Willie Zuniga is a jewelry designer.  Willie is also a cancer survivor.  Most importantly, Willie is a fine human being with a big heart.  In the process of navigating her own journey through illness, her interaction with other cancer patients sparked an idea that has become a full-blown program called "Angels in the Parlour."

Willie's story struck such a cord with us that we want to share it with you.  The holiday season seems the perfect time to do so.  Here is her story, in her own words, straight from her Esty shop profile. 



Welcome! My name is Willie Zuniga, and I thank you for visiting Morning Glory Designs.

I offer an heirloom-quality selection of vintage style jewelry, reminiscent of the Victorian and Renaissance eras.  Each piece is hand-crafted with exceptional care, in the hope that it will be cherished for generations.

I first began making jewelry during a long illness, and what began as a means of keeping busy soon became a passion.  I returned to work briefly, but in 2003 my recurring illness forced me to leave my job permanently.

It was a terribly difficult time.  I couldn't imagine how I would remain a productive, useful person without working, let alone learn to live with the results of the surgeries and treatments that were required.

During this time, I came across a website featuring Victorian style jewelry components, VintageJewelrySupplies.com (Originally AccessoriesSusan.com).  There I found a whole world of Susan's creations, design ideas and lesson plans, all using the most beautiful components I'd ever seen.  (Lesson plans and photos can now be found at her new instructional site, FiligreeJewelrySupplies.com.)

I immersed myself completely in learning to design with the amazing products she offers.  Although I was still very sick, this process shifted the focus away from my seemingly hopeless health problems, and on to the timeless beauty of vintage design.

During my day-long hospital treatments, I often worked on my jewelry. When other patients showed an interest, “Angels in the Parlour” was born.  I started bringing extra tools and supplies along, and soon we had a small group of budding designers ... all very sick, but each surely changing what might have been a terribly dismal time.

As a result, I have formed many treasured friendships, and most cherished of these is that with Susan Street, the owner of VintageJewelrySupplies.com.  Susan continues to give freely of her time, experience and resources, and truly makes the Angels project possible by maintaining a high standard of quality and variety in her components.  Even a beginner can make something extraordinary!

I hope you’ll take a moment to look through my “Angels in the Parlour” category.  100% of your purchase from this section will be used to buy supplies for our project, and whenever possible I’ll feature items made by the patients themselves as well.  Although my hospital visits are just once every three weeks at this time, I additionally hold informal jewelry-making “classes” in my home, and no patient is ever asked to pay any dues or fees.

I am honored by the company of these courageous and amazing women, and blessed by their example. While fighting the greatest battles of their lives, they create and dream, laugh and cry, and share their strengths and sorrows.  I am eternally grateful to these "angels," for through them I have not only made peace with my situation, but have found a happier and more productive, useful life than I ever dreamed possible.



We encourage you to visit Morning Glory Designs on Etsy, to see Willie's beautiful designs for yourself.  Should you purchase any of the "ANGELS" designs, know that 100% of the proceeds go back into the Angels in the Parlour program.