Joy, I've discovered Podcasts

Being a person that loves to absorb new knowledge and also enjoys technology I finally decided to check out podcasts.  I'd heard about the NPR podcasts and one podcast that got me into this new form of news  was Design*Sponge After the Jump.

Anywho, podcasts are a great way to have background noise as well as learn something new while working in the studio.  And several months ago Etsy did a great review of several informative business podcasts.  Now I feel the need to share my list with you!

Me, back when I was DJing at WZMB.  
The best photo I could think of for this post!

1.  After the Jump hosted by Design*Sponge creator Grace Bonney
Even though they haven't held any new 2015 episodes, I highly recommend listening to the older ones as they are SO informative for creative individuals, business owners and creative individuals.  I love Grace's honesty and style of hosting.  She's incredibly curious and fun!

2.  Launch Grow Joy series by Andrea Ayers
Andrea is SUPER knowledgeable in almost all areas of running a small yet successful business.  I've found her series so helpful for everything from blogging, pinterest to contacting editors for features in publications.  Andrea has great guests that are movers and shakers in the small business arena.

3.  Death, Sexy and Money with Anna Sales
I just only started listening to this series but already it's got me hooked.  One episode was super heavy but enlightening on the way siblings love and almost hate each other.  Anna has such a great even tempo voice and ask such probing but gentle questions.

4.  Damn Art Majors with Adam, Sara and Dudders
This one is special as it consists of 3 ECU alumni art students! The three of them get together and discuss all sorts of fun aspects of art, being an artist, comic book love and of course beer.

5. GenNext Jewelers
This one I just discovered and is definitely more an industry insiders look into the jewelry business.  I've found it somewhat informative but also very much from a business perspective.  It may not be for everyone but one that I go to every now and again.

I hope this list get's your interest peeked into podcast, they're fun and a good change up in the studio or office if you're tired of music or just dead silence!

thanks for reading and stay lovely,
Lisette
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Fellow maker profile: BellaBellota shirts

As you know, I love a good trade and several months ago I was excited to get an email from fellow maker and Eilisain Jewelry fan, Jahlelah.  When I saw her tshirt designs I was definitely excited about a trade.

Jahlelah initially found Eilisain Jewelry at my stockist in Portland, Altar.  Then she found me on Etsy and the rest is history.  BellaBellota designs are beautiful and creative.  She mixes animals with beautiful imagery.  You can shop for her tshirts on Etsy, and if you order I recommend a size up as most likely the cotton may shrink. 

Lovely card with an  even sweeter note.  I love good packaging!

My new favorite tank top.

I plan on matching The Hunted double owl talon pendant with this thsirt.

As always thanks for reading!
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Crushin on you

So yes Valentine's Day is around the corner and of course I'm having a lil sale.  I know it is so cliche and Valentine's Day is just another 'holiday' for most business' to capitalize on HOWEVER, I do still enjoy celebrating a day to appreciate one another - there is no harm in that right?

Even if you're appreciating yourself, wink, wink. 

I'm offering 25% off everything in my Eilisain Etsy Shop, use coupon code: VDAY15 at checkout to redeem. 

Sterling Lieske's lovely hands displaying the Vespa Collection S/S14.
Photo by Aileen Devlin.

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Some of my favorite Etsy shops...

Other than my own, I love shopping on Etsy, and I thought you might be curious as to some of my favorite shops.

Lately I've really been digging screen printed tshirts and leggings, and Simka Sol has super comfortable clothing (leggings, t's, sweaters etc) and the best part is that they naturally print their clothing with sunlight!

Simka sol cataloupe leggings.

Another clothing favorite is FennecDesign, I loved their stuff so much I used it in my latest photo campaign.

And as for stones and other pretty things I go to Instant Karma, many of the stones I use in my jewelry, such as the Hunted Sterling silver triple crow claw ring with blue azurite are from Instant Karma. 

The Hunted Triple crow claw ring in silver with azurite.

Another stone shop I'm obsessed with but can't afford most of the time is Mermaid Stones, gorgeous labradorites in all colors.  I want them all!

The Asteria necklace, center labradorite was from Mermaid Stones.

And finally, to feature another maker and I'm guilty that I have yet to purchase something from her shop but I still love, Leslie Tharp Designs.  As you may recall from previous posts, years ago, I met Leslie at Penland.  She is super, super talented.  And her work make great gifts!

Leslie Tharp, His and Her's bottle openrs.

I have many other shops I love to frequent but I do try to keep it at a minimum. I hope you enjoyed this post and as much as possible, try to buy handmade - it really does make a difference!
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A Very Merry Birthday to me, and you!

As I've done every year, since I first opened my Etsy shop, I'm having a birthday SALE!  

I feel extra generous around this time of year, because I love celebrating and I want to share it with you.

Use coupon code: BIRTH35 at checkout

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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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History of Glitter

This is a really interesting video on how glitter was invented.

All That Glitters: The History of Shiny Things from Etsy on Vimeo.

Just goes to show that there are always new ways to invent and create small, shiny thangs.
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Handmade Holidays

A Lil Loopy baby cap

This season I really made the effort to buy handmade gifts, such as the baby cap above by Nikki Little of Lil Loopy. I can't wait to see my niece and sister in law in their handmade caps.

I bought handmade holiday cards, prints, jewelry and photography. Though sometimes it can be tough to weigh the cost of handmade with mass produced products when the prices are so drastically different; however the biggest draw for me is supporting other makers like me. Which is what I did at the ECU holiday sale.

I was fortunate this season to increase my sales through Etsy and local sales - I know that firsthand, the economy of buying handmade is really important and good for each other. So I hope this holiday season, you will buy handmade too.

Hope you have a Happy Holiday season!
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There's a sea Creature in my Etsy shop!

Ammonite and black coral -
purchased on my visit to Taxco, Mexico.

Deep Sea creature!

I love it when jewelry and art pieces resemble funny lil' creatures. This pin came together beautifully, I made it awhile ago but finally uploaded it to my Eilisain Etsy Shop.

Would certainly make a lovely Holiday gift, no? Hope you like.
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Photogrpahy tips

These are great tips!

Great Product Photos from Etsy Inc. on Vimeo.

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Umbrella Lantern

speaking of Etsy from my previous post, watch this fun how-to video from Etsy.

How-Tuesday: Cocktail Umbrella Lantern from Etsy on Vimeo.

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great tips from other small business owners

Etsy blog does a great job of feeding me business info.

check it out.

Happy, Happy Friday!!!
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Black Branch Coral hoop earrings = HOT

I stayed in the studio most of this afternoon working on these beauties - I'm just in love with them!

Black coral is just so gorgeous and sensuous, beautiful curves and elegant as all hell... I apologize, I think it's all the jewelry dust and studio work went to my head.

On sale, now on my Etsy site. Get'em now while they're HOT.

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New items on Etsy...with photos

Bloodstone ring, 24.5mm stone

Detail of Bloodstone ring


Black coral cuff, 5.5 inches around

Small gold leaf moth pendant

Above are just several of the new items in my Etsy shop; I know I posted an updated yesterday but I should've put up new images, I'm still getting the hang of cross posting and promotion.

I plan on adding more in the next several days - I've been a very busy bee in the studio - and I love it because I've got it all to myself!!!

Enjoy and happy Friday!

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New Etsy listings

I finally photographed jewelry I've had squirreled away for local sales and shows. Why not list it on Etsy, duh?!

I've added several sterling silver rings with beautiful stones and my new 'Gold' moth series. They're quite elegant and sexy - hope you like and purchase an item.

Thank you for reading and your support, means very much.
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I am not a photographer...

Sterling silver ring; cast from deer antler

I had two pieces left from my castings for the deer antler necklace. On Sunday, while taking a break from raising I decided to turn the casting into a ring. And of course, I wanted to focus on that project rather than raising...somehow that happens but it's great because I get to 'play' for a little.

And below is the result of more playing. I finally bought gold leaf and it is SO much fun! I love the contrast of the gold and black - always elegant and sexy as hell.

Pierced and oxidized copper, gold leaf detail

I don't know why I still try and take quick photos of my work!

these are the only decent photos after taking about 30.

Plan on getting a pro soon...after I finish more projects.
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on my bench

I'm making good progress on my vessel/hinge project for my jewelry I class...hammering texture on a bowl with pitch is SO much more fun than chasing with little tools.

Below are my black moth earrings but with gold leaf! I am loving this look, adding the gold leaf gives it more pop and bling. These gorgeous earrings will be listed very soon on my Etsy page.
Thanks for reading and have a great weekend.
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Finally on Etsy

It took me all morning but it's worth it, I learned how to create my own banner and pick and choose the right photos.

I'm still going to work on it, but I'm just so excited and happy I got it done...it's been on my To-do list for months.

Anywho, let me know what you think, and if you have any tips or suggestions for running an Etsy site.

Thanks for reading!

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sneak preview

Oxidized pierced copper, Moth earrings
Photo by Bayardo Caceres

Polished, pierced sterling silver
earrings with orange coral
Above photo by Matthew Gillien

Photo by Bayardo Caceres

Here are some new images for my upcoming Etsy page, very exciting!

I've been telling myself for months to get an etsy page going, but I just delayed and delayed.

*I gave Ellen (my model) the coral/pierced dangley earrings for being my model. She was quite happy with them.
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Etsy finds - Red Hot Pottery

I love getting my Etsy Finds (Daily Shopping guide) email, highlighting sellers based around a theme. Such as Twilight, Mothers Day, Emerald colored items etc. And tho I'm guilty of not yet purchasing anything, as I'm a student, I add some sweet sellers to my favorites.

I'm currently lusting for Red Hot Pottery's vases, they're so delicate and pretty

::::RED HOT POTTERY::: Handmade stoneware and porcelain by Arizona artist Christine Tenenholtz, who keeps herself busy inventing new ways to play with clay, beads, the camera, the computer, learning to drum, bellydance, and speak Spanish.

Florapalooza vase

Love Birdies Vase (oooh so pretty)

She even sells jewelry!

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