This Week At the Bench...150 Penadnts...

I have been working non-stop for the past week to get 150 Square Abacus pendants finished, bagged, boxed and shipped. My fingers hurt and my eyes are tired. I would have never been able to get them done so quickly without the help of my husband, Ben. Thank God I married a fellow metalsmith!

These pendants are on their way to a the Lakewood Ranch Country Club in Florida for their annual Men's Invitational Golf Tournament. The pendants will be given to the participants' significant others during a formal 5 course dinner at the conclusion of the tournament. I can't describe my surprise and happiness that the Golf Shop Buyer expressly wanted to promote handmade designer jewelry, rather than mass-produced jewelry from a faceless company. She has an art background and as a result is an art advocate. A big thanks go out to her! Buy local, buy handmade...now is the time!

150 Square Abacus Pendants - finished

150 Pendants - bagged

150 Pendants - boxed

The Forever Flower

When I returned home from my recent business trip, I found this beautiful gift waiting for me on my jewelers' bench. My husband and I never get to spend Valentine's Day together because my biggest wholesale show falls over the holiday every year. He made me this flower while I was gone...it will never wilt, fade or loose it's petals...it will last forever.

Mort Abelson Scholarship

I recently applied for the Mort Abelson Scholarship at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts. This unique scholarship was funded by designers, for designers and consists of an all-expenses-paid trip for one recipient to attend a master class of their choice at the school's upcoming International Masters Symposium. The contest honors Mort Abelson, who was instrumental in raising the awareness of jewelry design and promoting jewelry designers in the U.S.

Unfortunately I did not win the scholarship. However, I was awarded Honorable Mention! I am happy that my work was received so well and I will try again next year! Wish me luck!

"Butterfly Brooch" by Danielle Miller-Gilliam
18k gold, oxidized sterling, tourmaline with freely gliding diamonds & tsavorite

Gallery of the Month : Allanstand & the Southern Highland Craft Guild

Q: Why did you decide to open a gallery? How long have you been open?
A: Allanstand Craft Shop has roots dating back to 1908 when Francis Goodrich opened Allanstand Shop on Main St in Asheville, NC. Today Allanstand Craft Shop is located at the Folk Art Center and is one of the five shops of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The Guild shops represent artists who live in the southern Appalachian mountains, from Maryland to Alabama.

Q: Describe your gallery, the work you carry, etc...
A: Allanstand Craft Shop exhibits the finest traditional and contemporary crafts made in the southern Appalachians. All work is made by Guild members who are juried into the organization based on the mastery of their craft. Allanstand features jewelry, wood, pottery, natural materials, metal, glass and mixed media.

Q: What is your price range of the products you sell?
A: Prices range from $10 to $10,000. This wide range offers something for everyone-whether it be a handcrafted keepsake from their trip to the mountains or an art quilt surely to become a family heirloom. The bestselling price range is typically under $100.

Q: Do you have special events?
A: Allanstand Craft Shop is located at the Folk Art Center which hosts special events throughout the year. The events include Fiber Day, Clay Day, Wood Day and Heritage Weekend. Guild artists share knowledge of their craft through demonstrations and hands on activities. The events often include live music and traditional entertainment such as clogging and storytelling.
You can find an event schedule here.

Q: Do you offer special services?
A: Yes. Allanstand offers the following special services: shipping, gift wrapping for the holidays, gift certificates.

Q: Do you sell online?
A: The Southern Highland Craft Guild operates an online store at www.southernhighlandguild.org
Q: Who is your customer base?
A: Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway Allanstand Craft Shop is a favorite stop for tourists to the western North Carolina mountains. Conveniently located just half a mile from Hwy 70 in east Asheville it is also a great spot for locals to find unique gifts. Given the Guild’s history and reputation Allanstand also appeals to collectors, whether they are searching for a traditional white oak basket or a contemporary glass sculpture.

Q: How do you promote your artists / store?
A: Various forms of media are used to share the mission of the Guild including advertising in newspapers, magazines, television and online at www.craftguild.org. We work closely with the Chamber of Commerce to familiarize visitors with the area and all that the Folk Art Center and Allanstand have to offer.

Q: Where do you find your artists / product?
A: All artists are members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Each Guild shop manager evaluates members’ work based on how well it will be received in their particular gallery. While drawing from the same membership, all five shops have their own uniqueness and personality.

Q: What is hot right now?
A: Scarves, greenware, functional pottery
Q: What do you think the next wave or trend is?
A: Navy blue is the “new black” with home décor. Eco-friendly items such as natural baskets, fiber wearables.

Q: What changes have been made from when you first opened the business?
A: While deeply rooted in tradition the Guild evolves to meet the marketing needs of an ever changing membership. The Guild’s mission is to bring together the crafts and craftspeople of the Southern Highlands for the benefit of shared resources, education, marketing and conservation.

Valentine's Day Jewelry

I'm really not one for holiday themed jewelry or hearts, however I always bring these Abacus Hearts Pendants out at this time of the year. They are currently available in my Etsy shop for a limited time. See them here."How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death." -by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Friday at the Bench...BMAC prep

I have been busy getting ready for the upcoming Buyers Market...replenishing my pillaged sample set and designing new work. I always feel a little ADD at this time of year...a huge list of "to do's" and too many ideas going in too many directions. This week I have been (trying) to concentrate on adding to my Marquise Collection and am really excited about some of the results. I still have tons to do and nothing is complete yet, but here is a sample of what I've started:
These bracelets are quickly becoming some of new favorites...especially the forged one! I wore it all day yesterday to test the balance and it is perfect...so simple, graphic and elegant.

Going to NYC

For years I have been wondering about the NY International Gift Show: "Is it a show I should do? Will my work & price point fit in? Will I be exposed to a different market?" And within the past two years, I have noticed more and more of my peers participating in the Handmade® section of the show. So, I decided to take a quick trip to NYC to see the show in person next week! I will have a few extra hours in the city, so I plan to go to the new Museum of Arts and Design and have drinks with some friends...I'm totally excited! I'll let you know what I think of the show when I return...