My sales reports tell me that my customers are coming in to purchase my work, Uncommon Threads.   It feels so validating to have an audience.

I think a lot of my customers are thwarted creatives.   I have always believed that EVERYONE is creative; some of us just had positive feedback about our artwork from a young age.  Others of us had it trained out of us by third grade.  One of my privileges as a designer is to touch my customers, really interact with them as they experience beauty.

So, it’s been so interesting to me to see where I’ve gone, design-wise, since I opened a space where my customers and I can interact more intimately.

To that end, I’ve started using a lot more gemstones in my work.  Every natural gemstone was created by the earth, and is therefore unique in the truest sense.  So is every person.  I think designing gemstone pieces allows me to create an experience that speaks directly to  an individual person.   This is an exciting opportunity for me artistically.

Here’s a piece I’ve had in the back of my mind for a long time… I bought two cool Aquamarine pieces about a year ago.  I love their organic, square-ish shapes, their rough surfaces, and their watery blue color.  Just the other day I had a flash of how I’d like to use them.  I fabricated two bezels out of sterling, added a bail on top, and made a crocheted cord for the pendant.

I’m very happy with this result.   It’s the first of a few things I have in mind, and I like the way it illustrates the idea of “duality,” the idea of using two visually disparate elements to create a harmonious whole.  Combining the gems with my metal-based crochet opens new doors to design.

]]> http://www.uncommonthreadsjewelry.com/2012/03/10/aquamarine-pendant-3/feed/ 0 http://www.uncommonthreadsjewelry.com/2011/10/10/brando-coming/ http://www.uncommonthreadsjewelry.com/2011/10/10/brando-coming/#comments Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:31:52 +0000 bauerhaus http://uncommonthreadsjewelry.dev.shs.venovix.com/?p=3493 Continue reading →]]> ****UPDATE: Brando is now open! Visit www.brandoboutique.com for more info*****

We all have dreams. I certainly do. And one of them has always been to open my own store. I love stores. I grew up shopping, learning sales lingo, talking with people about their needs and desires, discovering products that truly touch the heart. I’ve had the great privilege of being treated wonderfully by people who also love product, in beautifully-designed environments, and it’s touched me deeply.

Beauty is the staff of life. Objects are vitally important to our humanity. Whether functional, decorative, or a combination of both, material goods mark our forward progress as individuals and as larger cultures. Objects carry energy and power, particularly handmade objects, which absorb the energy of the maker, that person from whose mind they sprang, and from whose hands they were actually formed.

Especially in this cash-strapped day in which we live, the handmade object is most worthy of our attention, as it imparts something well beyond the money we trade to acquire it. It contains joy, character, hopes and dreams, pain and power. It holds our
humanity.

And it is with this love of the handmade object and all it conveys that I, with utmost joy and a mix of pride and humility, invite you to watch the birth of my new retail store,
Brando.

In the next few weeks I will document the design and installation of Brando, a lifestyle store celebratin the handmade. You’ll find jewelry, scarves and clothing, items for the home – gifts to stir the soul, lift the heart and inspire the spirit. My Uncommon Threads jewelry line will be complemented by the work of outstanding artists I’ve had the privilege of meeting over time. It is my greatest joy to share them with you.

Especially in these tough times, we need to hold fast to what really counts- each other. And Brando is committed to making that happen, beautifully. Celebrating what we make is celebrating who we are.

Thanks so much for joining me on the journey.

I think gifting, however, shouldn’t really be about someone’s needs. Rather, I believe giving a gift is a way of acknowledging the receiver’s passions, a way of saying, “hey, I notice what’s important to you.” To me, that’s a genuine marker of being a friend, or a child who actually likes her father, as in this case.

Lucky for me- and my dad!- I found the perfect thing for him: the collagraphs of Bonnie Murray.

Bonnie is a printmaker and painter living in Des Peres, MO. I discovered her work in a small show at Big Bend Yoga Center one Saturday morning. Bonnie creates recognizable images- birds, dogs, boats, still lives- by layering textured wallpapers on a background plate. Each print is inked individually by hand, resulting in unique images with a wealth of surprising texture and pattern on the surface.

Here’s the piece I bought for my dad:

My parents had a run of basset hounds when they were a young married couple. We still hear about them to this day, so I think my dad will truly appreciate this piece. Promise not to tell him- this is a secret until Sunday!

I think Bonnie’s work is amazing. I am drawn to her colors, and the plethora of patterning she works into each piece. We’ve talked about another image, a peacock, for me to purchase for my office. The colors and design will do wonders to create the inspiring environment I need to support me at work.

Visit Bonnie’s Etsy site to see more of her rich and beautiful collagraphy:
www.bonniemurray.com
http://bonniemurrayprints.blogspot.com
http://bonniemurrayart.etsy.com

Satin Shelley Tea Cups
by Coastline Imports
Sustain® Recycled &
Recyclable Lunch Set
by Aladdin
Vintage Skyscraper Playing Cards
by INKSTONE DESIGN, Inc.
Bowlboard
by Designs Abroad
RETAIL SCOOP: FOREVER IN FASHIONCLASSIC KIDS
Bronagh Staley wants to see more kids dressed like they used to, before logos and television characters were found on everything from hats to socks. That’s the spirit driving Sweet William, her eclectic boutique offering timeless togs for tots. The minimalist shop is filled with stylish clothing for both boys and girls, from newborns to six-year-olds. The vibe is organic, with labels like Mor Mor Rita and Tuss, and preference is shown for independent designers creating traditional pieces like jeans, corduroy, coats and sensible shoes. The other well-curated merchandise includes cashmere blankets, pirate and ballerina costumes, and rag dolls handmade from vintage fabrics. 112 North Sixth Street, Brooklyn. (718) 218- 6946. www.sweetwilliamltd.com

BREAKFAST AT…
You’d know that blue box anywhere. Since 1837, Tiffany & Co. has been the world’s premier jeweler and America’s house of design. The inaugural store – a stationery and “fancy goods” emporium – opened at 259 Broadway with first day receipts totaling $4.98. In 1902, the jewelry department was created, and the Tiffany Blue® boxes grew a little smaller. The iconic retailer remains the go-to source for silver baby spoons, fine wristwatches and diamond rings with the six-prong Tiffany Setting. Fifth Avenue and 57th Street. (212) 755-8000.www.tiffany.com

Hammered oval Necklace with Amazonite, Coral and Pearl

Well, after a few months of studying for my Graduate Gemology degree via GIA online course, I thought my new pieces would show a lot of tightly-set stones, rounds and traditional cuts in traditional arrangements. But, lo and behold! When the Muse visited, she gave me something else entirely.

I’m happy to present my latest collection- Hammered Sterling with Chunky Stones. I’m playing with a combination of the masculine and the feminine- tough, hammered, oxidized metal, with chunky stones in great colors hand-tied in place with fine silver wires.

Large Hammered Oval Earrings with Amazonite and Carnelian

Oxidized Medieval Cross Ring with Baroque Pearl

This collection is a real departure for me. I don’t think I’ve whacked on the metal this much in a long time. I loved it, really man-handling things. It’s a powerful feeling to be able to change metal and manipulate it to look how you want. Rushhhhh…

I’ve got long and short necklaces, earrings, rings (very cool), a pin/pendant, and a bold cuff I really love.

Hand-forged Cuff tied with Stones

Colors include cool Aquamarine, warm, Citrine, and Hot and Mellow combinations. Of course, you can always email me to start a conversation about a custom color-way.

So, no sedate, tight stones for me. At least not yet. Let me know what you think…

DB with new Link Bracelet!

I am so pleased to be unveiling this group, which consists of rings, bracelets, and cuff links thus far (earrings and pendants to come later- I’m in consultation with some very hot men right now to assist my design direction!). Pieces are available in Sterling and Oxidized Sterling, some with sparkly yellow diamonds.

3 Men’s Rings

I’ve got some chunky stones showing up, as well.

Cuff Links with Aquamarine

Please visit the site in a few days to check out the new group. And I’d love to hear some feedback- let me know what works (or not!)for you!

Oh- one more thing: the men’s designs are also available in sizes for Women!

Uncommon Threads’ 18K Forged Flower group; also availabe in Silver.

Just a quick post to let everyone know that I’ll be appearing at Poppy, Columbia, MO, this weekend Friday, October 7 and Saturday, October 8. I will present my work alongside that of one of my bestest buds, amazing jewelry artist, Jamie Cassavoy of Cassavoy and Co.

Branch Bird Pendant

Our Trunk Show is part of Poppy’s Autumn Mosaic event, also featuring the work of photographer, Karen Kaupanger.

Anyone in the neighborhood, please join us for a drink and a showing of our newest work!

Poppy, Autumn Mosaic

the Saint Louis Art Fair, in my ol’ hometown, but I have been gifted with some of the best publicity I’ve ever received!

Thank you, Ladue News, for this terrific story!

http://www.laduenews.com/articles/2010/08/26/living/special_features/doc4c76dad74f73b547209295.txt

Thank you, KPLR Channel 11 Noon News, for yesterday’s interview!

http://www.kplr11.com/news/noon_show/

I truly appreciate the coverage, which I hope will spur my sales, attendance of the event, and appreciation of art city-wide. Wish me luck this weekend, and cross your fingers for no rain!

Needless to say, we are all hoping for that last big buyer of the summer wholesale season to visit and slam us each with a giant order. Who knows if we’ll get it, but at least we can all feel we’ve appealed to the Universe in every way we know how.

Break-down happens this afternoon at 4. Tomorrow I will be heading home to see my family for the first time in two weeks- hurray! Both Elliot and Jonah will have grown two inches. Much laundry will ensue, then Friday I’ll head out again for a retail show- the Port Clinton Art Festival in Highland Park, IL. Chicago and HP customers, come see me in Booth 62, Saturday and Sunday, 10am-6pm. My very large dog will have a house-sitter.

A big “thank you” to the Universe, and my buyers for filling me up with fall/holiday orders. It was great fun visiting LA, Chicago, New York and Baltimore in the past six weeks. (Yeah, right.)

Beautiful facility, the Merchandise Mart. I love being here- hard walls included, great lighting. I even have a window in my booth (a world outside? You never get to see that at most markets!) So far, so good on the orders. Only a few thus far, but two biggies, and definitely exposure to a different customer.

Who knows what’s happening in the retail gift/art world? We’re experiencing an industry shake-up, which happens every once in a while in any economy. My goal in doing so many events is to stay alive until the tide comes back in.

I was in LA last week, for the California Gift Show, in the LA Mart Temporaries section. Again, I got a few good orders, new customers whom I would not have met had I not ventured forth. Booth fees for both shows, LA and Chicago, combined were less than the booth fee for New York Gift. This was a calculated risk, and I’m in the profit zone for both shows, so I’m feeling okay for now.

Wish me luck for more big orders!