Too much fun!

Love working in silver. LOVE! Started like many -- copying traditional silver work (much by the brilliant Navajo designers) ... but finally getting to the point where I can imagine what I want to do, set out to do it and get it done! As this happens my "style" emerges. No surprises ... simple, unadorned, a bit industrial or urban. Truly at the beginning of all that but when you can look at a piece and know that you designed something, set out to do it and succeeded in pulling it off -- exciting!

A few samples ... now on site

Heading back to the studio ... not enough time in the day. :)

CYBER MONDAY SALE!

Today only use coupon code CYBER MONDAY at checkout. Website only

...I  knew when I first stepped into Kensington MD that it was THE PLACE for me and a little store one day. Years later I was at a craft show, set up next to someone ... we were talking about our plans for our businesses. We both wanted to open little shops -- when we spoke about where, we both said Kensington and the same moment.

That was years ago, and many things have led to this moment, but we just celebrated the 3 year anniversary of Gala

My little dream come true ♥ 

And there are days that I pinch myself.

My beautiful studio, Summer 2015

Seriously, when you wait MORE THAN A YEAR to make a blog post, a lot can happen. One thing I have realized ... I am not a blogger. But, I do like to keep people updated -- people who are not in my life on a daily basis, or are not local, or are interested in my comings and goings for one reason or another!

The big, humongous news is: I have opened a store!!

That's it in the background. Gala Artisan Jewelry and Gifts. In Kensington MD.

I opened Gala with a lovely partner -- Barbara Catrett -- and we have brought many wonderful artists into the fold.

(Gala stands for G.uild of A.rtists L.ocal to the A.rea) We opened in September 2012, and things have been going great.

You know I had been doing shows and fairs with my jewelry -- and having good success. And doing well with my Etsy shop. And going to the Martha Stewart show, and the Etsy events in NY, etc. But I really missed having a roof over my head, as in a store roof. And the great jewelry sales and the interaction that I had with people at ArtSpring. Don't get me wrong, leaving ArtSpring was the right thing for me, but it was like leaving an adult child that I could no longer help. Heartbreaking. And it was more than just the jewelry sales, (although that was tough to give up), I loved the whole idea of ArtSpring, and being an integral part of the handmade movement in my area. And I missed the camaraderie of artists, and the excitement of building something together to be proud of. 

In the back of my head I knew wanted to do another shop -- kind of take the best of what I had learned from ArtSpring and put it towards something that would really be mine -- not hopping around from vacancy to vacancy in downtown Silver Spring. And, I kept thinking of Kensington for some reason ... that it would be the perfect neighborhood to support a little handmade shop. Well -- fast forward to last summer when I stumbled upon this little, adorable storefront!

...seriously, it was irresistible!

Call me crazy or whatever, but I have had no regrets yet. Love my partner, and the artists we have on board. Everyone falls in love with it when they walk in. And, my jewelry is selling like hotcakes!

ME, on The Martha Stewart Show

I was one of the lucky Etsy sellers invited to be in the audience of  the Martha Stewart Etsy episode. So much fun! Sadly, I don’t think I was featured on the taping, but it was a great experience! Tons of fun!  The episode airs Thursday, April 26 on the Hallmark Channel.

I think Martha is great, and it was only confirmed by the experience! She really brings a lot of attention to crafting, and hand made. She featured two Etsians and their crafts -- one of them is one of my favorites – the tree ring guy. The other was a woman who makes food out of polymer clay and then crafts jewelry from it. She then gave everyone in the audience a bag of Martha Stewart crafting supplies and a $50 HP gift certificate.

...Best of all, though.... is this feature on the Website:

http://www.marthastewart.com/902171/etsy-show-audience#902156

Yes, that's 'lil ole me. And after all, it is all about me ....

Green Turquoise Blossoms!

I love it when magic happens in the studio. What happened with these Green Turquoise heishis feel like magic! They are so springy and fun just wired like they are here. I made these ... and another pair with pearls. These earrings measure 1 inch total including .925 Sterling Silver Lever backs. Just the perfect size for everyday!

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Keeping up with the Interweb - oye

Well ... decided to update my Flickr account. Oh yes, I have one. Last updated: 2008. Took me a good while to even remember the login. There goes the day. Anyway ... I know ... it must be done if one is to be searchable, and god knows I want that. Have a look -- still editing but here it is.

Also updated my photobucket account. Oye. Here's the new slideshow for the website:

Back in the game

Very excited to be back in the online business. I have been soooooo busy with ArtSpring that I have let my jewelry business flow on autopilot. Yes ... the sales have been good at ArtSpring, but I am ready for online sales and new wholesale ventures.

Upcoming events for Linda Blackbourn Jewelry (formerly A-Z Jewelry Design):

April 9th -- on the street at Fenton Street Market for the pre-season opener "Handmade Jewelry Showcase" featuring many local jewelry designers from the DC region.

May 7th -- First annual Broad Branch Market Arts Smart in DC .

May 14th and June 11th -- Ballston Street Market

Hope to see you out and about in the DC region!!

Linda Blackbourn Jewelry

Re-branding A-Z Jewelry Design as Linda Blackbourn Jewelry.

Lindablackbournjewelry.com