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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Some of my favorite Etsy shops...

Other than my own, I love shopping on Etsy, and I thought you might be curious as to some of my favorite shops.

Lately I've really been digging screen printed tshirts and leggings, and Simka Sol has super comfortable clothing (leggings, t's, sweaters etc) and the best part is that they naturally print their clothing with sunlight!

Simka sol cataloupe leggings.

Another clothing favorite is FennecDesign, I loved their stuff so much I used it in my latest photo campaign.

And as for stones and other pretty things I go to Instant Karma, many of the stones I use in my jewelry, such as the Hunted Sterling silver triple crow claw ring with blue azurite are from Instant Karma. 

The Hunted Triple crow claw ring in silver with azurite.

Another stone shop I'm obsessed with but can't afford most of the time is Mermaid Stones, gorgeous labradorites in all colors.  I want them all!

The Asteria necklace, center labradorite was from Mermaid Stones.

And finally, to feature another maker and I'm guilty that I have yet to purchase something from her shop but I still love, Leslie Tharp Designs.  As you may recall from previous posts, years ago, I met Leslie at Penland.  She is super, super talented.  And her work make great gifts!

Leslie Tharp, His and Her's bottle openrs.

I have many other shops I love to frequent but I do try to keep it at a minimum. I hope you enjoyed this post and as much as possible, try to buy handmade - it really does make a difference!
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ECU Metals Symposium is just around the corner!

I can't believe it's almost here, the annual ECU Metals Symposium.  I love that it becomes a lil reunion for me as I get to see all my old friends from, what seems like ages ago, when we were all in school together (Kat Cole, Laura Wood, Sarah West, Heath Wagoner, Marissa Saneholtz, Tara Locklear, Autumn Brown, Danielle James, Laritza Garcia and many others).  It was a bit of a renaissance at ECU, not to be cheesy or romantic, but at that time there were so many talented and budding super-jewelry stars at ECU, learning new methods and just beginning to find their voice (and not to say that there aren't the same now).

And now all of those jewelers and makers are out in the world making big things happen.  And we come full circle to having major talent come to Greenville and make further connections.  I'm really excited about all the great workshops and speakers, like Jamie Bennett (enamelist king), Rachel Shimpock (have you seen her hilarious jeweler in the kitchen video?) and Kim Cridler (amazing ironwork).

If you're attending the symposium, I'll see you there - if not, you should sign up for next years!

I love this poster (aka sprued rings)! Designed by Danielle James extraordinaire!

Thanks for reading!!
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Starring the Vespa Pendant

I'm always amazed when I my customers send gorgeous photos of them wearing their jewelry.   Here is Lily Sly, a french customer that bought the Vespa pendant last year; not only is she a model but a talented photographer as well.   Knas photography is behind the lens and he captures a serene essence. 

What I love most about these photos is how different and completely unique they are in comparison to my photos or ones by my photographers.  The color, feel and quality of these are magical and seem to transport the viewer to another place.  I hope you enjoy them!

Knas Photography, featuring Lily Sly with the Vespa Pendant

Knas Photography featuring Lily Sly

Knas Photography featuring Lily Sly

As usual thank you for reading!

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How to style your jewelry

I was thinking about this yesterday; how one wears a certain kind of jewelry or for the occasion. For example, I usually bust out my gold jewelry for fine dining or special occasions and for my everyday wear it's usually Eilisain Jewelry or jewelry made by a fellow jeweler.

So I thought I'd compile some of the best collection/groupings of how Eilisain Jewelry has been styled.

LOVED this blog post and inclusion of the The Hunted sterling silver and amethyst crow claw ring.

I've said this before that this is my usual daily style, black & black with The Hunted bronze double talon pendant.

And a glam evening out would include The Hunted bronze 18kt goldplated triple drow claw ring with magnitite stone.

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All you need is a wishbone

As this year comes to a close, of course I'm reflecting, but also feeling incredibly grateful and blessed.  I don't think most people do that often enough or take the time to say everything is going to be alright.

So with this new year coming, I wish you many blessings and to take the time to meditate and appreciate.  I searched for something that was appropriate but unique.  I came across this lovely design card.   It's serious and humorous.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR  dear friends and followers! Cheers to you!!

Jasmine design card.  Available here.

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Recommended reading, my shero Diane Von Furstenberg, The Woman I wanted to be

You may recall my admiration for Diane Von Furstenberg in a post from years ago.  She's just amazing and she seems so down to earth.

I recently purchased this book for a friend and have yet to give it to her....so I've been reading it! haha, it's what happens.  But the more I've read, the more enamored I am of Diane's full life.  She married a prince, moved to the city, divorced and then remarried, began her own business while raising two children and then running an empire!

Here is a lovely video of her recounting her amazing life.

My personal review is 5 stars, it's an easy and informative read about how Diane does what she does; being amazing.
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Tuning in and tuning out

This time of year is not my favorite in terms of the colder weather and bundling up however I do love it for the sole reason of having an excuse to stay in more, read and journal.  Journaling and writing down my thoughts, goals and reflections is meditative to me and is one step in the process of achieving my dreams.

It's much akin to some of the points in Twyla Tharp's book, The Creative Habit.   For the creative piece to take shape and become form, it needs a beginning with thinking and dreaming.

I'm reading several books now that are providing me with reflection on religion, history, love and introspection.   People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks is one of my favorites that I'm re-reading.  Brooks weaves an incredible story spanning lifetimes, it's a beautiful read.

So I leave you with this, take this time of year that provides shorter days and longer nights and look inwards and just let your mind wander - it is so good for the soul.

Photo by Katerina Plotniko

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Year in review

Traditionally I celebrate the new year on Samhain however with calendar goes I still review the year in December/January.  This has been a year full of so many successes, memories, achievements and lessons.  I've learned so much and I've challenged myself much more this year to go beyond my own expectations.  I think it's important to measure my success by my standards and not so much by comparison, it's less stressful and more fulfilling.

So here is a lil' recap of some of the memories and events I'm most proud of:

1.  Helped in rebuilding Art Avenue's gallery and studios.  
Working with the generous, hard working individuals (Claire Edwards, Sarah Seztco, Autumn Brown, Andy Denton, Jeremy Fineman, Sim Asher, Aileen Devlin, Holly Lyco and more) of Art Avenue has made me respect and care more from the Greenville artist community.  If I didn't have AA as a studio and space to work...well let's just say it'd be so much harder to run my business!

Painting the doors of the back studios at Art Avenue

 2.  Worked with some amazing photographers, models, videographers and graphic designers
Creating a brand and business does not just consist of the work I do but of the work of other talented people.  And my group of friends are seriously talented.  Like this image of Claire Fletcher (model) by Aileen Devlin for the Valkyrie Collection SS14.  I've worked with Aileen twice and it's been a dream.  She works hard to get just the right image.  And I have to say this is one of my favorite images this year. 

Loving this gorgeous image by Aileen Devlin from the Valkyrie Collection S/S 2014

And this badassery right here!

Origins NJAL (Not Just a Label) Italy

With my husband in Vicenza Italy

3.  Participating in all kinds of shows

This one is a mixed bag. I took several risks participating in shows, some that were not so successful and some that were.  All in all though, every time I go out and introduce my jewelry to new people I'm making   connections and contacts and that is important. Of course the most exciting show was in Italy for the Origins: Passion and Beliefs fair.  I'm still amazed that I was invited, to be amongst such talented artisans was truly awesome!

4.  Hired help
This year I invested in a good accountant, photographer, graphic designer and assistant.  It's just too hard trying to do it all myself, and if I tried, I'd f***k it up! It was money well spent and it's shown in my business.  Next year I plan to refine this part of my business and maybe even hire a book keeper.  

5.  Challenging my skills
I really wanted to learn more stone setting this year and taking in commissions.  I learned how to prong set emerald cut stones as well as other tricky settings.  I definitely couldn't have learned stone setting without my mentor and boss, Ellis Cutrell (aka the Jewelry Doctor).  He's been patient and willing to show me his secrets. In addition, I refined my casting skills with the help of Autumn Brown.  Casting can be unpredictable and at any stage something could go wrong.  I've kept a notebook of each casting with notes on what went right and what went very wrong.  

As you can tell with this post, this year was a growing period and in that I grew with the help of my talented friends, colleagues whom were willing to teach me and show me how to do things the right way.  

And of course with your help and support.  I hope you had a successful and prosperous year as well - and as always, thank you for ready! 
xoxo
Lisette
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Hunted II is here!

I apologize for the lack of posts lately, I've been having issues with posting on blogspot.

This month has been the busiest ever for me, which I can't complain but I'm still learning how to manage all the orders, and for those of you reading that have ordered - thank you for your patience!!

So the Hunted II Collection debuted earlier this month.  I'm just so pleased with these elegant pieces.  Much of them were inspired by talking to customers and fans that love The Hunted line but also wanted more silver pieces as well as gold plated pieces.

So here are some great shots, the shoot with photographer Becky Parker went so well and Megan Kennedy was a rockstar model!

Loving this back shot! Hunted II jewels piled on.
Photo by Becky Parker
Model Megan Kennedy

The Hunted II double badger claw pendant with a gorgeous moonstone. 
Photo by Tara Locklear

The Hunted II silver double owl talon torc necklace. 

Badassery right here!
Photo by Becky Parker
Model Megan Kennedy

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Shop Local Holiday Gift Guide

 

Shopping small businesses is a great way to invest in your community. Independently owned businesses generate 70% more local economic activity per square foot than national retailers. Money spent at a local business generates 3.5 times more wealth for the local economy than big box retailers. Independent makers are much more likely to use recycled materials.

If every family in the US spent an extra $10 a month at an independently owned business instead of a national chain, over 9.3 billion would be directly returned to our economy.

This holiday season, let's support our community by shopping local.

1 & 2. Choose from a vast collection of handmade art, accessories and more. Featuring vegan leather and vinyl clutches and bags from The Wayward Stitch and canvas bags and accessories from BabyPeach.
Art Avenue
212 E 5th st
864-1634

3. The coffee-lovers and foodies in your life will love a gift certificate from The Scullery - now featuring local milk from Simply Natural Creamery in Ayden!
The Scullery
431 Evans st
321-1550

4. Your favorite workaholic could sure use a break - give them the gift of yoga with a five class pass for 50.00.
Purple Blossom Yoga Studio
302 S Evans st
364-2917

5. Handcrafted using found animal parts, rough coral and gemstones, animal teeth, and the alchemical properties of metal, Eilisain Jewelry represents the vitality of myth the belief that adornments can transform ones perspective.
Eilisain Jewelry
Art Avenue
212 E 5th st
864-1634

6. Your tea-loving friend is sure to appreciate a teapot basket!
Tipsy Teapot at Limelight
409B Evans st
413-0087

7. Your favorite little Pirate will love learning their ABCs with Coach Ruffin. 12.99 at UBE.
University Book Exchange
516 Cotanche st
758-2616

8. Art and good wine go together like, well, art and good wine. Your creative friends will love Sip, Savor and Create from Emerge. 30.00 for Emerge members, 45.00 for non-members.
Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge
414 Evans st
551-6947

9. For your favorite little Picasso, gifting the Clay Luminaries January Workshop at Emerge would be a great way to give an experience rather than just another toy. 20.00 for Emerge members, 30.00 for non-members.
Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge
414 Evans st
551-6947

10. Gift the gift of glamour with the wide selection at your local university boutique!
Catalog Connection
210 E 5th st
758-8612

11. Functional, dishwasher safe ceramics available in all sorts of shapes and sizes.
Bullfrog Ceramics
Art Avenue
212 E 5th st
864-1634

12. Hand-cut and enameled, these skull earrings are a perfect gift for an ECU fan. Multiple color variations make for a unique gift every time. 48.00
Chromafusion
Art Avenue
212 E 5th st
864-1634

13. A gorgeous sunset over Dowdy-Ficklen during the UNC game. Starting at 32.95.
University Book Exchange
516 Cotanche st
758-2616

14. Baja hoodies are great for keeping warm in Greenville's chilly winter weather. Only 24.50!
Uptown Art Supply & Gallery
529 S Evans st
752-0688

15. Earrings and other jewelry by local photographer and maker Aileen Devlin.
Art Avenue
212 E 5th st
864-1634

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Kathleen Sommers Annual Bracelet Show 2014

I participated in this show last year and I really loved it; specifically because bracelets are such a wonderful way to incorporate new techniques in a stylish way.

And ironically enough this season I made quite a few bracelets.  The Black Abyss, a fan favorite and the Asteria bracelet which uses cast oyster shells.  

If you live in San Antonio, TX it's a great place to see one of a kind art.  The show will be on Thursday, December 4th.  Hope you can make it!

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Shopping small can be big!

Shop Small in a Big Way from Old Town Boutique District on Vimeo.

I used to work in Old Town several years ago and I loved the feel of walking through a tight knit neighborhood where much of the business' are locally owned.

You can do that this Saturday where ever you go; your gifts are more meaningful and you get to know the people that make up the community.

Greenville has that same feeling as Old Town, you walk through the shops and visit people and they want to give you something special.  
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Eilisain Jewelry official show schedule

So it's officially here, the schedule for my fall shows (excluding the DC craft Beer festival which is this weekend).  

I'm beyond (into the netherspace) excited about the Hunted II Collection as well as the beautiful photos from my newest lookbook.  I feel that they are my most well edited and styled photos, and the pieces are seriously killer and modern at the same time.   

I hope to see you at one of these events!

Photography by Becky Parker, model Megan Kennedy
Photo of bracelet and graphic design by Tara Locklear

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Into the Wild interview by The Futurist

The Futurist - Paola De Luca Group is a trend forecasting company and they were at Origins 2014 in Italy earlier this year and picked up my postcards and we kept in touch.   The questions they asked me for this feature interview were really thought provoking and helped me to better understand my own direction and future of Eilisain Jewelry.

I feel so lucky to get this kind of earned press, it's not easy and it definitely takes some continued relationship building to get there, but it is so worth it.  

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Beer and Jewelry, always a happy combination

This will definitely be a fun event to work at, the DC Craft Beer Festival, next Saturday on November 22, 2014 at the Washington DC Convention Center.  We were approached to be a vendor and after mulling it over, I thought it'd be a great time and since I have friends and family in the DC area why not make a trip of it! 

I'll have pieces from all of our popular collections, the Hunted, Vespa, Valkyrie and Asteria Collection.  I do love the variety and ability to provide a wide collection of pieces that suit any person, male or female.

So I hope to see you there!

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Being Ethical...an Ethical Metalsmith

     I was recently called on the other day by Christina Miller, Executive Director of Ethical Metalsmiths to check in on my studio practice and inquire anything she could do to facilitate a better, and more ethical studio.  It was very refreshing to receive this phone call as well as inspiring.

I feel guilty saying this, but I hadn't really thought about it.  Yes I do try to use recycled metals and try to be as ethical as possible but then it got me thinking, what exactly is ethical in my studio practice?   It really is a hard place to be in, I love making jewelry and need metals to make it yet  I'm so removed from the entire process of how the metal actually gets to my door! 

I do know that there has been proposed mining in Alaska for copper and other metals and I've opposed this mining by contacting my senators and legislators.  And I take any opportunity I take to make my voice heard against the destruction of more wildlife is very, very important to me and my practice.  However, when it comes to where the silver and bronze comes from....I'm not as clued in.

So here goes, I'm going to make a goal and statement of becoming more involved and vocal about where I source my materials, specifically metal.  For any of you jewelers out there that would like a listing of ethical suppliers you can look here.

Below I list some of my current ethical practices.

Bronze castings fresh from the kiln.

 Current Ethics of Eilisain Jewelry are as follows:

• All deer antler, bones, and talons have been found, not killed or hunted.
• A twice yearly contribution is made to the Center for Biological Diversity, Nature Conservancy and Ethical Metalsmiths
• Some metals are recycled and reused.

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Fierce and fresh - Hunted II Collection Debuts December 4th

Last night I received the lookbook images for the Hunted II Collection and I'm just too excited about them not to share a tiny morsel.  Here is Megan Kennedy, model, makeup artist and former bandmate of the Ethnographers.  Doesn't she look killer? 

Megan, Becky and I had a great time on this shoot.  Megan came prepared with all sorts of sexy and cool outfits.  She brought the energy and just the right attitude for the shoot. 

So yes the Hunted II Collection is debuting Thursday, December 4th - so mark your calendars! 

Eilisain Jewelry, Model: Megan Kennedy, Photography by Becky Parker

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A Day in Uptown Greenville

Since I moved to Greenville four years ago there has been an incredible amount of revitalization and support for small business' in the Uptown District of Greenville.  I'm really excited about it and the potential to keep young people and small business owners here.

I was super happy to participate in this fun video, documenting the day in the life of working and living in Uptown Greenville.  

A Day In Uptown from Black Tree Media Group on Vimeo.
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Upcoming events - oh my!

We're on the cusp of the holidays, actually probably in the middle of it!

And I'm happy to announce I'm participating in several shows.  Below is the information for the Bust Holiday sale.  I'm SO excited to be heading to NYC for a weekend, it's been a long time, especially to Brooklyn.

Below is also an image of new work I'll be debuting at a trunk show that I'm doing at Redeem, in Washington DC on Thursday, December 4th.  It'll be so great to debut this line at the first boutique to carry my jewelry when I first got started. 

 

As usual, thank you for reading!

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