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!!!

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

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

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

Urban Tribal Revisited

Urban Tribal Multi-Strand Bracelet


As I continue to revisit the most popular of my jewelry pieces by creating new variations, this tribal bracelet is a new spin on one of my most successful designs. In the brand new bracelet variation pictured above, I emphasize the orange and red reflecting the autumn season. Nine strands of gorgeous Picasso finished Czech beads in various sizes and shapes, blending into a pleasing boho tribal bracelet design.

In the original bracelet pictured below, I have emphasized the blue and still maintain a rich blending of colors. This bracelet sold several months ago, and I am still getting numerous requests for custom bracelets based on this design. So I finally relented and if it remains popular, perhaps I will make others in the future.

I have another favorite (sold) bracelet in mind to revisit with an updated variation. Coming soon, I hope!!!

Gloria


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

African Tribal Jewelry

The word "tribal" has become so common in jewelry that it has lost some of it's meaning, or at least changed its meaning. I think many jewelry designers use the word "tribal" in their descriptions because it is a good buzz word, more than because it is an accurate description of what they have created. The word has come to mean a free spirit, rather than a member of a tribe. Either way, I love tribal style jewelry and clothing and will never outgrow it. When I create a tribal jewelry design, I do it with my own contemporary spin while respecting the traditional approach of native Africans.

This collection happens to be African style tribal jewelry. With the recent availability of more authentic African beads, I cannot resist making chunky tribal jewelry pieces. Most of the beads I use are handmade in Mali, Kenya and Ghana. Selling these beads provides income for families in poor and war torn regions of Africa, another motivation for me to continue exploring new types of clay, metal and glass beads in the future.

The brass turtle pendant on the right, is an adinkra symbol used by the Asante people in Ghana. The Asante are accomplished weavers and the adrinka symbols are used in their hand woven textiles

The necklace on the left is dyed oxbone, with Masai white glass beads and large Mali clay spindles.

The next collection I have in the works features authentic Berber components from northern regions of Africa, particularly from Morocco. I spend numerous hours finding sources for the best quality, yet still affordable, beads and focal pieces. I can assure you that you won't be disappointed with the Tuareg pieces I am planning, and they will be ready in time for holiday gift buying too.







Gloria Ewing

Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry
Chrysalis Too on Etsy

Primavera Primativa

The Spanish translation just captures the mood I want so much better than English can describe it! Literally it means Primitive Spring. It's finally springtime, and I wanted to offer some of my ethnic style jewelry pieces in bright spring colors that will energize and inspire my viewers (all 7 of you). Maybe an infusion of color and a bold tribal style will give you and your spring wardrobe a boost?

Hilltribe copper medallions against vivid blue turquoise stones in varied shapes and colors in this luscious statement necklace.

All of these rustic stone and glass pieces and more are available in my Etsy shop, Chrysalis Too. Tribal and primitive jewelry made with authentic African beads, recycled glass beads, handmade components from talented artisans, and many that I have made myself. My beginning as a jewelry artist was in creating southwestern style jewelry, and I have never lost my affection for it. But I have branched out into ethnic jewelry with more of an African flavor because of all the handmade beads now accessible from there. I also have a selection of minimalist pieces featuring gemstones and gold vermeil for the purist tastes.

Definitely a Mexican southwestern vibe in these colorful beaded earrings with ceramic Guadalupe charms. This design was inspired by the statue of Guadalupe in front of the Cathedral Basilica St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe. The photo below is from my 2010 trip to Santa Fe, NM.

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

Dear Santa, Bring Me Something Beaded!

With Thanksgiving on the late side this year, the shopping season seems to be shorter. It's all in our heads, of course, because we have the same amount of time in any given year. But Thanksgiving is the trigger and if it falls late, then shoppers are suddenly frantic to get all their shopping done in time. If online shopping is your thing, do not despair! There is still plenty of time to find the perfect gifts for all the special people on your gift giving list.

There is still a small window for custom orders as well. If you have something in mind that blends with my style, please contact me and I would be happy to give you an estimate and timeline. If you have a budget, just tell me what you would like to do and I will work with you if possible.

Let someone close to you know that you took the time to find them a handmade gift. Giving handmade gifts is personal. It says you are paying attention to the tastes and preferences of your loved ones. It really does say that you care.

Gloria Ewing

Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry
Chrysalis Too on Etsy

Grand Opening of Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry

Some of the jewelry artisans I most admire have opened sites on Indiemade, and I have decided to join them! My choice was based on impressive feedback regarding Indiemade ease of use and responsiveness as well as the ability to be linked with my existing Etsy shop. Indiemade was "built by artists for artists", with features that are suited to the individual artist marketing their own creativity, including a website, store and blog.

I invite you to visit Indiemade and check out my new website, Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry, for rustic, tribal and primitive creations that are all designed and handmade by me. To celebrate my grand opening, I am having a 15% OFF SALE just in time for holiday shopping! Just use coupon code OPENING15 on checkout.

These luscious pewter and copper wire wrapped earrings are new in my Indiemade shop, as is the boho tribal southwestern necklace pictured above. The selection of rustic Bohemian style jewelry is at its height this time of year, but don't wait too long. Every piece is one-of-a-kind so when it's gone, there will not be another one to replace it.

Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry

Maricopa Point Collection

Just in time for fall, my Maricopa Point Collection features the colors of the Grand Canyon vista for which it was named. Wonderfully rich reds, browns and gold, with a striking bit of turquoise here and there, these pieces of boho southwestern jewelry will be versatile additions to your fall and winter wardrobe.

Anyone who has been there would tell you that it is truly an awesome sight. From any given angle the dramatic formation of the canyon is a wonder, depending on the time of day the colors are constantly changing and the textures are ruggedly striking. I tried to capture that character as I designed my Maricopa Point Collection.

Our trip to the southwest earlier this year inspired me to create three new collections. The first collection, Joshua Tree, has done well. The second collection, Maricopa Point, is also selling quickly. The third collection, Tioga Pass, is still in the works and I hope it will be ready for release sometime in late October.

Maricopa Point Collection on Etsy

Rustic Roman Glass Jewelry

Much of the Roman glass available today in the form of beads, pendants and connectors, was excavated in the early 2000's in Afghanistan along the "silk road" trading route. The estimated age of this glass is 900 to 1200 years old. It has a characteristic scaling of white and has an etched appearance, perhaps from exposure to wind and sand over many years. I find the blue, green and yellow colors and the primitive look of Roman glass very appealing and I love to use it in designing jewelry.

In this pair of earrings, I have combined the aqua colored Roman glass tubes with nuggets of matte green fluorite stones and discs of Czech glass. Love the combination of these colors together!

I am finding Roman glass to be very versatile. There is really no limit to the creative combinations that will show off this beautifully rustic glass, and it blends extremely well with my primitive Bohemian style.

Atop a body of hammered copper, I have added two layers of leather, and then the pale aqua discs of Roman glass. Wrapping light weight oxidized copper wire with seed beads around the layers holds them in place and protects the fragile glass.

Roman glass jewelry has proven to be in high demand. These pieces do not stay long in my Etsy Shop! This particular necklace is already sold, but if you have an interest in Roman glass jewelry, I would love to design a piece especially for you. Just convo me on Etsy.

Chrysalis Too on Etsy