Stones Stones Stones

Stones Stones Stones

'Tis the Season for gifts and giving. So in a little departure from my normal tribal and African beaded jewelry, my project for the summer and fall was designing two collections of pieces using gorgeous natural stones. As a result, this year I still have many of these incredible stone pieces that would make great gifts for the holidays. All of the pieces in the collage above are available now in my Etsy shop, Chrysalis Too!

The unusual shapes and hand cuts of the stones add to their appeal. Hard to find stones like azurite and iolite make these designs some of my favorites. The necklace pictured above is a combination of  iolite, apatite, and carved jade.

Another less common stone, this opal graduated rondelle choker length necklace has accents of dumortierite and artisan bronze.

A different color palette, but still opal, in a bib style choker necklace with flat, cut stones, with brilliant shades of green and warm brown. In between the opals, I have used hand cut chrysoprase in a milky sea green with brown patches. The accents on this piece are also artisan bronze.

Happy shopping and Merry Christmas from Chrysalis Too!!!

Indian Summer Jewelry Collection

Indian Summer

Along the line of smoky hills

The crimson forest stands,

And all the day the blue-jay calls

Throughout the autumn lands.

Now by the brook the maple leans

With all his glory spread,

And all the sumachs on the hills

Have turned their green to red.

Now by great marshes wrapt in mist,

Or past some river's mouth,

Throughout the long, still autumn day

Wild birds are flying south.

. . . William Wilfred Campbell

An inspirational season to be sure, and for me of course, this colorful season inspires jewelry in tones of gold, green, and fiery orange. The stones featured in my Indian Summer Collection are cat's eye, moonstone, and upcoming designs in Mexican fire opal. 

"Wild birds are flying south." Indian summer days are precious because we know they will not last. We know that winter with its cold and snow are soon to follow. I try to capture these last days of summer spender in my Indian Summer Collection. The necklace pictured on the left  is warm moonstone rondelles and hand cut nuggets of cat's eye stone with copper and Sterling silver accents.

Memories of these summer like days are savored and placed in our memories to be accessed throughout the cold days of winter when we need a reminder that the color and warmth will eventually return with spring. My creations are inspired by those treasured glimpses of wildly warm colors and the crinkling of fallen leaves under our feet, and expressed on my "canvas" of stones and metal. The earrings on the right are called "Falling Leaves" capture the essence of this time of year.

The multi-strand bracelet on the left is six strands of natural cat's eye stone beads with accents of copper, and my Indian Summer Collection is just in the beginning to take shape, so stay tuned for the Mexican Fire Opal pieces to come!!! 

Gloria



Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry

Follow me on my Facebook business page for the latest additions to this collection and others.

Follow me on Pinterest too!

Grand Portage Jewelry Collection

<

Grand Portage Collection

 Rustic Natural Stone Jewelry

My most recent collection, as many of my past ones, is inspired by places I have visited. This spring, my husband and I spent a few days on the North Shore of Lake Superior, one of our favorite places to relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery.

I had a new camera to try out, so we stopped frequently along the route looking for interesting subjects for photography. We drove the entire way to the Minnesota/Canada border, where Grand Portage State Park is located. The temperature had dropped 15 degrees from the point at which we started, near Lutsen. And even though it was early June, many of the trees were still just beginning to leaf out.

 As I mentioned, we have gone to the north shore many times, and no matter what time of year it happens to be, there is always something interesting to pursue.

But this was my first trip to Grand Portage, where I was pleasantly surprised to find a wooden walkway all the way to the falls. And I mean, practically on top of the falls! 

All this luscious spring natural beauty was the inspiration for my Grand Portage Collection of jewelry. Some exciting new cuts of chrysocolla, azurite, fluorite, chrysoprase, and rare Peruvian opal, were the stones I chose to be the basis of the collection. 

 The colors in these beautiful natural stones, along with the interesting hand cut facets, suggested to me the rugged rock ledges and mineral filled waters of the falls.



These pieces and more are now available in my Etsy shop, Chrysalis Too! I find this color palette most appealing, and I plan to add several additional jewelry pieces over the summer. Updates coming later.

If you want more information, check out the Grand Portage Collection at the link below. Free shipping in the US.

Chrysalis Too on Etsy

Rustic Tribal Primitive

Exhibit at OOAK Artisan Showcase

My thanks to the wonderful partners in this new venture of showing my work elsewhere in the United States. Shelly Graham Turner, of OOAK Artisan Showcase, has coordinated the event for her gallery in Rome, New York, and my friend and fellow artist, Norbel Cylkowski Marolla, has agreed to collaborate with me in a joint exhibit of our jewelry pieces. Norbel has an Etsy Shop, She Flies Again, where her incredible pieces are on sale to the public. I have always thought that her work and mine are a natural complement to one another, and now we have this opportunity to share an exhibit.


The exhibit runs through May, 2019. For more details, follow the link below, and be sure to visit if you are in the New York area.

OOAK Artisan Showcase



Gloria Ewing

Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry

Tribal Jewelry Sale

April Clearance


I need some space for new pieces!!! Two big collections are in the works and will soon be finished!

Sometimes I get attached to my creations and want to keep them close to me. It's a sickness. But as much as I love some of this jewelry, it's time to let go!

Most items in my shop have been reduced in price. Now just so we understand each other, I only mark down jewelry so much until it makes more sense to reuse the elements than it does to "give it away" by pricing so low that I lose money. That's where we are now. If the jewelry doesn't sell with price incentives, I will eventually take it apart and find another creative way to use it. It makes no sense for me to keep buying more new components when I already have a huge supply of interesting materials that still have potential in the right design.

An Extra Push

If you have read this far in the post, I will give you another extra incentive!

Use coupon code AprilSale10 at checkout for 10% off the already reduced prices. The coupon can be used for any item in my shop.

Happy spring cleaning everyone! I'm hoping to find one or more of my "secret" places where Christmas gift cards and other treasures have been carefully been placed, never to be found again (at least so far). I don't know if everyone does this, or if it is part of my sickness? If you are similarly afflicted, maybe you will get lucky too?

Here's a link to my shop, Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry. Still a good selection, but don't wait too long!



Gloria

FREESHIP50

Chrysalis Too, my shop on Etsy, is being cleared of inventory! This is your chance to save on tribal jewelry, southwestern jewelry, and boho style jewelry as I either sell it or move it to my web store, Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry. Use coupon code FREESHIP50 to get free shipping on any purchase of $50 or more in my Etsy shop!

The selection is still very good with 111 items remaining. Many items have sold in the past three weeks, and as items expire, for the most part I am not renewing them. I may keep a few pieces in the Etsy shop, just so I can inform Etsy followers of my move and hopefully spread the word as the transition continues.

Part of the reason for the move is the decline in Etsy generated traffic. Etsy traffic was the basic reason most artists sold there. Artists, myself included, would much prefer to spend their time creating rather than promoting. At one time, Etsy was an excellent platform for shoppers who were seeking out original work from artists and crafters. Since 2014, traffic has steadily decreased, while fees continue to increase. Where search criteria algorithms were once accurately sorting handmade items, they have now been altered to flood customer searches with imported, mass produced merchandise. It's not difficult to realize why customers lose patience having to view thousands of supposedly "handmade" jewelry pieces and components to find the authentic "handmade" ones. Predictably, they give up after 5 or 10 pages of items that do NOT really fit their search criteria.

So until my wish for a truly "artist friendly" selling platform emerges, I will spend my time promoting instead of creating in order to direct people to my web store, and build a following there. You can find me at three locations online (subject to change), and on social media as well.

Chrysalis Too on Etsy
Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry
Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry on Amazon Handmade

Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry on Facebook
Chrysalis.HCO on Instagram
Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry on Ello

My thanks to all of my loyal supporters!

Gloria Ewing

Earring Give-Away, No Purchase Necessary

Win a Pair of My Handmade Chandelier Earrings

You can win this pair of boho style earrings (no purchase necessary)!!! Bronze Mykonos focal connectors, with rich dark red and contrasting brass accents. The Greek bronze has a character all it's own, so I complement them with simple dangles of Indonesian glass dark red beads, African brass spacers, and orange African trade seed beads. Just the right amount of color and complexity for an ethnic look, with a bit of sophistication. Antiqued brass rings, pins and hypoallergenic (niobium) ear wires are the finishing touches. The length is just under 2 inches, and weight is moderate so they are very comfortable to wear.

4 Ways to Win

1. Comment (using the "Contact" link at the bottom of the page) on any item in my store, and win one chance to win! Eligible comments limited to one per week.
2. Purchase an item in my store within the promotion period, and win 3 chances to win (no limit on purchase related entries).
3. Ask a friend to comment (and mention your name) on an item in my store, and your friend will win one chance to win and you will win 2 additional chances to win. Again, the limit for eligible comments is one per person/per week.
4. If your friend purchases an item (and mentions your name) in my store, then your friend wins 3 chances to win and you will win 6 additional chances to win (no limit on purchase related entries).

Link to my store, Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry.

The "Handmade Tribal Earrings Give-Away" promotion is in effect for 2 weeks, from February 13th through February 27th!!! You must be 18 yrs. or older to be eligible to win (USA only). The winner's name will be published on my Facebook page, Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry on February 28th! The purpose of the regular promotions I will be doing in 2019 is to build a regular following for my website. I will also be starting a mail list for those who would like to updated on events, new additions to my shop, and promotions. Please message me with your email address if you would like to be included, and I promise not to bomb you with daily emails, or give your private information to anyone else. My plan is for future emails to be no more frequently than twice a month.

Thank you for helping me to increase my following, and good luck with the drawing. 



Gloria

Exodus from Etsy

I Don't Have 10 Plagues at My Disposal


My Exodus is actually a mirror of the story in the Bible. The Israelites were desperate to leave Egypt, and I really didn't want to leave Etsy. In this case, the ten plagues are Etsy policy changes that have diminished the artists who gave Etsy its foundation, as opposed to the Bible's plagues being directed toward the tyrannical Pharaoh. The Pharaoh needed convincing to release his Israelite slaves, so God sent him a message through a series of plagues. Artists who have objected to the direction Etsy has chosen in recent years have had virtually no format in which to voice their opinions on the policy changes as Moses did (and not even one plague to throw their way).


The analogy I am using is not intended to be disrespectful of the Bible, or of Etsy. The Biblical story of Exodus was one of total enslavement of the ancient Israelites, an entire race of people. I am not a captive; I am free to leave any time I choose, as hundreds if not thousands of other artists have already done.


The simple motivation for Etsy is financial, as it was for Pharaoh. Pharaoh wanted cheap labor. Etsy has decided that their future depends on volume sellers, and so the independent artists that helped them establish a substantial online selling platform, are no longer a priority. It's a business decision for Etsy, as it is for me as well. The graph below shows the steady decline of my sales on Etsy. I wanted to think the decline would somehow turn around, but it did not.

What This Means for You


- As my items expire on Etsy, I will move them to my web store, at slightly lower prices since I won't have Etsy fees to consider.

- Bi-weekly special offers to highlight new items, or a specific theme. 

- Incentives to subscribe to a informative mail list, so you won't miss the latest news.

- Loyalty rewards for all those lovely people who keep me motivated and inspired.


And For Me


There is always something positive that comes out of life's difficult decisions. In this case, I will be able to devote much more time to making Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry a better shopping destination. But it really is about more than shopping. It's about nourishing what makes each of us an individual, the part that makes me a "one of a kind".


Gloria Ewing
Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry

Amber in African Jewelry

Amber Tribal Jewelry


Along the trans Saharan route, the indigenous Berber tribes of the Mahgreb in Northern Africa, were known for their production of the semi-precious resin know as amber. It was passed down in families as they believed it contained the spirits of those who had gone before. Natural amber resin is one of many materials used in designing my African jewelry. Using a variety of materials is a major factor in making pieces that are interesting, representative of the culture, and have the character of a native designed article of jewelry. Of course, since I am not native African, my designs are strictly my own interpretation of African art jewelry.

Moroccan Amber African Necklace



The above necklace illustrates the combining of different textures and different source materials. The Moroccan amber beads on the lower portion with brass spacers in between, more brass as a central accent, blue green Hebron spun glass beads from Palestine in the 1900s, and Venetian striped barrels that appear more like ceramic than glass. It is this blend of rich colors and the aged appearance of the beads that is captivating and that spurs my imagination as to the endless possibilities. I find new elements constantly, some are very old and circulated in Africa over 2 or more centuries, some escavated along the Silk Road, and some that are still being made my artisans in Africa and elsewhere, but fit the ethnic character of my work.

African Trade Bead Bracelet



Again a mix, this bracelet design has our amber focal bead in a very bright and colorful mix, of hand painted vintage Venetian beads with glass snake beads, Prosser heishi beads, and a green Hebron bead. Whenever possible, I try to use authentic African brass components and accents, but occasionally other brass is substituted that is fitting to the arrangement. Usually these brass elements are artisan made, and have that definite  tribal aesthetic so important to the composition. 

Blue Hebron Amber Necklace



As in the bracelet example, the amber need not be the main element of a composition, it serves extremely well as an accent with the color of these deep blue green Hebron beads in the above necklace. One amber accent bead in front, and two metal embellished amber rondelles on either side of the design. You can feel the aged quality, and the history behind these beads. Resin from gum trees taking many years to form into the hardened amber, that is then rolled against a flat wet stone or other primitive tools, giving the beads their shape. 


As you might imagine, I have aquired a sizeable treasure trove of African beads over the years, and I am always on the quest for more. If you are looking for a piece that is designed just for you, please feel free to contact me with your idea. 

Gloria

Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry

Banana Fana Fo Fellow - Yellow

Yellow Ceramic Glazed Drop Earrings

Yellow, with a little diddy from the song "The Name Game".

It's was once a color that we either loved, or loathed; definitely not your middle of the road color. Those in the "love" camp have gold tones in their hair, and warm tones in their skin color that make yellow rock! Alas, not all of us have the olive and warm or brown skin that yellow loves.

I've made jewelry for many years now, and have my favorite color palettes. BUT, something exciting happens when you (or I) discover a new color! Well, an overlooked color might be a better term. I've discovered what an excellent accent color yellow really is. Opposite on the color wheel from blue and orange, it adds just the bit of color that will make a design pop. Mind you, a little yellow can go a long way. If you are one of those people who doesn't wear the color yellow well, a little bit here and there in your jewelry or accessories is doable, and adds so much!

Polymer Clay Wedge Drop Earrings

Here is a perfect example of the opposites on the color wheel coming together for a splash bang contrast that can make a so-so ensemble into a big hit. The secret is to add the yellow, or other accent color, where it will have the most powerful effect, near your face or around your neck. Or maybe a belt or handbag?

Tribal Geometric Drop Earrings

If you like yellow, but can't wear the brighter tones well, fear not! You can tweak it a bit, tone it down to a color that better matches your hair and skin tones. Consider a softer pale version of the color, or a smokey or earthy shade. Finding the right shade of yellow can add so much richness to a jewelry design, or to an outfit. Yellow blends well with any of the warmer metals, especially copper and brass.

Southwest Horse Charm Earrings

Here, because we have pewter metal in the charms with it's silver color, a bright yellow would be less desirable than it's cousin, yellow ochre. The ochre is a better contrast with the other desert colors chosen for this southwest earring design. While kind of muddy on its own, yellow ochre has become one of my "go to" colors. Its earthiness and warmth are perfect with these soft colors, but also with strong turquoise, chartreuse, or even very bright magenta.

I think of yellow like a spice. Start with just a pinch, and then add more if necessary to taste. Open up your mind to yellow! The possibilities are endless.



Gloria

September Savings Sale!!!

Tribal jewelry at end of summer prices! Catch up on new items in my Etsy shop, all the gorgeous pieces I've added over the summer. While you have been outside enjoying the sun, I've been working my little fingers to the bone designing unusual tribal and ethnic pieces for my shop. This keeps me extremely busy since I have 3 online shops to stock with goodies.

Chrysalis Too on Etsy
Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry (website & store)
Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry on Amazon Handmade

So now that the kids (or grandkids) are back in school, it's time to take a little time to indulge yourself. Sit back and put your feet up, and take a look at what I've been up to these past few months, with no little elves to help me.

I have found some new artists who make wonderful components that fit the character of my designs, and some of my tried and true collaborators are still in the mix as well. I have pieces with vintage African beads, lots of artisan lampwork glass earrings, and handcrafted pewter and ceramic pieces too.

And you might be one of those incredible people who completes all of their holiday shopping before the huddled masses are out shopping and competing for unique gift ideas. This is a perfect time for you to browse at your leisure. Keep in mind I won't be doing any holiday sales this year, as I am a particularly contrary person and go out of my way not to conform with the "norms" of other artists and internet entrepreneurs. I prefer the path less traveled, as so does my typical customer.

So now is the time to score big on distinctive handmade jewelry, using artisan and vintage components. 20% Off your entire purchase of 2 or more items in my Etsy shop. Find these items (pictured) and so much more while the selection is best!!!

Summer Earring Sale Going On Now!

It's too hot to miss! My summer earring sale at Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry on Amazon Handmade is just 4 days, and the summer stock that I have left is sure to move fast, so don't wait if you have had your eye on a pair. Amazon Handmade is now in its third year, and growing exponentially as an online platform for individual artists to sell their work. You can purchase the earrings you see pictured, or request a quote on something to be designed specifically for you!

I need to clear out stock that has been in the shop for a few months to make room for new earrings designed for the fall and winter months. Many are bargain prices that will not be seen again for some time, or ever! There is still a variety of styles (of course mine will have a basic tribal theme), and colors from which to choose.

Distinctive designs using artisan components and unusual materials that I take considerable time finding from all over the world. Ethnic character is the common thread you will see throughout my work. It is a passion of mine to highlight the work of talented artisans and also use vintage beads and metal components that have survived through decades and sometimes centuries to create earrings and other jewelry that tells a story of many cultures.

As you may already know, I don't do frequent sales. Once or twice a year is my limit. I would much rather be in my studio making new things than writing blog posts about sales. But it is a good opportunity if you have haven't purchased previously. You can snag a bargain and feel good about treating yourself to something new and unusual! Now back to the workbench for me.

The earring sale is in my Amazon shop - Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry

My web store by the same name - Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry

My Etsy shop is still alive and well - Chrysalis Too

Black Friday Savings Coupons

And so it begins. The official start of the holiday shopping season is Black Friday, which seems to have undergone a transition over recent years. No longer is Black Friday people literally camping out in front of their favorite retailer, waiting for the latest tech gadget or the toy that every kid wants, only to find that their prize is gone by the time they can get inside the store. Common sense and self preservation are winning out. Rather than risk trampling by a crowd of crazed bargain hunters, reasonable people are choosing to let their laptops and smart phones do the walking. They can get a good start on their shopping in the comfort of home, without the risk of a trip to the emergency room, and still have the time to spare.

If handmade jewelry is on your list for gift giving this year, or if you want to reward yourself for outgrowing the high risk habit of Black Friday shopping in person, check out my online shops! You can save by using my holiday coupons in either of my shops, Chrysalis Too on Etsy or Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry.


HOLIDAY10 - for 10% off purchases of $50 or more

HOLIDAY15 - for 15% off purchases of $100 or more


Prices have already been reduced on many items in both shops, so shop early for the best selection. If you missed out on Black Friday, don't worry, coupons will be active until December 20th.

Happy Holidays, everyone !!!

Handmade for the Holidays!!!

I know. It begins earlier and earlier every year. Try to think of it this way. If you are invigorated by the thought of gift shopping for loved ones, then you can stretch out the euphoria a little longer. And if you don't get a high from holiday shopping, you can start and finish earlier. Then you can relax and enjoy the season stress free.

Another advantage to starting early with your gift shopping is that you have time to order something customized for someone special in your life. From my own experience, I do more and more customized pieces of jewelry each year. It is manageable from January through October, with enough time for me to design pieces carefully and not ask my clients to wait for too long. Buuuuut . . . . come November, I will still get requests from my clients hoping to squeak in while there is still time. Sometimes I can and that makes us both very happy, especially if it is in early November. Later on, well, that's not a sure thing.

It's still early! So if you are looking for a custom boho or tribal jewelry design for yourself or someone close to you, please send me an email: Bohobeader@comcast.net

I have seasonal promotions going on right now in my Etsy shop, Chrysalis Too, Use coupon code HOLIDAY10 for 10% off on your purchase of $50 or more, and HOLIDAY15 for 15% off on $100 or more. Gift wrapping is included. Even more boho tribal jewelry with the same coupon saving promotion in my web store, Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry.




Happy Holidays!

Gloria

Custom Multi-Strand Boho Bracelets

You choose the colors! You choose the number of strands! You choose the metal! What could be better for fall and for holiday gift giving? I have an ample supply of African trade beads, Indonesian tribal seed beads, and premium Czech glass seed beads from which to choose. I have silver plated, antique copper and antique brass metal findings, accents and charms to add just the right finishing touches to your customized bracelet.

I have a huge variety of African trade beads, premium Czech glass seed beads, and Indonesian tribal seed beads from which to choose. You can select silver/pewter, antique copper, or antique brass for the clasp, accent beads, and charms that finish these bracelets so perfectly. The beads are strung onto waxed Irish linen cord and attached to a multi-strand slider clasp. Optional charms and dangles are also available for your design.

Pricing is dependent on the number of strands to your bracelet, and somewhat on the type of beads used in them i.e. Magatama beads are more expensive to use than Indonesian beads. But just to give you a range of pricing, a 4 strand bracelet could be designed for as little as $48 - a 12 strand bracelet could go as high as $139.

After the color, metal and size selections are made, I require about 6-8 business days to complete your customized bracelet. I already have an abundance of materials, but if your special request involves ordering something, you should add an additional 5 days to the completion time.

I hope this post has your mind whirling with ideas of bead and color combos that would complement your look!!! I have endless ideas for this concept, so if you would like to collaborate, just send me an email at bohobeader@comcast.net. Bracelets pictured above are available in two of my online shops. Updates will be posted between now and December 1st regarding already made, and the last day for placing custom orders.


Chrysalis Too on Etsy
Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry

Tribal Gemstone Chokers

Peridot Apatite Sterling Silver Choker

Yes, it is possible to design chokers with gemstones and Sterling silver and still maintain a tribal character. There are more to come, but I wanted to share some of my favorites for spring. The choker pictured above has tiny little ball dangles in the front portion, with peridot, apatite and green onyx faceted gemstone beads. I love the combination!!!

Labradorite Nugget Peridot Prehnite Choker

A three strand choker with nuggets of labradorite, faceted prehnite, and peridot with tiny Hill Tribe silver tube beads. The chain is a heavy but small stamped Hill Tribe silver rolo style chain. The brilliant blue stone is apatite, and two other nugget accents are labradorite and citrine.

Five Indian repousse silver charms lend their ethnic personality to this choker in a variety of gemstones in blues and green. Shades of dyed jade beads are mixed with faceted amazonite in a pleasing color block design. In the front of the choker, I use contrasting pink coral beads in between the Indian silver charms. This choker is sold, but I have the materials for a variation if you are interested.








Gloria Ewing

Chrysalis Too on Etsy

#ethnicnecklace #tribaljewelry #gemstonechoker #silverrepousse