Young artists honored as CASA’s Sketches to Sparkles contest turns drawings into timeless jewelry

Breslyn Trevino and Madelei Marti see their designs transformed into keepsakes by Elliott’s Jewelers

Children’s creativity shines in Huntsville

HUNTSVILLE — A simple sketchbook and the power of imagination became the foundation for jewelry masterpieces as CASA of Walker, San Jacinto and Trinity Counties recently revealed the winners of its annual Sketches to Sparkles Jewelry Contest.

Two local girls, Breslyn Trevino and Madelei Marti, were selected as this year’s top winners. Their hand-drawn designs were turned into one-of-a-kind necklaces by Elliott Herzlich, owner of Elliott’s Jewelers in Huntsville. The contest, now in its second year, invited children ages 5–11 to submit original sketches. The goal is to celebrate creativity while offering young artists a chance to see their work transformed into a meaningful keepsake.

A first-place finish

Breslyn’s design earned first place, with her drawing recreated as a delicate, rhinestone-covered necklace. The moment she received the finished piece was one she won’t soon forget.

 

 

“It’s very beautiful,” Breslyn said with a smile. “I’m really happy with the rhinestone design and how it’s all over it, not just on the wings. I really love it.”

 

She added that her first thought was of her mom and expressed gratitude to Herzlich for choosing her design.

A meaningful second-place story

Second place went to Madelei Marti, whose drawing was inspired by her mother’s battle with cancer. Hand-set stones and thoughtful craftsmanship turned her heartfelt illustration into a fitting tribute.

 

 

 

Laura Green, CASA’s development director, said Madelei’s entry stood out for its emotional depth.

“She drew her design from her heart for her mom, who is fighting cancer,” Green said. “Her story pulled at our heartstrings, and it was beautiful to see Elliott honor that vision.”

 

Craftsmanship with purpose

For Herzlich, the contest is far more than an art challenge — it’s about translating emotion into tangible form.

“Every year this contest is special, but this year was really moving,” he said. “The kids draw from their hearts and their imaginations. I try to capture that feeling and bring it into the piece — something that starts as an emotion and becomes physical. That’s not easy, but that’s what makes it meaningful.”

Depending on the intricacy of the design, the process from sketch to final piece can take anywhere from two days to five weeks. Beyond crafting jewelry, Herzlich said being involved in CASA’s mission is deeply rewarding.

“It makes our community better, it makes the people we serve better, and it makes me very happy.”

CASA’s mission across three counties

CASA of Walker, San Jacinto and Trinity Counties is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Huntsville. Its mission is to provide trained, court-appointed volunteer advocacy for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Judges appoint CASA volunteers to speak up for a child’s best interests in court, at school and in agency meetings.

The organization’s vision is simple yet profound: a safe, permanent, nurturing home for every child. Through dedicated volunteers, CASA ensures children in the foster care system do not fall through the cracks, and that their voices are heard.

This local program is part of both Texas CASA and the National CASA Association, which provide resources and training to strengthen advocacy efforts.

Looking ahead to 2026

The Sketches to Sparkles contest will return during CASA’s All About Kids Expo on Saturday, April 25, 2026, open to children ages 5–11 across all three counties. Winners’ designs will again be turned into jewelry valued at more than $2,500, thanks to Elliott’s Jewelers’ generous support.

 

 

Green encouraged families to mark their calendars.
“It’s free, it’s fun, and it gives kids a chance to create something that could last a lifetime,” she said.

For now, Breslyn and Madelei will cherish the necklaces that began as sketches — symbols of boundless imagination and community support.