When witches convene, laughter ensues

Do you love a good story? I mean who doesn’t?

Here goes, last summer I participated in an evening market in downtown Raleigh, NC and it was hot and sweltering but I made a lifelong customer and friend through Marissa, she was shopping with her family and happened upon my booth. We immediately connected.

Fast forward to present day and Marissa reaches out to me in September to see if I’d be interested in coming to her home to show my jewelry and read tarot to her friends for a Witches Party! Of course I said yes. And let me tell you, it was so much fun. Marissa is an excellent host, her home is beautiful and her friends are a pure delight. And my Mom even joined me (secretly she didn’t want me driving home late at night).

It was a beautiful experience to read tarot and share our stories. It felt invigorating to me to read and investigate further into the issues her friends needed more clarity.

Here are some of the photos we snapped of the party. I love all the fantastic and inventive costumes the attendees wore.

Halloween spirit in full effect! Marissa has such a big heart and it was such an honor to share my jewelry in her home.

The wisdom tarot holds comes back to you. You shuffle the cards and your energy is infused. Reading the cards we’re taken on a journey through images and symbols.

Tarot readings will be offered throughout the holiday season, book one with me before the end of the year.

I believe in this day and age, we are welcoming witch energy more openly. We are recognizing that there is a little witch in all of us. We are naturally intuitive healers, all of us. The witch reminds us of that, to embrace our inherent healing and magical powers.

I hope you had an amazing Halloween/samhain season. It was a fun and busy one for me!

If you’d like to schedule your own tarot reading or a personal Eilisain Jewelry party, email me at info@eilisainjewelry.com

Get Your Holiday Orders In Now

Goodness, every year this happens, the end of summer is one day and the next it’s November!?!

I guess I should let ya’ll know some dates for when you can order your gifts in time for Christmas. I do my best to ensure timely delivery, these dates are somewhat flexible depending on where you live. So if there is any hesitation, shoot me an email (info@eilisainjewelry.com) or DM on social media and I’ll respond as quickly as I can.

And friends, whatever you do this holiday season do your best to shop LOCAL and small. The big box stores will survive but your neighbors and family that are small business owners are doing their best to make ends meet, when you shop local & small you are literally putting money in your neighbors pockets.

Thank you and love you all!

Winter Reading List

Sometimes I’ll pile all these pillows and just lay and read all afternoon, it’s the best!

Let’s be real, I am a voracious reader so I don’t need a season to read however there are certain books that I thoroughly enjoy more around in the wintertime. Plus, I’ve accumulated a stack of books that I’m slowly reading and that just makes my bookworm soul happy. So I wanted to share with you my current reading list!

1. The Witches are Coming by Lindy West - This was a surprise find at my library and I gotta say it was the perfect quick and very inspiring book. Not inspiring like, feel good but one that inspires me to be more vocal to continue the fight against the patriarchy and the apathy spreading like a damn virus. READ THIS BOOK!

2. Great Goddesses by Nikita Gill - Another surprise find that caught my eye as I was chasing my daughter around Barnes & Noble. I have been a fan of Nikita for awhile now and when I saw this paperback like a white angel on the shelf I had to grab it. Nikita dedicates a poem and then conversation to our most revered Greek Goddesses and gods. This is perfect couch reading and it’s a great companion to Circe.

3. Women who Run with Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes - This is practically a bible for any feminist and headstrong independent woman in your life. It’s filled with so many rich, cultural and strong female stories and not just that, tales throughout history of women going to the deep shadow self to retrieve their inner teacher and spirit guide.

4. Circe by Madeline Miller - Okay this book came out a year ago but it’s become an annual reading for me now, our protagonist and Greek demigoddess is one that we can all relate to. She’s the outcast of the family, she gives a good lesson to men that need it and she also totally messes up several times and then redeems herself. Plus I get to learn more about herbs and Greek mythology.

5. The Garden Awakening by Mary Reynolds - A dear friend gifted me this book and I’m so very happy she did. As a budding and novice gardener I had wanted a book that would help me gain a better understanding of working with the earth and plants. Mary includes great illustrations and graphics of various ways to arrange your garden and to have a relationship with it. I still have yet to finish this dense yet fascinating book but I highly recommend it for any of you that want to create a spiritual connection to your gardening practice.

6. Awaken Clairvoyant Energy by Cyndi Dale - I randomly picked up Cyndi’s book at my local pagan/herb shop Sojo and I’m so very happy I did. I’ve always held a deep fascination with clairvoyant topics and I’d secretly been yearning to learn more. Cyndi’s book is a super easy read and she has step by step guides on how to understand your own abilities and intuition.

So there you have it my winter reading list, you could actually read any of these books at any time of the year which I will most likely do. I secretly harbor a deep dream to have a personal library of the likes of Belle from Beauty and the Beast. I love books, they provide doorways into other worlds. I hope you enjoyed this list and please sign up for my email list below ,if you aren’t already on it so that I can continue to share with you my personal recommendations.

As always, thank you for popping by my blog!!

Who Doesn't Love a Holiday Gift with Purchase?

I can distinctly recall the memory as a preteen rummaging through my mother’s Clinique gifts with purchase, alipstick or a face cream. She always gave me a little something and I loved it!

And just akin to the joy of a free gift, this year I wanted to try something new, offering you that same feeling, an additional token of generosity. See the wonderful part of gifts with purchase is that you’re taking care of yourself and getting a little something something to gift to someone else. I know that when I go holiday shopping, most of the time I find gifts for myself and with a gift with purchase you cover all the bases!

You guys, these little cloths are a life saver when you need to add that extra shine to your jewels.

Sage and lavender bring a wonderful sense of calm to your life. Why not pass it along? This is a $17 bonus gift!

Now we’re talking, super glam and healing herkimer stud earrings, a sage and lavender with a crystal cleansing wand AND a polishing cloth. This one is fantastic!

Now is the time to get your holiday shopping done, and from the comfort of your own home. Gifting a loved one a handmade piece of jewelry is entirely sentimental and so special. I always recommend purchasing a necklace as a gift because it’s unisex and typically easy for anyone to wear - you don’t need a ring size!

Get Ready, 'Cause the Holidays are Coming!

So we’ve already got our Halloween decorations out and we’re sipping pumpkin spiced latte - we’re all ready for the weather to cool off so we can bust out the long sleeve pajamas.

Along with that we’re marking our calendars because there are some amazing craft shows coming up. The longer I participate in local handmade shows the more I love shopping for my loved ones at the shows. And I’m participating in several new shows this season.

LIke CraftedVA in Norfolk, Virginia, it’ll be held at O’Connor Craft Brewery on Saturday, October 12th.

I’m also doing the femme empowered Girl Tribe show in Charlotte, NC December 14th &15th.

There are so many great vendors at these shows, ones that are local to the south. These shows are kid friendly and are just a fun outing for the whole family. Did you know when you spend money on locally made products 110% goes back into your community? It’s a win-win situation!

I hope to see you at any of these events - be on the lookout (those on my email list) you’ll be getting a postcard in the mail. And if you aren’t on my list, sign up today!

Treat Your Bestie, Your Sister from Another Mister Right!

My Galentine’s Day Gift guide is here! I curated this selection to truly match the special woman/man in your life. I’m not talking about your spouse or partner but the person that you call in the middle of the night or when you need to vent and cry your eyes out to.

Here I am with my dearest friend Cate. I’d be lost without her in my life!

“Over the years, my best friends have been my life line. They’ve seen me at my absolute worst (aka being a diva) and at my best (aka when I got married). So why not treat them to something truly memorable and special? ”

Of course, I do consider all of my jewelry perfect gifts for any occasion, but these selections speak to any price point $30 to under $200 and to the type of person in your life. I hope this helps and lets lift up the amazing souls that do the same for us!

Best Holiday Gifts Under $100

Are you scrambling for presents last minute? I know I’m still searching for the perfect gift for several people in my life. So here’s a quick list of my items under $100 because that’s reasonable but also generous to your loved one.

1. Bird bone bracelet or ring, starting at $55

The delicate yet interesting shape of the bird bone make them perfect as a gift.

I’ve already given these sweet pairings as gifts - the bird bone ring or bracelet and my friends love it! The bird bone bracelet was cast from a sparrow bird bone and it’s so light and great for layering. The bracelets start at $55 and go to $135 plus you can also get them in a set with the bird bone rings.

2. Cat claw earrings starting at $40

These make purrrfect stocking stuffers or a sweet gift for the cat lover in your life. These were cast from the claws of my cat Stevie. Cats shed their claws and when I found hers on the floor I had a Eureka moment!

I love wearing these as extra studs to my larger more statement making earrings.

3. Crow claw earrings

These are just as dainty and fierce as the cat claw but with more length. I love wearing these higher up on my ear. They make fantastic gifts for the bird lover in your life.

Some say they look like dragon talons.

As with all Eilisain Jewelry orders this holiday season your order will arrive with a complimentary polishing cloth and special gift.

This holiday season take the time to order from someone local and a gift that is handmade. Trust me when I say your recipient will truly appreciate the craftsmanship and quality.

Decking the Halls with Jewels

Not only is the holiday season about giving it’s also about the parties and celebrations. As a self proclaimed fashionista (tho less so now that I’m a SAHM/WFHM - stay at home mom and work from home mom) I LOVE holiday parties.

There is something to be said about putting on a glitzy dress/outfit with all the jewels and decking the halls with your friends and family. It’s magical, fun and wonderful.

Over the years I’ve had my jewelry featured in collections of outfits to help you coordinate and style your jewels. Here are some of my favorite press mentions of holiday outfits and jewels:

How gorgeous is this whole outfit, down to the perfume. And when you’ve got The Hunted triple crow claw ring on EVERYONE will notice your hand and selection of jewelry.

As a former DC/VA resident I was so smitten they chose the Hunted II owl talon cuff with this badass outfit!

Okay this isn’t necessarily a holiday outfit BUT it is great for lounging around with the family or when you meet up with friends for casual drinks.

This holiday season, whether you’re going out to the theater or to a holiday work party, dress up your outfit with jewelry. Jewelry ALWAYS amps up your outfit.

Get ALL Your Holiday Shopping Done at Local Craft Shows

Wanna in on another secret holiday tip? Shop at local craft shows. And if you live in North Carolina you are lucky because there are SO many amazing shows happening before and around the holidays.

Craft shows allow you to pick up a little bit of everything, clothing, jewelry, food, bath & body care, baby items, vintage etc. and the best part is that you are truly supporting a local economy (and hopefully handmade).

Okay so here is a run down of some of my favorite local craft shows and events:

• Jaycee Park Holiday Art sale - Jaycee Park Center for Arts & Crafts is always a fav because they have such a wide range of makers and artisans AND it’s super affordable. GO ON: Saturday, Nov. 10th 10am-4pm.

  *Take the kiddos too and have them play outside or check out their art studios!

• Emerge Gallery and Art Center - The Holiday Artist Market is Emerge Gallery's annual holiday sale featuring handmade fine arts and crafts by so many super talented North Carolina artists, many are good friends of mine. The gallery is set up in a boothstyle with each booth featuring one artist or business. The sale will kick off with a ticketed preview night on Thursday, November 30th, and the show will remain up through December 22nd.
  November 30, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
  Cost: $20 per person, $30 per couple

And as you may have guessed I try to participate in the best of these shows.

Above is my schedule for local shows. It’s my one of my favorite parts of the holiday season, getting out and meeting you! I hope to see you at one of these shows. we can share our love of jewelry and animals.

What I Love About Durham? Handmade and Local!

I'm SO SO excited to be returning to Durham this coming Sunday, 12-5pm, for the summer Patchwork Market show!!  It's been several months since I've done a show and I really miss being out and about meeting people and sharing my love of handmade and jewelry.

If you've never been to a craft show or more specifically a handmade craft show (there are so many variations of types of craft shows) BUT they are so much fun.  The quality and craftmanship you get from handmade objects and jewelry are WAY better than what you get at the mall. 

As a SAHM (stay at home mom) I get a bit lonely - as much as I love playing with my sweet girl, I crave being social.  Thus show time is a serious joy for me.   Plus I get to catch up with my fellow makers and bossbabes!

AND I get to shop handmade as well, seriously I do most of my gift shopping at the shows I participate in, because it is pretty amazing to connect with the person that hand makes your favorite mug, handbag, tshirt, print, jewelry and more. 

Now if you can't make it to the Durham Patchwork market you can always still shop with me online - wink, wink.  Because honestly my best pieces usually sell at these shows. 

Also check out my post on my 5 Eastern North Carolina Artists and Makers you should follow. My friend River of Rivtak is featured and she will also be selling at the Patchwork Market. 

It's The Month of EVENTS

Are you as inundated with holiday events and parties as I am??! Goodness, seems like every weekend there is something fun to do. 

Let me just add more to your plate, but truly it's options.  Let me preface that several weeks ago I went to Charlotte to sell at the Vintage Charlotte show and I had SO much fun! There were lively people, music, delicious food and most of all  - fabulous vintage and and handmade goods!

Thus I am excited to share with you another opportunity for you to purchase more incredible local and handmade gifts.  Vintage Charlotte Pop, December 8-21st, a pop up shop organized by Amy Herman (organizer of Vintage Charlotte).  I sent a load of my cat claw earrings, the badger claw necklace and several other popular hunted and talon pieces.

Soooooo if you live in the Charlotte, NC area please go and support local and handmade.  I can NOT stress it enough how much of an impact and financial boost shopping local is for our state economy.  You are putting money in your neighbors pockets and that is huge. 

As always thank you for reading and if you are in the mood now.... you can do some last minute shopping.  My last day for holiday orders is Friday, December 8th. 

The Holiday Gift Guide is Here!

I'm seriously baffled at how quickly the holidays arrived....AND that it's time to get those holiday gifts.

I put together a short and sweet guide of some of my best sellers and new pieces to add to your holiday gift inventory. 

Some other very important dates to remember this upcoming Thanksgiving week:

Black Friday - November 24th - ONE DAY ONLY - 40% off EVERYTHING.  But you've got to be on my email list to get the code.
Small Business Saturday or CATurday - FREE pair of bronze cat claw earrings with any purchase over $100.  These make purrrfect stocking stuffers.
Cyber Monday - FREE Eilisain Jewelry stamped polishing cloth with any online order (trust me, you'll want a polishing cloth for all your jewelry)

One last thing - THANK YOU for shopping handmade and local this holiday season, you are pretty much helping your neighbor and community.  More revenue goes back into your hometown with dollars that are spent on local business. 

Five Holiday Tips for Purchasing Jewelry as a Gift

Can you believe it, the holidays are nearly here, in my head they are already here! I'm in holiday show prep mode but I'm also thinking - I've got to get my holiday gifts in order.

With that said, I'm sure you're also planning gifts and we all need a bit of help and advice when it comes to jewelry especially as a gift.  So here are my tips for purchasing for a loved one.

1.  When in doubt, buy a necklace - Why? Because you don't need any sort of measurements (except for maybe chain length) but really a necklace is super easy and one that most people love.

2.  Observe what kind of metal they like - Some people are strictly gold or silver and some love both.  Pay attention to what they wear on a daily basis then pick your metal.

3.   Order three to four weeks ahead of the holidays - As you know we're all in prep mode so it can take a bit longer to get your orders out the door and in your loved ones hands.

4.   Gems catch the eye - Who doesn't love bling? If you can purchase a piece with some stones or ones that are their birthstone, this is usually a big hit with women.

5.    Know the gift receipts and exchange policies - Most jewelers do not offer returns, especially small business BUT you can usually get a gift receipt or exchange receipt just in case your recipient isn't completely happy.

I hope these tips help you this holiday season and if you have any questions or additional tips - let me know!

And here's your chance to get some holiday shopping done now - click the button below.

Queen of Autumn

If you've followed me over the years you know that I truly enjoy working with other artists and partnering with other creatives in my community.  I've long been an admirer of Madalyn McLeod's illustrations.  We were both in the art and design program at East Carolina University years ago and I've been following her journey as a budding artists and finally I reached out to her to create a fantastic autumn gift package.

And it was so timely that I recently created a new ring from a tree branch (and perhaps more tree pieces to come).  Thus I'm excited to release....on Samhain my our Autumn gift package! When you purchase the Dryad ring, a sterling silver ring with two orange topaz gemstones (2mm) which is $185 you get a signed print copy of the Queen of Autumn by Madalyn McLeod!

The Dryad ring came about from a special commission for two very good friends of mine who recently got married, they wanted rings that were nature inspired and to be honest, I've mostly stayed away from pieces that are cast from twigs, nuts or branches because I felt they were too 'done'.  As in, popular however I've come around to the fact that whenever I create new pieces, they will always have my signature stamp and aesthetic.  So I felt drawn to create more branch inspired pieces, plus I've been so consumed with growing my own herbs and truly connecting with herbalism and growing things. 

They pair SO so perfectly, plus this is a great collectable piece and one that works well for your gallery wall or a gift for the holidays. 

Mark your calendars - this beautiful combination will be released in one week, on Samhain - All Hallows Eve - Halloween. 

Thank you for reading....stay posted friends!

I could so see the Queen of Autumn wearing the Dryad ring, the orange topaz is perfect with her dress.