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

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

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

The Tejana Collection

The Tejana Collection

Tejana is a word used to describe Mexican folk art, clothing and jewelry. It is a style that embraces traditional Mexican dress and religious imagery. If you loved the movie, Frida, you recall that she chose this Tejana style of dress for most of her life, and used religious iconography often in her paintings. This collection of jewelry reflects the festive colors and mood of Mexican folk art in casual, fun and affordable designs.

Mexican Tejana Necklace
Choker length necklace design of graduated orange magnesite, knotted onto waxed Irish linen cord.

Artisan Ceramic Mexican Earrings
Colorful artisan striped ceramic earrings with red, orange and blue magnesite with pewter.

Multi-Strand Mexican Folk Art Bracelet
Red magnesite and red melon Czech glass beads with kambaba jasper, accented with pewter, and featuring a Frida Kahlo charm.

My first collection for 2017, all available now in my web store Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry!!!






Gloria Ewing

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

Back By Popular Demand

I willingly admit to being among the introverts of the jewelry designing arena. One of the most difficult things to do if you're an introvert is promote yourself. I have tried to find a way to promote my jewelry without promoting myself but it just can't be done. People are curious about the person behind the designs. They ask me "How does a mature blonde haired woman (obviously of northern European decent) decide to design truly tribal jewelry? The only answer that I have is that I have always loved ethnic art and clothing, and this feels like a very natural extension of my early tribal infatuation. Tribal is the style that best expresses who I am on the inside.

Now add to being an introvert my reluctance to become a full fledged computer nerd. Rarely, am I able to sit down and read detailed instructions and then construct a digital something "by the numbers". It goes against my grain. This character flaw does however result in lots of trial and error, and occasionally in missed opportunities. A very good friend recently pointed out to me that some pieces that I pinned on Pinterest were still being re-pinned frequently. She was asking me if I noticed the numbers, and frankly I had to say "no". So this board on Pinterest, entitled "Sold, But Not Forgotten", is the start of my effort to keep on top of these cyber indicators and put them to good use. Thank you, Norbel, for giving me the heads up on this!

Blue Krobo Bead Bracelet

I have had so many requests to repeat many of these pieces. So, depending on response from customers, I will revisit some of these designs. My plan is to do variations on some of your favorites. You will notice that the above photo is a variation of the bracelet included in the collage. Slight differences, but the same basic components and the same tribal character. I would truly appreciate feedback from anyone with ideas or requests related to this post.


Gloria Ewing



Chrysalis Too on Etsy

Moooooving Sale!!! 40% OFF Tribal Jewelry

Guess what? I'm moving. That is, I am reducing the number of online sales outlets for my jewelry to two. Recently I opened a website called Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry, that has become my primary focus for introducing new collections of my handmade original jewelry. My approach will change to have a more coordinated series of collections in my new web store, offering themes and pieces tied together in their character and color palette.

So after 4 years, I have reluctantly decided to close my Artfire shop, Chrysalis Jewelry, with this Huge 40% Off Sale to clear out some beautiful pieces and make room for new ethnic flavored jewelry designs that will be listed in my web store. So help me decrease my Artfire inventory, and score some great jewelry for yourself or for Mother's Day, which is just around the corner. No coupon necessary, all the prices have been adjusted to the 40% sale price. But you must hurry for the best selection. This sale will only be on for a VERY limited time. Thank you for your support!

40% Off Sale at Chrysalis Jewelry on Artfire


Gloria Ewing

Garam Masala in Belle Armoire Jewelry Magazine

I've been wondering for awhile whether or not the time was right to submit a jewelry collection to a magazine? Which magazine? I don't keep up with the trends, and I don't often read jewelry magazines even though I know there are some great ones out there. So I talked it over with people whose opinions I valued. Most of them thought it was worth the effort, and even if my submission isn't accepted the first time (or the second) that it would be a good experience. I agreed with them, but generally procrastinated waiting for just the right ideas to come along. It would likely have been another year until I worked up the courage to actually send some pieces for submission.

Then out of the blue one day, I have a message in my Etsy shop from Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine asking if I had an interest in publishing some of my work? Well, that answered my question of which magazine! I was startled and excited and a little afraid it would turn out to be a scam. It wasn't a scam!!! Belle Armoire was really asking to publish my work, and they wanted me to do a technique based article featuring my selections. My article called "Garam Masala", based on my collection of mookaite jewelry, is now in the March 1 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine.

If there is a lesson here, it is persistence. I'm saying that because there were countless people along my personal journey that thought my choice to be a jewelry designer was frivolous. You know that look on their faces that says, "When are you going to grow up and get a real job?". Although being published one time in a beautiful magazine does not mean fame and fortune or financial stability, it is a definite affirmation that I am on the right track. If you are wondering whether you can succeed at designing jewelry, I would advise you to believe in yourself, try out new techniques, and ultimately develop your own recognizable style. Work hard, and don't be afraid to be different!

A special thanks to Petra Carpreau and Maria Scott, whose artisan components helped to make my bracelet notable!!!

Gloria Ewing

Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry
Chrysalis Too on Etsy

Almost Summer Sale

<<< ALMOST SUMMER SALE >>>

It's time to get things moving! My Artfire studio is full of my own handmade rustic, Bohemian, ethnic, primitive, southwestern and tribal jewelry that must be cleared out. So here's your chance to score some great jewelry finds at a reduced price. I am offering a special coupon for my blog readers so that you can get an additional 10% off my already reduced prices. Just enter coupon code CURIOUS10 at checkout! Now through Saturday, June 14th.

If you follow my work, you know that I rarely have sales so don't miss this one! Here's a link to my Artfire studio:
Chrysalis Jewelry on Artfire

One Way to Make a Difference

My son and I were having dinner together at a restaurant a couple of years ago, discussing the candidates for an upcoming election and their different ideologies. He said at the time that he was not too concerned about the rising number of people in our country who were totally dependent on the government for their survival. So I paraphrased the old Chinese proverb into a question and asked: "Would you give a man a fish, or would you teach him how to fish?" His answer was "I would do both." He is right, of course, but giving the fish should be a short term solution and teaching him to fish is obviously the better long term solution.

The jewelry I make is a reflection of this belief. I feel one pathway to peace in the world is to encourage those people who are willing to work hard to better themselves and provide for their families. I use handmade and recycled jewelry materials made by independent, productive people in all parts of the world.

Krobo Beads Handmade in Ghana from Recycled Glass

Handmade Brass from Africa

Kazuri Bead, Handmade in Kenya

Made from Brass Blanks, Hand Cut in Mexico



History tells us that a common thread that causes friction and eventually war is poverty, which can be manipulated by people who are greedy for power. The one small thing I can do is try to close the poverty gap a little bit, by using beautiful handmade materials from hard working people who want to succeed.

Chrysalis Too on Etsy
Chrysalis Jewelry on Artfire

Ethnic Magnetism

 Mixed Trade Bead Necklace

Bone Ceramic Necklace with Turquoise

Black and White Trade Bead Choker

I have been drawn to ethnic art my entire life. Even as a child, I had an interest in clothing, art and jewelry from other cultures (especially native American art).  If the hippie era had not come along and made ethnic apparel more popular, I think I would have found a way to wear it anyway. Native American and Mexican weaving and jewelry were my first love. Later, I moved on to tribal African beads and weaving, that are so full of character and individuality. 

Creating a piece of jewelry from beads that have been circulated for over 100 years, or handmade using 1000 year old methods, fills me with awe. Unless you feel that northern European roots are tribal, I have a strange and spiritual connection to this style of art. Tribal art is so free and expressive! 

Copper Earrings with Recycled Glass

Uninhibited tribal jewelry by Gloria Ewing on Etsy and Artfire.