Featured Artist and GIVEAWAY :: PoleStar

Apologies for the delay in posting this today.  But I assure you, this Featured Artist is worth the wait!  Introducing Jen of Pole Star Jewelry--a super successful mom and jewelry designer extraordinaire!  If you've been to her etsy shop before, I'm sure you've had a tough time leaving because there is just so much eye candy to chomp on.  I even had a tough time selecting the photos for this feature because there's an endless array of sparkling beauties to choose from.  I've had the delight of getting to know Jen through etsy and twitter and on top of her gorgeous creations, she's one intriguing and hilarious lady.  Now you can get to know a little more about Jen and her inspirations!


Jen is also giving away one of her most popular pieces!  So if you are a lover of sparkle, check out the details following the interview and get in your entries.

Thank you for an amazing interview and giveaway, Jen!

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

A random fun fact about yourself:
I had my nose pierced a few times in my late teens, and I still have a little scar from it on my nostril.


The first 3 random words that pop into your mind:
rain, warm, nap. (it is cold and nasty here today, I just want to snuggle up in bed)


What's your favorite read of all time?
So hard to choose as I am an avid reader. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet. It was one of those books that when you finish it and close the cover for the last time, you feel like all the characters are waving "bye" to you. I was so sad when I finished it and there wouldn't be more adventures. (though I have read his follow up novel.)

Any guilty pleasures?
The Golden Girls on DVD, pink wine I would have made fun of someone for drinking when I was 10 years younger, Oreos.

If you could be any place in the world right now, where would it be?
I have never been to the Caribbean, but after this winter it is seeming very appealing.

(Ok, now onto business)
How would you describe your work?
Simple everyday-wear gemstone jewelry and fun vintage bead jewelry, with some lampwork jewelry inspired by space and the cosmos.

How long have you been at it?
I made jewelry as a hobby for years but decided to start selling on Etsy in September '08. I had been shopping on Etsy for a year or more before that.

So for you, is it an innate talent or practice makes perfect?
I think for me it is practice makes perfect, but I think that is the case for anyone and their art or craft. Over time, you find your passion and work on perfecting your your techniques and how to get a piece where you want it to be, no matter what your medium.

From where/how do you find inspiration?
I definitely find most of my inspiration from the natural world and the galaxy. We have a lot of space books around this house, and some physics and Stephen Hawking's books. Also love watching Cosmos. I also draw inspiration from pop culture and the human experience. I usually put the beads together and go with the impression they give me once the piece is complete.

What was your most memorable creative experience?
I have dreams or as I am falling asleep, I think of ideas, sculptures, dresses, paintings. The problem is I am not trained in any kind of fine art or sewing, so I have no way to really make these imaginings come about. I wish it would happen more often with jewelry designs.

What do you do when your inspiration and creativity is tapped?
I take some time off and do things I enjoy. Go to dinner with friends, read, watch period pieces on DVD (pretty hopelessly addicted to those) or browse art blogs for new and interesting finds. They can all be very inspirational. Some of my favorite blogs for inspiration are Accidental Mysteries http://accidentalmysteries.blogspot.com/ and the Sartorialist http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/

Any memorable low points that you've learned from?
When sales are slow and I think my shop sucks. :D

What is your formula for success?
A lot of hard work and a reasonable aesthetic eye, along with caring about the quality of what I make and how happy my customers are. They give their hard earned money to me for something that should last for a long time, and I remember that with each piece I make.

Was there a moment when you realized that you'd achieved success?
I think I still don't feel this way all the time.

Any advice for those having a bad case of artist woes?
Find out what you really want to do. Do you want to do it to mainly express yourself, or making a living. If you want to make a living doing it, you will have to make some compromises.

When not hard at work on your designs, what would we most likely find you doing?
Out at a park with my 3 and 5 year old boys, or playing a PC game, reading, watching a movie with my husband, trying a new recipe or going to dinner with friends. Hopefully soon exercising more will be added to that list.

In a parallel universe where you are not an amazing artist, what would you be?
A supermodel with a trust fund or a criminalist.

Anything else you'd like to add that I didn't ask about?

Thai is my favorite food.

What are some of your favorite etsy shops?
OH wow, this could go on for a loooong time. I love your shop of course and your new Daily Dose http://www.etsy.com/shop/DailyDose
2. Sara over at ShySiren has a gorgeous shop and she is a good friend http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShySiren
3. RosyRevolver http://www.etsy.com/shop/RosyRevolver
4. LeavesofGlass http://www.etsy.com/shop/leavesofglass
5. Enhabiten http://www.etsy.com/shop/enhabiten
6. SadieOlive http://www.etsy.com/shop/sadieolive
7. I would love some blouses from ForetLA http://www.etsy.com/shop/ForetLA
8. Polpette Clay always makes me smile http://www.etsy.com/shop/polpetteclay

 What's at the top of your etsy wish list?
Right now Monica of Moonovermaize is making me a custom Moonstone ring
http://www.etsy.com/shop/moonovermaize

Any suggestions for my next featured artist? 

Any of the above :)




 

And, as a fun tribute to my inner psychologist, what might this be?  
Not very creative but my first thought was a black and white version of the Japanese flag.









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

And now for the GIVEAWAY!!!  
(winner selected on Monday, February 15th)

Jen is graciously giving away this gorgeous piece to one lucky winner:
her popular Star Bright Necklace (valued at $42)!

Here's how to enter:

*  Leave a comment about what your favorite type of jewelry is: vintage beads, lamp work beads or gemstone? 

* you must include your contact info (email, blog, or etsy shop)

Possible Bonus Entries:

Leave a separate comment for each entry please.


1) follow Jen on twitter: @polestarjewelry
2) follow me on twitter: @eNVeDesigns
3) tweet about the giveaway (include @eNVeDesigns and a link to this post for validation) (one entry max)
4) fan PoleStarJewelry on facebook
5) fan eNVe Designs on Facebook
6) follow my blog (anonymous followers not a valid entry)
7) subscribe to Jen's mailing list
8) subscribe to my mailing list (email to subscribe [at] envedesigns [dot] com)

Your odds are in your hands!  You have one week to enter.  The lucky winner will be selected at random next Monday, Feb 15th so get your entries in before then.  Good luck! :)


**** GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED!  CONGRATS TO LILLY....winner of this lovely necklace!****

GIVEAWAY time :: Surprise Valentine!

Heart

Well, it's February.. it's a Monday.. and it's cloudy and cold outside.  So to chase away these Monday blahs, I decided to have a giveaway, just in time for Valentine's Day!

Do you know of someone special without a Valentine this year?  Are you someone special without a Valentine this year?  Then here's a treat for you or the someone you're thinking of.  Enter to win your choice of the Heart necklace or the Romance necklace from Daily Dose, my new line of limited edition pieces.  It will be sent directly to the nominated person, a little surprise that I hope to brighten their day. :)

Romance

Here are the RULES:

Nominate someone you know who is without a Valentine this year (or are far from their Valentine this year) and tell me a little bit about why you're nominating this person.  You can nominate as many people as you'd like.

and/or

Nominate yourself if you're without or are far from your Valentine this year, and tell me a little bit about yourself.  Don't be shy!  We all need to treat ourselves once in a while. :)

Please leave a SEPARATE comment for EACH nomination (makes it easier for me, thanks!).  And don't forget to leave some sort of contact info (email or etsy shop is fine) so I can reach you if you're a winner.

That's it!

I'll personally pick TWO WINNERS (one self-nomination and one friend-nomination).  Winners will be announced here next Monday Feb. 08, so you have one week to enter!  What are you waiting for?  Help make someone's Valentine's Day a little more special.  :)

VERSATILE FIND :: the asterisk and the *asterisque*

It's true, the asterisk is one of my most favorite keys *ever* on the keyboard.. and one that I use frequently.  It is definitely very versatile for my own uses.  But this post is not about the asterisk, but the new Asterisque cowl by Phydeaux!

It's a chilly morning here on the plains so I thought I'd bring you a warm edition of Versatile Finds.  Isn't this cowl superb?   Even the twist on the spelling of asterisk is divine... it makes me want to say it with a lovely French accent.  Come on, say it with me... *Asterisque*... nice, right?  ;)   And this gorgeous color...none other than *Rustique* (yep, I'm still saying it en Francais).

And here it is in a gorgeous Linen color.  Love love love.  It's chunky, with a unique knit texture, it's warm.. and I will bet the farm that you can wear it with everything!

 

 

See how versatile it is?  I like that it's a shorter scarf, and the buttons allow you to wrap and fasten it any way you'd like.  What do you think?

Hope you're all staying warm this winter.

On the twelveth day of Christmas...

...my true love gave to me

Twelve miniature paintings

by sylviagrantins

eleven...

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

On the eleventh day of Christmas...

...my true love gave to me

Eleven miniature books

by TheBlackSpotBooks

ten...

On the tenth day of Christmas...

...my true love gave to me

Ten shimmering shadows

by ColorfulDesigns

nine...

On the ninth day of Christmas...

...my true love gave to me

Nine decorative spheres

by HouseOfCeramics

eight...

On the eighth day of Christmas...

...my true love gave to me

Eight butterflies floating

by roundhousedesigns

seven...

On the seventh day of Christmas...

...my true love gave to me

Seven ice crystals

by UnaOdd

six...

On the sixth day of Christmas...

...my true love gave to me

Six animals with mustaches

by BarrelOfMonkeys

five...

On the fifth day of Christmas...

...my true love gave to me

Five Golden Rings

by DailyDose

(my new etsy shop!)

four...

On the fourth day of Christmas...

...my true love gave to me

Four feathered friends

by mincingmockingbird

three...

On the third day of Christmas...

...my true love gave to me

Three Winter Poppies

by jewelrybynatsuko

two...

On the second day of Christmas...

...my true love gave to me

two hugging vases

by ShootTheMoon

and...

On the first day of Christmas...

...my true love gave to me

a living steel jewelry tree

by TimothyAdamDesigns

Tune in for the rest of my 12 Days of Christmas wish list. See you tomorrow! :)

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.! "

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 .........................

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]