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

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

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!!!

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

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

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

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

Autumn Mookaite

Mookaite Bracelet

Autumn and mookaite are made for each other. Richly saturated dark red and yellow mookaite is not for the meek. Confident women wear mookaite; women who want to attract attention. And in my opinion, mookaite is an underappreciated stone that deserves more attention, so again "made for each other". A sedimentary stone formed in ancient sea beds, mookaite is a jasper that gets its name from the Mooka Creek area of Australia where it is mined. Its beautiful and wildly bold coloration is from the organisms and minerals that were contained in the sea sediment.

My bracelet design features a dramatic combination of faceted mookaite nuggets, vintage green heart trade beads in coordinating brick red, a strand of African solid brass beads, more vintage Czech seed beads in dark plum tones. Ceramic end caps repeat the colors of the stones, and a large rustic copper toggle clasp finishes the design.

Mookaite Earrings

Natural edge slabs of mookaite, cut so that the image on the stones mirror one another, wrapped in oxidized copper wire. These slices of stone really show off the range of color in mookaite, with the mustard yellow being the dominant color and even including some tiny droplets of rusty orange on the lower portions of the stones. I added a burnt orange bead to the wire wrapped connectors to pick up the naturally contrasting bits of color in the slabs.

Mookaite Statement Necklace

Mookaite doesn't need much help to make a statement! To the mookaite stone nuggets, I added some of the same elements that I used in the bracelet design. The brick red (green heart) trade beads, African brass and vintage Czech glass seed beads. For an unusual touch, I wrapped brass cones in recycled sari silk echoing the burgundy tones, and bronze wire. A large Saki bronze toggle clasp adds to the exotic character of this choker length statement piece.





Gloria Ewing

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

Over the Top Tribal

Green Jasper Carved Bone Necklace

In an ongoing quest to add new and interesting techniques and materials to my jewelry designs, I have been doing more designs substituting cord for beading wire. I like the look of jute, but I use mostly braided nylon cord because it comes in such beautiful saturated colors and because it doesn't fray easily. If I want the natural look of the jute in the piece, sometimes I will use both nylon and jute. Of course, jute is usually going to require larger holes in the beads as well, so if I use the nylon along with jute, I can use either to go through the bead and get the best of both in the finished piece. My plan is to include more and different types of fibers in future pieces.

This technique lends itself well to my tribal style.
Stone and Bone Tribal Pendant Necklace

The colors of the cord contribute to this fringe earring design.
Copper Metal Clay Flower Earrings with Fringe

Chrysalis Jewelry on Artfire
Chrysalis Too on Etsy

Fabulous Fall

Though it never seems long enough, fall is my favorite time of year. Fleeting moments of vibrantly colored foliage in hues that grow stronger until the leaves are saturated and begin to fall like feathers from their hosts. Brilliant yellows and fiery red maples stimulate the senses, perhaps even more so because we know it is only for a short time.

This collage is a sampling of my jewelry pieces designed in the vivid colors of the season using stones, seed beads, mixed metals, leather and silk.

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.