Standing out

Last weekend Eilisain Jewelry participated in our first Crafty Bastards show in DC and it was hugely successful.  I was a bit pessimistic, as in the past I have not done very well at shows.  However part of me also knew that many of my friends and old colleagues would come out in support.

Part of what I loved so much about participating was meeting people face to face, hearing their thoughts about Eilisain Jewelry and also suggestions.  I've learned so much just from one weekend.  And I LOVED meeting the other artists at the show, so much talent! I even met Jay McCarroll from Project Runway, he was one of my favorite designers.  

This show also had me working on my display set up, and I finally purchased a beautiful banner.  And of course, Ms. Tara Locklear-Extraordinaire designed my banner below.  I'm super pleased with it. 

As always, thank you for reading!

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Boticca Designer spotlight

Beside myself over this gorgeous inspiration board/interview Boticca did on my jewelry.

Here's the full interview.  Boticca really is amazing at the type of exposure they give to independent designers.  I feel so lucky to be part of their website and company!

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Maleficent and the Hunted

Did a lil' google search yesterday of Eilisain Jewelry and look what came up?

I love surprises and gifts like this; my jewelry included in an inspiration board.  CreamStyle fashion blog did a great style board inspired by recent movies or soon to be released and the Hunted sterling silver crow claw ring with amethyst was included.  

I very much approve of her combination, it' one I would definitely wear!

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FREE SHIPPING on all Holiday orders

There is still time to get your holiday gifts, I'm offering free shipping on all orders for the holiday season.  Last day to get yours in time for Xmas is December 16th!

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Copycat

I didn't think or perhaps prepare myself for one day I'd be accused of 'ripping off' another jeweler but it happened.  It's so disheartening and a struggle to push out the negativity but I'm getting there.  I've always been the kind of person that just keeps moving on, to not let the naysayers bring me down, and I'm going to keep on doing just that!

I'll flesh out this story with how I came across the beautiful crow claw my fiance found when he was a kid, he's kept it for over 15 years and thought perhaps I could do something with it.   I believe it was almost two years ago that I started making a pendant and ring with the wax models I had.  Of course, it didn't cross my mind that I was making something revolutionary, I couldn't have been the first one to think up using a crow claw in jewelry.  And I wasn't.  There are many jewelers on the internet that use all kinds of animal parts (humanely I hope) with their jewelry.  And I wouldn't think they were 'ripping me off' because I borrowed from nature, which I didn't create.

The Hunted: bronze crow claw ring with black tourmaline.

I want to tell you that it is the story, the image and idea behind my jewelry that I'd like the public to enjoy.  What I make is very much rooted in myth and story; animals are very interconnected to humans and sharing in this relationship is the mythology and history of how we interact with animals.  

It is really up to you whether or not you like the style and manner that I present my jewelry.

Now, I will take the stance that under no circumstances do I believe it is okay to directly 'copy' another artists or jewelers work.  And the public and you will see the difference between which is an original and which is a fake.  With that being said, there are many instances in a field, especially art, where one can see a similarity, a likeness but understand that each artist is unique in their presentation.  It is human nature to be influenced, but it stops when they consistently copy another person and try to present the entire body of work (that was copies) as their own.

I hope that this post helps you to distinguish between my jewelry and others.

Thanks for reading!

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Donating to good causes

Seems like silent auctions are popular right now.  ECU students and faculty were invited to contribute artwork to a local silent auction, the 4th Annual CWC (Carter Williams Carpreso)

Art Show and Silent Auction in Wilmington to be held at 621N4th Gallery.  There will be a live music, slam poetry.

Forty percent of the proceeds from each item sold will be given to the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade.  I'm very happy that I was able to send three pieces of jewelry to the show.  Below is a recent ring I finished with a beautiful green hiddenite gemstone. 

If you live in the Wilmington, NC area - go to this event, from the photos posted on the FB event there are some very beautiful pieces of art work up for the silent auction.  And you'll be supporting a wonderful cause, finding a cure for breast cancer!

Gold plated crow claw ring with hiddenite gem. 

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SALE in honor of Labor day weekend and Fall

I haven't had a sale in awhile and I thought, this is the perfect time, change in seasons and wardrobe - both of which I love. 

Much of my jewelry is made from animal (parts - found, not harmed) that in some way symbolize change and movement with the seasons; the crow for example is associated with being a messenger, often of death but also for humans many centuries ago - transporting messages to and from long distances.

So with that I give you 12% off all my jewelry for the ENTIRE month of September!!! The coupon code for the 12% off my Eilisain Etsy shop is: FALL12.

Below is a new listing; the original crow claw but plated in 18kt gold.  The crow is clutching a deep dark black tourmaline. 

Get it while it's HOT and on SALE!

Thank you for reading and hope you enjoy this long weekend (for my US friends).

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The Crow amethyst pendant

I meant to post this several days ago but never got around to it! With being back in classes and a new work schedule I haven't had as much time to blog.

The crow claw has presented so many ways to incorporate rough stones, and as with the sterling silver crow claw ring, amethyst just looks so beautiful with it.

The Hunted Crow Claw amethyst pendant.

I'm going to have to get more of these beautiful amethyst points.

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My prrrrrecious

Yes I am a nerd like that, I'd refer to this ring as my prrrecious (reference Lord of the Rings).  Purple is my favorite color and I've always loved the amethyst stone.  I want to keep this ring SO bad but I will set it free on my Eilisain Etsy shop. 

Black and purple go so well together and in this ring, it is a match made in heaven.  I bought the small amethyst at Points of Light in Asheville while I was at Penland. I bought quite a few stones there so you can bet on seeing more of them in the future.

A perfect size 6.

The stone sits just right in the claws!

By the way, did you hear the Hobbit got extended to three movies??! I can't wait to see the first one this winter.

Thanks for reading!

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Dying, simply dying

..over this ring.  I know I sound dramatic but I'm really in love with how the crow claw holds the tourmaline so perfectly and looks SO killer, so badass!!!

It's a 6.5 and could possibly fit a size 7 ring finger as the additional space under one of the claws provides more room.  I wish I could wear it but it's too big, which is good...cause I'd have an even harder time selling it!

Sterling silver crow claw with a rough tourmaline stone.

Now up for sale in my Eilisain Etsy shop!

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wax on, wax off

I can't tell you how excited I am about the future of this ring! It finally occurred to me to make a ring with the crow, and within it will be a lovely crystal.  I'm so excited about it, I want to be in the studio now, unfortunately I have to work my day job at the law firm, boo.

Hope you are having a wonderful (and cool) Friday, yay for the weekend!

Crow claw ring in the making...

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And the Giveaway winner is...

This morning I tossed in all twelve names for my first giveaway in honor of Mid Summer.  The lucky winner will receive The Hunted Crow claw charm and chain.

Thank you everyone who left a comment, my heart is full of all the wonderful compliments!   And the lucky winner is....

All twelve names (in a beautiful bowl a friend gifted to me).

Oh the anticipation!

Suzanne! My old high school friend.

And don't fret for those of you that entered - I will do another giveaway towards the end of the year and  special promotions, so stay tuned.  Thank you again!

P.S. Suzanne will you message me your address?
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Giveaway: Ancient bronze crow claw

I finally decided to go black with the sterling silver chain and I think it really works with the golden color of the ancient bronze.  Now on sale in my Eilisain Etsy shop!

Stay tuned in the next several days as I'm going to do a give away in honor of the beginning of summer!

Leave a comment to be entered.

Close up of the claw. 

On my lovely crystal.

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The Crow claw

New in the Hunted series - The Crow Claw

Finally got this beauty photographed. I just love how I got the claw to bend as loop to hold the chain.

Hope you're enjoying

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