This is my first official CicadaDesign giveaway: http://blog.jensnyderphotography.com/?p=476
I'm so excited to be part of this week of awesome giveaways at Jen Snyder Photography. Please check out her amazing work and then visit her blog for more giveaway information.
Yeah, so we're not going to talk about why I haven't been updating my blog lately. I'm embarrassed. You all can come up with your own fantastical reasons, if you wish.
I am excited to announce that I have finally opened up my own jewelry business: Cicada Design. I have opened up shop at Etsy and I'm applying for some local and regional craft shows. I'm living my dream! Ha ha. This really has been a passion of mine for years, and folks, it was only fear that was holding me back. Don't let that stop you all--learn from my mistake.
Here is some of my work (all images copyright emilie kleiner 2010. Please ask permission before using):
All work is low carbon steel and various semi-precious gem stone beads, except for the last picture, which is a vintage celluloid tatting shuttle.
I love to be creative and I know this will fill a huge, gaping hole in my soul that has been missing since I graduated from college with my art degree. I'm excited to be on this path and can't wait to make a name for myself!
I am beyond excited to be a booth assistant for Connie Verrusio at the Smithsonian Craft Show this weekend! I'll be working Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I can't wait to be surrounded by inspiring craft--I fully expect to network and come back with fabulous ideas and experiences.
Click here to see a wonderful grouping of Connie's work. Some other amazing artists who will be there are Todd Reed, Karen Gilbert, Biba Schutz, Jacqueline Sanchez, Chris Roberts-Antieau, Fritelli & Lockwood, Wendy Stevens, and Brian Becher. For a complete listing, click here.
Here are all the pertinent details:
National Building Museum
Washington, DC
Daily Admission $15
Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m
Yes, I took my sweet time to write about my trip to ACC Baltimore. I have to let my experiences simmer and settle before I can write about them sometimes.
First of all, let's talk about my purchases: a sterling and carnelian necklace from Christine Simpson, and a ruby and shed deer antler necklace by Eric Silva. I plan to take photos this weekend and will update the site with them soon.
This year, there was no carpet in the aisles. I had heard about it through the rumor mill and wondered what impact it would have on the show. Turns out, even though I knew about it ahead of time, I barely noticed. All I could look at was what was in the booths. Still, I hope there is carpet next year. It will be easier on my feet.
The most difficult part of the whole experience this year was the impact the economy has had on my wallet. I usually spend a significant (to me) amount of money on jewelry at this show, and unfortunately I was forced to be on a conservative budget. I'm thankful I could spend any money at all, though.
Now onto the good part: the art! Because I'm a design junkie, I get all giddy about picking up everyone's promotional items, like business cards and postcards. I keep them all in a notebook. Anyway, here are some highlights of this year's show:
Margaret & Josh Smith craft their dishware from high-quality porcelain and screenprint their own graphic images of flora, fauna, and architecture directly on the pieces. My favorite, the octopus, is featured on these mugs. Work available for purchase at the Dovetail Ceramics web site. Image via www.dovetailceramics.com
Erica Gordon's latest directive is to "get sexy with your pants on." When I stopped by her booth, I noticed that she has been integrating recycled bike chain into her belt buckles! She's also expanded her line to include hand-forged candleholders. You can purchase Erica's work in her new Etsy shop or on her web site. Image via steeltoestudios.etsy.com
Ryan Takaba had the most wonderful bud vases at his table in the AltCraft section. I will own one someday soon. I think he is a genius: he has created a way for me to enjoy plants in my home in such a way that my cats won't be able to destroy them! His vases can be attached to the wall with a very strong magnet (metal plate included) or drywall screws. When he returns from the ACC show, he will be posting his work for sale in his Etsy shop. Image via ryantakaba.wordpress.com/portfolio/
Kimberly Geiser:
I've admired Kimberly Geiser's work for years. I love watching her line evolve, especially in reference to her use of texture and pattern in the enameling. Her booth set up was a perfect complement to her work--one day I'll be brave enough to bring my camera and ask to take pictures of all the great work I see. Sometimes I get so overstimulated that I shut down and only process through one sense at a time (primarily sight). I must learn to multitask! Image via WoodenStoneGallery.com
More to come later!
African Cross pendant. Leather, sterling, and thread. Image courtesy of Rebecca Sako. Copyright 2008.
Recently I saw a photo of jewelry that was featured in an email from the American Arts Council. It was a reminder to apply for the Alt Craft section of the show (see previous post) and that's how I was introduced to the work of Rebecca Sako.
Green Color Block bracelet. Leather, sterling, and thread. Image courtesy of Rebecca Sako. Copyright 2008.
Naturally, I checked out her web site to see what glorious pieces she had to offer. I was seriously impressed by her innovative combination of leather, embroidery and sterling silver (she cleverly refers to them as "thread paintings") as well as her conscious use of scraps and found materials. I especially love the fact that she has sourced imported, pre-WWII era sequins!
Kamodo Dragon. Sterling, vintage sequins. Image courtesy of Rebecca Sako. Copyright 2008.
When an artist has crafted not only superb work, but a well-considered thesis and artist statement, I immediately want to promote them and help them succeed. Rebecca Sako is an excellent example of someone who skillfully draws on life experiences and inspiration to create intelligent, wearable art. If only I had the money to fly out to San Francisco...she will be at the American Craft Council show in August of 2009. Time to start saving for a trip!
If you are in the San Francisco area, Rebecca is participating in a group show at the 77 Geary Gallery on Sunday, November 23rd. The show is called Artwear in the Galleries, and it takes place between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Textile Department of the De Young Museum in San Francisco.
Lulu Smith is the Josef Albers of handmade jewelry. Working in hand-pigmented resin, Lulu has developed a refined eye for color and creates pieces that are like brain candy--her talent for optical color mixing is a fun and tasty treat for the eyes.
Every month, Lulu has an online show of her work; her show for July started today. I encourage you to purchase quickly, because her jewelry sells like hotcakes. I think by day three of last month's sale, about 50% of it was gone!
Albers bracelet. Hand-pigmented resin and sterling silver. Image copyright Lulu Smith 2008.
Interestingly, as I study her pieces more carefully, I notice that she has created a piece titled "Albers bracelet". I swear I didn't know that before I started writing this post. I think it's beautiful (of course it has already sold). Lulu has also created a stunning series of pendants inspired by lollipops, jaw breakers, and gum balls:
Pendants. Hand-pigmented resin and sterling silver. Image copyright Lulu Smith 2008.
Last year I was lucky enough to be her booth assistant at the American Crafts Council retail show in Baltimore. I remember when I responded to the ad looking for help at the show; it was an anonymous post, so when I found out who it was that needed an assistant, my heart did cartwheels. She is like a celebrity to me, and I was beyond excited to work with her that weekend in February. I'm fairly certain that I was able to maintain a cool composure, but one never knows...
