Beauty in Imperfection

For those who don't follow the trends, who are always seeking to unearth something fascinating, I can relate to you. I look for the unusual. I like to find beads and findings, whether they are new or old that tell me a story. I find that the imperfections and the irregularities tell me much more than any shiny polished bauble could ever tell me. Each little chink or scratch is an experience of the past, or possibly a reflection of its creator, just waiting for the right person to appreciate its history. I feel much the same way about people. If you're not "running with the herd", it is more likely that you prefer to come to your own conclusions about life. That means you have the capability to reason rather than accepting a popular view because it sounds good. You go beyond the surface, and that makes you a much more interesting person to be around.

OK, back to jewelry. I spend countless hours finding old vintage African beads and artisan findings that fit that aesthetic, but it is really more like a treasure hunt. Sometimes it will be something with an appealing quality that I just happened to find first. Sometimes it will be something that everyone else has already seen and passed over because they could not see its potential.

The important thing to me is finding new (and old) beads with personality that will add to my work. Finding new people is equally as important to me. Two of the pieces pictured in this post are from a new friend and talented artisan, Laura Bailey Taskey, whose work with rustic copper speaks to me. She is an independent artist who reflects her life in her work.

It reminds me of a quote from the movie Frida when Lupe is explaining Diego's attractiveness to women: "He finds beauty in all your imperfections, it's irresistible."





Gloria Ewing



Chrysalis Too on Etsy
Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry

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

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

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

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

Black Friday Sale - One Day Only!

Aqua Terra Agate Necklace


Hmmm . . . Black Friday, do I get up at well before dawn, shower and wrestle my clothes on to go shove through 500 overly caffeinated bargain hunters for the 20 available pieces of the latest and hottest electronic gadget that everybody has to own? I don't think so! When the alternative is to sit here in my pajamas, with a cup of my favorite coffee, and browse the internet for more "off the beaten path" gift ideas, guess which one I choose?

To commemorate Black Friday, I am doing something I rarely do. I am having a sale!!! Use coupon code BLACKFRIDAY13 in my Etsy shop today only for 15% off with a minimum $30 purchase. My jewelry is all handmade, meaning it is designed and assembled by me. It is definitely one of a kind and distinctive in its style.

Visit my shop, Chrysalis Too on Etsy!