upper Lake Mercantile with an artist reception scheduled for Aug. 16.

Details about inventory and future promotions at the store can be obtained from manager Susan Saunders at 707-275-8018 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .