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