Eilisain aka Lisette in Gaelic

Welcome to my blog, where I document my process in making jewelry, muse on the influence of art and the joy of making beautiful objects.




Sunday, March 31, 2013

Happy Eostre! Easter, Ishtar etc

Spring is my favorite season, it's warmer outside, the birds are singing happy songs, the flowers are blooming, it's pretty much like the beginning of any Disney or fairy tale movie!

I also love this time of year for what it symbolizes; a rebirth and awakening of the earth.  It's really a chance to start over and become something new and fresh.

Similar to what the stages of a butterfly; from a caterpillar to then a beautiful winged creature.  I snapped these photos last year when I was in DC for my trunk show at Redeem.  My boyfriend and I visited the Smithsonian Butterfly garden and it was such a treat to be surrounded by delicate winged creatures.

Caterpillars slowly morphing into butterlies. 
Looks like a face doesn't it? 

Thanks for reading and Happy Spring - whatever you call it!
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Thursday, March 28, 2013

kiln firing a chicken

Art Avenue will be hosting artist Gary Greenburg tomorrow from 9am-4pm, as we watch him demonstrate how to kiln fire a chicken!

this should be very interesting...
Gary Greenburg sculpture (ceramics and metal) photo by Aileen Devlin.

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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Jewelry SALE

Lovely design, by Mariah Lee Ross


Be there, it'll be awwwwwwe-some.

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Monday, March 25, 2013

Sweet as candy

Workshop Amalia Vermell from Eduard Granell Filmmaker on Vimeo.
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Thursday, March 21, 2013

Small business' is boomin'

I was thinking last night, after yet another one of my wonderful friends posted on Facebook about my jewelry, how great it is to have a large circle of friends that are independent business owners and working artists. Small business' make up such a large part of our economy today; very different from even 5-10 years ago.

In this blog post I want to celebrate and tell you about some of the small business' that my friends are a part of and own!

Sam and Mikes Munchies: 
I met Sam and Mike (seriously one of the cutest couples I know) at a Greenville business event and learned about their delicious organic, raw food delivery business.  It's very rare here in Greenville (and the eastern NC area) to find healthy and tasty food but Sam and Mike are savvy at making vegetables taste yummy as well as easy to order.  

Out of the Box Bakery: 
If I lived closer, this would be my go to snack, operated out of the DC metro area;  Jennifer Brooks Lassiter bakes delicious goods that are grain free and dairy free.  Jennifer and I used to work together at the Human Rights Campaign and have had great times laughing and being silly on our lunch breaks.  It's so wonderful to see her doing something she loves!

Leslie Tharp Designs: 
Leslie is one badass sculptor/blacksmith/business woman! We met two years ago at Penland and I was struck by how she is fearless in working with iron, steel and all other sorts of hard metal.  She also has a range of skill in business, ranging from community sculpture projects to creating one of a kind wedding gifts such as candle holders and place settings.

Superstition Vintage:
Another awesome Penland friend, Adrian Lesoing has an excellent eye for thrift finds.  She pulls off A-line skirts and plaid like no one's business! Adrian is also a talented photographer.  Her style is eery and dreamy.  Check out her online boutique, you are bound to find a treasure you will love forever.

The Closet Consignment Boutique:
Paula has the best taste in clothing and an uncanny radar for where to score the best clothing and accessories in a Goodwill! I met Paula through our mutual friend Susan Chesson (a ridiculously talented hairstylist), we have already become fast friends and do lunch more than several times a week.  I'm ADDICTED to her boutique and it helps that I sell my jewelry there too!

This is just a short list of the friends I know that are running a small business.  I think I'll have to do a second post soon.  But for now, I urge you, shop local and support small business' - it really does come full circle when you support your community.

Thank you for reading!

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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Kinetic Adornment course at Penland

I'm so thrilled to announce that I will be returning once again to the land of Penland this summer, not as a student, but as a teaching assistant for my very talented friend, Amir Friedman! 

You will recognize Amir's name from the post I did last year on the course we took with Jana Brevick.  Amir and I really bonded over our love of casting and just being plain silly and having fun in the amazing metals studio at Penland. 

Casting with Amir. 
Amir will be teaching Kinetic Adornments, which really delves into movement in jewelry and how it responds to the body.  Although kinetics aren't my specialty, I'm really looking forward to learning from Amir and the students.  Returning to Penland is always wonderful; it truly is an escape from society and into a world of craft, making, jewelry and sharing the love of art.
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Thursday, March 14, 2013

Giveaway WINNER is...

I'm so excited to announce the winner of my birthday giveaway!!!

Names in my favorite black teacup.

 
And the winner is The Quiet Owl! How appropriate!
Quiet owl could you please message me your address to: info@eilisainjewelry.com.

Thank you to everyone that participated, I appreciate the extra effort into entering!
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Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Song of the Day: Fever Ray "If I Had a Heart"



I've been reawakened to Fever Ray with the new mini-series, Vikings on the History Channel, which I'm thoroughly enjoying.  I fell in love with them when they first came on the music scene but since removed them from my playlist.  Hope you love the video and song as much as I do, and check out the new show - it's so good!
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Friday, March 8, 2013

Birthday giveaway

When it's near my birthday, I like to celebrate the entire month.  I know it's a bit self indulgent but why not enjoy it as much as I can? My birthday is seven days away and I want to share in the celebration with YOU!!

My gift to you (for the winner) is the Hunted small bronze owl talon earrings.  These are one of my most popular earrings, they're delicate yet fierce.  
The Hunted small bronze owl talon earrings, retail $75
 How to enter: 
-You must be an Eilisain follower of my blog. Leave a comment below saying that you are a follower. 
-Follow Eilisain Jewelry on Twitter: @EilisainJewelry
-Tweet about the giveaway
-Follow Eilisain Jewelry on Pinterest: @Eilisain
-Follow Eilisain Jewelry on Instagram: @Eilisainjewelry
-Like Eilisain Jewelry Facebook page: @Eilisain Jewerly
***Tell your friends on Facebook to 'Like' Eilisain Jewelry***

You MUST do each of these steps to be entered in the giveaway

This giveaway closes on Wednesday at 11:59 PM EST (March 13th). The winners will be announced on Thursday (my birthday)! This giveaway is open to US residents only (sorry to my international readers).


I can't wait to see who the winner is, it's fun to celebrate and share my work with you and new people.  Thank you for taking the extra steps to enter this giveaway - it'll be SO worth it!


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Sunday, March 3, 2013

Posedion collection release

Gemstones have always held a fascinating quality to me, the way the light shines through them, and the intricate crystal formations.  Several months ago I found these beautiful aragonite stones on my favorite gemstone retailer, Instant Karma.  I find how a great way to highlight them with replicating the shapes in cut brass.  

Thus I present to you several pieces from my spring/summer collection 2013, the Poseidon Collection.  This collection is only available through my website and is under $100.  I wanted to create a collection of jewelry exudes glamour, high drama with beautiful stones at an affordable price.   

I hope you like them, and thank you for visiting. 

Aragonite burst earrings, $45


Aragonite burst ring, $90
Poseidon amethyst ring, $80.
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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Makers



grrr, I wish I had cable! Just the clip alone gave me shivers and almost brought me to tears.  I feel so lucky to not face the same struggles the First wave of feminist fought; though we fight our own now, at least now we don't even need to consider that we can't apply for any job we want.

if you have cable, WATCH this! I'm going to try and watch it online somehow.


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Tuesday, February 26, 2013

How jewelry can help you

Several weeks ago I was watching one of my favorite fantasy movies, Neverending Story, and it hit me that really, the story and main character would not have achieved his goal if it weren't for the Orin (means "light; pale; pine tree; fair, pale").  In essence a piece of jewelry, adornment was the main ingredient for his success.  The Orin guides him and leads him in the right direction.  How powerful is that?

Most of the time, the average person does not think about how their jewelry will aid them throughout the day - but if it's gone - then for some reason we are at lost and upset.

I like to think of my jewelry in that way, as a talisman and an aid in guiding you in your daily life.  Such as the Resurrection Beetle ring; beetles have long been associated with rebirth and awakening your soul.  Beetles also teach us how to communicate effectively and solve problems by thinking creatively. 

18kt gold plated bronze beetle ring with crystal quartz.
Next time you put on your jewelry or deciding what to wear, think about what guidance you need in the day.  Perhaps it's strength, confidence, creativity or peace of mind.  Whatever it is, be more aware and you will begin to notice how your perspective changes with your jewelry!

Thanks for reading.
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Monday, February 25, 2013

So much Past inside my Present



 Perfect lyric from Feist song for the title of this post!

I'll have to get this book when it comes out; it's wonderful to see a movement of young adults appreciate the beautiful quality of handmade goods and loving the library.  
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Saturday, February 23, 2013

Sneak peak of Poseidon Collection

Winter has certainly provided me with the time to work away in the studio while the cold air swirls outside...or inside, as the heater isn't working in Art Avenue! ha but I'm not complaining, I've got two little heaters in my studio space.

Okay so enough of weather, I'm very excited to provide you with a sneak peak of the Poseidon Collection.  This collection is sea inspired, in a kingly and godlike manner, thus named after the Greek God Poseidon however it is a collection that I made with the intention that it is affordable and wallet friendly.

I started working with brass because it is so rich and golden but not as costly as real gold.  And it works so well with the matte black of the electroformed coral.  And knowing me, I can rarely ever let a piece of jewelry go without adding rough gems to it! Purple and black are one of the best color combinations, in my opinion.

The Poseidon Collection is set to release in about a week, and will be exclusively sold in select locations  (TBD) and through my website. 
Instagram shot of the Poseidon cuff: brass, amethyst, sterling silver & electroformed black coral.

Aquamarine chips, sterling silver and electroformed black coral.

Along with the new collection I'm releasing next weekend, I'll be working on a fancy fashion lookbook and video! Finally, those two projects have been at the top of my list for a long time.  So stay tuned my dear readers and thank you for visiting.


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Friday, February 22, 2013

Don't forget!


To sign up for my newsletter, it's super special - with loads of insider secrets and coupons!!!


    
    
  


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Wax, it's HOT


Some more great photos Aileen Devlin took of me for Art Avenue promotions.  We're still getting the casting studio set up, one step at a time. I'm just SO happy I got my wax inject working with the air filter.  It's amazing how quickly all the costs add up for a studio!
Me, being very careful not to squirt hot wax on my hands. 
close up, keep a plate underneath to collect wax!
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Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Fashion in stages

When I was 11 years old, living in California, my teacher asked us what we wanted to be and to create a portfolio.  I decided I wanted to be a fashion designer.  I sketched ten designs and was so thrilled about it.  Sometimes I still consider that dream but in a sense I'm doing that now with my jewelry.

She wrote at the bottom of the essay that hopefully one day she'd be wearing one of my designs...I hope that's true!

Anywho, enjoy this great video of two young designers and how they found inspiration for their Fall 2013 collection.  
The Making of a Collection, Part 1: Ohne Titel Finds Inspiration for Fall 2013 in Chelsea Galleries - The Cut

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Saturday, February 16, 2013

My top 5 creative business resources

Photo courtesy of Design*Sponge Biz Ladies series
If you're like me, being more of a person that enjoys making more than business planning, it can be so hard to know where to start and really making yourself be business like.   However, over the years I've become much more confident and I now believe that I can run my business.   And the way I got here was with the help of other creatives and business-like people.

So I here I'm going to give you my top 5 resources, most of them are run by women who are in the creative field which is a double whammy for me. 

1.  Design*Sponge Biz Ladies:  Whenever I read a post from Biz Ladies, I feel and know so much more than I thought I knew.  They give advice from everything to how to drafting blog posts, contact PR companies, business planning, advertising, how to photograph your work, wholesale, retail etc.  Just the avatar alone (Rosie the Riveter) We Can Do It gets me revved up to get working!

2.  Designing an MBA:  Megan Aumen is a true business woman and metalsmith.  She really analyzes the market and how a customer thinks.  She is a champion for all new kinds of technology, like Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for creatives to use instead of rejecting.  I also love how honest and sincere she is; when you read that despite how successful she is, she has her ups and downs too, it's oddly encouraging to me. 

3.  Tara Gentile:  I heard about Tara through Megan, now wonder there! Tara is also just as savvy as Megan and gets in the head of the customer and the maker.  When I read her posts, I'm much more informed and thoughtful about how I interact with my customers.  I love her tagline too, Maximize your impact, minimize your effort. 

4.  Art Biz blog:  I recently wrote about Alyson and her takeaway from Nick Cave.  Alyson knows how the creative person thinks - we avoid anything regarding growing our business, 'cause it's no fun! But when I read her advice, I immediately get to working on my contact list and business goals.  She also knows how emotional artists can get when it comes to selling our work and that, often we take it as personal rejection.  

5.  Kari Chapin:  I've bought both of Kari's books, Grow your Handmade business and Handmade Marketplace, both have been a bible to me over the past 6 months.   Kari provides step by step processes for setting up your business, as well as practical advice from a slew of successful creative business people.  The book is very easy to digest and she gives really thoughtful questions to ask yourself in the process.

I hope that my recommendations provide you with new resources to grow your own business and get you motivated for the future. 

Thanks for reading!
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Thursday, February 14, 2013

All the World's a Stage

and all the men and women merely players - William Shakespeare.

Yesterday I received my copy of Savage Beauty, exhibition book of Alexander McQueen's fashion and runway shows.  Alexander McQueen was more than a fashion designer but a true artist, his work and shows were a canvas for him to express so many concepts, ideas and points in history.  

I devoured the book last night and took away some new ways to think about my own jewelry and the concept behind each collection.  I want to emulate the way Alexander took bits and pieces from history, his own life and that of nature into making his definition of how he saw the world.  

Here are several of his pieces that I'm truly in love with:

It's A Jungle out There Winter/Autumn 97-98, Alexander McQueen. All photos courtesy of Met website
Elect/Dissect, Winter/Autumn 97-98 (House of Givenchy).  All photos courtesy of Met website.
Widows of Culloden, Winter/Autumn 06-07. All photos courtesy of Met website

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Monday, February 11, 2013

what heaven looks like

This is what I imagine heaven to look like.  I think in another life I could've been an astronomer, the unknown and outerspace fascinates me.  I hope you enjoy these great photos from the Hubble website - you can see loads more there!

 Light Echo  Illuminates Dust Around Supergiant Star V838 Monocerotis (V838 Mon)
Source: Hubblesite.org
I have this same photo is my sketchbook, one day I plan to make a brooch based on it!

A Giant Hubble Mosaic of the Crab Nebula
Source: Hubblesite.org
The Crab Nebula

Jet in Carina
Source: Hubblesite.org

Crab Nebula:  a Dead Star Creates Celestial Havoc
Source: Hubblesite.org

HH 2
Source: Hubblesite.org



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