Year in Review, sayonara 2013

When I mentally review how this year has gone by I'm overcome with gratitude for the many opportunities and blessings that have come my way.  

Here's a short list of my accomplishments and lessons:

Accomplishments: 

• My business grew twofold
• my studio practice is more organized and exciting.  
• I've worked with so many talented artists from various methods (photography, graphic design, fashion, writers and more)
• Jewelry published on the cover of Eide Magazine, featured in Bella Magazine, The East Carolinian, The Daily Reflector, Equinox exhibition postcard and soon to be in Behind the Brooch (you can order it now!)
• I co-produced my first fashion show, Auerlian nights
• released my first video & lookbook
• worked with Art Avenue to promote their events and increase membership

Lessons & Goals:

• Before jumping in headfirst to wholesale, I've begun consignment then transitioning to wholesale
• Cushion more time into preparing for a large project, like a fashion show and lookbook
• CONTRACTS are essential when working with other artists and individuals
• Research deadlines for grants, exhibitions and shows.  Several opportunities I could've used slipped by because I didn't write them down or research for them. 
• Save more money and draft an advertising & marketing plan

One of the outtakes from a photo session with Aileen Devlin.

My new slightly cramped but cozy space at Art Avenue

Thanks for reading! And HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Playing on the boys team

Another great collection of pieces put together by Fashiongentrix.  

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Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! 

May your holidays be filled with happiness, joy and maybe cats?! Mine definitely will be. 

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Maleficent and the Hunted

Did a lil' google search yesterday of Eilisain Jewelry and look what came up?

I love surprises and gifts like this; my jewelry included in an inspiration board.  CreamStyle fashion blog did a great style board inspired by recent movies or soon to be released and the Hunted sterling silver crow claw ring with amethyst was included.  

I very much approve of her combination, it' one I would definitely wear!

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Earrings for Matt

Tis the season to give, and giving to a cause is very much part of what I did in my former profession (working for nonprofit, advocacy groups).  And giving is a part of my current business model.  

What better way to give a gift than with 100% of the proceeds going to a worthy cause?  These earrings are one of a kind and made by talented artists!

Tara Locklear is one of the most generous people I know; she really commits to sharing her knowledge and time. Matthew McClain, a tattoo artist, died several months ago at the hand of a drunk driver.  Matt's family is struggling to pay his medical bills and live a sustainable life; in efforts to help Tara organized the Etsy shop, Earrings for Matt.  

More information about Matt:

Matt was a motorcyclist and tattooer formally of Purple Heart Tattoo in Jacksonville, North Carolina. He was in a tragic motorcycle accident with his girlfriend of 6 years, Kathrine Collins who is currently healing injuries from the accident. Matt walked to the beat of his own drum. He was funny, silly, serious, deep, kind, caring and loved his circle of friends and family with a passion that could fill many pages. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere at any time. All of your support and purchases are greatly appreciated.

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LIGHT Art + Design Gallery

Last weekend I went to the holiday exhibition opening Metal 3 at Light Art + Design Gallery in Chapel Hill, NC.  I'd heard many great things about this gallery, especially since several of my friends and ECU alumni are represented there, so I was very happy to be invited to stay at Tara Locklear's place and spend the evening in a city, that is so close that I'd never been to.

Light is owned by two interior designers so the aesthetic and feel of the gallery lends itself to a modern and visually appealing space.  I very much enjoyed the feel of the gallery, as well as ogling the gorgeous jewelry and sculpture on display.  I was also very happy to see Hoss Haley's pieces (that my Penland Class had seen in the process) exhibited!

This was also a celebration of sorts as I got to spend the evening with Sarah West and Tara Locklear, whom I haven't been with both at the same time in awhile.  The three of us were the older ladies in the ECU undergrad studio back in the day (about 3 years ago).  It was really great catching up with them and reliving old memories.

I hope you enjoy this post! 

Hoss Haley sculpture

Hoss Haley

Of course, the ECU metalsmiths are very well represented.  Laura Wood and Zachary Lechtenburg are also represented by Light. 

The ladies in action, Sarah West on the left and Tara Locklear on the right.

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FREE SHIPPING on all Holiday orders

There is still time to get your holiday gifts, I'm offering free shipping on all orders for the holiday season.  Last day to get yours in time for Xmas is December 16th!

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Wild Hand Workspace Presents SWANK Jewelry Pop Up shop

Really psyched to have been invited to participate in this 'swanky' jewelry shop.  In my DC, Panda Head, aka Morgan Hungerford West, crafter/lifestyle/photographer and all around creative extraordonaire is part of the team behind this event.  

If you are in DC, stop by and soak in (and buy) gorgeous handmade jewelry.  Wild Hand studio is located at Monroe Street Market in the Brookland/Edgewood neighborhood of DC.  

The event runs from December 12-22.

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Featured Artist: Jeremy Fineman of Bullfrog Ceramics

I can't believe I haven't blogged about Jeremy before, other than about Art Avenue bizznass.

Jeremy Fineman is pretty much my studio mate at AA, and our go to guy for any construction or building at Art Ave.  Oh and the reason for this post, he is an excellent ceramicist! His pieces are quirky and odd...kinda like Jeremy.  No seriously, there is a fun playfulness and intentional unbalanced nature to all of his pieces.  He likes to put rattles in the handle of his mugs or as below in the spinning top to his sugar bowl. 

His pieces make the best gifts, people love them!  And it has the special quality of being handmade and one of a kind.  I've given them as wedding gifts, birthdays and of course, Christmas gifts!

On a side note from Jeremy's awesome work, I can't say enough how essential he has been to the progress of Art Avenue.  He's helped recruit volunteers, members, supporters, given time to reorganizing the artist's studio and helped me fix some of my own equipment. 

Sugar bowls

My favorite mugs!

And Jeremy to the left of me, enjoying Andy Denton's ode to Art Avenue.

Thanks for reading, and don't forget: BUY HANDMADE THIS SEASON! 

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Video of the Day: Walking Through That Door by Future Islands

Future Islands: Walking Through That Door on Nowness.com
 

I love this video for so many reasons; the artistry, stop motion animation, it's done by Greenville locals Future Islands and ECU Alum Kymia Nawabi, the song is wonderful and this strange love story between a bear and a girl.

 
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the months that just keep giving

The sales just keep on comin'! Enjoy friends

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Birds

I didn't realize until several minutes ago how much I love bird imagery.  It sounds like a duh moment, considering my most popular jewelry is cast from birds but I guess I never really analyzed it.

My late grandmother, Anne, loved birds.  She had a whole room devoted to birds, we called it the bird room.  My grandma was such a wonderful person and I'd like to think she somehow passed her love of birds on to me.

With that this post is dedicated to the beauty of birds and the delicate and somber art of Lauren Gray of The Haunted Hollow Tree.   

It's on my Christmas wishlist to get one of her prints!

The Gathering print by Lauren Gray.

Flying barn owl drawing by Lauren Gray.

Raven Study drawing by Lauren Gray of The Haunted Hollow Tree.

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Like Candy

I've been going a little crazy with the Vespa rings, I just love them and I love these gorgeous stones and druzies that I purchase from Instant Karma.

I think the amethyst is my favorite, so pretty, my favorite color combination black and purple.  To me their like candy!

Amethyst Vespa ring, $215,

So wonderful, all together.  

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Several interviews

Yesterday was a whirlwind of great press, my interview with Eide magazine was published, you can read it here. As you may recall the Hunted silver double owl talon earrings were featured on the cover of the magazine.  The team over at Eide magazine is super supportive of independent designers, especially in the South.  And the magazine itself is a great publication.  

And several months ago, back in August, I met with Krista Anne of the Makery Project (which supports and promotes NC artisans).  I gave her a tour of my studio at Art Avenue and discussed what it's like working as an artist in Greenville.  

Press like this is hard to come by, as well as the generous people behind these kinds of projects.  I feel really fortunate to have been chosen.  Thanks for reading and your support!

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scoring brownie points

I've professed my secrets on my facebook page, for those that sign up for my newsletter, you get the best discounts and in the know news about my jewelry.  But I'll share it with you now, when you sign up for my newsletter and coupons, you are the first to know about my sales and stockists - also, for all you birthday people, you get the best gift of all!   

With that being said, black friday is right around the corner and I'm going to send out my steepest discount code to my newsletter subscribers.  Sign up today!

Photo by Aileen Devlin.  Vespa collection modeled by Sterling Lieske. 

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Holiday Sale at Art Avenue

We're having our first Holiday Sale at Art Avenue.  Very much looking forward to it, and celebrating one of the most successful years at Art Avenue.  I hope you'll come out and say hello and purchase some handmade artwork this holiday season!

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Kathleen Sommers Annual Bracelet Show

Here it is, the official postcard for the show.  Such a beautiful collection of bracelets and artists.  I am seriously honored to be included in this exhibition, with friends and artists I admire.

I hope you can make it if you're in the San Antonio neighborhood!

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Vampy jewelry

I've come upon some very exciting news.  One of the directors of the Vampire Diaries purchased my jewelry (at Young Blood Boutique...how appropriate!).

So I'm enlisting your help, if you watch the show (which of course I now will).  And you see my jewelry, please let me know (email: info@eilisainjewelry.com).  For extra incentive, you'll receive a complimentary owl talon charm for your investigation!

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Artist profile Ken Bova

Artist Profile Ken Bova from Jed Watson on Vimeo.

This is such a great video of the how Ken thinks and his current body of work.  I love that you can also see the students and undergrad studio in the background.  

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Tomb bracelet

I finished the last bracelet for the Kathleen Sommers Annual bracelet show, and I think this is my favorite and I may do more.  I love the oxidized bones and contrast with the purple jadeite.  

I'm just really very pleased with it.  I hope you like it too!

Tomb bracelet, 2013.  Cast bird bones in sterling silver and purple jadeite.

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The Universe listens

Here is a little confession.  There have been days this year where I've seriously questioned how I'll survive being an independent jeweler, it's been a struggle as much as I've had success it's an up hill climb.  However I know it's worth it, when I sit at my bench and remember the first awe I had when I completed a ring or a bracelet.  

Several months ago, I had posted on an FB jewelry group for recommendations on jewelry displays and how to go about purchasing equipment.  Next thing I know I get an email from a fellow artist about two jewelry displays that she has in her basement, and are mine, for free if I'm willing to pick them up.  Luckily this was about an hour and a half drive away.

I could not believe my luck, and it hit me yesterday how fortunate and how when I do question how sustainable this career is, life throws me a bone or more like free display cases.  This person could've tried selling the cases but her generosity was a godsend, to me and Art Avenue.  I'm forever grateful for that.  Not just that, I'm so thankful for loyal customers and new people I meet that buy my jewelry.  

thank you, thank you, thank you!

Don't they look lovely displaying my jewelry?

Close up shot. 

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New addition to Vespa Collection

When I first began on the Vespa collection, I imagined making more pieces; but when it came to crunch time...well, I ran out of time! Plus I was getting it all ready for the fashion show.

So here is a continuation of the collection.  The companion piece to the Vespa necklace, the Vespa cuff.  After I completed the cuff, I realized that is has a super woman aesthetic, like arm shields!

I am quite happy, this cuff will be sent off to Kathleen Sommers for her annual bracelet show, along with two other bracelets I have to get working on this weekend.   As I've said in previous posts, I really enjoy the chance to work on one of a kind pieces and play.  

Vespa Cuff, 2013.  Photo by Lisette Fee, all rights reserved. 

Vespa Cuff, 2013.  Photo by Lisette Fee, all rights reserved. 

Vespa Cuff, 2013.  Photo by Lisette Fee, all rights reserved. 

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Studio Tour Weekend at ECU

First and foremost, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

I don't know what it is about this year but for some reason, I'm so much more in the Autumn/Halloween/festive mood.  I went a bit nuts decorating my apartment and I'll be SO sad to take them down.

Okay, now on to more serious business.  This weekend is the annual artist studio tour hosted by the Friends of ECU School of Art and Design.  Proceeds from the ticket sales go to scholarships for current art students.  And I feel so lucky to be a part of this year's tour.  It's a really fabulous idea considering there are quite a few studios in Greenville and the school is promoting this to the community.  

Jeremy Fineman, ceramicist and co-resident artist, will also be participating with me as we represent Art Avenue.  

Photo by Aileen Devlin. 

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Joya Barcelona

One day I'm going to this awesome event.

Enjoy the vid!

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A couple of things

So as you can imagine, with the holidays coming up...these next several months are going to be insanely busy.  But I don't mind, it's great to have a challenge and work towards finishing projects.

Not only am I getting ready for holiday sales but also some great exhibition opportunities.  I've been invited to participate in Kathleen Sommers 5th annual bracelet show, SO psyched about this opportunity and I just discovered that my Maybe Sparrow necklace was featured on the exhibition postcard for the Dia de Los Muertos event at Equinox Gallery!

I'm also preparing work to send off to several new galleries, Twilight Gallery in Seattle and Michele Tuegel Contemporary Gallery in St. Petersburg, Florida.  I have been seriously blessed this year.  

Photo taken by Ken Bova.  Maybe Sparrow necklace, 2013.

Thank you for reading and for YOUR support!
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Dia de Los Muertos exhibition

The post card for the exhibition I'm participating in, I'm in very good company! As you saw in an earlier post, my Maybe Sparrow necklace is part of the exhibition.  I wish I could be in San Antonio to see the exhibition in person.  

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final Penlandia post

So I know I've been super behind on blog posts and my last Penland post.  What can I say the holidays are right around the corner and things are about to get cray-cray!!

But nonetheless I'd like to share the last of the Penland posts, with photos taken from the studio visit, and this one below of the River Arts District in Asheville.  

Everytime I go to Asheville there is a new place to visit!

the gorgeous moths (and other bugs) collected at Penland.

Penland Resident Artists studio visits with Dustin Farnsworth (wood) and Micah Evans (Glass)

Creepy cool,  Dustin sculpts the faces from wood!

Micah's glass is just ridiculous, so imaginative and fragile.

And Micah at work, so badass!

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