A bit of Cabin Fever?

Back in December the Washington City Paper posted that they'd be holding a winter Crafty Bastards - how exciting and timely as I'd been discussing it with another maker that they should hold two events a year, maybe three.

It's such a fun show and Crafty Bastards is one of my best shows so of course I jumped at the chance to participate again.  As you know I love going back to DC and participating in events like this, I get to see old friends, customers and other amazing makers.  The full vendor list is here. 

And the great part is it will be indoors at the Hecht Warehouse in Ivy City.  You can purchase tickets here.

Bast single spine ring, will be available at the Cabin Fever show. Photo by Tara Locklear.

Bast single spine earrings. Photo by Tara Locklear

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The Afterlife Exhibition and the ECU Metals Symposium

Ya'll know the routine here (in January) - I get super excited and tell you all about how amazing the ECU metals/jewelry symposium is and what's in store.  One of the big reasons I love it so much is I get to reconnect with my old friends and geek out over jewelry and metal objects. 

As you know I'm co-curating an exhibition with Barbara McFadyen to be held during the symposium at Art Avenue.  The Afterlife Exhibition showcases objects and artwork that display imagery of bones or using bones in a new and dynamic way.  The submissions were all beautiful and amazing and we curated pieces that work so well with each other. 

I'm really looking forward to meeting some of the artists at the reception/symposium.  So here's a bit of a sneak peak at some of the exquisite pieces in the show.  AND if you are in town, here is the FB event for you to RSVP.

The poster I designed last night, I love the simplicity of it.

Royal Mourning by Luci Jockel

Garrett Allen's super cool bracelet.

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Making badass jewelry

It's that time, to teach classes at Emerge Pitt County Council of the Arts next week.  I really do love teaching these small classes, I learn alot and so do my students.

In the last session several of my students took it to the next level with their pieces.  One of the best parts of taking a jewelry/metals class, as well as teaching, is that making objects trains your brain to think in new ways.  You are actively challenging yourself to figure out how parts can go together and which way of connecting them makes the most sense.

Works in progress by Carrie Hodge.  I love the design and texture of both of them.

All three pieces designed and created by Caroline Hedgepeth

In the pieces Caroline made, especially the enameled pendant on the left, she made two pieces and tube riveted them together (or that is the plan).  She wanted the texture of the piercing to overlay the splatter enamel she did.

Sooooo, here's my pitch. If you live in the Greenville area and want to learn jewelry making or take your jewelry to the next level - take my class! It's every Tuesday night, 6-8:30pm at Emerge Pitt County Council for the Arts.

As always, thank you for reading and stay lovely!
xo
Lisette

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Wanderlust

Yesterday my husband and I went for a walk and we began discussing our future travel plans and bucket list of places we most definitely want to visit.  And coincidentally we also got the loveliest holiday package from our friends in Norway. 

As I spread homemade berry jam from Norway on my pancakes I dreamed of walking through snowy towns of Norway.  Bobby and I want to go SO bad.  So I'm devising ways and methods to sock away money for this trip one day.  Mind you, we also want to buy a house and have kids - our dreams are large my friends!

Either way, I think it is achievable and why not dream and dream away of what can happen?

by Bergen64

I mean how can you argue with the beauty of Seven Sisters waterfall and picturesque towns like the one above?

And not just that part of me knows that travel and exploring is in my blood, I grew up moving every three years and along the way visiting beautiful cities and towns in South and central America.

For the short time being though, Bobby and I decided we can take short lil vacations to nearby cities, such as a weekend getaway in the mountains or maybe even visit New Orleans!  Either way, one of my biggest goals this year is to save money so we can travel and explore more.
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Here's to a prosperous 2015

This year was full of so many wonderful and amazing memories.  It was also a year of incredible growth for me, professionally and artistically.

It's ironic though that I've somewhat put off writing this post, mainly because I've wanted to enjoy a bit of downtime and give myself time to just relax and process everything.   But I can't put it off any longer, as in the back of my mind I know that it's time to move forward and plan for 2016.

So with that said I'll go over my top 5 highlights of the 2015.

1.  The Brigid Collection rang in the new year with a wonderful burst of fertile energy.  And honestly, Brigid (my patron deity - the smith, healer and mother goddess) could not have been a more appropriate name. 

We shot the collection in a cemetery with a beautiful couple, Ashleigh Bowden and Christopher Johnson.  And I teamed up with some amazingly talented people, Aileen Devlin (ya'll know her by now!), Amanda Adkins of the Lucky Owl Shop, Meagan Wilson of Meagan Wilson Makeup and Ryan Shackleford (videographer). 

I'm incredibly proud of this collection and the beautiful lookbook.  It's probably one of my favorites.

Brigid lookbook, Photo by Aileen Devlin.

2.  The Bast Collection

Another collection and lookbook that I just loved.  It was so perfect and appropriate.  I'm a bit nervous that I won't be able to top it but I'll definitely try! 

Bast OOAK necklace, photo by Tara Locklear.

 3.  I participated in more shows than I ever thought I would and I received some great press for it.  Like the feature below in the Washington City Paper article.  Crafty Bastards is one of my best shows and I was incredibly happy to be accepted in my old 'home' city. 

Indie Craft Experience show in Atlanta.

 4.  I received some amazing custom jewelry requests that challenged me.
I'm just so blessed, I thank my angels and lucky stars for the wonderful people that believe in me and my creativity.  Caroline Hedgepeth commissioned me to make a very sentimental momento mori piece for her father.  Which is probably one of the most special pieces I've ever made.  Pictured below.

Another commissioned piece with a faux sapphire held in place with silver crow claws. 

 5.  I have my first official assistant/intern, Ashton Neibel. 
Ashton contacted me in mid August regarding an internship, which I can't say how time appropriate this was, I needed her help and assistance more than ever before.  Ashton is super talented and dedicated to the craft of jewelry and I'm just so grateful for her.

There is probably so much more I could review and write about but honestly these are the best parts of what happened this year. 

As always, thank you for reading!

Stay lovely and have a happy new year!!

xoxo

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Visit Greenville

I just discovered this video and I LOVE IT!

Greenville, NC is small but we're a big lil' city.  Watch and see why so many people love Greenville!


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Song of the day: Winter White Hymnal by Fleet Foxes

This is one of my favorite songs and holiday songs and also by one of my favorite bands.  It's just so pretty and melodic.  This live version is even better. 


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Song by Allen Ginsberg

Photo by Aileen Devlin

 SONG

The weight of the world
             is love.
Under the burden
             of solitude,
under the burden
             of dissatisfaction

             the weight,
the weight we carry
             is love.

Who can deny?
             In dreams
it touches
             the body,
in thought
             constructs
a miracle,
             in imagination
anguishes
             till born
in human—

looks out of the heart
             burning with purity—
for the burden of life
             is love,
but we carry the weight
             wearily,
and so must rest
in the arms of love
             at last,
must rest in the arms
             of love.
No rest
             without love,
no sleep
             without dreams
of love—
             be mad or chill
obsessed with angels
             or machines,
the final wish
             is love
—cannot be bitter,
             cannot deny,
cannot withhold
             if denied:

the weight is too heavy

             —must give
for no return
             as thought
is given
             in solitude
in all the excellence
             of its excess.

The warm bodies
             shine together
in the darkness,
             the hand moves
to the center
             of the flesh,
the skin trembles
             in happiness
and the soul comes
             joyful to the eye—

yes, yes,
             that’s what
I wanted,
             I always wanted,
I always wanted,
             to return
to the body
             where I was born.

"Song” by Allen Ginsberg from Collected Poems 1947-1980. © Harper Collins, 1981.

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My alter ego, Eilisain

I learn so much when I do shows and one thing that I've noticed more is the way I talk about my jewelry and what it means to me and my customer.

I've learned that Eilisain is pretty much my alter ego, the person that can be fierce, strong and confident.  Not that I don't feel that way about myself but she is way cooler than me (my nerdy self).  She's almost like my super self and I do feel it's good for anyone's self esteem to have this persona, and to have an object that helps them call on the persona, whether it be jewelry or a letter (aka S for super woman). 

For example I've read that Beyonce has her alter ego, Sasha Fierce, it's her on stage persona.  It's playing a role and we don't feel as responsible and it makes it easier to become that persona. 

The Valkeryie Collection shot by Aileen Devlin.

So it may be that you might want to call upon your alter ego in times of need, when you need that boost.  And perhaps jewelry can help you access that part of you that is confident and fierce. 

As always, thank you for reading!
Stay lovely,
Lisette
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When one of your close friends hosts a trunk show

Last month one of my good friends hosted a trunk show of my jewelry at her beautiful home.  And I can't thank her enough, she went all out with food and drinks and it was a blast! I definitely would like to do more trunk shows if they are as fun as the one Kristie Esposito King holds.  It was my first trunk show at a friends house and I feel so blessed to my friends that came in support and most importantly, shopped!

Kristie is one of my most stylish and generous friends, she's just all out amaza-ballz! We met several years ago when she modeled for the Auerlian Nights Fashion show and since then we make it a point to see each other and talk fashion and jewelry. 

So here are the great photos, that of course Ms. Aileen Devlin took at the event.  

Kristie looking fabulous as usual! Photo by Aileen Devlin.

Callie, aka "Kate Moss kitty" cause she so damn beautiful!
Photo by Aileen Devlin.

My oldest and dearest friend Cate drove all the way from Charlotte! Photo by Aileen Devlin.

All the pretty jewels on wooden cones. Photo by Aileen Devlin.

Some new pieces, like that giant druzy bracelet. Photo by Aileen Devlin.

My amazing assistant, Ashton NeibelPhoto by Aileen Devlin.

Well displayed and photographed by Aileen Devlin.

We had way too much food but it was all delicious.  Cate made lavender infused cupcakes!
Photo by Aileen Devlin.

I don't know why Caroline Hedgepeth has a serious face but I know she had fun!
Photo by Aileen Devlin.

I'm sure you recognize this gorgeous face, model and beautiful person Ashleigh Bowden.
Photo by Aileen Devlin.

It was such a wonderful day filled with amazing people!
Photo by Aileen Devlin.

Kristie and I laughing about something silly (and check out her husbands ridiculous skateboard collection!)
Photo by Aileen Devlin.

As always, thank you for reading and stay lovely!
xoxo
Lisette
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First Friday in Uptown Greenville

I'm quite excited that I'll finally be in town for a First Friday here in Greenville.  It seemed that every show I did for the past several months were during First Friday, and I missed them!  Of course I'll be repping at Art Avenue, we have a great holiday booth show with makers featuring pottery, textiles, jewelry and holiday gift sets.

And the best part is attendees get a FREE shop small business bag, I love these bags as they're great for grocery shopping or when I hit up CVS (I love that store)!

If you'll be in Greenville Friday please stop by, you can RSVP for the event here.

So I'll see you Friday!
stay lovely,
xoxo
Lisette
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Two more shows to go

Whew....are you feeling as busy as I am? I do love the holidays but as a jeweler and business owner it is seriously the busiest and craziest times of the year. 

I'm trying to balance time with family and also getting all these orders out the door.  The post Thanksgiving shopping was in full effect and I'm so grateful for all our dedicated customers and followers that purchased Eilisain Jewelry. 

With that said, there are still two more holiday shows we're doing and about 4 days to increase our inventory.  I'm lucky though because having an assistant makes it a whole lot easier!

Anywho, I wanted to remind you that we will be in Columbia, SC for Craftyfeast in 2 weeks and we can't wait!  Here is the link to the FB event invitation if you'd like to RSVP. 

We hope to see you there and stay lovely!
Lisette
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Awen

I typically don't post on Holidays themselves but I'm celebrating Thanksgiving this Saturday with my husband's family, so I have the day off to relax and blog!

No seriously, I wanted to share with you how thankful I am for my life as a creative person and for you - reading my blog posts and celebrating with me everyday the joy of art and creativity.   It is deep within every person to manifest their feelings and thoughts, whether it be through cooking or even how to problem solve.  Creativity isn't just relegated to art.  I could go on and on but I'll keep it short.

THANK YOU!

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Precious Mettle

Just so, so proud of my good friend Tara Locklear for her recent interview with the American Craft Council. 

As you know I've posted several times about Tara and for good reason.  You can watch this short interview with Tara and read the article here.


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The Divine Image

 

Photo by Aileen Devlin

The Divine Image

by William Blake

To Mercy Pity Peace and Love,
All pray in their distress:
And to these virtues of delight
Return their thankfulness.

For Mercy Pity Peace and Love,
Is God our father dear:
And Mercy Pity Peace and Love,
Is Man his child and care.

For Mercy has a human heart
Pity, a human face:
And Love, the human form divine,
And Peace, the human dress.

Then every man of every clime,
That prays in his distress,
Prays to the human form divine
Love Mercy Pity Peace.

And all must love the human form,
In heathen, turk or jew.
Where Mercy, Love & Pity dwell
There God is dwelling too.

"The Divine Image” by William Blake. Public Domain

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Life in the East feature

Several months ago I was contacted by my friend Abbie Bennett at the Daily Reflector (Greenville's newspaper) to answer questions for a feature on local jewelers.  I was happy to oblige and I'm quite pleased with this full color feature. The insert with this interview is part of the Greenville Life in the East magazine.

There definitely are quite a few local jewelers that have made it on the national scene and it's encouraging to read their stories as well. Below are the interviews.  I hope you enjoy!

As always, thank you for reading.
Stay lovely,
Lisette
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The time is now

...to get your holiday shopping done! I'm already freaking out a bit about what to get everyone on my list!

Speaking of, I finally decided to create a fun Eilisain Jewelry gift guide, some ideas and suggestions to help you get super cool and awesome jewelry for everyone on your list!

As you know all of Eilisain Jewelry is unisex, I don't like to pigeonhole types of jewelry for a certain gender, but this guide is one to help you discern what you could get for each person in your life.

I hope it helps and thank you for reading1

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Durham Patchwork Holiday Market added to our show schedule

I'm just keeping every weekend quite busy up until the day of Christmas! I don't mind though as the holiday season is pretty MAJOR for every independent artists and retailer I know.

And I really can't stress it enough, buying locally made goods/food is SO beneficial to you and your community.  Your hard earned money goes to other people in your area that work hard to make long lasting sustainable goods.  It's just that simple.

With purchasing local, I'm also selling right down the road (sorta) from Greenville.  I love the Durham area and I especially love Morgan Grimm and the work she puts into making the Durham Patchwork market fun!

This year the market will be at the Durham Armory, and we will be there with all our favorite and popular pieces. 

The crow claw earrings, owl talon charm and chain and cat claw earrings - ALL UNDER $100!!

The pieces above are all going to be available at the Durham Patchwork Holiday Market and they are all under $100!!
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Deceiving the Gods

Bast Collection photo by Aileen Devlin

Deceiving the Gods

by Ellen Bass 

 

The old Jews rarely admitted good fortune.
And if they did, they’d quickly add kinahora—
let the evil eye not hear. What dummkopf
would think the spirits were on our side?
But even in a tropical paradise
laden with sugarcane and coconut,
something like the shtetl’s wariness exists.
In Hawaii, I’m told, a fisherman
never spoke directly, lest the gods
arrive at the sea before him.
Instead he’d look to the sky,
the fast-moving clouds, and say,
I wonder if leaves are falling in the uplands!
Let us go and gather leaves.
So, my love, today let’s not talk at all.
Let’s be like those couples
eating silently in restaurants,
barely a word the entire meal.
We pitied them, but now I see
they were always so much smarter than we were.

"Deceiving the Gods” by Ellen Bass from Like a Beggar. © Copper Canyon Press, 2014. Pin It

Holiday ICE Spectacular in Atlanta

As I've already posted on here, holiday shows are in full swing!

Seriously, I LOVE doing these shows - I get outta town, meet new people and sometimes I buy myself and my family and friends handmade gifts for the holidays - it's a win/win situation here folks.

The same can be for you too, if you shop at the ICE Holiday show or really any local craft show. 

I hope to see you there or at another handmade craft market.
xoxo
Lisette
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