THE BIRTH »» For as long as she can remember, Leila Marvel has been a collector. She remembers going to estate sales as a child and visiting her grandmother's haunted third floor, where she would open drawers and write herself letters with a quill to be found during future visits. She began starting her own collections of vintage jewelry, antiquarian anatomy books, gothic & Art Nouveau furniture and religious statues, just to name a few. In 2007, her collections morphed into assemblage art, later developing into the eco-friendly jewelry that is now known as Red Heart 13. The name itself stems from Leila's personal connection to the sacred heart, with the number 13 representing rebellion. She harnesses this energy in the form of wearable relics, which she hopes serve as a reminder to keep the free spirit unleashed.
THE HUNT »» Leila cherishes the hunt before a piece is even made, exploring flea markets, antique stores and abandoned buildings for the trinkets that will become Red Heart 13. She spends afternoons dancing with vintage pieces and painting in her sun-drenched studio. Each object carries with it a piece of history and its own story. Leila carefully selects the components of each piece, letting their past weave together to create something completely renewed.
THE CALLING »» Much inspiration for Red Heart 13 comes from Leila’s daily wanderings, her love of watching horror films with her husband and playing in same forest she used to as a child. She is also a lead paranormal investigator for Delaware Researchers of the Paranormal (DROP). Though Leila is a full time branding Art Director with over 15 years experience, her sanctuary is hiding away in her studio embracing the artistry of jewelry making.
