Category: Jewelry
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Huichol artisans of Mexico take beaded jewelry to the next level
I recently saw some floral earrings on Etsy in the Huichol style, and was intrigued by this Mexican folk art and wanted to know more. But I wasn’t preapared for what I would discover in a keyword search for Huichol jewelry: a profusion of multicolored, lavish beadwork, great blooming flowers, stunning imagery. Collars and bracelets…
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The Perfect Finishing Touch: Handmade Silver Charms from Ayla’s Originals on Etsy
For the past 26 years, Ayla’s Originals has been the go-to bead shop in Evanston IL, filled with quality beads, charms, and findings. I always know I will find natural stone beads and supplies of the highest quality when I shop there! Ayla and Joe Pizzo are amazing resources, and I can ask them any…
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DIY Project: Ankle Bracelets for Ballet Flat Shoes
I love how ballet flats look, but unless they have a strap to hold the shoe onto my foot, I just can’t wear them. The shoe will ride up and down on my heel, and I will tense my foot and curl my toes, trying to keep the shoe from falling off. So I have…
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The 5 Steps of Any Creative Project
It recently dawned on me that there is a pattern to my behavior as a creative entrepreneur. Whenever I am making jewelry or engaged in any other creative work, I tend to go through five distinct steps: The 5 Steps of Any Creative Project Get an idea for a creative project. Work like mad to…
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Northbrook Art in the Park: Highlights
The weather in the Midwest is famously capricious, making any kind of outdoor show a gamble of sorts. There were plenty of gamblers present at the first day of Northbrook Art in the Park, a juried art show featuring more than 80 artisans on the Northbrook Village Green, May 21-22. The rain started about an…
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Top Artisan Galleries in the Suburbs: Coquelicot Gallery & Cafe
My husband and I moved to the Northwest suburbs of Chicago almost a year ago, and we are still exploring the area, searching out the local artisans, galleries, and art shows that look promising. With this post, I am launching a series about the best artisan galleries of the Northwest suburbs. Coquelicot Gallery & Cafe…
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Browsing the One of a Kind Show: Highlights
The One of a Kind Spring Show is this weekend at the The Mart in Chicago. I always look forward to attending this show, one of the premier artisan events in the city. From out of the hubbub surrounding the well-attended booths on the 7th floor, the following artisans stood out to me: Selma Karaca…
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Artisan Gifts for Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is May 8, and it’s officially time to get serious about finding your mother a gift. Etsy is overflowing with beautiful artisan gifts to choose from. In fact, there are so many possibilities that we have narrowed it down for you! You are planning to give your mother a bouquet of flowers on…
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Etsy Under the Sea
Beach season is nearly here, so we decided to take a deep plunge into the Etsy depths and uncover some fabulous sea treasures, handmade by talented artisans right here in the U.S. As a jewelry designer, I am very impressed by these first two necklaces, which I have been planning to feature for some time…
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