I’m Alyssa - the artist, maker, and treasure-hunter behind Opal + Birch. I started this creative journey in 2020, turning my love of art, nature, and adventure into a small business that feels like a living extension of who I am. From my home studio in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, I create pottery, jewelry, photography, and design pieces inspired by the lakes, woods, and wild places that fill my heart.

My pottery is rooted in organic textures and earthy tones, while my handcrafted jewelry incorporates natural stones, crystals, and materials that echo the beauty of the outdoors. As a lifelong rock collector and beachcomber, I’ve always felt connected to the tiny treasures the earth offers. Over the years, that passion has expanded into a curated collection of crystals, fossils, minerals, and meteorites - sourced from trusted collectors, small local suppliers, and sometimes hand-mined by me. It’s all part of my creative world; these natural wonders inspire my art just as much as my art celebrates them.

Creativity is my happy place. Making things - whether it’s a mug, a necklace, a photograph, or something totally off-the-wall grounds me and brings me joy. I draw inspiration from the places I go, the people I meet, and the stories the natural world tells. In a world that feels heavy and complicated, I believe it’s more important than ever to create, share art, connect with each other, and embrace the things that make us feel alive.

When I’m not creating, you’ll find me on the lake, combing beaches for rocks and driftwood, or spending time with the people (and pups) I love.

Life is short. Enjoy yourself. Be weird. Have fun. Explore. Make the things - beautiful, wild, imperfect, magical things - that fill your heart and soul. That’s what Opal + Birch is all about.