By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Red shoes have always been a symbol of "something magical" to Meg Truesdell, as she recalls the many times they have been used in fairy tales with female characters.
She also had a pair of favorite red shoes.
This Friday and Saturday, Truesdell will host her third show in Niles in the Common Ground building in the Niles Industrial Park, where she works. It's owned by her parents, Judy and Terry Truesdell.
During her seven years living in Louisville, Ky., Meg worked in an art gallery and met many other artists. There, she had her first show and continued when she moved back to her native Niles.
She and her husband, Steve Johnson, who works for Comcast Cable, have a 20-month-old daughter, Laura.
Her work with jewelry began with a bridal business, making custom pieces for the bride and her attendants.
Usually though she lets the beads speak for themselves.
Truesdell, a 1990 graduate of Niles High School, started out three years ago sending out 100 invitations to her first show.
This year she sent 250. "My mailing list is really growing."
Showing baby items, under the name Baby Wobs, which include darling headbands and matching shirts, is Carrie Halbritter of Niles. Her daughter Avery, 10-months-old, is the perfect model.
Knitted bags are by Jenny Kupfer of Niles, who teaches at Christ the King school. Her friend is also coming up from Louisville, Mary Ellen Furlong, bringing unique knitted scarves.
The Red Shoe Jewelry holiday show and sale is at 1840 Terminal Road, Niles, Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Her web site is redshowjewelry.com.