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.

The Man Bracelet and My New Life

Well, we never know where life is going to take us right? For months I've been slammed with tons of Etsy orders, shows and more. At the same time, I was working at a demanding day job, fantasizing about the day I could just work on my art. All of the sudden that day is now. Here I am with no job and all day to work on my jewelry, starting yesterday. It's a little shocking, but exciting at the same time. For instance, I could go for a hike - right in the middle of the day or write this blog entry. It might take me a little while to wrap my mind around this.

On another subject, I was commissioned to create a "man bracelet" for a very nice Baltimore girl a few weeks ago. Her boyfriend is Mexican and we brainstormed different Mexican themes and landed on Day of the Dead. I'm so happy with the way this bracelet turned out. I'm especially proud of the little skull that I sawed out by hand, and the manly badass quality of this bracelet. It was such a thrill to be challenged and to spend a lot of time developing one piece, sort of like being back in art school (except without the stress and grades). It was the perfect project for me right now, and I dropped it off in person right after I left my day job for the last time on Friday. Pretty symbolic, I think.

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!

Etsy Love: Moxie and Oliver

"Hanako 6 Buckle"

Every once in a while you come across an artist that really just speaks to you. That's how I feel about Moxie and Oliver and their shop on Etsy. They make beautifully crafted leather belts, dog collars, purses, flasks and more. Their work reminds me of old west meets modern design. It also reminds me just a little bit of one of my first artistic endeavors: leather work at sleep-away camp. Of course, none of my leather work efforts even hold a candle to Moxie and Oliver.

These items are just a sample of the many incredible pieces they have for sale. Be sure to check out their shop for even more tempting treasures.

"Poppy Patern Purse" - I'm crazy about this purse. The colors, composition and design are just precious.

"Winged Heart Leather Clutch" - Adorable and badass at the same time.

"Sugar Skulls Purse" - I love this Day of the Dead themed purse. There is so much detail to this piece, including crossed shotguns on the back of the bag.

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

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!

This is what it's all about

A very nice fellow Baltimore resident contacted me earlier this week for a rush order. His lady was going out of town in a couple of days and he needed some special gifts for her. I rushed to get his order of a Sweetest Flower necklace and Big Loop earrings together and arranged to meet the next day. It was so much fun to work with a local person via Etsy! Sometimes I feel strangely alienated from the people who buy my work, since I sell most of it over the Internet.

Anyway, my new Baltimore friend actually took pictures of the gift recipient with the jewelry on and sent them to me (see above). How cool is that? That really, really made my day. And, I think the pieces she received look great on her. This is truly what it's all about.

Favorite Etsy Shop: Ellaina Boutique

One of my favorite things about Etsy is finding new designers that I would never have been exposed to otherwise. One designer I've discovered recently is Ellaina Boutique - I have fallen head over heels for her designs. Sue Bradbury, the creator of the Ellaina Boutique line handmakes simple, but elegant knit dresses, tops, skirts and other lovely items that have the most charming little details. I really want one of everything from her shop!

I've been eyeing this dress for a while...

This top combines some of my favorite colors, so sweet.

Weekend Sale: 20% off Riveted Jewelry

Riveting Flower

Starting today and through the entire weekend you can enjoy 20% off my new riveted jewelry series. I've been having too much fun with this cold working technique, it's a different experience to create jewelry without my trusty torch. I've also been having fun with the combination of different metals and vintage materials.

• To take advantage of this sale, simply place your chosen item in the Etsy checkout cart and mention my blog in the notes to seller. The 20% discount will be refunded through paypal.
  

Riveting Bracelet

Harmony

Sweetest Flower