About the Designer

Sophea Designs proudly presents a collection of exquisite jewelry crafted by the talented Dr. Karmen L. Schmidt. The name "Sophea," derived from the classic Greek word for "wisdom," perfectly embodies the sophistication and beauty that Karmen infuses into her creations.

Inspired by the lush landscapes of Oregon's Willamette Valley, Karmen's handcrafted designs showcase the diverse forms, colors, and textures found in nature. Each piece is meticulously crafted using a variety of beading and wire techniques, ensuring that no two creations are alike. This one-of-a-kind approach fuels Karmen's passion for continuously delivering fresh and unique designs that truly reflect the style and personality of her discerning clientele.

Karmen's exceptional artistry has garnered recognition in prestigious museums and publications, including being featured on the cover of Bead and Button Magazine in multiple years. Her remarkable talent has also earned her accolades in various beading competitions and art shows. As an experienced educator, she has imparted her knowledge through beading classes at renowned bead shops and shows, as well as serving as a faculty member at Embellishment in 2002.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Karmen leads a captivating life outside of the jewelry realm. She runs a small farm where she generously donates hundreds of pounds of produce to the local food bank every year. Furthermore, her dedication to education spans nearly four decades as a professor of gross and microscopic human anatomy, having taught close to 10,000 medical students. Her illustrious teaching career culminated at Oregon Health and Sciences University, where she held notable positions such as anatomy course director, Director of the Body Donation Program, and State of Oregon Demonstrator of Anatomy. She retired with the esteemed title of Professor Emeritus.

Beyond her expertise in anatomy, Karmen is also an avid blogger and a sought-after speaker at Comic-Cons for Outlander Anatomy where she teaches human anatomy through the lens of the Outlander book series by Diana Gabaldon and the Outlander Starz Television Series. She was honored to be mentioned (2022) in the Acknowledgements for Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone “for her elegant advice on matters medical, anatomical, and apiarial.”

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Sophea Designs and discover the unparalleled artistry of Karmen L. Schmidt. Experience the essence of wisdom, sophistication, and individuality with each carefully crafted piece, meticulously designed to make a style statement that is uniquely yours!