Hold the Meat

For a long time now, both my husband and I have toyed with the idea of giving up meat. We love animals and have often made veggie and vegan meals for ourselves. We also have had a penchant for the Hamilton Tavern's tasty bacon, egg and cheese burger and for fine cured meats. Nonetheless, a few weeks ago we threw in the towel and actually gave up meat. And you know what? We both feel great! Besides, there are so many yummy, yummy foods that don't have meat in them. Here are some examples of my favorites:

-Guacamole/avocados

-Salsa and Chips

-Pizza

-Gnocchi with pesto

-Chocolate

-Peanut butter

-Beer

The picture at the top of the post was my lunch today, and it was so tasty. It was half of a toasted homemade English muffin, soy sausage, basil from the garden and fresh mozzarella (melted). So simple and incredibly satisfying. I'd love to hear about your simple veggie meals.

Shows, the Beach and New Work

After 3 super fun, but crazy days at Artscape, followed by my final business plan being due, followed by another show, I took a much needed couple of days at the beach. I was too busy relaxing to take many photos, other than the one above. I got to spend time with my adorable nephews, my fun sister and brother-in-law and a had great time at the Lewes, Delaware beach, just relaxing. We even drove over to Rehobeth beach to get some Nicobolis (mmm), beer and boardwalk. It really doesn't get better than that.

Now that the vacation is over I am (surprise!) focusing my time in the studio. I'm fascinated with hand-fabricated cabochons, the metal-on-metal 3D possibilities are really interesting to me. I've posted this necklace, but also have about 2 more charms half done sitting on my bench. I can't wait to see where this will take me.

"Grafitti Bezel Charm" $72

Oh, and also, one of my classmates from my entrepreneurship program wrote an article about my jewelry and earth-friendly material and studio practices. Yeah!!! Check it out for yourself: http://www.examiner.com/x-4019-Baltimore-Pop-Culture-Examiner~y2009m7d23-Are-you-practicing-the-three-Rs-This-local-jeweler-is

Never Want To Let You Go....

Like the song, I never want to let these new pieces I've hours obsessing over go. I'm usually so busy producing quantities of work that I don't normally get too attached to any one piece of jewelry. However, I recently discovered not one but two totally unique, Montana Agates that are so gorgeous, they have these lovely inclusions that give them a sense of movement and have a subtle modern transparancy about them. I'm so happy with the settings I've crafted, I've been doing a lot of scalloped edges lately and they seem to work so well with these pendants.

Also, as it turns out Montana Agate isn't actually mined, but instead is found in gravel bars by the Yellowstone River in far eastern Montana and then hand gathered. I am so excited that something so pretty is earth-friendly and conflict-free.

I've been wearing the necklace shown above since last night and refuse to take it off. I will try to part with it, as I would like to feature these two pendants at Artscape. They will be priced between $120 - $14o.

New Galleries!

Good news! I've been approached by the coolest, prettiest small boutiques and galleries lately to carry my jewelry. I feel really, really lucky. Just this week I dropped off my first order from Red Tree in Hampden. It's a really beautiful store full of great home goods, furniture and great gifty items. They also carry the most amazing jewelry from Figs and Ginger, Liz Matthews and Imogene - plus other favorite crafters of mine like Biggs and Featherbelle and Pink Kiss. I'm especially excited about Red Tree, because they were my number one choice for a local gallery. Yeah!

Made Gallery in New Orleans is also now carrying my work now. I sent off my first order to them just a few weeks ago. They are a really nice independent gallery that sells original art work, gifts and accessories. They are super nice and really active in the community, and sell the jewelry of fellow BEST member Tigerlilyshop's sister - Maria Fomich. If you are in New Orleans, be sure to check this place out.

I'll also soon be sending off some work to Magpie in Boston. They are a super duper cool indie fashion boutique and I'm excited about that opportunity, as well.

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!

I'm Back!

I took about a month and a half off from blogging, and I missed it (and you!) very much. I got swept away in shows - three in 4 weeks and two features on Etsy which made my shop really busy. This is all very good news, but it's nice for things to settle back down a bit.

Even though it's been a little quiet for the past week or two, it's going to get really busy again. I have Art Star this weekend and my brother's wedding. To juggle this, my friend Karen of Dari is going to man our booth on Saturday and I'm taking the train up to Philly (from D.C.) on Sunday. Madness, I know. It's just one weekend, right?

So, I hope to spend lots more time blogging very soon. Everything is just so exciting right now, I have lots of cute new styles to share with you and also, our country house is filled with flowers and gorgeous lush rolling hills. I hope to take some pictures to post.

xo - Elisa