Having a teammate

Ya'll have heard me sing the praises of having Ashton Neibel in the studio, and it's true.  Not only is it fantastic having her assistance but also it's amazing having someone to bounce off ideas and share the ups and downs of being a jeweler.

I look back over the past six months of having Ashton in the studio with me and I cringe to think of how I would've survived if I hadn't had her help.  Obviously I'd survived but it would've been incredibly stressful.
It's not just having her help that has made my life in the studio easier but also mentoring Ashton and watching her grow has given me a sense of purpose, pride and made me more aware of my habits and work ethic.

So here are some fun and candid shots Aileen Devlin took of us in the studio.  Laughing, working and being silly.  Oh and side note, can you tell I love to accumulate notes, inspirational cards and stuff?!

This is the true spirit of my studio, being real and having fun!

On the grind, literally.

Talking out ideas, upcoming events and our adventures from the weekend.

We're trying to be cool here. 

Ashton Neibel in the zone...jewelry zone

Thank you for reading and indulging me in celebrating my amazing intern!
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The process

I realized the other night that as much as I post about new pieces or collections I'm working on, I haven't elaborated enough on the process.   How do I make all my jewelry you may ask???

And though you may be well aware that the method I use to achieve my pieces are through casting, the beginning is researched and sketched out several months in advance.

My notebook is where it starts, writing out ideas, small sketches that move into images and drawings of stones.  I also 'play' and arrange some bones and random bits I keep in my studio.  Then once I have an idea of what stones and bones will be used I layout the pieces and put the connections together, of how they will interact.  This is truly the fun part for me, where the collection fleshes out.

 I also create a Pinterest board, collecting colors, outfits and more that shape the mood of the collection.  For me this is where my inner fashion designer lives. 

Once I have a strong and cohesive collection designed, I work on the actual pieces.  I make molds of the bone, for example the Bast collection and play with the wax pieces.  Combining them in new ways and how will these pieces work on the body and hands. 

 
I transition throughout the weeks, sitting at my wax station to finishing the pieces at my bench.  I do enjoy the back and forth of creating and then finishing.  I've gotten better at it over the years as well, knowing when I need to sit down and dream up new pieces. 

So there you have it, the process in a nutshell!
Thanks for reading.
xo-Lisette

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It all comes back to water

I'm a true Pisces sign, I love the water, I can be a bit emotional at times and all the other qualities that go with being a water sign.  With that said, throughout the past several years the theme of water and ocean resurface in my collections.  As you may have noticed with the Ondine collection, it's based on a nymph. 

Well, I was going back through old photos of my first collection when I moved into my studio at Art Avenue, this was back in the spring of 2012.  I loved this collection as I used old coral from my trip to Panama and it was a challenge in how to put these pieces together.  Also I'd never used brass, it's a beautiful golden color but no fun to solder!

Aragonite stones with brass and sterling silver, 2012. 

Aragonite, copper and sterling silver. 2012

Black coral electroformed and spray painted, brass. 2012

Black coral, electroformed and spray painted, sterling silver and brass. 2012

Sometimes going through old photos like these get's my creative juices flowing and also reminds me of the variety of pieces I've made.  As much as I love working with the talons, I enjoy breaking away and trying a different approach.  Most of these pieces have sold and aren't listed on my website or on Etsy.

I hope you enjoyed viewing them and as always thank you for reading!
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#girlboss, bossbabe, BOSSLADY

So lately I've really been owning these words.  It's not because I have an intern or that I'm telling someone what to do, it's more with that fact that I respect myself so much more and hold myself accountable.

Me at my bench 3 years ago. 

It feels liberating and scary to admit that I'm my own boss; that I control the wheels of my destiny.  Back in 2008 when I was first getting started working in the jewelry industry I thought to myself that I could never run a business and that I'd need someone else to set the standard and tell me what to do.

But things started to change while I was in school at ECU (East Carolina University), I started making plans and projecting where I wanted to be in 5-10 years.  And low and behold I'm getting there.  I've secured grants, studio equipment, created my own website, do my book keeping, market my work - the list goes on and on.  And now, even having an intern.  I think that cemented in my head that now I'm mentoring and teaching someone else how to be a #girlboss.  And it is SO gratifying.

Kristie Esposito King and Caroline Hedgepeth - two bossbabes that I truly admire and respect.

And when I did begin my journey into the jewelry industry, I had such amazing and supportive mentors (Dawn Benedetto, Valerie Hector, Biba Schutz, Ellis Cutrell, Lawrence Miller, Timothy Lazure, Ken Bova, my parents and so many others).  Jewelers that gave me access to their studio and equipment.  As well as invaluable advice and lessons that I'll never forget.  I think for any industry you may be in, to have someone guide you and provide insight into journeying your career is so essential.

So there you have it, I declare myself A BOSSLADY! 

haha, thank you for reading and stay lovely friends.
xo,
Lisette
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Going swimming next month

It's a fun play on words for my venture into wholesale tradeshows.  I'm so nervous and excited that I'll be going to Las Vegas next month to participate in Pooltradeshow.

They say that you have to take risks when you run a business and this is one that I'm praying will pay off.  Sometimes it can be very tricky to know where to invest your money when it comes to shows; as you know I learned alot last year from participating in smaller craft shows. 

This year my goal is to broaden my market and get directly in front of buyers.  So here it goes, next month I take a big trip to the city of Sin!

Here is a fun poster I designed for the show, with my booth number.  And psst. if you're a buyer maybe I'll see you there.

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Bursting at the seams

One of my flaws is that I can be quite impatient, and want immediacy.  Being a jeweler, most of the time you should be patient so this doesn't always work for me, being impatient.

Which leads me to just a tease, a little morsel of what is to come for the Bast Collection, because honestly I want to release it right now! Ha, but I have a deadline to keep and it's good for me, because it really does build the excitement.

Fifi and Jessi, one perfect moment of stillness

The Bast cuff bracelet, I'm just so in love with this stone!

The Bast Collection will be released on Thursday, September 10th.  Mark your calendars because I'm quite confident this will be a successful collection!
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5 Reasons why you should invest in handmade jewelry

In my studio at Art Avenue.  Photo by Becky Parker

Per usual I was thinking about my next blog topic and this one hit me smack in the face! It seems like a no brainer but maybe that's why I've never written about it, as it should be assumed that you should buy handmade jewelry.

But of course there is a why?  So I'll address my own personal reasons and ones that I believe you will most likely agree with. 

1.  Handmade jewelry is an investment.  Which means longevity.  It has personal meaning which means you will care for it that much more.

2.  You are connected to the maker of that object and they've probably put blood, sweat and tears into it (literally, I know this has happened!).

3.  Jewelry is timeless and even more so if it is handmade.  And with time accrues interest and it's value.  Depending on the maker of the jewelry, it could be worth quite a bit in 50-100 years.

4.  One of a kind jewelry makes a big statement.  I can't tell you how many times I've been complimented on the handmade jewelry I wear, whether it's my wedding ring to earrings by my fellow friends/makers.  People notice it more than the cheap wal-mart jewelry.

5.  You are supporting an independent business owner and artist.  This means so much to each one of us that is out there creating a dream. 

I hope that this post gives you more pause and encouragement to support the handmade movement and save a bit more money for that special piece of jewelry.  It'll mean so much more to you!

Thanks for reading!
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Goldfinger

This vid is fun and entertaining but I can't help but wonder why all the goldsmiths are so clean and not dirty from polishing and finishing their jewelry? 

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Flourish & Thrive Academy: Designer Feature

Flourish & Thrive Academy is a super wonderful resource for jewelers and creatives, they give you specific methods and ways to improve business and communicating with customers and potential supporters.

I was very happy to hear that Flourish & Thrive selected me as one of their featured Designer Spotlight.   Below is the interview, read on and check out their blog!

The great feature, you can read the interview here.

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Rachel Entwistle

Rachel's story sounds so similar to mine; working for NGO's and having a background in cultural studies.  I love how her shop is designed and I also quite enjoy Rachel's jewelry.  Rachel was another wonderful designer at the Origins Fair in Italy.  I didn't get a chance to talk with her but I did see her work as well as her wonderful catalog.  

Hope you enjoy this sweet video!

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Philip Crangi

Great interview and honesty from a veteran jeweler.  I've always loved his work, especially the finer jewelry.

enjoy!

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Taxidermy and jewelry

I've always admired Julia's gorgeous jewelry, but didn't know she was a taxidermist.  I love this video of her slowly working on a baby chick for a future exhibition.  

I've seriously considered taking taxidermy courses and learning the craft.  Julia inspires me, especially with her ethical stance on animals.  

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The Detailers

Sweet lil' video of a jeweler working in her studio. 

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Featured Artist/Jeweler: Amir Friedman

When you're at Penland you meet so many talented artists and people and it's so stimulating and invigorating to the artistic soul.  In my class was one such artist and jeweler, Amir Friedman, he was one of the scholarship students from Israel.  Amir was also in Jana Brevick's Melt class and we got along so great.  I learned alot from him.  

Amir is one of those artists that never rests!  And you can see it in the work he makes, meticulous and very detailed.  Amir brought along his display case of his rings; I was so enamored with them, specifically the one below that I'm wearing...we are currently working on a deal for me to get it.  I couldn't stop trying it on.    

Amir loves to cast and play with tools, and he's innovative in how he casts.  He actually casted a ring embedded black crystal quartz!  Visit his website to see it and more of his pieces.  

Oh and psst...we may be teaching a class together at Penland next year...I'll be his studio assistant if all works out.  

Detail view of Amir's ring.  He specifically left the imprint of the CAD design. 

Amir's beautiful ring collection.  I want a case like that!

Craftophilia Show book. 

Continuation of the cover design, very clever.

My ring! I don't have it yet but he plans on sending me one.

Here it is again, I'm a bit obsessed with it...

Close up of a ring in resin.

His rings in resin orbs.  LOVE this concept.  Kinda reminds me of the orbs David Bowie twirls in Labryinth.

And watch this very cool video of Amir's 'Can it' machine: 


Thanks for visiting and reading!

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Daphne Krinos' method and inspiration

I've been a long time admirer of Daphne's jewelry. There's a simplicity to her work that I love, especially the beautiful gems she uses.

Watch this great video on how she comes up with her pieces and inspiration.

Daphne Krinos from dave on Vimeo.

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Jeweler of the Day: Mari Ishikawa

I just found Mari Ishikawa via Klimt02. Her dark, organic looking brooches intrigue me. I especially enjoy her gold brooches. Pin It