By JOHN BENSON
Special to The Gazette
Westfield Township native Kathy Zweifel never considered herself an artist.
A 1985 Cloverleaf High School and 1990 University of Akron graduate, Zweifel spent the past two decades working as a construction industry superintendent and project manager.
However, that all changed a few years ago when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Now her jewelry-making company Steeplechase Designs is not only keeping her healthy but also providing the Medina County area and beyond a service in awareness.
Zweifel, who donates awareness jewelry proceeds to various charities, makes 10 to 15 pieces a month out of her Seville residence, which she shares with her husband, Jim, and kids Sidney, 8, and Colton, 6.
The Gazette: What kind of jewelry do you specialize in?
Kathy Zweifel: I guess I’m a jack of all trades. The thing I mainly do is handmade jewelry. It’s just trial and error. I got some ideas and information online, from books and magazines. I haven’t taken any classes, so I don’t know if that’s good or bad. But I do a beading technique and specialize in awareness jewelry such as cancer awareness and Parkinson’s awareness. I use a variety of different things — glass beads, sterling silver beads, crystals. It just depends. I also make zipper pulls and school bracelets, which are very popular.
TG: So how does one get started in jewelry making?
KZ: I got started three years ago when I held my first Parkinson’s disease fundraiser. I designed the bracelet and made them to sell at the fundraiser. They went over really well. So I continue to sell them online through Parkinson’s support groups and at The Coffee Colony in Medina.
TG: How does jewelry help in your struggle with Parkinson’s disease?
KZ: It just really helps with my coordination and my dexterity. It made a huge difference. It’s been wonderful. It’s something that I do when the kids go to bed. I have my own craft area where I go into and do the work. It helps mainly with the dexterity with my fingers. People with Parkinson’s often have tremors in their hands and legs, and that’s how it starts. So by using my fingers, it’s helped my fingers and helped the shaking in my fingers.
TG: So what is it about your skill that makes you a talented jewelry artist?
KZ: It’s probably because I really put a lot of thought into everything I design. And everything I design is something I would wear myself. I guess that’s how I always look at it, to judge if it’s good or bad or worth something to try to sell to somebody else.
You can see Zweifel’s work at the third annual Party for Parkinson’s taking place at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Sharon Party and Event Center, 6600 Ridge Road, Sharon Township.
For more information, call 330-239-4233.
Benson may be reached at ididhear@aol.com.
