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!

Pin It

Playing on the boys team

Another great collection of pieces put together by Fashiongentrix.  

Pin It

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! 

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

Pin It

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!

Pin It

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.

Pin It

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.

Pin It

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!

Pin It

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.

Pin It

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! 

Pin It

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.

 
Pin It

the months that just keep giving

The sales just keep on comin'! Enjoy friends

Pin It