Spring store owner shows how she spins "gold" from grass

SPRING, TX (KTRK) -- "Everybody asks me, 'What is this?' And when I tell them what it's grass, it just blows everybody's mind," says Marcia Berg.

At a glance, the earrings and necklaces look like they're gold jewelry, but they're actually made out of grass.

"It's found only in one state in Brazil and only natives in that state can harvest it," explains Susy Stevenson, owner of Susy's Stuff in Old Town Spring.

Stevenson currently sells this grass jewelry in her store, but when she lived in Brazil, this was the only gold she wore.

"The problem with Brazil -- it's a poor country, and you cannot walk around with diamonds and gold because the poor will end up robbing you, so Brazilians are used to decorating themselves with natural resources," Stevenson says.

After moving to Houston more than a decade ago, trips home to Brazil often became shopping excursions.

"When we'd come back, everybody would love the jewelry that we would bring for us, so we started bringing jewelry for friends. And then friends would give us money to get jewelry for them to give as gifts," she adds.

Finally, she opened her store. "Everything here is organic or recycled. And most of the things are made by crafters, and that's their livelihood in Brazil," adds Stevenson.

She also sells vegetable ivory, which is the seed from a palm tree. It comes in natural shades, like actual ivory. However, Stevenson says, "You're making with a renewable source, so you aren't killing elephants."

Vegetable ivory can be dyed in an array of colors and is sturdy like real ivory.

Paola Anderson is a busy mom and fan of these organic pieces. "I like jewelry that holds up with me. These are for me, the best," she says.

Stevenson also makes jewelry from coconut shells and the super food, acai berries. "Now, you will not be healthy by wearing the jewelry. You will be pretty only," she jokes, but her customers disagree.

"When I wear this, I feel like a healing. It makes me feel happy" says Kathrnie Long.

The affordable prices also put a smile on their faces. Stevenson admits she keeps her prices low because she can. "More affordable...why? Because I don't buy online. I go right to the crafter," she says. "So, you still look nice, but it's not expensive."

Susy's Stuff is right on Main Street in Old Town Spring. Old Town Spring will have it's Christmas Tree Lighting and light up the town this Saturday, November 8th.