Jeff & Priscilla O’Kelley: Building Stories in Wood

Artist at a glance

Jeff O’Kelley and Priscilla O’Kelley

Medium

Wood

Based in

Palm Harbor, Florida

A dragon can begin as a design on a screen and become something far more personal. For Jeff and Priscilla O’Kelley, one layered wood creation became a gift for a close friend in hospice—and, later, a continuing tribute to his memory.

That piece, which they call “Muse’s Dragon,” holds a special place in the work of O’Kelley Designs. It also offers a glimpse of what the Palm Harbor, Florida, couple hopes their art can do: give people something to connect with, whether through a familiar symbol, a striking pattern, or a story of their own.

A creative outlet becomes a shared venture

Jeff’s interest began with woodworking and the possibilities of modern laser technology. What started as a creative outlet grew into a shared, family-owned business making handcrafted gifts, home décor, and keepsakes. Wood offered the flexibility to explore ideas with both a laser and traditional hand tools.

The couple’s ambitions took a more deliberate turn when they decided to build a business that would let them keep working after retirement and support their love of travel. The two pursuits feed each other: travel is both a reason to make and a source of new designs.

Celtic imagery is a central influence, joined by Nordic, Viking, Pagan, and other historical sources. The O’Kelleys study these traditions and look for inspiration during their travels, bringing a range of cultural references into their woodwork. A branching tree and a layered dragon reveal how intricate cutouts and contrasting tones give familiar forms depth.

From a design file to the finishing touches

The most demanding part of the process often happens before the first piece is cut. Some designs arrive quickly; others require a long period of development. Once an idea is ready, Jeff creates the laser-ready file and cuts the individual components. Pieces may be painted or stained before assembly.

Priscilla brings another dimension to many of the creations with resin that she colors by hand. The resin adds color and becomes part of the design, complementing the wood before the components are assembled into their final form.

The precision of the finished work can conceal the experimentation behind it. “There is a lot of trial and error with every design,” they explain. Finding the right balance of details may mean producing several versions that cannot be used. Each finished piece is the result of those decisions as well as the cutting, coloring, and assembly.

The story behind “Muse’s Dragon”

“Muse’s Dragon” has a particularly personal history. Jeff originally made the multilayer wood dragon for a friend who loved dragons, so he could keep it beside his bed in hospice. After his death, his wife kept the carving next to his ashes.

The O’Kelleys continue to make versions of the design as a tribute. For a business that draws so much inspiration from historical imagery, this piece has a deeply personal origin: a gift made for one person that continues to carry his memory.

Connections across the booth

Art and craft shows have been part of O’Kelley Designs from the beginning. The couple generally stays close to home, exhibiting from October through April and relying on online sales to supplement the business during Florida’s hot summers and the holidays.

Meeting people is one of the rewards of showing in person. “You never know who will walk into your booth,” they say. Over time, some visitors have become returning clients who seek them out at shows to see what they have made next. Those continuing relationships are among the experiences they value most.

Running the business has brought practical lessons, too, especially in planning inventory and setting prices. Along the way, the couple has also had opportunities to promote their creations through television appearances. Their focus remains on making new work and sharing it with people who respond to it.

Asked what they hope people feel when they encounter their art, the O’Kelleys give a brief answer: “Happiness. Joy.” From an intricately cut wooden design to a dragon made in remembrance, that wish connects the many forms their work takes.

Explore O’Kelley Designs

Find more of Jeff and Priscilla O’Kelley’s work at OKelleyDesigns.com, on Facebook, and on Instagram.

Based on the artists’ submitted interview. All photographs by Jeff O’Kelley.