VERSATILE FIND :: magnetic necklace

Siren necklace by annekiel - $162

I just adore this necklace by Anne Kiel! So incredibly versatile and chic. And I love that you can wear it as a headband. Definitely a fun piece of jewelry to play with.. just look at all the different styles!

"What makes these pieces so unique and versatile is their magnetic clasps. You can wear them separately, combine the necklaces into countless shapes, or even make them into bracelets, headbands, etc.! "

Warm Hearts :: first stop...Utah!

In Ogden, Utah with Monica!

Thank you for this lovely virtual postcard, Monica! I'm glad my necklace got to get some fresh air and see an amazing Utah sunset! :)

And here she is wearing the necklace (a couple different ways!).

Monica is also participating in Etsy Project Embrace through her shop: moonovermaize

These are just a few of my personal favorites by Monica.

I hope you'll take some time to visit her lovely shop! You can also find her on facebook and twitter.

Thank you again, Monica!

You can still sign up to participate in Warm Hearts Around the World!

Click here to read more.

FEATURED ARTIST :: nicole deponte

I recently came across an etsy shop that is a "must heart". It's Lilian Asterfield by designer Nicole Deponte (lilianasterfield). Nicole creates funky/chic upcycled neckwear, belts, and vests from vintage neckties. They are each hand-sewn and the detailing is brilliant. I spent a good amount of time perusing each design because they're all so incredibly unique and each one is an absolute work of art. I just love these one of a kind, wearable art creations! So I just had to find out more about the genius behind these pieces.

You can also check out nicoledeponte.com and her blog for more fabulosity!

......................... the interview .........................

A random fun fact about yourself:
I have a twin brother and no, we are not identical. It is quite impossible.

The first 3 random words that pop into your mind:
tea, milk, sugar, (sorry, it's morning)

What's your favorite read of all time?
the fig eater

Any guilty pleasures?
fried food

If you could be any place in the world right now, where would it be?
Some place I have not been yet, India perhaps, sunken forests of Madagascar....

(Ok, now onto business)
How would you describe your work?
Upcycled vintage necktie accessories... totally and wildly fantastic.

How long have you been at it?
We turn 1 this month.

So for you, is it an innate talent or practice makes perfect?
Innate, my whole family are artists. it has come naturally since I picked up a crayon. though, math, on the other hand....

From where/how do you find inspiration?
I LOVE natural shapes, keep a garden, weather permitting, my favorite break room:). I watch the runways constantly watching out for how designers are utilizing textures, colors, and patterns. And, most importantly the neckties themselves are like pieces of art. I hand pick each one, so while I'm sourcing, my wheels are turning.

“My process is informed by nature's persistence to survive, human nature to collect and layer, and my own obsession with invention and translation. The materials that I combine feed on our curiosity, our need to identify and catalogue."

What was your most memorable creative experience?
I think the day that I designed the neck kerchief, it was that moment that I realized that I had found my calling. I had been a fine artist for the previous 4 years, which I love, but fashion/wearable art, so much more fun! I work like a scientist, tinkering with materials. I love pushing to make the designs better and coming up with new designs each season.

What do you do when your inspiration and creativity is tapped?
I get out of the studio and experience as much diverse creativity as possible. Gallery shows, theater, music, long walks with my dog, even window shopping at my favorite boutiques. You have to give yourself a break, take care of your creative energy by taking it on vacation.

Any memorable low points that you've learned from?
Dealing with the outside world can be tricky, ha. I am lucky that so many people love and support what I do. I think when people make a face at the price or want to bargain at shows... it's frustrating because this is my lively hood they are trying to bargain with and it doesn't seem to register that what I do is couture. You have to develop a tough skin, smile, and twirl it off. It makes you cranky, which I'd rather not be. But then, you get that customer that adores you pieces and even if they do not purchase one, their energy is so very positive that it picks you right up.

What is your formula for success?
Surround yourself with people you trust who are in the same boat. You will need support! I grew up with creative parents who are small business owners. I knew I could do it, but there is a lot to learn, a lot of trial and error, reading... and 15 hour days.

I have an amazing friend, we met while showing and launching our collections, who has been my saving grace, shoulder to cry on, ear to bitch in... it is essential to have a teammate. That, and challenge yourself, don't get too comfortable, listen to your gut, and do not be afraid to take smart risks( i know that sounds off, but they exist). PR is everything, always have cards, and get your name out there!

Was there a moment when you realized that you'd achieved success?
Oooo, good question! This whole crazy idea started when I was working with my brother and his clothing line to develop a wholesale collection. We had our first trunk show and he invited me to design accessories to go with his collection. They were an odd bunch of brooches, necklaces, belts, made up of ties, feathers, odds and ends. After the show, the boutique kept a few items. The neckpieces hadn't sold and they were unsure whether to keep them. I persuaded them to try a couple. To think, a year later, they are one of their top sellers!

The day my mom looked at this weird piece I made in the very beginning and said, "i have never seen anything like this before, ever. you have to keep going with this", I believed her. I looked at it made a face (it was very odd looking) and started believing in me, the idea, and making it better.

Any advice for those having a bad case of artist woes?
The amount of time it takes to feel sorry for yourself, you could be pushing forward. Don't be pathetic, it isn't the end of the world! Take the time to do something for someone else, collaborate and give yourself a break. Possibly pick up an activity that lets you get out of your head but continues to exercise your creative juices.

Remember that bad ideas are only "bad" if you don't use them to build a good idea. Artist did not pick the easy road, they have to rely mainly on themselves for pats on the back, that's why it is so important to have creative people around you.

When not hard at work on your designs, what would we most likely find you doing?
With my dog, dancing, dinner with friends, reading...

In a parallel universe where you are not an amazing artist, what would you be?
A dancer

What are some of your favorite etsy shops?
crutch, giia, delacyonline, artlab, whichgoose, emilyryan, penguinandfish...... to name a few, there are sooo many talkented people out there creating unique and inventive products.

What's at the top of your etsy wish list?
brown studded gold hobo bag , handmade unique... by delacyonline


.......................... end interview .........................

Brilliance :: sand animation

[click image to watch the video]

If you haven't seen this video of Kseniya Simonova on the show Ukraine's Got Talent, you must click on the image above! I had never known about sand animation before this (and no, I don't live under a rock), but I'm a new fan for sure! It's amazing how fluid she is and how everything is timed impeccably. Pure brilliance.

My SECRET Project REVEALED :: warm hearts contest!

Thanks for tuning in to find out what has been lurking in my brain lately. I'll cut right to the chase with this one since I've kept my secret project under wraps long enough. It's my first contest! and even better, it's for an amazing cause. Read on for the story and how you can enter.

As many of you already know, our beautiful friend Laura Slocum [of lauraslocumpainted.etsy.com and creativelytangled.etsy.com] was diagnosed with cancer this year and had been sharing her entire treatment and recovery experience with us via her blog. Due to Laura's candidness and bravery in sharing her story with the Etsy community, so many people have pulled together to raise awareness and funds to support cancer research through the American Cancer Society. There's even an Etsy Project Embrace team now and it's going strong! All team members donate proceeds from their shop sales to the American Cancer Society on Laura's behalf. They've done an incredible job so far and have raised over $3,000! I'm so proud to be a part of such a caring community.

Since its inception, it's been at the forefront of my mind to join Etsy Project Embrace and their continuing mission. In the past year, I've seen several people around me.. family and friends.. battle multiple forms of cancer. I lost my uncle this year to cancer. My mom lost one of her closest friends this year to cancer. Fortunately, the others have had successful treatments and are now in full remission. Also, with October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, there's no time like the present to show my support for this important cause.. it affects so many of us in some way or another.

So this is my contribution--my Warm Hearts necklace. It features goldstone hearts and sterling heart link chain, shining and warm...forever linked together--like all of us on this great big earth. It also features beautiful aquamarine teardrops. I felt that the hearts and teardrops worked perfectly together in this piece--if you have a heart, then you've probably cried... (and if you've never cried, then you've never lived). And this piece is one of a kind, just like the person who wears it.

However, rather than selling it, I'd like to send it around the world! But I'll need YOUR help to make this idea work.


I thought it might be a neat idea to send my Warm Hearts necklace around the world, one person at a time just to see how each person would wear it! It's somewhat like a chain letter.. only awesome! I'm always curious how people would wear my designs because everyone's styles are so different. It's my signature "wrap and thread" necklace which would offer the most versatility in styles. This would help me research the true wearability of this design, and in turn, we'd all be helping a wonderful cause.

For every person who participates in "Warm Hearts Around the World", eNVe Designs will donate $1 to St. Jude Children's Hospital on behalf of Laura Slocum. St. Jude Children's Hospital is the leading research hospital for children affected by cancer. It's an amazing place and the beautiful part of their work is that they help ALL children regardless of their family's ability to pay for the care. [I've elected to donate to St. Jude's in my continuing effort to support children's charities. You can read more about my personal "From Blue to Beautiful" campaign here.]

To participate, all you have to do is:

** Email your name and mailing address to warmhearts@envedesigns.com to sign up (I'll send you more specific details when you do)

** When you receive it in the mail, wear the necklace on one occasion (or more if you'd like)

** Email me one or two pictures of you wearing the necklace (this is for the contest!)

** Mail the necklace onto the next person in the chain

THAT'S IT!

From all the participants, I will choose several winners! Categories and prizes to be determined by your votes in a later poll so keep your eyes peeled for that as well.

The necklace will travel for as long as there are people who would like to participate so I hope you'll join in on the fun! As it travels, I'll track each destination on this blog so we can all follow it's journey.

Please spread the word! Let’s continue to raise awareness and help the children and families affected by cancer.

P.S.
Here's a peek at the different ways you can wear the necklace. Dress it up or dress it down. Attach a brooch, wear it as a bracelet, wear it as a belt, layer it with other pieces from your own collection... Play with it and I'm sure you can come up with a style all your own. Get creative! You may be a winner of this contest! :)

[click on the image for larger view]