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.