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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