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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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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Indie Craft Experience (ICE) Atlanta

Summer show season is getting closer and I'm pretty excited about the new cities I'll be traveling to, such as Philadelphia (Art Star Show) and Atlanta.  I got news Sunday night that I was accepted, along with the Lucky Owl Shop to the Indie Craft Experience (ICE) in Atlanta on June 6-7th!

I haven't been to Atlanta in over 7 years, last time I went was for the True Colors tour for the Human Rights Campaign.  And I didn't really get to experience much of Atlanta because I was there for work - and of course going again for work but still I'll be a bit more flexible with my schedule so I can squeeze in some sight seeing.   I'm also looking forward to sharing a booth with fellow maker Amanda Adkins, of the Lucky Owl Shop.  It'll be less stressful and financially softer to share the experience of working within the same booth with Amanda.  Plus our work compliments each other so well!

 

If you're in the area that time, I hope to see you there! And thank you for reading.
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The BRIGID COLLECTION is almost here

The tension and excitement is really building for the Brigid Collection.  And the photoshoot/videoshoot made it even more special. 

For this shoot/collection I wanted to work with new and old people, such as Aileen Devlin.  Aileen and I have worked together for two shoots (Vespa and Valkyrie) and our chemistry is great.  I never really need to direct or tell Aileen how to capture my jewelry, she just gets it.  As for the rest of the team, I couldn't have found more talented individuals.

Amanda Adkins, owner of The Lucky Owl Shop, creates really beautiful flower bouquets, arrangements and flower crowns. So I knew Amanda would need to be a part of the shoot, then came on Meagan Wilson a freelance makeup artist. Lastly, I was able to grab two gorgeous dresses from my girl Paula Chrismon's shop, The Closet Consignment Boutique as well as blouses from Catalog Connection both located in Uptown Greenville. 

The day was beautiful and breezy and the setting was perfect - a cemetery! When I told some friends they were a bit confused but to me, it works so well, marriage is meant to last until ultimately you pass into the next life so why not shoot the collection where others have gone to depart but are buried next to their spouses and loved ones?

Photo by Aileen Devlin
Model: Ashleigh Bowden
Flowers by Amanda Adkins of The Lucky Owl Shop

Stay tuned - the Brigid Collection drops the first day of spring - March 20th!

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Featured: Local maker The Lucky Owl Shop

Going along with my theme of yesterday, favorite shops.  I've decided to try, at least once a month, feature a local maker or small business.

Last Friday evening I attended the Meet & Greet at Art Avenue to meet the other makers & exhibitors for the annual holiday sale at Art Ave.  I was excited to catch up with Amanda Atkins, owner of The Lucky Owl Shop.

Amanda is from eastern NC and has worked in the Uptown sector of Greenville for a long time, and I'd seen her around town so I was happy to see that she was selling over the summer at the Umbrella market.  Amanda makes organic and all natural home & body accessories, like all natural deodorant, lip balm, candles, bath salts, dream catchers...she is super talented and I love the antique/vintage feel of her company.  
I also love Amanda's enthusiasm and creativity, she has re-purposed old packaging to conserve and recycle (which I love!) and made all kinds of delicious and affordable goodies!

The Lucky Owl shop display for the Art Avenue holiday sale.

See how inventive she is? Creating her owl light switch covers!

So, if you're in the Greenville area or follow The Lucky Owl Shop on instagram or facebook - order some of her amazing stuff!
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