A City Girl and Her Garden

Now that I live in the bucolic countryside north of Baltimore, I've decided to take up gardening. Both my sweetie and I have dreamed of a vegetable garden forever, but have only had the room to grown herbs up until now. This year we've planted cucumbers, red peppers, two kinds of tomatoes, sweet peas and of course, lots of herbs. Everything is doing really well, especially now that it's getting hot. We've already enjoyed the sweet peas, but can't wait for fresh Roma tomatoes and sweet cucumbers mixed with our mint and basil. Mmmmmmm. If only we could grow fresh mozzarella, too!

You can tell that we're having a hard time letting our city ways go, since we planted everything in planters. Some habits die hard, but our patio sure looks cute with all the veggies around. I wish it could be early summer all year long.

New Stuff!

Well, summer is here and I've been in the studio cooking up some new stuff. I've added some gemstones into a couple of pieces, combining the bright colors with oxidized pieces. I am especially loving the black/red/charcoal combo. Perhaps that's more of a fall combo, but I personally wear black all year round. Check out these cuties!

"Rustic Flower Charm"

"Jade Drop Earrings"

"Blue Candy Drop"

I've also been having too much fun with my trusty companion, Louie. He likes to make the most of summer by swimming and chasing balls as much as possible. Check out this photo of him hanging out after a particularly athletic romp - I don't think his tongue could be hanging out any more!

Lastly: I was featured on Indiefixx yesterday. My Petite Teardrop Earrings made Jen's top 8 birthday picks. Too cool!

Vinegar and Lemon Juice?

You may or may not know this, but 2009 is the year of green here at Elisa Shere Jewelry. I started hearing about other jewelrs using recycled metals, and finally have found a source. Even though it took a while to figure that part of it out, it really is the most important part since mining metals is devastating to the environment, and it's pretty easy to buy pre-recycled metals. The harder part is getting rid of some of the other nasty chemicals lurking about in my studio.

One of the things metalsmiths use when making their jewelry is a substance called "pickle". It's a yucky chemical that removes the dirt that collects on your metal after you've heated it. Some alternatives are citric acid and, as I found out today, vinegar and salt. I am currently using citric acid (which is really lemon) in my pickle pot and it works just fine. See, that wasn't so bad? And the earth is just a little bit happier!

Snow Day

I woke up to this lovely winter wonderland today! This picture shows my faithful companion, Louie, checking out the snow in front of the barn. This was taken just after I attempted to drive my husband to the metro, only to turn around after about a 1/2 mile of driving on treacherous roads. After we got back we were wondering what we were thinking? We've surrendered to the weather now and are all snuggled up in our cabin house.

This weekend was the ACC in Baltimore and I really enjoyed it. On Friday I volunteered at the Hello Craft booth. Hello Craft was interviewing folks that had purchased items and hearing their story about why handmade is important to them. The Hello Craft ladies, Kim, Kelly, and Sara are so smart and were a joy to talk to and spend time with.

Sunday I went back to the show and took it all in. There was so much to look at and so much talent, I am truly humbled. I even reconnected with my very first metalsmithing teacher and super talent, Amy Tavern. Other favorite artists include: Eric Silva, Arthur Hash, Rebound Designs and Pistol Stitched. It was great to see what all these amazing talents are doing. Overall, the ACC experience was fantastic.

Still Life

I love still lifes. I especially love perfect little still lifes that you stumble upon, particularly sparse ones that occur by chance. While photographing some new pieces yesterday I noticed this nice little still life in our kitchen. A little pile of fresh bay leaves that I was drying for future use and a stack of fabric napkins. So simple, so serene that I couldn't help taking a picture of it. In this 250 year old cabin I live in, these still lifes are everywhere.

Weekend Sale: Necklaces!

To kick off the weekend (yes, Valentine's Day weekend) I am having a sale on my best seller - necklaces. 15% off all weekend long just for you. Also, my sale was featured in this week's Etsy "Weekend Deal" email and blog feature, which is very exciting. Thanks to Mary in admin and Etsy for the feature.

• To take advantage of the sale, please enter the code "kisskiss" at checkout and you will be refunded via paypal. Have a lovely Valentine's Day and a restful weekend.

I heart Baltimore Magazine!

On December 5th, the ladies of BEST (Baltimore Etsy Stree Team) threw a party to celebrate the December "Made in Baltimore" feature in Baltimore Magazine at the Budda Lounge. Our party actually made it into the Baltimore Main Event section of the magazine this month. I've never been featured in the social section of a magazine (my parent's synagog newspaper really doesn't count) and I have to say, it's pretty exciting.

In case you're curious, I'm the girl with her arms in the air, second to the right, in the bottom picture. Good times!

Secrets!

This picture was taken of me by Juliet Ames, of The Broken Plate during the holidays. I think it's really funny. I may have been a little tipsy as I appear to be telling secrets right into a camera! Jill Popowich is the one giggling in the background. She's always giggling, which a wonderful quality in a friend.

**Editor's note: It has come to my attention that Allison Fomich, of Tigerlillyshop, actually took this picture. Thanks, Allison!

Suprise Sale: Necklaces

"Dark Flower Necklace" by Elisa Shere Jewelry

One thing is for sure, I LOVE necklaces. Love making them and love wearing them. I feel like it's the place where my creativity really comes through. In honor of my love of necklaces and the launch of some new styles (including the necklace featured above) I am offering 15% off necklaces just for my blog readers from 1/5 - 1/9. If you were thinking about treating yourself to a necklace, now is the perfect time.

To take advantage of the necklace sale, please mention my blog in the notes to seller when placing your order and I will refund 15% of your necklace purchases via Paypal.

Caked Walk

It's funny how when you move away from a place, the very things you used to mock you somehow end up missing. That's how I felt when I was visiting Seattle last week and came across this scene (captured above). I used to joke about how the winds came one day in the fall and blew off all the leaves. Then the rain would start for the season, leaving sidewalks carpeted with leaves. Somehow or another, I miss those soggy, leaf-caked sidewalks. There really isn't any logical explanation for this. Maybe I just miss Seattle.

Hello, New Year

Finally, it is New Year's (eve, to be precise). It's time to reflect on what a wild ride 2008 has been and I'm so grateful for this time to reflect. The holiday rush is over, I've just gotten back from a wonderful snow-filled trip to Seattle where I saw family and friends that I've missed more than I realized. I feel very relaxed now and ready to take on the new year. But, I plan to take to take the next few days to think about the events of the last year and of this new year to come. It's a wondeful feeling to have something of a clean slate, a whole new year ahead. I'm so excited for it.

This past holiday season was a wonderful rush. 4 shows, tons of Etsy orders and wonderful, wonderful shoppers at both the Merry Mart and Last Minute Maul shows. I am so thankful for all the kind words I received and the interest in my work. I did so well this season that I am thinking about cutting back my hours at my day job. That would be a dream come true!

Have a lovely and relaxed New Year's Eve and take some time to reflect on your life right now, if you can. I wish you all the best and thank you all for being in my life.

Lucky Magazine!

Okay, I'm going to admit something. I "Google" my name about once a week to see if I'm famous yet. Today my name came up in a Lucky Magazine mention. Super holy moly!!!!! Even though it was a small mention in the online local events section, I am so elated. Since becoming a jewelry designer, it's been my dream to be featured in Lucky. Although this wasn't mentioned in the paper magazine, some editor out there did see my stuff and thought enough of it to mention it. That's enough for me. Woo, hoo!!

Anyway, if you are in Federal Hill, please do stop by the School 33 "Art Maul" this Sunday. I'll have what's left of my 2008 jewelry. I'd love to see you!

Here's the actual mention from Lucky:

Event:

Last Minute Maul

Stuck for last-minute gifts? School 33 Art Center's market on Sunday, December 21, will have more than 20 vendors selling locally crafted art and other unique presents. Look for all-natural beauty products by Biggs & Featherbelle and organic-inspired jewelry pieces from Elisa Shere.School 33 Art Center, 1427 Light St., Baltimore410-396-4631Event: Sun., 10- 5 school33.org

http://www.luckymag.com/sites/cityguides/washington_dc/weeklylistings/listings_washington_dc

Merry Mart this Weekend!

Still have some holiday shopping to do? Then shop local! This weekend presents an excellent opportunity to do so. This Sunday, December 7th is the Merry Mart craft show at The Creative Alliance at the Patterson. It's worth going to just check out the space, which houses several resident artists, a gallery and a theatre. However, there will be so many talented local crafters at Merry Mart showing their stuff. My pick? Biggs and Featherbelle, my favorite soap in the whole world! And, they are really nice too.

Here are the details:

Sunday, December 7th from 11am-5pm
3134 Eastern Ave, Baltimore

See you there!

New Designs

So, I haven't been a very dedicated blogger lately and for that I apologize. Some good has come of this, as I've been having lots of fun in the studio. I've been experimenting with rivets, a coldworking technique, and it's been very rewarding. I've been adding bursts of color and vintage elements to my pieces, which makes them even more fun! I've also enjoyed adding more handmade chain into my pieces, which is great, because I LOVE making chain (I know, I'm crazy).


Riveting also gets me a little in touch with my pottery roots. I always enjoyed experimenting with surface treatments and textures and I see that coming through in my new work. Others have commented about this as well, including Baltimore Magazine (more news about that to come!).

Rock the Vote!

Once every four years we get the chance to have our say about who our next president is. I've always taken the responsibility of voting very seriously, especially as a woman. I think about all the women who came before me who didn't officially have a voice in our election process. But, no matter whether you are a man or woman, young or old, you should exercise your right to vote today. So what do you say? Get out there and vote!

Holiday Heap!

Good news today! B.E.S.T., the Baltimore Etsy Street Team, has been accepted to the Charm City Craft Mafia's Holiday Heap show. They put on fantastic shows, chock full of talent and wonderful shoppers. CCCM has been gracious enough to offer us two 6' tables. That's a lot of craft! Dandelion Blu, Jill Popowich Designs (my BFF), Van Wagoner Studios, Yummy and Co, Spa Therapy Works, Greenstarstudio and I will be representing the B.E.S.T. group. This event will take place on Saturday, November 15th. More details to come!

Wednesday Sale: Necklaces

new design: "sweet little flower"

I love to wear necklaces, and therefore, I love to make necklaces. I've added some new styles in the last month, with many more to come. In an effort to share my excitement with you I am offering 15% off all necklaces in my shop just for today - Wednesday.

Please include the necklace of your choice when you checkout, mention my blog in the "message to seller" box and the discount will be refunded to your Paypal account. If paying by check, I will send a revised invoice.

Happy Shopping!