Custom-designed horse hair bracelets, horse hair necklaces & accessories
About the Artist
Here's My Story
~ Wenda Boyer, owner of Braided Love ~
From my earliest recollection of being a young girl, I was enchanted with horses. By the time I finished the 4th grade, I had read all of Marguerite Henry’s stories about the ponies on Chincoteague Island, which created beautiful dreams for me at night. My dreams became reality when I was 10 years old ~ my parents bought me my first horse. I called him Cinnamon; an old plug of a horse that would not go faster than a slow walk. I quickly outgrew his stubbornness and moved on to a spirited Arabian Paint mare, Dakota Bird Sunset, who decided one too many times that I didn’t belong on her back, and would promptly toss me into the dirt. Along came Holly, a sweet-tempered, well mannered Registered Chestnut Quarter Horse gelding who became my best friend throughout my high school years. I owe so much to my parents for the emotional and financial support they gave me during those years of horse ownership.
Following graduation from Penn State University and an enjoyable career as the president of a non-profit organization, I married my husband, Geoff, and we settled in the town of Emmaus, Pennsylvania. Our younger daughter became interested in horses around age 9. When she began taking lessons, I secretly cheered with my ability to, once again, be up close and personal with my true love. In 2007, we purchased Opie, a.k.a. Out to Play, and in 2016 we purchased Halle, a.k.a. Harmony. Julia and I embarked on the journey of learning to ride in the Hunter ring, with both of us competing at local shows.
A number of years ago, I learned the basics of creating braided horse hair items. I fell in love with this art immediately, and shortly thereafter, my friends commissioned me to create jewelry for them. Braided Love was born. Some of my customers have given me the tail hair of their horse who has passed away, or for others, they snip a small section of tail hair from their current horse. Either scenario presents a unique opportunity to create a memento from a best equine friend that can be cherished forever. This wearable horse hair art is tailor-made for each customer, and, as a result, no two pieces are alike, ever. My customers can honestly say that they own an exclusive piece of jewelry, uniquely created just for them.
Although I share my time with a number of non-profit organizations in the Lehigh Valley, my true passion is the connection I feel with my Braided Love customers, a bond created out of, not only our mutual love for horses, but my desire to create a beautiful loving keepsake of their best friend. I feel honored to have touched the lives of many horse lovers across the United States, Canada, parts of Europe, and Australia.
I am honored to be a Juried member of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen-Reading/Berks Chapter.
