Ellie Schoenberger has always had a passion for jewelry-making, and found that it was one of the few things that gave her peace during her own struggle with alcoholism.  In early recovery, she discovered the power of making art that conveyed hope and strength for herself and the wearer.   "I began by making 12 step recovery prayer beads, and giving them to my friends.  Little by little, I found that this quiet gesture of unity with other people in recovery had a powerful and peaceful result.  This sparked the idea for creating Shining Stones; to share a message of strength, unity, love and, most importantly, HOPE to people struggling with all kinds of challenges. "

Part of the power of this art, Ellie says, is its intensely personal nature.   "Each piece I make is an expression of me, and of the wearer.  Recovery is like that, too.   We all take on a bit of each other and carry it with us; this gives us strength and hope."

Formerly a corporate executive, Ellie is now a stay-at-home mother of two.