A Comprehensive Update

Hi everyone,

I arrived in North Carolina eight years ago today. Wow. So much has happened in those eight years. I completed my PhD in English this May, so now I have more time to devote to creating (before I begin teaching at an area university for at least one year).

I've completed a number of custom pieces and I've sold a few pieces since my last post. I'll share a few photos here below. In general, I've wanted this blog to serve as a digital portfolio for my jewelry work. Many of my designs are one-of-a-kind or have limited runs due to available materials. However, if you find something you love that I've sold, or you'd like me to create a custom piece for you, please do let me know. In some cases I can create something similar to what I've sold, and I've made pieces tailored to customer's desires. You can contact me by sending me a conversation on Etsy or by emailing me at bohemianearthetsy@gmail.com.

I also have one new listing I've posted today--a necklace I've named Coraline with its materials (pink coral) and a dear old friend, Cora Kammer, in mind. I think she would have loved this piece.
 

In love and beauty,
Jameela

Coraline

Agate, Coral, Wood, Brass, Quartz, Czech & Indonesian Glass, Vulcanite, Copper

 

1974

"1974" - A custom birthday present for a customer's friend of over 41 years - Sold

Green Empress II

Green Empress II - Aventurine, Sesame Jasper, Amazonite, and Solid Copper - Sold

Detail of Green Empress II - Aventurine, Sesame Jasper, and Solid Copper

 

Viola Verde I

Turquoise, Amethyst, Baltic Amber, Jasper, Shell, Solid Copper - Sold

      

Azure

Custom Clip-on Hubei Turquoise Earrings - Sold

New earrings I'll be posting in the coming weeks...

My thanks to you all for another amazing year!

thank you.

Dear friends and fans,

This year has been another wonderful year!  I am very thankful to all of you for your continued support and encouragement throughout 2012.  I made quite a few pieces this year, was a featured artisan in the October Raw Artists' Showcase, and completed a very meaningful commissioned series. I look forward to creating much more in 2013 (and beyond).

I will continue to make pieces inspired by vision, love, creative spark, beautiful words, artists and authors who inspire me, beautiful works of art, and so much more. I will continue to build an inventory based around materials I think are beautiful.

2013 will bring more Frida Kahlo inspired pieces, and a few pieces inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe and Gustav Klimt. There will also be more literary-minded pieces like the Carmen bracelet, and you can always count on a few pieces inspired by the beauty of the Southwest. 

If you've been following me since 2011, you will know that I did meet many of the goals I laid out for 2012 a year ago: I've made some multi-strand designs, colorful necklaces, and the first necklace in the Frida Kahlo series. I have also incorporated more copper, brass, and sterling silver and I've been forming, hammering, and polishing earwires and clasps. I will venture into creating some hair barrettes featuring gemstones and I will also begin using gold-filled wire and chain in the near future and I may even take up some soldering before the end of 2013.

I will be writing my dissertation this year, so my updates may not come as often as I'd like, but I'll do my best to keep you all informed of what's new, what's coming, and the like.  

As I said last year, I have a lot planned for the coming year, and I look forward to sharing my vision and designs with all of you. And, I can promise that I will continue to create pieces of jewelry in the spirit of Frida Kahlo's words on painting: "I paint my own reality. The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration."

Many thanks to you all and happy new year!

Jameela

The Fortune Collection

What follows is a long overdue post about one of the most fun, challenging, and meaningful collections I've made sine the inception of Bohemian Earth...
 
 

The Fortune Collection

In mid-October this year, ten days after I became ABD, I completed the Fortune Collection. I created four pieces for four very special women: Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Joanne Gabbin, and Nikki Giovanni. The occasion, Sheer Good Fortune, was for Toni Morrison, but was a celebration for what these women and others like them have done, are doing, and will continue to do, that is, create more beauty in the world through creation, cultivation, and circulation of the creative written word. 

Necklace with freshwater pearls, amazonite, sterling silver& garnet with garnet & copper coated pyrite drop

I give special thanks to L. Lamar Wilson, author of the forthcoming poetry collection, Sacrilegion. Without Lamar, this jewelry series would not have existed. I thank him for giving me the opportunity to help shape his vision into material form.

With gratitude, I share my vision in the statement that follows...

* * *

The Collection in Morning Light

My Statement:

I have designed these four pieces especially for Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Joanne Gabbin, and Nikki Giovanni by the loving request of Lamar Wilson. Lamar envisioned four pieces that would unite four women who share a passion for written and spoken word, be it poetry, fiction, or nonfiction and then left me to my creative whim. I’ve named each piece Fortune followed by the initials of the woman for whom it is designed in recognition of the Sheer Good Fortune event in honor of Toni Morrison and to capture the spirit of such an auspicious gathering of so many people who love and appreciate the art of carefully crafted language.

Detail of necklace in warm light

 Amazonite, freshwater pearls, garnet, and copper coated pyrite are present in each piece of jewelry. Sterling silver, copper, and rainbow-torched copper unite the colors of the gemstones and reveals my love for mixing materials. Early on, Lamar and I decided sterling silver would be a good metal to tie the pieces together. The copper came later; its presence reflects my love for the warmth and richness of the metal, and for the way it patinas with age but can easily be made like new again. In the beginning, I knew that garnet would be a chief stone in each piece because of its many beneficial properties. Garnet aids a number of physical ailments, protects bones and joints, imparts a sense of clam while providing adrenal support, inspirits courage and creativity, and aids passion and intuition. After a few preliminary sketches for these pieces, I had a vivid dream in which amazonite and pyrite were prominently featured, so I knew that these two stones would be included in the design. Amazonite calms, encourages happiness and good health, and, perhaps, most important, it is a stone associated with writing and communication. Pyrite is an all-around protective stone that helps with dream work and dream recall; it is also known for inspiring creativity and imparting good fortune. Associated with spirituality, feminine energy, the heart, and protection during travels, the four freshwater pearls in each piece also represent the unity of and the love shared between the four women. Each pearl is differently hued and shaped, lovely and iridescent. Copper is another material that aids communication and circulation, soothes joints, enables channeling, and imparts a bit of luck; silver adds more protection and increases the properties of the gemstones. 

Bracelet with freshwater pearls, amazonite, sterling silver, & garnet

Finally, I created each piece with positive intention, love, and joy. I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to share my vision with you all, just as the body of crafted language you all have birthed, nurtured, and empowered has helped shaped the vision and purpose of my own life.

With love,

Jameela F. Dallis 

Detail of bracelet clasp: hand formed & hammered rainbow copper; garnet & copper coated pyrite drop

Aquamarine drop on necklace for Maya Angelou (Aries Birthstone)

Turquoise drop on necklace for Toni Morrison (Aquarius Birthstone)

I look forward to creating more commissioned pieces and collections in the future!

Alex: OOAK Unisex Necklace

Here's Alex! 

I made this necklace for my RAW artists showcase. There are a few more new pieces coming this week.

Read more here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/111710802/tigers-eye-shell-and-seed-beads-ooak

Raw Artists' Showcase // Provocations @ Solas in Raleigh on 10/3/2012

 
Hi everyone,

It's been a while since my last post, but I've been quite busy writing my dissertation prospectus (which I will defend on 10/5) and preparing for my first RAW: Natural Born Artist's Showcase. I have a number of pieces planned to make between now and then (and beyond!). So, if you need to update your jewelry wardrobe or are thinking ahead to the winter holiday season, you may want to drop by the RAW Showcase // PROVOCATIONS from7-11pm at Solas in Raleigh on Wednesday, October 3, 2012. The showcase will also feature live music, a fashion show, studio and performance artists, and so much more.

So, come join me for an awesome night of local and underground talent! You can support me by purchasing a $10 ticket in my name (see below).

Links galore:

My RAW Artist profile: http://www.rawartists.org/bohemianearth

If you're on Facebook, you can RSVP here: http://www.facebook.com/events/281622288610475/

Just remember that If you're planning to attend, please buy a $10 ticket by 9/30/12!
Direct link to tickets for my showcase: http://www.rawartists.org/raleigh/provocations/?artist=73895
(The last day to buy tickets for $10 & support me is September 30, 2012; they're $15 on the day of the showcase) 

If you buy a ticket, let me know, and I'll email you a special thank you code for use at the showcase and/or for future use at my Etsy shop, Bohemianearth.etsy.com. (Just me know in person at the showcase and use the code at my Etsy shop.)

(The last day to buy tickets for $10 & support me is September 30, 2012; they're $15 on the day of the showcase)

You can buy a ticket in my name even if you can't attend. And doing so can help another friend get in the show for free. If you do this, let me know, and I'll email you a special thank you code for use at my Etsy shop, Bohemianearth.etsy.com.

A few more details:

-Time: 7-11pm 

-Solas Raleigh is located at 419 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh

                   -There's a parking garage across the street, parking on side streets, and valet.
-Cocktail Attire

                   -I'm looking forward to this...
-I'll be accepting cash and all major credit cards.

-See the event flyer and learn about all the other amazing artists here: http://www.rawartists.org/raleigh/provocations

                  
More about RAW:
http://www.rawartists.org/about/what-is-raw
&
http://www.facebook.com/rawnaturalbornartists

Many thanks in advance for your support! I'll have a lot of new pieces along with my full Bohemian Earth Etsy line. 

Much love,
Jameela

I'm back!

Dear friends and fans,

I've been away for far too long, but, alas, studying for and completing my PhD exams took precedence over making jewelry.  The good news is that I passed all eleven hours worth of my exams (the last exam was just this past Monday the 27th), and, to celebrate, I've made three new necklaces that are full of spring colors !

I'll post these lovelies within the next week and hopefully I'll have a couple of pairs of earrings to share as well.  For now, here are a few preview shots!  

Enjoy!

Jameela

These necklaces feature rose quartz, amethyst, turquoise, olivine jade, and much more!

A length for every occasion!


Etsy shop link!

It's been a great year!

"Let the beauty of what you love be what you do" 

- Rumi

 

Dear friends and fans,

2011 has been a wonderful year!  I am thankful to all of you for your support and encouragement.  I am so happy that I'm able to make pieces that you love to wear and wear in love.  It was around this time last year that I begin to think about making jewelry for myself more regularly and I toyed with the notion of making jewelry for others as well.  By January, I was determined to open a Etsy shop.  Opening the shop and having a line launch were months away, but I began building an inventory based around materials I thought were beautiful.

Rumi's words (see the epigraph above) resonate within me deeply.  Through my jewelry making, I seek to cultivate happiness, love, and beauty in my life and in the lives of others.  I may sound sentimental, but I truly enjoy it all... from a flawless execution of a design to restringing and adjusting a necklace two or three times.

As you may have noticed, I have taken a break from creating during this busy holiday season to focus on my family and to prepare for my comprehensive PhD exams, which will take place in February.  I look forward to making a few pieces in January and February and I should be back to a regular jewelry crafting routine by March.  

In the meantime, I'm planning many designs including multi-strand showstoppers, minimalist earrings, and color-filled necklaces.  You'll also see a Frida Kahlo necklace series, new materials including solid copper and brass and more sterling silver.  And, I'll begin making my own earwires and other metalwork designs as time and practice allow.  I have a lot planned for 2012, and I look forward to sharing my vision and designs with all of you.

Many thanks to you all and happy new year!

Jameela

Small Business Saturday Sale!

I'm celebrating Small Business Saturday with a SALE!

Select items have been marked down!  I've created a "Small Business Saturday" section in my shop so that everything will be easy to locate.

Enjoy the savings and don't forget about the Winter Holiday Promos!

***

If you spend $50-$99.99, before shipping and handling costs, use the code HOLIDAY7 to receive 7% off your purchase.

If you spend $100 or more, before shipping and handling costs, use the code HOLIDAY10 to receive 10% off your purchase.

These promotions will run from until 12:59 PST December 29, 2011.

*** 

EXTENDED THROUGH MONDAY 11/28! See the "Cyber Monday" Section

Río de Rosas: Custom Necklace

One more custom order to complete a full week!

Río de Rosas, or River of Roses, is a special one-of-a-kind custom necklace featuring 251 beads plus a beautifully faceted rose quartz briolette.  Well over half of the beads used in this necklace are 1X1mm or less, so stringing this necklace was an intense effort!

Perfectly symmetrical, each side of the necklace has 47 iridescent iris blue Delica® glass seed beads, 10 turquoise rounds, 20 blue turquoise and blue howlite chips, 20 rose quartz chips, 23 pieces of tiny hand-faceted Karen Hill Tribe silver beads (which are at least 97% pure silver), and four rose quartz rondelles.  Three tiny iris blue seed beads complete the rhodium-plated clasp and closure for an added personal touch.  Adding flourish and interest to the rose quartz briolette is a swag of turquoise beads on sterling silver hardware, upcycled from a pair of earrings I no longer wear.  I love how the colors interact in this little space and throughout the necklace, and I hope its future owner will love it too!

closeup of seed beads & Hill Tribe silver

Turquoise is a powerful healing stone that can help wearers with meditation, balance, and communication.  It is associated with Taurus and Aquarius.  Turquoise is a protective stone that enhances love, friendship, and loyalty.  Silver draws out negative energy and encourages non-judgement and self-approval.  Like turquoise, howlite is useful for communication and helps with memory, learning, facilitating awareness and emotional expression.  Linked with Gemini and the crown chakra, howlite helps alleviate stress while eliminating procrastination.

close up of rose quartz briolette and turquoise swag

 Associated with the heart chakra and the signs Aries, Taurus, Virgo, and Libra, rose quartz is a stone of "unconditional love."  It encourages all forms of love including self-love, self-confidence, and romantic love.  It also brings forgiveness and gentleness, tolerance and acceptance, and increased receptivity to colors, sounds, art, music, and poetry.  Rose quartz helps boost creativity and is calming, reducing stress, clears anger, resentment, guilt, fear, and jealously.  It is truly an amazing stone!

Badria: OOAK Elegant Afghani Tribal Necklace

Introducing...

Badria

"Moon-like"

"Badria is an Afghan name that means "moon-like," and the enchanting light and dark qualities of this necklace are evocative of the moon.

The first focal point of this one-of-a-kind necklace is the elegant Afghan artisan-crafted black onyx pendant.  The pendant was made in a traditional way by melting down coins and doing all filigree and inlay work by hand.  The pendant, including the dangles, measures 2 1/2" by 2 3/4."    Framing the pendant are twelve faceted sterling silver beads resting between faceted black onyx beads.

 

Next, the eye is drawn to two more Afghan metal beads with intricate open filigree work are framed by two shiny pyrite beads.  Because of their handmade nature, each bead is different, yet full of human-touched warmth and character.

 

Finally, on each side of the necklace near its end are two ruttilated quartz beads framed by pyrite and Karen Hill Tribe hand woven silver beads, which are at least 97% pure silver.  Near the necklace's simple, yet elegant, Bali sterling silver clasp are two more pyrite beads resting between faceted black onyx that add unity and elegance to the design.  Badria measures 22" long and the bust in in the second picture is life-size.

 

About the stones:
Onyx allows us to let go, relax, and flow with the natural energies.  It also helps relieve stress, balance our emotions and gives us the strength to persevere.  It is associated with the crown and heart chakras and with the astrological signs Cancer and Aquarius.

Rutile intensifies the properties of its host stone, so rutilated quartz enhances quartz's properties of bringing focus, clarity, and stimulating positive thoughts.  It is associated with the heart and third eye chakras and the astrological signs Leo and Capricorn.

Pyrite is grounding, encourages positivity and the release of old emotional baggage. It is also a protective and enhances one's creativity, intelligence, memory, and psychic development.  It is associated with the crown, third eye, and solar plexus chakras and the astrological signs Gemini and Virgo.

Silver draws out negative energy and encourages non-judgement and self-approval  (source: www.thatcrystalsite.com).

Buy Badria on Etsy!

Pawfect Match Rescue Howliday Shop!!!

Hi Local Friends and Fans,

About three weeks from now, on Saturday, November 19, I'll be a vendor at the Pawfect Match Rescue Howliday Shop 2011 !  I'm very excited about this event, as it is for a good cause.  I'll have Bohemian Earth shop items along with new items I'm working on just for this event. I hope to see some of you there!

Event Details:

Date & Time: 

Saturday, November 19 from 1pm-6pm

Location: 

Chapel Hill North Apartments Club House (200 Perkins Dr., Suite 230  Chapel Hill, NC  27514)

Email me with questions: BohemianEarthEtsy@gmail.com

Event Facebook Page.

Event Webiste.

Pawfect Match Rescue Website.

From the event creator, Maia Wirth:

 "Please join us for our very first Howliday Shop fundraiser. Shop with over 20 different handmade, local, and designer vendors to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list... and feel great knowing that your holiday shopping this year is also supporting a great cause. Please see our website at www.pawfectmatch.org for a complete list of vendors and for more information.

*this is a free event!
*you are welcome to bring your dog to shop with you AND they can play in the neighborhood's outside dog park before you go home, too.
*we will be selling raffle tickets for prizes donated by our wonderful vendors to raise additional funds for the rescue
*wine, hot chocolate, and light snacks will be served
We can't wait to see you there. Please help us spread the word and share our event with your local friends and family!"

Check out Maia's awesome Etsy shop: 

Music Teachah Designs

And, "like" her Facebook page!