Here's to a prosperous 2015

This year was full of so many wonderful and amazing memories.  It was also a year of incredible growth for me, professionally and artistically.

It's ironic though that I've somewhat put off writing this post, mainly because I've wanted to enjoy a bit of downtime and give myself time to just relax and process everything.   But I can't put it off any longer, as in the back of my mind I know that it's time to move forward and plan for 2016.

So with that said I'll go over my top 5 highlights of the 2015.

1.  The Brigid Collection rang in the new year with a wonderful burst of fertile energy.  And honestly, Brigid (my patron deity - the smith, healer and mother goddess) could not have been a more appropriate name. 

We shot the collection in a cemetery with a beautiful couple, Ashleigh Bowden and Christopher Johnson.  And I teamed up with some amazingly talented people, Aileen Devlin (ya'll know her by now!), Amanda Adkins of the Lucky Owl Shop, Meagan Wilson of Meagan Wilson Makeup and Ryan Shackleford (videographer). 

I'm incredibly proud of this collection and the beautiful lookbook.  It's probably one of my favorites.

Brigid lookbook, Photo by Aileen Devlin.

2.  The Bast Collection

Another collection and lookbook that I just loved.  It was so perfect and appropriate.  I'm a bit nervous that I won't be able to top it but I'll definitely try! 

Bast OOAK necklace, photo by Tara Locklear.

 3.  I participated in more shows than I ever thought I would and I received some great press for it.  Like the feature below in the Washington City Paper article.  Crafty Bastards is one of my best shows and I was incredibly happy to be accepted in my old 'home' city. 

Indie Craft Experience show in Atlanta.

 4.  I received some amazing custom jewelry requests that challenged me.
I'm just so blessed, I thank my angels and lucky stars for the wonderful people that believe in me and my creativity.  Caroline Hedgepeth commissioned me to make a very sentimental momento mori piece for her father.  Which is probably one of the most special pieces I've ever made.  Pictured below.

Another commissioned piece with a faux sapphire held in place with silver crow claws. 

 5.  I have my first official assistant/intern, Ashton Neibel. 
Ashton contacted me in mid August regarding an internship, which I can't say how time appropriate this was, I needed her help and assistance more than ever before.  Ashton is super talented and dedicated to the craft of jewelry and I'm just so grateful for her.

There is probably so much more I could review and write about but honestly these are the best parts of what happened this year. 

As always, thank you for reading!

Stay lovely and have a happy new year!!

xoxo

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Visit Greenville

I just discovered this video and I LOVE IT!

Greenville, NC is small but we're a big lil' city.  Watch and see why so many people love Greenville!


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Song of the day: Winter White Hymnal by Fleet Foxes

This is one of my favorite songs and holiday songs and also by one of my favorite bands.  It's just so pretty and melodic.  This live version is even better. 


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Song by Allen Ginsberg

Photo by Aileen Devlin

 SONG

The weight of the world
             is love.
Under the burden
             of solitude,
under the burden
             of dissatisfaction

             the weight,
the weight we carry
             is love.

Who can deny?
             In dreams
it touches
             the body,
in thought
             constructs
a miracle,
             in imagination
anguishes
             till born
in human—

looks out of the heart
             burning with purity—
for the burden of life
             is love,
but we carry the weight
             wearily,
and so must rest
in the arms of love
             at last,
must rest in the arms
             of love.
No rest
             without love,
no sleep
             without dreams
of love—
             be mad or chill
obsessed with angels
             or machines,
the final wish
             is love
—cannot be bitter,
             cannot deny,
cannot withhold
             if denied:

the weight is too heavy

             —must give
for no return
             as thought
is given
             in solitude
in all the excellence
             of its excess.

The warm bodies
             shine together
in the darkness,
             the hand moves
to the center
             of the flesh,
the skin trembles
             in happiness
and the soul comes
             joyful to the eye—

yes, yes,
             that’s what
I wanted,
             I always wanted,
I always wanted,
             to return
to the body
             where I was born.

"Song” by Allen Ginsberg from Collected Poems 1947-1980. © Harper Collins, 1981.

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My alter ego, Eilisain

I learn so much when I do shows and one thing that I've noticed more is the way I talk about my jewelry and what it means to me and my customer.

I've learned that Eilisain is pretty much my alter ego, the person that can be fierce, strong and confident.  Not that I don't feel that way about myself but she is way cooler than me (my nerdy self).  She's almost like my super self and I do feel it's good for anyone's self esteem to have this persona, and to have an object that helps them call on the persona, whether it be jewelry or a letter (aka S for super woman). 

For example I've read that Beyonce has her alter ego, Sasha Fierce, it's her on stage persona.  It's playing a role and we don't feel as responsible and it makes it easier to become that persona. 

The Valkeryie Collection shot by Aileen Devlin.

So it may be that you might want to call upon your alter ego in times of need, when you need that boost.  And perhaps jewelry can help you access that part of you that is confident and fierce. 

As always, thank you for reading!
Stay lovely,
Lisette
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When one of your close friends hosts a trunk show

Last month one of my good friends hosted a trunk show of my jewelry at her beautiful home.  And I can't thank her enough, she went all out with food and drinks and it was a blast! I definitely would like to do more trunk shows if they are as fun as the one Kristie Esposito King holds.  It was my first trunk show at a friends house and I feel so blessed to my friends that came in support and most importantly, shopped!

Kristie is one of my most stylish and generous friends, she's just all out amaza-ballz! We met several years ago when she modeled for the Auerlian Nights Fashion show and since then we make it a point to see each other and talk fashion and jewelry. 

So here are the great photos, that of course Ms. Aileen Devlin took at the event.  

Kristie looking fabulous as usual! Photo by Aileen Devlin.

Callie, aka "Kate Moss kitty" cause she so damn beautiful!
Photo by Aileen Devlin.

My oldest and dearest friend Cate drove all the way from Charlotte! Photo by Aileen Devlin.

All the pretty jewels on wooden cones. Photo by Aileen Devlin.

Some new pieces, like that giant druzy bracelet. Photo by Aileen Devlin.

My amazing assistant, Ashton NeibelPhoto by Aileen Devlin.

Well displayed and photographed by Aileen Devlin.

We had way too much food but it was all delicious.  Cate made lavender infused cupcakes!
Photo by Aileen Devlin.

I don't know why Caroline Hedgepeth has a serious face but I know she had fun!
Photo by Aileen Devlin.

I'm sure you recognize this gorgeous face, model and beautiful person Ashleigh Bowden.
Photo by Aileen Devlin.

It was such a wonderful day filled with amazing people!
Photo by Aileen Devlin.

Kristie and I laughing about something silly (and check out her husbands ridiculous skateboard collection!)
Photo by Aileen Devlin.

As always, thank you for reading and stay lovely!
xoxo
Lisette
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First Friday in Uptown Greenville

I'm quite excited that I'll finally be in town for a First Friday here in Greenville.  It seemed that every show I did for the past several months were during First Friday, and I missed them!  Of course I'll be repping at Art Avenue, we have a great holiday booth show with makers featuring pottery, textiles, jewelry and holiday gift sets.

And the best part is attendees get a FREE shop small business bag, I love these bags as they're great for grocery shopping or when I hit up CVS (I love that store)!

If you'll be in Greenville Friday please stop by, you can RSVP for the event here.

So I'll see you Friday!
stay lovely,
xoxo
Lisette
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Two more shows to go

Whew....are you feeling as busy as I am? I do love the holidays but as a jeweler and business owner it is seriously the busiest and craziest times of the year. 

I'm trying to balance time with family and also getting all these orders out the door.  The post Thanksgiving shopping was in full effect and I'm so grateful for all our dedicated customers and followers that purchased Eilisain Jewelry. 

With that said, there are still two more holiday shows we're doing and about 4 days to increase our inventory.  I'm lucky though because having an assistant makes it a whole lot easier!

Anywho, I wanted to remind you that we will be in Columbia, SC for Craftyfeast in 2 weeks and we can't wait!  Here is the link to the FB event invitation if you'd like to RSVP. 

We hope to see you there and stay lovely!
Lisette
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