Origins Passion and Beliefs Artists Announced by Not Just a Label

   With Origins: Passion and Beliefs Fair roughly two weeks ago, the press and hype is building up; within my studio and with NJAL.

Below is the press release and image corresponding with Stone, aka the jewelry section of the fair.  The Fair divided the artists by industry; textiles, technology, metal and leather.  I'm still astounded that somehow I was selected to participate and nonetheless the only artist not from New York City.  I'm truly proud that I will be representing North Carolina as well as a alumni of East Carolina University School of Art and Design.

 

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Reality Check

I've been mulling over the last few days on writing a post that is transparent and up front.  I'm the type of person that likes to stay up beat and positive.  Yup, a big but is coming...but there are days where I get sad, conflicted, anxious and so worried about the future and if I'm cut out for doing this long term.  I recently wrote in my business journal some of my fears and then realized, that I couldn't imagine myself working in any other profession otherwise I wouldn't work so damn hard!

It's especially conflicting because I've put so much into my business, it's my baby and I'd hate to see it grow up into a failure.  Don't get me wrong, failing is part of the process, I know, but I want so passionately to make my dream become a prosperous (aka profitable) business.  I'm only two years in starting my business and from what I've read it does take more than several years to see a return on investment, so all I need to do is be patient, right?

In a field that is filled to the brim of talented artists, it is quite easy to play the comparison game, however what I've tried to do is mentally change the 'comparing game' to, "What did she do to get that" or "what is her strategy".  In this way, I use other successful business owners as a model of what to do right.   But still, I will admit there is that tiny moment where I am filled with envy then helplessness.

 There are daily reminders though that I'm making progress, every sale, every positive feedback from customers and friends encourages me to keep on track and that I must be doing something right.  So with that I will end on a positive note/image.

Thank you for reading my mini-vent session. 

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Now selling on Local Eclectic

Some more wonderful unexpected news and places Eilisain Jewelry is now being carried.

Local Eclectic is a wonderful online shop that supports independent artists and makers.  The community of companies with this ethos is rapidly growing, and I'm more than happy to be a part of it.  I was so excited to see Local Eclectic use one of the fantastic photos by Aileen Devlin as their website and FB page.

You can read my personal interview with Alexis of Local Eclectic on their website.  

 The Vespa Collection is just one of the lines Local Eclectic is carrying.  So I had to share some fun photos of the pieces.

This Vespa druzy ring looks like candy!

Per usual, thx for stoppin by!

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Woman crush, Lykke Li - No Rest for the Wicked

New song and album from Lykke, she is so talented.  I saw her years ago at the Black Cat in DC (many memories made there).  I can't wait to purchase her new album. 

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Epona revisited

Several weeks ago, I did a mini photo shoot with my photographer Aileen Devlin.  We were shooting my new collection Valkyrie, however the overall images didn't come out as I'd planned.  We will reshoot the collection, however I snuck in the Epona necklace, I made way back in 2011.  I'm so glad I did, Madison, my model rocks it!

The necklace has made somewhat of a resurgence, interest by press has surfaced and I've now been commissioned to make a second necklace.  It's got me thinking that I need to make several more statement pieces; especially in preparation for my trip to Italy for the Origins fair.   I will keep you posted on these pieces.  Now, all I need to do is find the time to make them!

Epona Necklace, 2011, owned by Nan Lapata.  Sterling silver, steer antler and steel.

Photo by Aileen Devlin. Model Madison Schiller

As always, thank you for reading.  

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Uptown Greenville ArtWalk

I'm really thrilled at how much Uptown Greenville has been working to support the arts & culture in Greenville.  Hopefully, it'll only get better!
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Faces of Local

Since sending my work to Michele, I've been impressed with how supportive she is of independent artists and realized how essential gallerist like her are to the handmade community.   Thank you Michele (and you) for your constant support of shopping local and supporting handmade artisans!

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Ethereal photography

Katerina Plotnikova's images are so beautiful, ethereal and romantic, I want to live in them.

The image with the bear is a bit scary but still gorgeous.  You can see more of her gorgeous photos here.  Enjoy and get lost in the magic.

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Valkyrie Collection SS14 coming soon

These past several days have been so busy; I'm prepping final pieces for a photoshoot for the debut of the Valkyrie Collection, May 5th.  The photoshoot is this weekend, so I need to get as many pieces done as possible.  Without having an assistant, you can imagine my stress level, somedays I feel completely overwhelmed and other days I'm so proud of how I do it all! 

There are several pieces of inspiration for this new collection, I wanted it to reflect the overall aesthetic of Eilisain Jewelry, inspiration and mythology, but also one of hope and renewal of the spring and summer months.  I can't say that my recent obsession with History channel tv show Vikings hasn't come in to play, but the final decision for the collections name came from a Goddess card deck that I always go to for wisdom and advice.  The Valkyrie is the Goddess of the afterlife, she guides the dead to the underworld.   Though many would associate death with the end of life, I've felt that is is a new beginning, one that is shrouded in mystery as really we do not know what happens afterwards.  

With this collection I'm also using faceted gemstones, forged sterling silver and gold filled copper.  I wanted a mix of materials that represent this ideal of renewal and growth.  I hope you like this sneak peak of it, I'll keep you posted over the next month, as it will be debuting in Italy for the Origins fair.  

As always, thank you for reading! 

Valkyrie ring, sterling silver and faceted amethyst.  Photo by Lisette Fee, 2014

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Cement + Jewelry = very cool

Jim Cotter is quite a rebel in the art jewelry field; he does alot of experimentation and loves working with uncommon materials, such as cement.  

I received word that my good friend Tara Locklear is assisting Jim this summer, and of course had to share it with you.  From what I've heard, Haystack Mountain School of Craft is a beautiful retreat to work in.  Check it out and sign up for this awesome class!

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featured in French Elle magazine

Yesterday I received  exciting news, The Hunted Crow Claw ring was featured in the January 2014 issue of French Elle magazine! This is the first, major publication feature for Eilisain Jewelry and I could not be happier that it'd be in the pages of Elle, one of my favorite fashion mags.  

Below is the clip of the feature.  This comes from the wonderful partnership with Boticca, they have a showroom in Paris and invited fashion and accessory editors to view jewelry from their designers, and I was one of them!

The Hunted sterling silver crow claw ring with amethyst.  

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Well hello there

A photo Art Avenue intern Ryan snapped of me.  Just hangin' out in front of the jewelry.

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Womanhood Enshrined Exhibition at the Art Room

A week ago today was International Woman's Day and Nelle owner of the Art Room Gallery in Greenville, NC invited selected artists to participate in an exhibition to celebrate the day, Womanhood Enshrined.   

The pieces touched upon the many ways a woman defines herself in society as well as the struggle to maintain so many roles; daughter, mother, wife, professional, goddess etc.   Below are some of my favorite pieces from the exhibition.

I loved this piece, all the delicate and symbolic treasures of a woman

Always loved this artist work.

And my piece, Lady of Life and Death, 2011

And me with my bestie, Paula Chrismon.  

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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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Aequus Nox Exhibition

Many days this year, I've felt like I could pinch myself, such wonderful opportunities have come my way.

The Aequus Nox being one of them, Alejandro and his team at Equinox dream up the best shows - and I get to participate.  I'm honored to be among the talented artists in Aequus Nox exhibition.  

I was especially thrilled to participate as it gave me the opportunity to work with gold filled copper and my lapis lazuli stone that I've had for about 8 years.  I'd been saving it for just the right piece.  I wanted to use a golden metal (but not gold - SO expensive) to reflect the sun transitioning into the Spring equinox.   I'm very pleased with the outcome.  I hope you are too!

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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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RAW Charlotte Awakening wrap up

Just a short post about the RAW Charlotte show I did last month.  It was alot of fun and the RAW team was so supportive and amazing.  From the event director, Heather McAlpine to the photography team.

Below are some of the great shots Rhett Bingham, the photographer took.  I have to say, it was great having someone there to shoot images 'cause I was so busy setting up and getting ready.

This is just a great shot of jewelry and my lookbook!

 

I felt so cheesy in the photo but I really like how it turned out.

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Going once, going now

I don't think I've ever sold a ring faster! I'd been planning this ring for awhile and finally made it.  Isn't it a gorgeous stone? I just love druzies.  So when I uploaded the photo to my personal and work Facebook, it was snatched up in a day! I'm not surprised though, the design and stone work so well together.  I really wanted to keep it for myself.  

Sterling silver and druzy marquis stone.

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Teach me how to make jewelry

It was a good time showing Natalie Sayewich and the team from Greenville local newspaper how to make a simple copper ring band.  Natalie was a quick learner!
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Casting in the studio at Art Avenue

It's so great having a casting buddy/Autumn Brown back in Greenville!  Autumn did a residency in Athens, Ga for several months, she's back now and has helped me and Art Avenue in reorganizing the metals and casting studio at Art Avenue.  I've learned so much from her.  Here we are casting together using a vacuum casting machine.  It's alot less stressful than centrifuge (I was having major issues with it).  

Photo by Aileen Devlin for Art Avenue.

Photo by Aileen Devlin for Art Avenue.

As usual, thanks for stoppin' by!

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Origins - Passion and Beliefs

I can't keep it in any longer, I'm beyond thrilled to announce that I've been selected to participate in ORIGINS - Passion and Beliefs in Veneto, Italy this May!

This opportunity came through a partnership between Not Just a Label and Fiera di Vicenza in the Veneto region of Italy.   Just typing that made me feel breathless, it has been over 10 years since I've been to Europe and the fact that I'm doing this for work (not really work to me as I love making jewelry)?!

Here is a brief video on the concept of the event and people involved. 

ORIGIN PASSION AND BELIEFS from Fiera di Vicenza S.p.A. on Vimeo.

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RAW Natural Born Artists raffle winner!

Drum roll please....

And the names went in a handmade ceramic jar of course.

And the winner is Cat (whom bought two tickets!)

Cat won the Hunted bronze owl talon charm and Chain.  

I met Cat through a facebook group for jewelers and metalsmiths and she was so cool to purchase two tickets and come to the event! It was great meeting another jeweler and having the support.  I have to say that the metalsmith community really does support each other and I can't say how much it means to have a second family.   THANK YOU again CAT!  

and thank you for reading!

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Moving On Collective - Help them get to Milan Design Week

An exciting project my friend Sophie Main is a part of, I met Sophie at Penland last year and she is so talented and inquisitive.

Make a pledge and help them get to Milan Design week. 

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Artisan revival in North Carolina

 It's so encouraging to see projects such as the Makery and Mercury studio continue to evolve and become bigger.

This is a sweet video they created for their Kickstarter campaign. 



Thanks for reading/watching and hopefully you'll support their campaign.  
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Top 3 Reasons Why YOU should sign up for my email newsletter

I was thinking about this the past couple days; how beneficial it is to be 'on the list' of companies and people that give the insider tips.  Then a light went off above my head - I should tell YOU why it's important to be on the Eilisain Jewelry email list. 

1.  You find out about events and new projects I'm working on FIRST.

2.  You learn tips and insider secrets on how to care for your jewelry and new retailers that are carrying Eilisain Jewelry.

3.   One of the best reasons; on your birthday you get a very special discount off any Eilisain Jewelry.  

So there it is, the top three reasons you should be on my email list.  Of course your information is confidential and not shared with any third parties.   You can sign up right HERE. 

Vespa I and III rings.  

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Boticca shoppers love Eilisain Jewelry

It really reassuring that you are doing alright when you get reviews like the one below, and Boticca is SO great about championing their designers.  I feel so lucky to be a part of their designers!

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I Do, Do I? Exhibition at the Art Room

On to the next ECU Symposium 2014 posts; I apologize it's taking me awhile to get these going.

There were seriously so many amazing exhibitions the weekend of the symposium, and I loved visiting every one of them.

The concept behind I Do, Do I? Exhibition was a discussion and pieces on marriage and what it means to each artist.  Some were celebratory and others sad yet hopeful.  And some artists viewed marriage as also a marriage of themselves to the act of not marrying.  The exhibition was curated by fellow Nicole Jacquard as part of her One Night Stand traveling series exhibition. Some of the participating artists included: Andrew Kuebeck, Tina Lazzarine, Joshua Craig, Daniel Dicaprio, Marlene True, Randy Long and more. 

The displays for the rings were quite sensuous and imitated a ring shape.  Each exhibition piece accompanied an explanation of their submission.  

PS - I apologize for the grainy photos, taken with my iphone. 

Andrew Kuebecks copper ring.  Loved it!

Marlene True and her tin and silver rings. 

A description of David's ring...which I didn't capture.

Leather rings.

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Song of the Day "Stay" cover by 30 Second to Mars

I'm not the biggest Rihanna fan but I do love this song and this cover by 30 Second to Mars (aka HOT Jared Leto) is quite sweet.

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Art Avenue's 2nd Annual Prints Charming live screenprinting

Last year Art Avenue's first live screenprinting event was such a success that we knew we'd have to do it again!  People loved seeing how screenprinting is done and having a custom shirt made on the spot.  This event is a collaboration with the ECU Print Guild, this year we worked with the guild so that it would be a dual fundraiser for the guilds upcoming projects and Art Avenue's membership!

You can RSVP for the event here.   Art Avenue has already secured some wonderful items for the raffle (which will benefit Art Avenue's reconstruction and studio spaces).  Jeremy Fineman donated a beautiful drinking cup, Andy Denton's ceramic bowl, Eilisian Jewelry silver owl talon earrings and several other great items.  

It's really exciting to be a part of this event and others at Art Avenue; I'm a big believer that engaging the community and public in art events foster strong bonds and education for the field.  

Mike Smoot and Lauren Kinlaw working the table.  

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Valentine's Day SALE

I'm having a lovers day sale! I know some people aren't very fond of the whole, reminding-me-I'm-single-Day but I like to think that it is still a day to appreciate anyone you care about.

So in honor, I'm having a sale in my Etsy shop, 25% off all items.  Use coupon code: VDAY25 at check out.  I've got most of my items stocked so you'll get it in time for next week!

My gorgeous models, Sterling Lieske and Aaron (whom are dating).
Sterling is wearing the Hunted beaver  teeth earrings and triple crow claw ring.
Aaron is wearing the Keeper turtle spine ring.  

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Formed by Desire exhibition by Laritza Garcia

I did not realize my good friend Laritza Garcia had made a video! What a wonderful surprise, Lari and I traveled to Mexico three years ago and it was such an adventure.

Lari is incredibly talented and such a generous spirit.  I miss her being in Greenville, I hope you enjoy her video and visit her website. 
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Clever crows

I'm still amazed by how brilliantly smart crows are.  

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