The Maker

The Makery is a project started by a group of individuals and that want to celebrate and promote North Carolina crafters and makers.  

They recently created a competition to promote a 'new maker'.  I'm very excited to announce that I'm one of the three finalists; the way to win is with votes.  

So I'm going to beg of you to vote for me! I'm falling behind and I'm determined to win. 

The Makery competition.

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Oppose the Pebble Mine at Bristol Bay

Ethical Metalsmiths sent me an email several days ago to contact the EPA and urge them to oppose the proposed Pebble Mine at Bristol Bay in Alaska.  I hope you will too.  

Bristol Bay's salmon run provide 14,000 jobs to Alaskans, food and sustenance to the people and wildlife of Bristol Bay; building a mine would pollute the water and atmosphere.   It's so simple and powerful to send a message to the EPA and make your voice heard!

As jewelers and metalsmiths I think it is very important to be aware of where the materials we use come from and to be ethical.  It's hard to but it's the little steps that add up.  Like keeping your bench and floor sweeps for cleaning and reusing.  Or finding scrap metal to make jewelry (it's actually more fun in my opinion!).  And more importantly being aware and educated on where your materials come from.

Bristol bay

Thanks for reading and taking action!

PS - Join Ethical Metalsmiths, I did and I know it'll be put to good use!

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I've been gone so long!

wow, I haven't posted this long in awhile.  Things have been a bit busy, with getting ready for the Momentary Myth exhibition and trying to get my jewelry in new boutiques I haven't had as much time for blogging or other projects.  

Plus I've been enjoying this month, I love May and the spring when the weather is warmer and I can be outside more often.  I've been playing tennis and running, trying to get more fit and healthy.  

What else have I been up to? Reading! 

The cover and title of Lapham's recent issue, Animals, of course drew me in! And the Lark book, Vintage Jewelry Design and price was too good to resist.  I consider this reading research for my project this summer, preparing for a fashion show I'm organizing!!!

Yes you heard it first here, I'm planning a fashion show, showcasing jewelry and clothing inspired by golden nights, or as the title I've created: Aurelian Nights.  for now it's a bit of a secret but I can't wait to have the first planning meeting with my time.

Steal like an artist is great for anyone, suggestions and advice on how to nurture creativity and lessons from experienced artists.  From Kleon's book, I'm going to take away the advice to be inspired and also blog more about what excites me and has me thinking grand ideas.  

thanks for reading!

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Keep it in the Can

*Video taken by Lorena Angulo

Several months ago, Laura Wood of Equinox Gallery contacted a group of artists to submit pins for a special surprise for Bob Ebendorf, whom would be presenting an exhibition & workshop at Equinox, Keep it in the Can, just last weekend.  The above video is Bob's reaction to the surprise.

Bob is beloved by so many in the metals community, he has such a wonderful way of connecting with people and making you feel wonderful and curious about the world.

I was very honored to be able to give him a gift of gratitude.  Below is the pin I made, with the Resurrection beetle and an amethyst point.  I felt it was so appropriate to use the beetle in the pin as Bob has resurrected his career many times throughout his life, and I wanted it to signify that.

The pin I made for Bob Ebendorf.

There is a wonderful catalog that Equinox created with images of all the pins made for Bob, you can order one from Equinox by emailing them: equinoxexhibitions@gmail.com.  The catalogs are only $10! I am ordering one today and can't wait to see all the beautiful pins made in honor of Bob Ebendorf.

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New outlets

As you know I've been keeping some news to myself, waiting for the appropriate time to release the news.  All in due time! 

My jewelry will be sold in several new locations, Overland Gallery in Kinston will be selling my Poseidon Collection along with select items from the Hunted Collection.  Overland is owned by the most lovely couple,   Cynthia and Michael Dunn.  They are so supportive of the arts community in eastern NC, and represent several of my friends.

A nice shot of my jewelry at Overland Gallery.  Photo taken by Ellen Hinrichs.

Next week I'll be sending off jewelry to Phoenix in downtown Richmond, Virginia.   The clothes, shoes and accessories in Phoenix are seriously unique and stylish.

My biggest news is that I'll be a featured artist and sell my work on the beautifully curated online website, Craft and Culture.  I'm not really sure how I found Craft and Culture but I'm so happy I did.  Hana Ryan and her partner Jason Parker have the most excellent taste in designers and I feel so lucky and honored that I'll be featured...not sure when, but soon! 

Thank you for reading and I look forward to sharing more good news with you!

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Momentary Myth the video

Momentary Myth from Eilisain on Vimeo.

So I finally did it, I had a video made of my jewelry.  I really wanted to wait until a week before the exhibition with Sim Asher, but I just couldn't wait any longer.  I've been holding onto the video for about a month, and I have the hardest time keeping secrets! 

Spike Hoban directed and made the video and he is really talented.  I'm so lucky I got to have him work on it; Spike also directed Kat Cole and Dejan Jovanic's videos and well, if you've seen them you'll know what I'm talking about!

I hope you enjoy it!

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Bellissimo

I'm not sure if I would say the past several months have been bellisimo completely but lately it has! Which makes up for the not so exciting months.  As you may or may not know I graduated last December from ECU with a BFA in metals and jewelry.  Since January, I've kicked my ambitions into high gear and structured my jewelry business, Eilisain Jewelry LLC.  It's been a big learning experience and I'm hopeful for the future.  

Within the past several weeks, I'd say since March, some wonderful opportunities have come about from my hardwork; and slowly I'm sharing them with you! 

About two weeks ago I was interviewed by local magazine, Bella, based out of Washington, NC. Wes Nicholson, a writer for Bella, called me up and wanted to interview me about my jewelry.  It was really great to have local press want to feature me, especially since my jewelry is inspired by eastern North Carolina.

Below is the full page interview.  Bear with me, as I know it may be hard to read. 

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belated Earth Day

I completely forgot yesterday was Earth Day and now I realize, it's really silly to designate one day to the earth; everyday we should honor mother earth.  I try, with small things, like recycling and consuming less, eating local food and purchasing local goods.  Small steps add up and can make big differences.  Very akin to the butterfly effect.  

Speaking of which; on Saturday while car shopping my fiance found a poor broken-winged moth attempting to lay her eggs.  Such beautiful creatures and so soft.  We realized that with the broken wing the moth was going to die.  I've kept her in my car, contemplating on making her into jewelry.  We shall see. 

I hope that you take steps everyday to reduce your consumable imprint on the earth.  Thanks for reading!

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Momentary Myth Exhibition

More beautiful images from the Momentary Myth collab with Sim Asher, everyday I keep getting more pumped about the event as well as the future.  

Below are the postcard images.  I mailed out a different version of the postcards on Friday - can't wait for everyone to get them!!!

PS email me if you'd like a hard copy.

Ashleigh looking gorgeous in my jewelry and shot by the talented Sim Asher

Lovin' the back of the postcard with the black and gray AA logo.

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Earrings Galore

Happy Monday! It was such a beautiful weekend, I wish it wasn't Monday but I'm trying to be positive.  

As I had stated in my previous post, lots of exciting events are coming up and one of them is participating in the Earrings Galore exhibition at Heidi Lowe Gallery in Rehoboth, Delaware.   Earrings Galore is a group show featuring handmade and contemporary earrings by veteran and new artists.  I'm very honored to be participating in this show; I'd always admired the previous earrings in the show, especially by friends like Sarah West and Tara Locklear. 

Below are just one of the pair of earrings I submitted for the show.  I bought the yellow apatite crystals when I last visited Asheville, aren't they pretty? Perfect for spring and summer!

Poseidon earrings, 2012.  Yellow apatite stones and black coral.  Photo by Lisette Fee.

Close up of the apatite crystal.  Photo by Lisette Fee

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Momentary Myth

So many exciting things are happening within the next several weeks, it's hard for me to contain myself! However, I can now give you some of the details.  

On May 11th, I will be exhibiting my jewelry alongside the photography of Sim Asher, we named it Momentary Myth and it will be at Art Avenue Contemporary Gallery & Studios, from 8-10pm.  It will be a month long exhibition showcasing my jewelry in the wilderness of eastern North Carolina.  The title came from the Beachhouse song, Myth.

I met with Sim almost two months ago to discuss the project of shooting my first lookbook (which will be presented at the exhibition) and Sim was immediately on board.  Sim's photography is so much like my jewelry, rough, wild and inspired by the wilderness surrounding Greenville.  

Not only did I get a fantastic photographer, but beautiful and fun models, a talented hair and makeup artist, as well as Spike Hoban to shoot a video!!!! Which I'll also release at the exhibition - but you will get the first look here about a week before the show.  Can you tell I'm bursting at the seams with excitement?!?

Here are just some of the beautiful shots Sim took. 

Ashleigh Bowden wearing the aragonite burst earrings.  Sim Asher photography all rights reserved.  

Ashleigh wearing the Deep Sea Necklace.  Sim Asher Photography all rights reserved.

 There are several more photos on my website, which you'll also notice some slight changes I made.  I hope you like it and I hope you can come to the exhibition.

Thank you as always for reading. xo

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The Metalsmith

The Metalsmith from Dan McComb on Vimeo.

Wow, I didn't realize Andy was losing his sight.  So sad but I admire his commitment to continue working.  I've always loved Andy's work, they are so thoughtful and inquisitive.  
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Recipe for Resurrection

This is truly fascinating, but I have mixed feelings of bringing animals back from the dead.

The most recent issue of National Geo features several articles on the relationship between humans, animals and our environment.  The one that really worries me is the possibility of bringing the wooly mammoth back to life.  Currently hunters from Russia scour the Arctic circle for tusks hidden or buried in the arctic ice.  Finding a tusk for these hunters brings them much needed money to survive in their homeland, which I understand the necessity to live however if the wooly mammoth is brought back from extinction I'm sure it wouldn't be just for research purposes but to feed the tusk business.  Ivory is already killing elephants in Africa and it is so disturbing.  

This brings me back to the ethics of animal parts and the policies regarding their usage.  I posted yesterday on my Facebook page about my own policies.  All of my jewelry is made from the remains of animals that have been either found in the wild and was shed naturally.  None of it has been from animals that have been killed purposefully.  

I have profound respect for animals and the wildlife of eastern North Carolina and the animals of our planet.  It's so easy to forget that the balance of our world is dependent on the relationships between animals.  That is one of the principles behind my jewelry is to become atune and bring awareness to the powerful capabilities of animals.

I hope that after reading this post you are brought to the awareness of animals in your own life and the world.
Thanks for reading!


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Shop on my website

It took me three hours to set up, but I now have a shopping cart system set up on my website! 

Since beginning my business, I have learned so much about doing all aspects of it, from setting up my website to doing my own bookkeeping.  It keeps me on my toes and I'm happy I know the ins and outs of running a business.  I'm really loving it.

I hope you will visit my website and see the new improvements I've made to it.   There is a press section and also my one of kind work.  

Thank you for reading and visiting!

The Poseidon cuff.  Only $65.  I'd keep it for myself if I didn't have to sell my own jewelry!

Eilisain packaging.  All letterpress and hand done.  I think it makes the purchasing experience that much better!

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World Champ(leve) Beltbuckle title

My very good friend DJ made the belt buckle for the World Championship belt buckle competition.  She won third place but I feel she should've won first, I mean this buckle means to kick ass and dominate!

Her short film is pretty kick ass too.  Hope you enjoy it!
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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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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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Jewelry SALE

Lovely design, by Mariah Lee Ross

Be there, it'll be awwwwwwe-some.

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Sweet as candy

Workshop Amalia Vermell from Eduard Granell Filmmaker on Vimeo.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Makers

Women Who Make America Trailer

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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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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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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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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Don't forget!

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

    Subscribe to our mailing list
    
  

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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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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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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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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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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!


Source: Hubblesite.org
I have this same photo is my sketchbook, one day I plan to make a brooch based on it!


Source: Hubblesite.org
The Crab Nebula


Source: Hubblesite.org


Source: Hubblesite.org


Source: Hubblesite.org



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I collect things...

this video is such a silly spoof on art videos and fashion videos in general.

FASHION FILM from Matthew Frost on Vimeo.

it's good to laugh at ourselves and not get too serious.  Enjoy!
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6 things to learn from Nick Cave

These past several weeks I've been researching and going through my books to get tips and methods on how to be a better artist and boost my creativity.  Since graduating from art school, I've been on my own in the studio and it's been such a strange, good and uncomfortable change.  Now, I have my own space and quiet time to really focus...but it's been so hard.  I think I have a bit of ADD, I'll get started on a project and then get up and rearrange my hammers or tidy up the casting station - basically avoiding my work!  And I know it isn't because I don't want to work, I think it's because I'm a bit scared and intimidated by my new schedule and space.

With that said, at night I read and try to learn how I can focus my attention and be more productive.  I recently found in my folder of important articles a great blog post by Alyson Stanfield of Art Biz Blog, she is an amazing and business savvy woman. The article is 6 things Nick Cave Said That Made Me Pay Attention, and the tips are wonderful. 

One of the main tips Alyson talks about that stuck with me most is Live your art and Prepare.   I have had it in the back of my mind to visit and research taxidermy and bone preservation for a long while now...and I haven't done it!  It's a very essential part of my jewelry in that I want to know how to collect and preserve animal bones and parts.  Also, preparation, constant testing and rearrangement would really benefit my jewelry; it is a part of my research but I want it prepared constantly.  I'm going to post these tips that Alyson took away from Nick in my studio and remind myself to challenge myself, evolve, grow and push myself everyday.

Here is a short video about Nick Cave and his visit to the Seattle Museum last year.  Hope you enjoy!


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ECU Metals Guild Valentine's day Sale

 

I'll be selling my jewelry at the ECU Metals Guild Valentine's Day sale in front of the Dowdy student store on the ECU campus.  I hope you'll come by and visit if you're in the area!

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