Butterflies in Winter
Michelle Feldman Castle lives with her husband, artist Joe Castle, way out in what many would consider the middle of nowhere, east of Bellevue. Barely another abode is within sight. But Michelle’s connection to the world around her, to art and to culture is as strong as it has ever been. Her company Butterfly Design is proof of that.
Originally from Los Angeles, Michelle earned a design degree from UCLA, before moving to Boston where she worked in the hospitality industry, managing restaurants and high-end events.
“I love working with clients, and I understand how to make it flow and what you need so your guest has a great time.”
In 2002 she moved to the Wood River Valley, a place she’d been visiting for more than 30 years, and met Joe, a sculptor, in a yoga class. They were married last summer outside their newly expanded green home. Situated in an open field and surrounded by hills, the house is built of sustainable and reused materials carefully chosen for both practicality and aesthetic value.
“We like to hike, explore, travel and snowshoe,…and do all the cultural stuff,” she said. “We try to embrace that. We live in Bellevue but we don’t hesitate for a second to go up [to Ketchum or Sun Valley] for an event. We feel very lucky to be here.”
She’s also lucky to have created a niche business in the Valley that takes in all her skills.
Among Butterfly Design’s offerings are custom invitations, event graphics, stationary, menus, programs, and party favors. In her newly opened studio over The BrickHouse Restaurant in Bellevue, she also carries other vendors, including four lines of recycled stationery. Michelle’s custom work has been published on theknot.com, and she is expanding nationally.
“Details are key,” she said. “An artful invitation should be a tactile experience that sets the tone for the event. I’m thrilled to have a studio where my clients can touch the papers and feel the quality.”
Michelle’s Butterfly Designs will be available at the 19th annual Papoose Club Holiday Fair, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6, at Hemingway Elementary in Ketchum. Admission to the Holiday Fair is free: raffles, food and activities including a visit from Santa will also be available.
Michelle will have Butterfly’s cards for all occasions (including hand-glittered cards, envelope-lined cards, packs of Holiday cards), place-cards, gift tags, magnets and cards printed on wood.
Butterfly Designs can be reached at (208) 928-7999, at, www.butterflydesignstudio.com or visit Castle at 202 South Main St. Suite 4.
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