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!
Pin It

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!

Pin It

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!

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!

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.
Pin It

Basics of how shopping local has a big impact on the economy

This is such an informative infographic on the basics of how much of an impact buying local can have on our economy at large.

It really breaks it down, and I love that the local jewelry shop is featured! 

Pin It

Shop Local Holiday Gift Guide

 

Shopping small businesses is a great way to invest in your community. Independently owned businesses generate 70% more local economic activity per square foot than national retailers. Money spent at a local business generates 3.5 times more wealth for the local economy than big box retailers. Independent makers are much more likely to use recycled materials.

If every family in the US spent an extra $10 a month at an independently owned business instead of a national chain, over 9.3 billion would be directly returned to our economy.

This holiday season, let's support our community by shopping local.

1 & 2. Choose from a vast collection of handmade art, accessories and more. Featuring vegan leather and vinyl clutches and bags from The Wayward Stitch and canvas bags and accessories from BabyPeach.
Art Avenue
212 E 5th st
864-1634

3. The coffee-lovers and foodies in your life will love a gift certificate from The Scullery - now featuring local milk from Simply Natural Creamery in Ayden!
The Scullery
431 Evans st
321-1550

4. Your favorite workaholic could sure use a break - give them the gift of yoga with a five class pass for 50.00.
Purple Blossom Yoga Studio
302 S Evans st
364-2917

5. Handcrafted using found animal parts, rough coral and gemstones, animal teeth, and the alchemical properties of metal, Eilisain Jewelry represents the vitality of myth the belief that adornments can transform ones perspective.
Eilisain Jewelry
Art Avenue
212 E 5th st
864-1634

6. Your tea-loving friend is sure to appreciate a teapot basket!
Tipsy Teapot at Limelight
409B Evans st
413-0087

7. Your favorite little Pirate will love learning their ABCs with Coach Ruffin. 12.99 at UBE.
University Book Exchange
516 Cotanche st
758-2616

8. Art and good wine go together like, well, art and good wine. Your creative friends will love Sip, Savor and Create from Emerge. 30.00 for Emerge members, 45.00 for non-members.
Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge
414 Evans st
551-6947

9. For your favorite little Picasso, gifting the Clay Luminaries January Workshop at Emerge would be a great way to give an experience rather than just another toy. 20.00 for Emerge members, 30.00 for non-members.
Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge
414 Evans st
551-6947

10. Gift the gift of glamour with the wide selection at your local university boutique!
Catalog Connection
210 E 5th st
758-8612

11. Functional, dishwasher safe ceramics available in all sorts of shapes and sizes.
Bullfrog Ceramics
Art Avenue
212 E 5th st
864-1634

12. Hand-cut and enameled, these skull earrings are a perfect gift for an ECU fan. Multiple color variations make for a unique gift every time. 48.00
Chromafusion
Art Avenue
212 E 5th st
864-1634

13. A gorgeous sunset over Dowdy-Ficklen during the UNC game. Starting at 32.95.
University Book Exchange
516 Cotanche st
758-2616

14. Baja hoodies are great for keeping warm in Greenville's chilly winter weather. Only 24.50!
Uptown Art Supply & Gallery
529 S Evans st
752-0688

15. Earrings and other jewelry by local photographer and maker Aileen Devlin.
Art Avenue
212 E 5th st
864-1634

Pin It

Shopping small can be big!

Shop Small in a Big Way from Old Town Boutique District on Vimeo.

I used to work in Old Town several years ago and I loved the feel of walking through a tight knit neighborhood where much of the business' are locally owned.

You can do that this Saturday where ever you go; your gifts are more meaningful and you get to know the people that make up the community.

Greenville has that same feeling as Old Town, you walk through the shops and visit people and they want to give you something special.  
Pin It

More reasons and facts for shopping local

I just got a GREAT email from The Old Town Boutique District (in Alexandria, VA, where I used to work at LDM) and there were some great facts and reasons that I didn't know about shopping local, so I thought I'd share them with you:

***These same reasons are good to keep in mind anywhere you visit with a downtown or local shopping district - aka, Uptown Greenville***

1. Keep more dollars in the local economy.
   For every $100 spent in a local store, $68 will stay in the community. But, spend $100 at a chain store and only $43 stays in the community.
2. Create more local jobs.
   That extra money is spent on hiring more people in the community, who buy their own products and services and pay taxes.
3. Attract tourism and visitors.
   It’s old Town’s independently owned businesses that make it a unique destination for tourists and residents of the washington, D.C. area.
4. Get better service.
   Local businesses take more time to get to know you and the products they’re selling.
5. Help local causes.
   Studies have shown that local businesses provide 350% more support to community causes than national chains.
6. Enjoy a diverse range of product choices.
   Small businesses choose products based on what their customers love and need — not a national sales plan.
7. Help the environment.
   By shopping in a central business district, you discourage sprawl. Plus, purchases by independent businesses typically require less transportation. And our easy Metro access and King Street Trolleys reduce congestion and pollution.
8. Invest in the community.
   Local businesses are owned by people who live here, work here, and are more invested in our future.
9. Invest in entrepreneurship.
   Local entrepreneurs work hard to grow their businesses. As they expand, they create more wealth for the local economy.
10. Put your taxes to good use.
    Shopping in old Town requires less public infrastructure, less maintenance and more money available to beautify our community. Also, spending locally instead of online ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested right here in Alexandria.

Pin It

why buy handmade?

I've been thinking about this topic for the past several days; the importance it means to artisans and local business' that the general public understand the meaning of 'handmade' and buying local.

I'll tell you how buying handmade affects my life.  Whenever I make a sale, it means I can pay my rent, car payments, buy new equipment, get groceries and maybe one day have employees.  I always tell my friends that it means your putting dollars back into your neighbors wallet. 

I also thought of the other angle, that 'hey, I'm shopping for a bargain' which, I'm almost always doing.  However, I also want something to last and be worth my money.  I'll admit, I love going to TJ Maxx and getting something on clearance.  But nowadays its for necessities; like running shorts or shoes not a candle or a coffee mug.  I made a conscientious about seven years ago that instead of buying crap, like tshirts from Forever 21 or Target, that I'd save my money and wait for something that I knew would last, even if it meant wearing or using old things that I was tired of.   

When I'm searching for a wedding gift, I buy handmade, or any gift really.  Buying handmade means supporting your local economy as well as the artisan economy.  There is a deeper meaning and story behind the object you purchase and that's special and worth spending good money.

So with all that said, I urge you to do the same.  Invest in pieces that are unique, one of a kind and keep the history of handmade objects alive.  

Me, using my hands to make individual and memorial pieces.  

Pin It