Stop By and Say Hello!

I'll be at the famous Grape Festival in Naples, New York this weekend (Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm). If you're in the area, please stop by and experience my jewelry in person. Try the pieces on and find one that's perfect for you!

If you haven't been to the Grape Festival before, you really have to check it out. Wine tasting, grape pies, lots of arts and crafts. I specialize in grape-themed jewelry which is always a big hit at the event.



This year I've landed a spot in the prestigious "King's Row," the area of the event that's reserved for the artists who are rank highest in the pre-event jurying. You'll find me right in front of the Town Hall.

If you mention that you've seen me on Etsy, you'll receive a free gift with purchase. I'll also be doing a drawing for some other goodies, including a gift certificate for my online store.

What's In a Name?

Some have asked me for the story behind my business name, Snowflake Designs. Here's the scoop:


Originally I set out to make exclusively one-of-a-kind pieces. Each and every item of jewelry that I made was unique and I never repeated any patterns or designs. No two were ever alike. Just like snowflakes.


There are so many beautiful gems, so many perfect pearls, so many intriguing glass beads, so many exciting new techniques to learn. I was certain I would never run out of ideas for new jewelry designs.


And so far I haven't.


But there are some problems with creating only one-of-a-kind pieces. I started to play favorites. A few designs turned out so well that I just fell in love with them and didn't want to see them go. Sometimes I would keep these items for myself, but the artist in me still wanted to share these creations with the world. So I started to think about how I could shift my identity.


As I started to do more and more repeatable designs, I found that my creativity was not suffering, but rather flourishing. The more time and practice I had with each piece, the closer it came to my original vision. And as I started to perfect my techniques, I became more confident to use more lavish gemstones, precious metals and other premium materials.


I started to wonder: Should I change my business name? Or could I simply learn to look at it differently?


Snowflakes are one of the most intriguing elements in nature. I have always been fascinated by their intricate details and multifaceted complexity. And it was a similar fascination with sparkling tiny things that attracted me to jewelry making. My approach to jewelry is also multifaceted, using a broad range of varied techniques and materials.


So, today you will find in my jewelry collection some repeating designs alongside some one-of-a-kind works. And the name Snowflake Designs will continue to represent my work, even as I continue to reinvent myself.

A Little More About My Jewelry

I recently devoted a post to explaining why I chose my business name. In this post, I'd like to share a little about how I design my jewelry.

As you know, my shop takes its name from one of the most intriguing elements in nature. I have always been fascinated by the intricate details and multifaceted complexity of snowflakes. My approach to jewelry is likewise multifaceted.

I use a wide variety of materials and techniques in my work:

• gemstones
• pearls
• glass beads
• wood beads
• polymer clay
• recycled paper
• wire wrapping
  

I feel that this mixed media approach gives me a broader range of possibilities to spark my creative muse. My goal is to create jewelry that is lush and colorful with an eclectic mixture of contrasting textures and details.

There is also a bit of a wabi-sabi feel to what I create. This term is used to describe the beauty of things that are flawed and imperfect. (Wabi-sabi does have a much deeper spiritual connotation as well, but I am referring to it merely as a principle in design.) I love to create using freshwater pearls with slight asymmetry and handcut gemstones that are irregular in shape. My jewelry designs reflect an appreciation for raw natural beauty.

I am a self-taught jewelry artist and I am always learning, always seeking to improve. I would love to hear your thoughts, opinions or constructive criticism, so please feel free to share them with me at any time.

A Busy Week!

This week I received a shipment of jewelry supplies and I've been busy creating. My post about making recycled paper bracelets will have to wait until next week. In the meantime, here are photos of some of the projects I've been working on:




I'll be listing these and many other new items in my Etsy shop over the next few weeks, so be sure to come check it out!

http://www.snowflakedesign.etsy.com

A Sale At My Etsy Shop

I'm having a sale at my Etsy shop through the end of the month. I will be giving away a free pair of earrings with every single purchase!

The free earrings will be assorted styles and colors from my 2008 collection with a retail value of $10.

Come visit my shop to take advantage of this great deal!

Who Am I and Why Am I Here?

No, this post is not going to delve into the deep imponderables of the universe. I just want to tell you a little bit about myself.

I live in Rochester, NY with my husband Ernie. He's a self-employed graphic designer and we've been blissfully married for nearly ten years.

My first experience with making jewelry was a class project in the fourth grade. From humble beginnings with big plastic beads and fishing line to my current works with gemstones and wire- I've certainly learned a lot over the years! And I intend to continue learning and developing my craft.

When I'm not designing jewelry I'm very busy juggling the other aspects of my life- over 15 hours a week of volunteer work plus two part time jobs. (I work mornings in a busy cafe and evenings at a small Italian restaurant.) All of this is enough to make my head spin at times, but I'm slowly trying to find ways to simplify my life.

Some of my other interests include gourmet cooking, writing, watching football, and spending time with my two adorable nephews- ages 1 and 3.

Don't miss my next post: it will contain some Spring fashion tips!

Confessions of a Reluctant Blogger.....

Hello, Great Big World!

My name is Emily and I do not want to have a blog. There. I said it.

I am a jewelry artist and I currently have shops at Etsy.com and 1000Markets.com. Everyone tells me that I should start a blog to help promote my jewelry. But I have resisted for a long time.

Why?

The biggest reason I didn't want to start a blog was because I felt that I didn't have anything to say. Then I was invited to be featured on someone's blog. (http://janscraftynest.blogspot.com) I took the time to look at her blog and a few others and I was inspired. Suddenly I had all sorts of ideas for interesting posts. Fashion tips, jewelry styles and ideas, how-tos, and what better way to let the world know who I am and what's new and exciting in my life? (Come on, admit it. You're dying to know.)

I'm ready to take the plunge now and I promise to make this blog interesting and informative to anyone who cares enough to take the time to read it. My next post will tell you a little more about me.

Thanks for tuning in!