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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