Eilisain aka Lisette in Gaelic

Welcome to my blog, where I document my process in making jewelry, muse on the influence of art and the joy of making beautiful objects.




Monday, June 29, 2015

Ritual, Ritual - New Stockist

I'd like to add to the list of the many reasons why I love doing shows, the next item on the list is that I get to meet boutique owners that eventually add my jewelry to their list of inventory.  Such as when I met Angela Monaco, co-owner of all around rad boutique Ritural, Ritual in downtown Philadelphia.

I've had RR on my radar for awhile now and I always wanted them to carry Eilisain.  Prior to traveling to Philly for the Art Star Craft Show I emailed Angela to see if we could meet as she would have a table at the show as well.  We eventually met and she told me how much she loved Eilisain and that it would be a perfect fit at RR.

Angela is not only part of the team at RR but also creates pretty awesome jewelry herself, Concrete Polish.  She uses beautiful stones and inventive settings for them. 

Eilisain Jewelry on the main page!
So if you're in Philadelphia, stop by this beautiful shop! Not only do they carry beautiful jewelry but great clothing and objects - all handmade in the United States. 
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Wednesday, June 24, 2015

The Living Tree

Photo by Aileen Devlin.
 Living Tree

It’s said they planted trees by graves
to soak up spirits of the dead
through roots into the growing wood.
The favorite in the burial yards
I knew was common juniper.
One could do worse than pass into
such a species. I like to think
that when I’m gone the chemicals
and yes the spirit that was me
might be searched out by subtle roots
and raised with sap through capillaries
into an upright, fragrant trunk,
and aromatic twigs and bark,
through needles bright as hoarfrost to
the sunlight for a century
or more, in wood repelling rot
and standing tall with monuments
and statues there on the far hill,
erect as truth, a testimony,
in ground that’s dignified by loss,
around a melancholy tree
that’s pointing toward infinity.

“Living Tree” by Robert Morgan from Dark Energy. © Penguin, 2014.
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Thursday, June 18, 2015

Everyday Earrings Exhibition

When it comes to jewelry, I've always had an affinity for rings and earrings.  There is something alluring and enigmatic with earrings.  They draw attention to the face and are more noticeable than say bracelets or necklaces.  I believe it's because we are looking at the face more so than any other part of the human body.

So thus, I was very happy to be accepted into the Everyday Earring Exhibition at EatMetal Art Jewelry Gallery in Hoboken, New Jersey.  I was even more pleased to see a very large image of the Asteria earrings on the poster for the exhibition! The roster of designers for the show are impressive and I'm flattered to be amongst such stellar jewelers.  I so wish I could attend the opening reception. 

The owner and jeweler, Elizabeth Tokoly runs EatMetal Art Jewelry Gallery and this will be the first exhibition in her new space.  It is quite encouraging and exciting to see other jewelers and owners advance the field of jewelry by creating these kinds of exhibitions. 

The Brigid cat claw earrings in 18kt gold plated sterling silver.
 As usual, thank you for reading.  I hope that if you live in the Hoboken area that you can attend the exhibition.

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Monday, June 15, 2015

Father's day is coming up

And if you're still looking for gifts I've got some great pieces that work for the men in your life just as well.  As you know I've addressed previously whether my jewelry is for men or women and really it comes down to personal preference.

I like to think my jewelry is unisex and that even women can pull of wearing cuff links, like these that have gotten some great attention from men.  The Hunted double owl talon cufflinks are perfect for any man that is stylish and wants a bit of attention drawn to his wrists. 

The Hunted cufflinks in bronze.  Image by Aileen Devlin
There is still time left to make an order through Eilisain Jewelry and get them to all the Dad's in your life!
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Sunday, June 14, 2015

Eide magazine feature interview

Before I left for Atlanta for the ICE (Indie Craft Experience) show I contacted Eide magazine.  As you may recall two years ago they did featured my jewelry on the cover of their magazine (ummm huge deal!) and I really wanted to meet some of their staff and invite them to the show.

Alas, they couldn't attend however the Eide team was so gracious to interview me about the show and supporting locally sourced handmade goods.  Eide's correspondent intern, Hannah Lenore Gray, had some great questions.  My main point was to stress how much local economy benefits from supporting handmade.  It boils down to putting money in your neighbors pocket, which in turn supports your local coffee shop to your neighborhood restaurant.  It all comes full circle.



Still can't get over this rad image and The Hunted double owl talons on the cover!
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Saturday, June 13, 2015

The Bridge

Photo by Aileen Devlin

The Bridge


I stood on the bridge at midnight,
      As the clocks were striking the hour,
And the moon rose o’er the city,
      Behind the dark church-tower.

I saw her bright reflection
      In the waters under me,
Like a golden goblet falling
      And sinking into the sea.

And far in the hazy distance
      Of that lovely night in June,
The blaze of the flaming furnace
      Gleamed redder than the moon.

Among the long, black rafters
      The wavering shadows lay,
And the current that came from the ocean
      Seemed to lift and bear them away;

As, sweeping and eddying through them,
      Rose the belated tide,
And, streaming into the moonlight,
      The seaweed floated wide.

And like those waters rushing
      Among the wooden piers,
A flood of thoughts came o’er me
      That filled my eyes with tears.

How often, O, how often,
      In the days that had gone by,
I had stood on that bridge at midnight
      And gazed on that wave and sky!

How often, O, how often,
      I had wished that the ebbing tide
Would bear me away on its bosom
      O’er the ocean wild and wide!

For my heart was hot and restless,
      And my life was full of care,
And the burden laid upon me
      Seemed greater than I could bear.

But now it has fallen from me,
      It is buried in the sea;
And only the sorrow of others
      Throws its shadow over me.

Yet whenever I cross the river
      On its bridge with wooden piers,
Like the odor of brine from the ocean
      Comes the thought of other years.

And I think how many thousands
      Of care-encumbered men,
Each bearing his burden of sorrow,
      Have crossed the bridge since then.

I see the long procession
      Still passing to and fro,
The young heart hot and restless,
      And the old subdued and slow!

And forever and forever,
      As long as the river flows,
As long as the heart has passions,
      As long as life has woes;

The moon and its broken reflection
      And its shadows shall appear,
As the symbol of love in heaven,
      And its wavering image here.

“The Bridge” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Public Domain.
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Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Showstopper

I mentioned it's show season right? Ha, yes and I've received word of several more shows I'm participating in.

One that I'm super psyched about is The Big Crafty, in Asheville at the Asheville Art Museum on July 12th.  It works out even better as I'll be in Western NC with my husband and inlaws for the NC Highland Games (aka Celtic/scottish festival)!!  I'm so gonna nerd out that weekend.

It'll be great to do a local show and especially in Asheville, I love that city.  And the best part will be having my Mom assist me!  She's great with people and I've never had her with me at a show. 

Well and even before the Big Crafty show, I'll be in Durham for the Patchwork Mini-Market at Fullsteam Brewery on July 4th.  Talk about celebrating an American holiday - I think one of the best ways to celebrate this holiday is to support the handmade movement. 
And here is a beautiful shot (by Ms. Tara Locklear) of the Brigid Bridesmaid rings...of course I'll have them on sale a both events.  Hopefully I'll see you at one of the many shows I'll be participating in this summer! 
The Brigid Bridesmaid ring...can't get over this gorgeous design.

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Thursday, June 4, 2015

new stockist: Altar PDX

It's been awhile since I posted about one of my stockists and I'm happy to share a new one that I'm quite excited to be a part of.

Several months ago I got a request from Amy Lee of Altar PDX to send her my linesheets, and this was all due to images I had posted on my instagram.  I had also been following Altar PDX and loved their selections of clothing and jewelry so this worked out perfectly.   Thus now Altar is one of my stockists, and I'd like to share with you some of my favorite pieces in their shop, and why they're so awesome to shop at!

http://www.altarpdx.com/
The name alone of their shop is perfect. 
And yup, I have one of Simka's awesome leggings.
LOVE Andy's beautiful images.
You probably guessed it but I have this same tshirt....obsessed with it!
www.eilisainjewelry.com
The Hunted II ring in bronze, sold at Altar PDX
So it's no surprise that I own many of the pieces Altar PDX sells, we have the same taste and aesthetic.  And what I love most is that the ladies behind Altar are super, super supportive of independent designers.  As well, they celebrate the beauty of nature and honoring mother earth, this to me is really wonderful.  I only wish I lived closer to Portland....I've never been but if I did, Altar PDX would be my first stop.

So if you're in their neighborhood, stop by and see why this shop is so amazing!

thanks for reading.
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Monday, June 1, 2015

Beach babes

Last weekend some of my talented friends did a fun photoshoot at Atlantic beach and included some of my 'beachy' jewelry.  I'm so lucky they chose to include my jewelry in the shoot. 

I had worked with Bayardo Caceres back in school at ECU years ago so it was fun to see how he did these shots and of course I also worked with makeup artist Meagan Wilson on the Momentary Myth photoshoot. 

These shots are super fun and make me long to hit the beach!  Here are my favorite shots from their session.

Photo by Bayardo Caceres
Make up by Meagan Wilson
Modeled by Rosie Nova
Flower crown by Amanda Adkins of the Lucky Owl Shop



Photo by Bayardo Caceres
Make up by Meagan Wilson
Modeled by Raee Wright
Photo by Bayardo Caceres
Make up by Meagan Wilson
Modeled by Rosie Nova

Photo by Bayardo Caceres
Make up by Meagan Wilson
Modeled by Rosie Nova
As always thank you for reading!
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