Customer Testimonials

"Heart & Hands is truly my favorite fashion boutique. I have travelled the world and have dresses from Paris and jewelry from Greece, but what most appeals to me is the combination of gorgeous soft and silky (easy care) fabrics, affordable prices and outstanding, original styles that are available at Heart & Hands, right here in Ashland.  For fourteen years now, I have loved going into this heartwarming, magical boutique.  Often, I may just look for one item but wind up going home with many pieces.  There are alwas displays of sumptuous, flattering, well-cut and well-fitting clothes that have touches of romance, subtle simplicity and whimsy.  These outfits invariably bring out so much more of who I am -- and make me feel beautiful, elegant, sensual and happy. I always find just the right shawl or tunic for a wedding or party.  And of course, the jewelry is stunning and imaginative, specially Elise's exquisite creations -- laced with precious stones, pearls and indigenous shells -- of which I have more and more.  I wear her jewelry when I need to lift my spirits as well as when I feel celebratory.  I find that her unique pieces are both healing and enchanting -- poetry for the soul.  Thank you, Heart & Hands."

-- Angelica Thusius, December 7, 2009

Angelica Thusius is the creator of the KENTRO(r) Body Balance method of movements for a strong back and joyful expression. She is the author of "KENTRO(r) Body Balance - The Secret Pleasures of Posture" and teaches in Ashland, OR.

"I wanted to let you know that the dress I ordered from Heart & Hands has arrived and it is absolutely fabulous! I needed a dress for my son's fall wedding and I wanted velvet, in a tea length and NOT in black. As I looked in stores and searched on-line, I found no appealing styles or colors until I searched your website. From the beginning to the end, you run a top-notch establishment. Swatches were mailed out ASAP. I chose my color, and I ordered the dress. The dress was made, then sent to me with a total cost that was very reasonable. I used your expertise as to the size and any other questions I had. "

"When the dress arrived, I was fearful that it would not fit, but I was wrong! I felt like Cinderella coming down the staircase. Both my husband and son stared at the mother of the groom, and because of the dress, I looked much younger than my age. The drape of the dress is very flattering. The moss green color shimmers with a hint of gold and the tea length with the French ruffle is the icing on the cake!"

"I want to thank you for all your help in ordering, etc. Your firm is a class-act, and I have already recommended you to my friends. I hope to deal with you in the near future."

-  Vickie Harlow, Haddam Ct.

“Thank you for checking on my order. Everything was just perfect-so pretty! So wonderful that you were able to make my mom's dream come true. Thanks for all you do. I just LOVE Heart & Hands!"

- Sara Allen

" I wore my Heart & Hands sueded rayon shirt around the world. Literally. In Senegal, the shirt kept me dry and comfortable at the height of the rainy season. In the Eastern Sahara, the shirt outperformed even my expensive 'whisk away' extreme weather gear. I could wash the shirt with my canteen, and after 10 minutes in the sun, it was completely dry. The shirt was great for everyday active-wear on set, and also doubled as dress-up wear for a night out at clubs in Amman or Cairo. It was never wrinkly, and took up almost no space. I want 10 more!"

- Brady Brim-DeForest, Documentary Filmmaker

"I have been wearing Elise's original jewelry designs for many years.  They are the beloved star pieces in the treasure chest that is my personal jewelry box.

Elise is a woman of many bold talents.  She approaches gems and stones with the eye and the skill of a loving shaman.  She has deep respect and heightened appreciation for their mysterious beauty, their life supporting vibrational qualities, and their long revered place in our lives as women.  I would say that she has a special relationship with jewels and their relationship to us, and to each other.

Many of the jewelry pieces I have Elise intuitively created for me, for reasons she divined.  They were often pieces I would not have naturally gravitated to, yet they are the heart of my collection.  I am now accustomed to the shift that takes place in myself when I wear these exquisite pieces of jewelry.  They are power pieces, reminding me who I am and why I am here.  They reflect beauty, love and strength, and they call to me.

I have worn Elise's jewelry locally and internationally, and it never fails to draw people's admiration and curiosity.  I am accustomed to total strangers, men, women, and children reaching out to touch a necklace I am wearing as they compliment it's beauty.  I have been approached by women who ask if I am wearing Elise's work, we are grateful members of a select community."