When Susan Small, a Katy jewelry designer and artist, first saw the historic 1910 house at 1306 Ave. A, she knew it had potential. She just did not know for what yet.

"I never planned on opening this shop," Small said. "It was just an idea that came together perfectly. I am an art jeweler and have always been an artist, dabbling in different venues for my whole life."

The house is now a showcase of Small's artistic vision. Each room of the shop features a menagerie of jewelry and accessories woven through an array of found-art objects and original creations.

There are five parts to Multiplicity: the gift gallery, bead room, Chalk Paint studio, metal smithing studio and events venue. Most importantly, Small said, it is a place to find a creative

spirit within.

The owner herself wears many hats: art teacher, designer, and event coordinator. Among Small's talents is her ability to seekout and follow emerging artisans.

Small said every year she attends dozens of artisan festivals, shows and markets in search pieces that have a strong personality. Even when she travels for pleasure she plans in jaunts to local markets, looking for new finished pieces or various items she can incorporate into her own work.

Since opening the business in 2011, Small, who originally studied to be an engineer, has watched it grow and inspire others to be creative. But it has also brought inspiration back into her own artistic life, she said.

"I got to a point a few years ago where I was frustrated and not feeling very inspired," Small said. "A friend of mine and I made a pact to start something new—anything, an artist co-op or a shop or something to help us get inspired again—by the next fall. A few months later, I stumbled upon this property and immediately fell in love with it. I made an offer. Then, suddenly I had a vision for it."

Small spent the next few months designing, repainting and landscaping the property. The interior shop and the exterior grounds continue to evolve. The venue has become a destination for parties, weddings, community events and charity fundraisers. The response, she said, has been amazing.

"I had a lady knocking on the door before we were even open, wanting to have her engagement party here," Small said. "She ended up having it the day we opened that September and it was lovely. Ever since then, we have had lots of baby showers, parties and weddings and I hope it only grows from there."

Small added a fountain and gardens as well as a cabana and food service area to the existing one-acre property.

In January Small plans to open another studio, this one at 19412 FM 1093, that will provide a space for metalworking and refinishing projects.

"We are really trying to expand the arts education and creating part of Multiplicity," Small said. "I think we are really good at helping people design something that they feel good about, and I think that is the whole idea behind this place. That's ultimately how I hope we grow."

Multiplicity

1306 Ave. A

Katy (832) 437-2442

www.multiplicity.co