Tuesday, January 31, 2012

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Link to The Beading Gem's Journal

Ocean Inspired Art Jewelry by Cheryl-Eve-Acosta

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 04:00 AM PST

It's one thing to be inspired by nature. It's another to translate that into striking art jewelry. Kansas based artist, Cheryl Eve Acosta, does just that with her Hidden in Nature collection.


Although she makes other innovative designs, this ocean inspired collection speaks volumes about her early interest in marine biology in her native Puerto Rico.



Many of her pieces do evoke images of coral species undulating in gentle ocean currents, floating jellyfish or clusters of barnacles. Barnacles are one of nature's more mundane creatures but they look beautiful when featured in her lovely designs.  She uses copper, enamel and organza.

"Birth"
"Birth"

"Revealing"
Cheryl said, "I highlight both the impermanence and fragility of endangered natural forms in the dying ecosystem with the delicateness of my work. Making wearable art grounds me with a sense of self, reconnecting me to the place I call home and the life I long to protect."

"Withering Bloom"

Via

Before You Go :
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips 


Monday, January 30, 2012

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Link to The Beading Gem's Journal

Ezistock's $50 Giveaway Certificate for Handmade Thai Crafts

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:00 AM PST

Ezistock is a handicraft site featuring artisans working in different disciplines. This Chiangmai, Thailand based site was started by Thannaree Chaichanachanasin, her sister and a couple of friends to help them earn a better living.


The founders are passionate about the arts and are fair trade advocates. Thannaree said in an email, "Many of these talented artisans are barely eking out a living due to limited exposure to their work. We give them a free platform to express their talents and showcase their work to the world market." 

One of the Ezistock jewelry artisans is Sirada Chongsukwarakul (pictured below) who goes by the nickname Koy. She makes lovely flower inspired jewelry. She worked as a secretary in Bangkok. Homesick, she returned home. She said in an interview on their blog, "It is difficult to explain it in words, but living in Chiang Mai with my family and working in a field I love makes me very happy."  We can all certainly identify with that sentiment!




Sirada's Garnet and carnelian necklace "Forest Bouquet"

Benjamas Siriraungkeaw is another outstanding jewelry artisan. She uses kapok wood, and gemstones to make some pretty amazing earrings and necklaces.  She carefully wraps either wire or nylon for unique color punches.



Some of the jewelry artisans have chosen to remain anonymous. But their work is nonetheless beautiful as shown by the stunning silver smith creations below. One of them also creates marcasite jewelry.




There are also excellent leather jewelry artisans with many different unisex styles.



Giveaway
Ezistock has generously sponsored this $50 giveaway to promote their site. Please visit them and see all their other artisanal creations not just the jewelry ones. The handmade items include other accessories, home decor and paintings and prints.

To win it, all you have to do is make a comment below. Subscribers need to click on the post title to come to my actual blog. Scroll down and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank.

Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower or also on Facebook Fan page or Twitter . If you also do shout outs about this giveaway on your favorite forum, own blog, Facebook or Twitter even Google+ those will count as additional entries too!  Please say so in the comments.

This international giveaway ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, February 6, 2012. I will pick a winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Good luck!

______________________________
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips