Never give all the heart

Photo by Aileen Devlin

Never give all the heart

by William Butler Yeats 

 

Never give all the heart, for love
Will hardly seem worth thinking of
To passionate women if it seem
Certain, and they never dream
That it fades out from kiss to kiss;
For everything that’s lovely is
But a brief, dreamy, kind delight.
O never give the heart outright,
For they, for all smooth lips can say,
Have given their hearts up to the play.
And who could play it well enough
If deaf and dumb and blind with love?
He that made this knows all the cost,
For he gave all his heart and lost.

“Never give all the heart” by William Butler Yeats. Public Domain.

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More upcoming shows and The Bast Collection

Somedays I feel like I'm in a time warp.  I try to focus on the here and now but then I'm constantly planning for the future.  It's a good thing I like to juggle several projects at once! However I've read several studies that say it isn't always a good thing to multi-task. 

Annnnywho, this random thought leads me to the blog post about upcoming events and my very much anticipated Bast Collection! As I was preparing and sketching for my Fall/Winter Collection, these bones (aka cat spine bone) and pieces were coming together and really much as led me to the Bast Collection....CATS.

If you follow me on social media, y'know I really do love cats and the craze has increased with every year that I have my own cats.    With the Brigid Collection I used tiny cat claws and I feel that it has led me in this direction.

Painting by Susan Seddon Boulet

Bast is one of the Egyptian Goddess' and has domain over several aspects, protectiveness, playfulness and many other characteristics of cats.  You can learn more about Bast, or Bastet here.

And in other news, I will once again be participating in the fun Durham Patchwork mini-market this coming Saturday at Fullsteam Brewery.  I had a great time earlier this month when I first participated and I'm really looking forward to doing it again! We will be there 12-4pm and lemme tell ya, the Brew is seriously tasty!

The Brigid Collection will be on sale at the event this Saturday!

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Pocosin Arts Workshops

 Living in North Carolina, I've come to realize is a hub for makers and crafters.  In addition, there are quite a few schools and places to learn trades and take workshops.

As you know from my posts from several years ago, Penland is one of them (up in the Western mountains of NC) as well as Pocosin Arts, on the other side of the state.

I'm a bit embarrassed that I've never attended a workshop at Pocosin nor have I written a post about how wonderful this Art center is! Pocosin Arts has a great metalsmithing studio along with residencies and workshops (many of my friends have been instructors there).

Thus I want you to know about the upcoming workshops at Pocosin Arts, one of them being taught by my good friend Laritza Garcia (aka my Mexican adventure traveling buddy). 

Laritza's work uses the method of powdercoating to add color and durability to her pieces.  They're super fun and vibrant, just like Laritza! 

Check out this workshop and apply for the scholarship, you just might get one!

As always, thanks for reading!

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Staying connected

It's been a bit since I've done a lil reminder about following Eilisain Jewelry on social media, so here are the links so you can stay up to date on what's happening in our world!

So here are all the links to the Eilisain Jewelry social media, quick and easy to follow. 

Facebook is great for keeping in touch, just make sure to FOLLOW us after you 'like' the page. 

You can follow on the app or here!

I'm not as busy on Pinterest but I'd like to be.

the same goes for Twitter, I'm only one person, but still I do use twitter.

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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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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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See thru someone else's eyes

How brilliant! I love his ingenuity.  
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Neither Out Far Nor In Deep

Photo by Bayardo Caceres, Model: Rosie Nova, Make up by Meagan Wilson

Neither Out Far Nor In Deep
by Robert Frost 

 

The people along the sand
All turn and look one way.
They turn their back on the land.
They look at the sea all day.

As long as it takes to pass
A ship keeps raising its hull;
The wetter ground like glass
Reflects a standing gull.

The land may vary more;
But wherever the truth may be—
The water comes ashore,
And the people look at the sea.

They cannot look out far.
They cannot look in deep.
But when was that ever a bar
To any watch they keep?

“Neither Out Far Nor In Deep” by Robert Frost from Complete Poems of Robert Frost.

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The eye has to move

As I'd mentioned in my post about layering jewelry, I've always been a bit of a fashionista.  When I say that I mean more that I've always loved fashion and design.

In elementary school I can vividly recall watching the early 90's shows like Fashion File and MTV's House of Style and loving the way they dissected new fashion designers and how to combine outfits.  I also recall writing an essay on how I wanted to be a fashion designer and provided several drawings in color of my creations.  I still have that essay and cherish that my teacher said 'maybe one day I'll be wearing Lisette Fee designs'....perhaps it was an omen?

With that said, I'm excited to write a post about personal style and how to cultivate your own personal style. I believe fiercely that personal style speaks volumes without having to say a word.

Me, finally with purple hair! 

It's in my Pisces nature that I'm all over the place when it comes to personal taste (food, clothing, music, movies - you name it!).  So I love  mixing it up, one day I'll be grungy the next day punk and the day after that vintage old school.  You can see the difference in the above two photos.  I believe the key to owning your personal style is to be unapologetic.  Case in point, my love for the color purple is well known, so I finally had my hair colored purple and I loved it - but that didn't mean I dressed in head (literally) to toe purple.

Wearing a vintage dress I got in Atlanta, and all vintage gold jewelry from my Mom's stash

So here are some basics on developing your personal style. 

• Embrace what makes you unique, whether it's your red hair, wide smile or deep blue eyes.  Play them up! Case in point, I still get a bit worried that I smile too much.  I've been reminded though that I have a great smile - so why not smile more often!
• Use your best color to your advantage.  If red or blue looks good against your skin, wear it more often.  I've found that turquoise matches my olive skin beautifully. 
• Match your style to your personality.  If you're a quiet person, go with monochrome pieces, like a vest in black or camel.  Or if you love punk music or the entire movement, wear black tanks or animal print. This is not a rule by any means - you can dress in any style daily.
• Mimick or shadow one of your idols/mentors/shero.  One of my all time favorite stylish woman/designer is Diane Von Furstenburg.  She exudes glamour and class. I pay attention to how she accessorizes and styles her outfits.

With my cousins, Mom and Abuelita in Panama.  All of these ladies have influenced me in style and design.

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The Laurel of Asheville Big Crafty event review

It's almost the holiday weekend and I couldn't be more excited as I've got some great events coming up and I just got this news that Eilisain Jewelry was featured in local magazine, The Laurel of Asheville reviewing the Big Crafty event next weekend at the Asheville Art Museum.

I'm super excited for The Big Crafty show for a number of reasons, I love Asheville and the people there AND I get to spend time with my Mom as she is going to be helping me at my booth.  Pretty great combo if you ask me. 

 If you live in the Western NC area I hope to see you at the show, and as always thank you for reading!
xoxo
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How to layer your jewelry

I've always been a bit of a fashionista, I love fashion and the art of dressing well.  So recently I got an email from Who What Wear about how "It fashion girls" layer jewelry.  I loved the post so I wanted to share with you some images of how Eilisain Jewelry fans layer their jewelry.

Nicole DeCarlo Spruill mixing Cartier and the Hunted II owl talon cuff.

Brigid Collection with the Vespa ring and the Hunted cocktail ring.  Photo by Aileen Devlin.

My tattoo artist and friend Caroline Hedgepeth layering her Brigid rings. 

 Layering jewelry is a great way to add volume and heighten the look of your jewelry and overall outfit.  I hope this post gives you courage and ideas on how to intermix your jewelry collections.

As always, thank you for reading!
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Ritual, Ritual - New Stockist

I'd like to add to the list of the many reasons why I love doing shows, the next item on the list is that I get to meet boutique owners that eventually add my jewelry to their list of inventory.  Such as when I met Angela Monaco, co-owner of all around rad boutique Ritural, Ritual in downtown Philadelphia.

I've had RR on my radar for awhile now and I always wanted them to carry Eilisain.  Prior to traveling to Philly for the Art Star Craft Show I emailed Angela to see if we could meet as she would have a table at the show as well.  We eventually met and she told me how much she loved Eilisain and that it would be a perfect fit at RR.

Angela is not only part of the team at RR but also creates pretty awesome jewelry herself, Concrete Polish.  She uses beautiful stones and inventive settings for them. 

Eilisain Jewelry on the main page!

So if you're in Philadelphia, stop by this beautiful shop! Not only do they carry beautiful jewelry but great clothing and objects - all handmade in the United States. 
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The Living Tree

Photo by Aileen Devlin.

 Living Tree

by Robert Morgan

It’s said they planted trees by graves
to soak up spirits of the dead
through roots into the growing wood.
The favorite in the burial yards
I knew was common juniper.
One could do worse than pass into
such a species. I like to think
that when I’m gone the chemicals
and yes the spirit that was me
might be searched out by subtle roots
and raised with sap through capillaries
into an upright, fragrant trunk,
and aromatic twigs and bark,
through needles bright as hoarfrost to
the sunlight for a century
or more, in wood repelling rot
and standing tall with monuments
and statues there on the far hill,
erect as truth, a testimony,
in ground that’s dignified by loss,
around a melancholy tree
that’s pointing toward infinity.

“Living Tree” by Robert Morgan from Dark Energy. © Penguin, 2014.

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Everyday Earrings Exhibition

When it comes to jewelry, I've always had an affinity for rings and earrings.  There is something alluring and enigmatic with earrings.  They draw attention to the face and are more noticeable than say bracelets or necklaces.  I believe it's because we are looking at the face more so than any other part of the human body.

So thus, I was very happy to be accepted into the Everyday Earring Exhibition at EatMetal Art Jewelry Gallery in Hoboken, New Jersey.  I was even more pleased to see a very large image of the Asteria earrings on the poster for the exhibition! The roster of designers for the show are impressive and I'm flattered to be amongst such stellar jewelers.  I so wish I could attend the opening reception. 

The owner and jeweler, Elizabeth Tokoly runs EatMetal Art Jewelry Gallery and this will be the first exhibition in her new space.  It is quite encouraging and exciting to see other jewelers and owners advance the field of jewelry by creating these kinds of exhibitions. 

The Brigid cat claw earrings in 18kt gold plated sterling silver.

 As usual, thank you for reading.  I hope that if you live in the Hoboken area that you can attend the exhibition.

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Father's day is coming up

And if you're still looking for gifts I've got some great pieces that work for the men in your life just as well.  As you know I've addressed previously whether my jewelry is for men or women and really it comes down to personal preference.

I like to think my jewelry is unisex and that even women can pull of wearing cuff links, like these that have gotten some great attention from men.  The Hunted double owl talon cufflinks are perfect for any man that is stylish and wants a bit of attention drawn to his wrists. 

The Hunted cufflinks in bronze.  Image by Aileen Devlin

There is still time left to make an order through Eilisain Jewelry and get them to all the Dad's in your life!
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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!

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The Bridge

Photo by Aileen Devlin

The Bridge

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I stood on the bridge at midnight,
      As the clocks were striking the hour,
And the moon rose o’er the city,
      Behind the dark church-tower.

I saw her bright reflection
      In the waters under me,
Like a golden goblet falling
      And sinking into the sea.

And far in the hazy distance
      Of that lovely night in June,
The blaze of the flaming furnace
      Gleamed redder than the moon.

Among the long, black rafters
      The wavering shadows lay,
And the current that came from the ocean
      Seemed to lift and bear them away;

As, sweeping and eddying through them,
      Rose the belated tide,
And, streaming into the moonlight,
      The seaweed floated wide.

And like those waters rushing
      Among the wooden piers,
A flood of thoughts came o’er me
      That filled my eyes with tears.

How often, O, how often,
      In the days that had gone by,
I had stood on that bridge at midnight
      And gazed on that wave and sky!

How often, O, how often,
      I had wished that the ebbing tide
Would bear me away on its bosom
      O’er the ocean wild and wide!

For my heart was hot and restless,
      And my life was full of care,
And the burden laid upon me
      Seemed greater than I could bear.

But now it has fallen from me,
      It is buried in the sea;
And only the sorrow of others
      Throws its shadow over me.

Yet whenever I cross the river
      On its bridge with wooden piers,
Like the odor of brine from the ocean
      Comes the thought of other years.

And I think how many thousands
      Of care-encumbered men,
Each bearing his burden of sorrow,
      Have crossed the bridge since then.

I see the long procession
      Still passing to and fro,
The young heart hot and restless,
      And the old subdued and slow!

And forever and forever,
      As long as the river flows,
As long as the heart has passions,
      As long as life has woes;

The moon and its broken reflection
      And its shadows shall appear,
As the symbol of love in heaven,
      And its wavering image here.

“The Bridge” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Public Domain.

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Showstopper

I mentioned it's show season right? Ha, yes and I've received word of several more shows I'm participating in.

One that I'm super psyched about is The Big Crafty, in Asheville at the Asheville Art Museum on July 12th.  It works out even better as I'll be in Western NC with my husband and inlaws for the NC Highland Games (aka Celtic/scottish festival)!!  I'm so gonna nerd out that weekend.

It'll be great to do a local show and especially in Asheville, I love that city.  And the best part will be having my Mom assist me!  She's great with people and I've never had her with me at a show. 

Well and even before the Big Crafty show, I'll be in Durham for the Patchwork Mini-Market at Fullsteam Brewery on July 4th.  Talk about celebrating an American holiday - I think one of the best ways to celebrate this holiday is to support the handmade movement. 

 

And here is a beautiful shot (by Ms. Tara Locklear) of the Brigid Bridesmaid rings...of course I'll have them on sale a both events.  Hopefully I'll see you at one of the many shows I'll be participating in this summer! 

The Brigid Bridesmaid ring...can't get over this gorgeous design.

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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.
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Beach babes

Last weekend some of my talented friends did a fun photoshoot at Atlantic beach and included some of my 'beachy' jewelry.  I'm so lucky they chose to include my jewelry in the shoot. 

I had worked with Bayardo Caceres back in school at ECU years ago so it was fun to see how he did these shots and of course I also worked with makeup artist Meagan Wilson on the Momentary Myth photoshoot. 

These shots are super fun and make me long to hit the beach!  Here are my favorite shots from their session.

Photo by Bayardo Caceres
Make up by Meagan Wilson
Modeled by Rosie Nova
Flower crown by Amanda Adkins of the Lucky Owl Shop

Photo by Bayardo Caceres
Make up by Meagan Wilson
Modeled by Raee Wright

Photo by Bayardo Caceres
Make up by Meagan Wilson
Modeled by Rosie Nova

Photo by Bayardo Caceres
Make up by Meagan Wilson
Modeled by Rosie Nova

As always thank you for reading!
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