Blessing of the Animals by Faith Shearin

At my daughter’s Catholic school there is
a blessing of the animals at which
the children line up with their fat hamsters
and gauzy goldfish, their dogs so old

they can barely climb the hill. They bring
their cats with bald patches
and their lizards sleeping in cages
under a fake sun. In the line
to the priest there are snakes

with white eyes and birds without songs.
 

There are ant farms and worms and rats
with long, exposed tails. The children
wait hours for their animals
to be blessed: for the priest’s hand

to hover over the weight they carry.

They bring shoe boxes full of turtles,
hairy spiders, frogs with dry skin.
I like watching my daughter

among the other children: her dog

small in her arms, her gaze protective.

Children believe in the power
of animals, tucked into their feathers
and shells; they believe

in blessings: the sprinkle
of holy water, each tiny
unexplained life.

Per The Writers Almanac

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Being grounded

What a lovely conversation and truth to our world and connection to the earth.



Ruudt Peters is fun and so observant, and of course his work is amazing.
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What to write about....

I'll admit I have this thought on a daily basis for my blog, sometimes though a lightbulb will go off and I think, oh yeah right, I'll write about that...duh?! But not today.

We're creeping toward the high and beautifully long days of summer which I love.  It also feels like a time for me to seriously edit, meditate and prepare for fall and winter.  I've got some grand ideas brewing for a new line, I just need some free time from orders and studio to sketch. 

And thus also summer means outdoor festivals and shows.  Last year I did two summer shows and they were great but my setup and display was SO embarrassingly unprepared and messy at best.  This year I'm upping my game and I invested in two lovely tables from Ikea and chairs along with a new tent...I have yet to purchase. 

It's amazing how much money can go into such endeavors but I do feel it's worth it, as well as participating in shows.  It can be a gamble, not knowing if I'll make my money back from the festival fee but once I meet customers and fans I understand that showing my jewelry in person and having people see it is essential sharing my work.  And hearing what people like and don't like about my jewelry. 

Stay tuned for more posts about new shows I'm doing and my summer schedule! Thanks for reading.
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Artsplosure 2015

I just received word that I've been accepted to participate in Raleigh's Artsplosure 2015!

I've never done a show in Raleigh and I'm really looking forward to it, despite having just got back into town from Art Star in Philadelphia which was a blast! Whew, it is definitely show season.

If you're in the Raleigh area please visit my booth....which I don't know which booth I'll be at but I'm sure you can find me!

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Mapped: A Survey of Houston Contemporary Jewelry and Metalwork

I got notice of this new video posted by SNAG Television.

It's a fun video showing all the great pieces in this exhibition inspired by the landscape of Houston.



Hope you enjoy!
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Maker.Jeweler Profile: Brittany Nicole Brisson

I haven't done a profile in a long time and it's apt that I do one on my good friend Brittany Nicole Brisson.  Brittany is having her senior exhibition tomorrow night at Art Avenue and I'm just so proud of her, she's one of the hardest working students I know!

Isn't her poster fun? ECU Alumni and illustrator Alice Holleman designed it!

Brittany is not only a BFA candidate in metals but also Art Education, which is a hard juggling act.  Students getting a degree in Art Ed have a much heavier work load as well as get a dual degree in a specialized program, such as metal design.

Brittany and I became friends 2 years ago and she's helped me cast in the studio, assisted for the Aurelian Nights Fashion show and just hang out.  I truly admire and respect Brittany, she juggles work, school load and creating awesome pieces.  She's an innovator and loves to play with all kinds of materials.  Here are several of her pieces that do just that!

GeoJane Necklace

2013

Brass. Powder Coat.
Fabricated.

Bolo Tie for Joe Bova

2014

Sterling Silver. Copper. Enamel. Photo Decal.

"Don't Hug Me" Brooch

2014

Brass, Enamel, Beta Sand, Sterling Silver.
Die-pressed, Formed and Fabricated.

Sugar Skull for Theresa Holtz's Clothing Line for 2014 AIMO Fashion Show

2013

Necklace.
Steel. Enamel. Photo Decal. Powder Coat.

You can view more of her work here.  Thanks for reading!
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Blue evening

It's so fun to me when I see how my customers and stylists style my jewelry.  Everyone has their own personal take and aesthetic and that is what makes it so appealing.

The Vivenne Files by Janice Riggs is a fantastic style blog that featured the Stars in your eyes earrings from the Asteria Collection F/W14.    And I have to be honest this outfit is definitely one I'd wear.  I love the combination of deep blue with black. 

The Vivenne Files outfit inspiration board with the Asteria earrings.

And another great outfit combo.  Ironically enough I sold these earrings the same day she featured them on her blog. 

Thank you for reading!
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One small change

can have such a huge impact on our world.

I shared this on my personal FB page but I'd like to share it with you.  Once you watch this video it will give you many reasons to not buy bottled water.

Here are the simplistic ones:
1.  You save money
2.  You protect the planet
3.  You are ensuring these companies don't get more money to trash the earth.

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How my business has changed me

Many years ago when I was just beginning to learn jewelry making and taking my enameling classes at the Art League in Old Town Alexandria, I used to think to myself, 'I could never handle the business aspects of owning my own business'.  That somehow someone else would do it, what a joke I know!  I think back then I just couldn't wrap my head around the fact that some day I would own a business. 

So here it is almost 10 years later and I am running a very small business.  Granted I only started 2 years ago but even before then I was planning and working towards the start.  Being the boss (and only employee) has taught me discipline, integrity, hard work and patience.  Traits that I honestly didn't expect from myself when I worked for my previous jobs, which I'm not proud to say but it's the truth.  

I'm going to take this moment to give props to several people that encouraged me to follow my dreams and gave me some great advice along the way. 

This is me last year in the main gallery at Art Avenue, I look happy and somewhat successful.

This was me in 2009 at my last enameling class with Abby Goldblatt, mentor and friend.

And my last visit with the guys at Lawrence Miller & Co. (Lawrence Miller on my right and Tim Shaheen on my right)

Above are photos from part of my beginning in learning business and creativity.  There are many people that contributed to my understanding best business practices and fueling my love for making.  It takes confidence to even take the first steps to beginning a business, I didn't have as much confidence when I got started but now I know that I can do it. 

I'm so grateful for the knowledge passed on from Abby, Lawrence and Tim.  I left Northern Virginia with experience and understanding of the jewelry business and it really prepared me for the great adventure of being a jeweler and business owner. 

I hope that if you are a beginning jeweler or even business owner that you have the same mentorship and support, if not - seek it out!

Thanks for reading as always!
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Nature as the backdrop

I received more shots back from my photographer, Aileen Devlin of our shoot back in March and they're just so perfect.  Aileen arranged some of the pieces on mossy grave stones and in a lil bath and it was so fitting. 

Several necklaces on a tombstone

This shot works so well with the herkimer diamonds, clear reflection matched with the clarity of the stones.

And the moss is beautiful against the silver.

You can view the full photoshoot on my website.
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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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Jealousy

I've written about this topic before but not so blatantly I guess; I've discussed overcoming creative blocks and meditating but not so much how to deal with that terrible feeling of wanting what someone else has.

I've noticed it more in myself these past several months, I guess that also comes with rejection, which is what I've experienced as well.  I'm trying to grapple with how to move past this feeling and why I'm having it.  First it angers me, because I want to be happy for my friends (and others I don't know personally) but last night I really asked myself why? As why am I feeling this way versus indifference or nodding my head and moving on.  I'm usually pretty good at letting things go and having them roll right over me (it's in my Pisces nature) but not so much lately, I want more than ever before to be completely successful in all areas - creatively, financially and emotionally.

And my best response to the why is that internally, deep down I know that it's because maybe I feel that I've fallen short of my own expectations (creatively).  That I know I'm not pushing the envelope as far as I can.

So I've made a new commitment to myself and declaring it on my blog (that means I'm held accountable) to make some crazy, outlandish and fun work.  I haven't 'played' much since I graduated and I need that, I need to have a bit of fun, in between making my production work.  I'm sure I've made this declaration before but this time I really mean it!  

One of my paper boxes (back in art school) - when I did fun stuff!

Thanks so much for reading and having a place to write out my thoughts and share them with you. 
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Not Just a Label in Dubai for d3

One of the reasons I really love working with Not Just a Label is how much they work to expose small yet emerging designers (fashion and accessories).  So I was not surprised when I learned they were working with new designers and the luxury fashion industry in Dubai, a region of wealth and appreciation for creativity and culture.

NJAL is primarily an online platform however since last year with the Origins fair in Vicenza, Italy they've been working to establish relationships in key locations to bring the online in person.  I was very excited to send several select pieces from the Hunted collection to the Meet at d3 event.  You can learn more about it here.

Below are some images NJAL sent over of the event.  Specifically images with my pieces displayed.  I do feel quite fortunate that my jewelry could participate in this wonderful event.  If I can't go to Dubai at least my jewelry can!

And here is a great video of the behind the scenes look of how it all came together and the fantastic team of NJAL d3 Dubai (Stefan Siegel, Rob Cavell-Clarke and Sara Qaddoura).


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How to find your ring size in three easy steps

I get this question frequently and I found a great resource and chart via the internets and I'm very happy to share it with you! 

I do want to caution that ring sizes can vary depending on the thickness of the band so keep this in mind, the thicker the band the bigger the size will need to be.

I hope this is helpful to you.

via Who What Wear

As always thank you for reading/visiting!
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a lil sale

Last week I marked down some pieces from the Hunted collection that I mainly have in overstock,  and boy did that get some sales! It's been great and much needed.

Here are several of the pieces that have been marked down significantly.  You can visit this link that has all the sale items grouped together.  These pieces have been marked down as much as 50% which is a big markdown.

Enjoy it now because I won't keep them on sale for much longer. 

The Hunted bronze crow claw ring, marked down from $170 to $85.

The Hunted silver bear claw charm, now $45.

The Hunted double badger claw pendant, one of my popular and versatile pendants.

 

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Vexta

Last week my friend Tara Locklear (she's posted on here I'd say every couple of months!) introduced me to the street artist Vexta (Tara will be working on a joint project with her sometime this year) and I really enjoy her pieces and invitationals. 

So I thought I'd share some of her videos of the projects she's done.  Vexta is known in the graffiti community as super talented for cutting her own stencils. Below is a video of a momento mori project.  I just love this idea of the eggs and painting birds on them. 



As always thanks for visiting!
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Happy Eostre!

May this day and this spring bring you love and light!

"Anglo Saxons worshipped Eostre, the goddess of springtime and the return of the sun after the long winter. According to legend, Eostre once saved a bird whose wings had frozen during the winter by turning it into a rabbit. Because the rabbit had once been a bird, it could still lay eggs, and that rabbit became our Easter Bunny. Eggs were a symbol of fertility in part because they used to be so scarce during the winter. There are records of people giving each other decorated eggs at Easter as far back as the 11th century." (source Writers Almanac).

Photo by Aileen Devlin.

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So fresh, So clean

For all you makers & shakers, I received this notice about a call for entries.

I really love Ethical Metalsmiths, they do so much to educate jewelers & metalsmiths about best and environmentally safe practices.

I think I may just apply to this myself.

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What's been inspiring me lately

It's been awhile since I've done a post about books and such that inspired me.  And this is perfect timing as I just acquired several new books.

I'll be honest though sometimes I feel guilty that I don't reread some of the current books I have, I feel that because I spent good money on it, I should devour it! I've been an avid reader for a long time and books are a refuge when I'm feeling a bit lost or need to go back and refresh my creativity.  

Here are three books that are either on my nightstand or on the coffee table.

The first is Muses: Women Who Inspire, I received this book from my close friend Cate for my birthday.  She knows me well in that I love a good 'coffee table' book (aka beautiful images and good content).   I've only just begun to leaf through this book but I do enjoy that the majority of women go back to the early 1900's and is rich in drama and passionate relationships between artist, writers, painters and more. 

(I apologize for the blurry images, saved from the internets)

 

Now this book is for the inner geologist in me, as you know I LOVE stones and gems and I'd seen this book previewed on other sites, such as DesignSponge and wanted it.  It's very ironic that the author, Jennifer Altman used to work at Points of Light in Asheville, NC - where I source many of my stones.   This book is an easy read and provides just enough information about select gems and minerals.  

You can purchase Bob's new book here.

And now to a recent book purchase I made locally (and not from Amazon).  Bob Ebendorf currently has a very extensive collection on exhibit at the Greenville Museum of Art.   And I finally got a chance to see his amazing collection, ranging from his early days making rings, to his immaculate hollow ware pieces (in silver and gold! gasp).  This book is fantastic and should be in every jewelers bookshelf as Bob is the grandfather of the early art jewelry movement.  Many of the pieces are a permanent collection at the Racine Art Museum in Racine, WI.  You can purchase this book on RAM's website (in the link above). 

As usual, thank you for reading!
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Stellar shots of the Brigid Collection

As I'd posted in several months ago that I finally buckled and hired a talented jewelry photographer (ahem, Tara Locklear).

And here is the product of them, but I need to preface this by saying that for some reason Blogger has muted the background of the images and they are not white as they should be so please forgive the weird gray background.  You can see the perfect images here, on my website.

Brigid Bridal Collection of rings. 

Super lovely set with smoky amethyst.

Faceted genuine amethyst with dyed mojave turqoise.  I want these for myself SO bad!

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The Brigid Collection is finally here!

After much buildup and anticipation I'm very pleased to unveil the Brigid Collection, a collection of jewelry for the lovers and the dreamers (you definitely don't need to be a bride to purchase them!). 

For many reasons I'm very proud of this collection and the project that went into it.  Especially when quite of bit of energy and preparation goes into it, such as the video and photoshoot.  But I'm so happy with the outcome and most especially the people that worked with me on it (read the previous post here for all the deets).  

This collection is also very close to my heart because of naming it after one of my patron deities, Brigid.  I've prayed to her and sought her guidance many times in my life.  And for what she represents (smiths, poetry/inspiration and fertility) those are big aspects of my own life.  Oh and Ostara (Spring) is my favorite time of the year, the earth is reawakening and shifting, birds are chirping...it's beautiful!

So here I present to you the video we shot at the same time as the photoshoot for the collection.  I was very fortunate to find Ryan Shackleford (through my previous videographers) and as a videographer he was super professional and great to work with. 

the love in this video is real...Chris and Ashleigh are partners in life, aren't they just the sweetest???!!!

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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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Upcoming shows and events

Spring is my favorite season, I love it for many reasons - the birds are chirping more, flowers are beginning to bloom, the weather is warmer and well, my birthday is also right before spring!

And the major part of Spring is all the wonderful outdoor events! I've been applying to shows and I finally got into one, I'll be a vendor at the Art Star Craft Bazaar in Philaphelphia on May 9th-10th. 

Art Star poster.  Find more info about the event here.

And I'll be releasing the Brigid Collection on the first day of Spring, Friday March 20th.  This is the first 'bridal' collection I've done and it is a small yet well edited collection of rings and one of a kind pieces for the unique bride. 

I made pieces that were simple and affordable.  I put the term 'bridal' in quotes because as much as I'm putting a name on these pieces, really they don't have to be for a bride just as much as my other collections have been used as ceremonial pieces for weddings. 

And I decided to name this the Brigid Collection after the Celtic Goddess Brigid; she has been one of my patron deities and a triple goddess.  She represents the fire before the summer months, she is the Goddess of Imbolc (one of the pagan sabbaths).  There are many stories and tales of Brigid, she is the the bards muse, the patron of Smiths and herbal healing.   

I hope you'll visit and stay tuned for more images of my new collection and as always, thank you for reading.
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The Blessing

Photo by Aileen Devlin, Model: Claire Fletcher for the Eilisain Jewelry Valkyrie Collection

The Blessing by John Updike

The room darkened, darkened until
our nakedness became a form of gray;
then the rain came bursting,
and we were sheltered, blessed,
upheld in a world of elements
that held us justified.
In all the love I had felt for you before,
in all that love,
there was no love
like that I felt when the rain began:
dim room, enveloping rush,
the slenderness of your throat,
the blessed slenderness.

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Basics of how shopping local has a big impact on the economy

This is such an informative infographic on the basics of how much of an impact buying local can have on our economy at large.

It really breaks it down, and I love that the local jewelry shop is featured! 

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Fugheads and Spazzing out

It's been awhile since I've posted any events happening in Greenville and especially at Art Avenue; we're still going strong and hosting great exhibitions.

This upcoming First Friday in Uptown Greenville Art Avenue will have Andy Denton display a variety of his works; sculpture and ceramic pieces.  Andy is a playful artist and has delved into a variety of materials which I really admire and appreciate.  Andy's latest venture of creating facial mugs, bowls and planters are fun and comical. 

 

You can RSVP here.

Another awesome event coming up is SpazzFest, founded by local music supporter and manager Jeff Blinder.  And of course Art Avenue is participating.  There is still time to apply for the exhibition, here are the details:

Spazz Within Juried Exhibition: Deadline *HAS BEEN EXTENDED* to SATURDAY MARCH 14TH! Drop off your works during business hours (12-6pm at Art Avenue) OR submit via email at contact@artavenc.com. This exhibition includes all types of medias. Entry fee is only $10 ($5 for second entry, etc.) Cash prizes will be awarded! Submissions must include a paragraph that relates to the exhibition theme. The theme is celebrating uniqueness within a community. This can be expressed in any way you can think of. Examples: It may relate to personality, personal style, artistic style, micro view point within society, a personal experience, macro/existential ideas, and/or spirituality. Reception will be held at Art Avenue March 21st, 3pm with music performance to follow!
 

As always thanks for reading!
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Speaking of Brides...

I'm not sure if I ever posted on here that I got married in October of last year! Ha, I was thinking about it this morning, about the bridal collection of jewelry I've been making and how I was just a bride last year.   It was a beautiful day filled with love and my family and closest friends.  

And I loved how very simple and yet special wedding it was especially because at every aspect we had friends and family involved.  We held the wedding at our favorite local restaurant, Starlight Cafe and the food was AMAZING! And so were the drinks. 

We also hired my husbands cousin, Jessica Lee of Jessica Lee Photography take the photos and she did such an excellent job.  *All the images below are hers. 

My favorite photo of all!

Loved playing with my niece, Dottie!

Gotta have that amazing cocktail post vows

Love of my life, Bobby Pittman

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Trying to fit in

We all go through it in our lives, wanting to be accepted as part of the group.  And even in my mid 30's I still sometimes have the urge to want to be accepted into certain groups.  I realized this when I applied to be part of an exclusive jewelry collective.  I was rejected and as I wrote back I had a revelation; that I didn't know at the time that I was trying to fit into 'art jewelry'.  And that I've been in a bit of a limbo, applying for perhaps the wrong shows because I wanted to be accepted into art jewelry.

See for the general public, and the average consumer they don't put jewelry into categories but in our field there are many.   While I was in school I was taught by 'art jewelers' (I put these in quotes because I do feel that it is an internal definition) and I learned all sorts of methods of jewelry making; enameling, casting, fabricating, stone setting etc.  In the academic environment there is a high placement on quality and creativity, I think I excelled somewhat at these but looking back I could've worked harder at being more creative. 

My personality and characteristic is that I love immediacy and am a bit impatient, I think that is why I work better doing small collections twice a year.  Thus, in conclusion of this post and from being rejected from certain shows that perhaps I don't fit into that niche of art jewelry but more of fashion jewelry.  Really I do hate these categories and part of me wants to just throw them out the window and focus on making jewelry that I love aesthetically and that pleases my eye. 

I'm learning more and more about my style and where it fits, sometimes it's so hard to gauge the right audience but I think I'll get there.  Thank you for reading!

Deer antler brooch, 2010.  Cast from a starfish, tube set cz's, sterling silver. 

Ring, 2010.  Cuttlefish cast shank, tagua nut and black coral from Panama.

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Florence & The Machine is coming back!

Not as if they died but I've missed them so, Florence is akin to Kate Bush and Stevie Nicks in my eyes.

This new track is truly stunning and exciting to hear...one can only imagine how the rest of the album will be.



I love the dancing and expression and fight between Florence and herself, whom hasn't felt this way?
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Planning stages

Sorry I've been absent with posts.  As you can imagine some days I'm not sure what to post about or don't really have anything new to post and then that stretches into a week!

But trust me, there is quite a bit happening in my world. I'm very psyched to announce that I'm planning a bridal collection! 

A friend suggested I should do one and at first I was a bit hesitant but the more I thought about it and counted the times I sold rings to customers as wedding rings the more I feel that this is completely appropriate and perfect timing. 

I'll be shooting the lookbook for the collection with one of my favorite and trusted photographers, Aileen Devlin.  We have great chemistry working together, I can't wait to get it all started. 

(Source of image unknown)

 Stay tuned! And thank you for reading.
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