Last Week's Roundup

Here are two new necklaces available now...

World Traveler I - Sold

I've named this necklace World Traveler I because it reminds me of something someone might put together after a trip to India and Western or Northern Africa, perhaps. It represents a mix of cultures with its Banjara tribal coin pendant (dated 1974) and rust-colored carved horn beads (that bring West Africa to mind).

Rich red and warm gold wood beads balance the composition and earthy, turquoise and brown ceramic beads break up the red tones in the piece. This necklace would be lovely on someone with a warm or neutral complexion, and would be a striking piece on someone with pink or cool undertones.

To keep the necklace light, yet still make a dramatic statement, the top half is antiqued brass chain. I've added a brass clasp I hand formed and hammered and a tiny white-banded red agate to finish off the chain. The necklace is 18 1/2" (47cm) long including the clasp. The large bone beads are 3/4" (20mm) diameter and the coin pendant is just under an inch in diameter (24mm).

See the pictures for close-ups of both sides of the coin and the clasp.

  The Banjara are nomadic tribal peoples of India (sometimes called the gypsies of India). You can read more about them and their culture on Wikipedia or many other sources.

 Azure - $50.00 

 I love this necklace! Each one of dark blue druzy agate stones are a work of art. The labradorite tubes are framed between tiny mustard-hued delica seed beads; these along with the hammered solid copper chain and add a complimentary color note to the composition.

The copper chain is continuous (~14in/35.5cm) and the asymmetrical clasp adds interest. I hand formed and hammered the copper clasp especially for this design. Another touch of color is found in the aquamarine silkon cording the stones are strung on. This cord is strong and I've reinforced the knots with jeweler's glue.

The copper will take on a natural patina, or you can polish it with a gentle cloth. The chain has a slight patina already, so if you want the color to be more penny-like, you can polish it up (or ask me to do this before I ship it to you.)

The necklace is 19 3/8" (49cm) total. The blue druzy stones are 9/16" (14mm) in diameter. The labradorite dangles are 5/8" (16mm) long.

 

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!

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

Five New One-of-a-Kind Pieces...

I've made five new pieces over the last two weeks... enjoy!

I've posted five new pieces on Etsy today.  Four of them are inspired by water (despite the bright happy greens!). In these latest pieces, I've tried to find harmony between the extravagant and the minimal while some pieces are definitely more simple than their chunky counterparts. Yet, each piece makes a statement, and each pieces is absolutely one-of-a-kind.  Perhaps you'll see something you like...

ADRIANNA

SUMMER RAINS I AND II

PETITE MER

MALKIA

New for August.

A few new pieces for the steamy month of August...

Midnight at the Beach

Bracelet & Earrings

 

Vintage Lucite, Shell, Wood, Agate & Brass

Vintage Lucite, Shell, & Brass

Another angle...

More information on Etsy; click the links above.

 

* * * * * 

P R O V E N C E .

Regal, elegant, yet modern and understated...  

Yellow Mustard Jade, Faceted Lapis Lazuli, Blue Goldstone

Heavenly drape.

Antiqued Copper accents add a touch of rustic flair.

Available on Etsy.

More Southwestern Dreams

Introducing...

Cactus Pear One-of-a-Kind Earrings 

and 

Nevada Fields Limited Edition Earrings

These earrings are both a touch Southwestern, yet not your traditional turquoise and silver earrings.  Read all about them on Etsy here and here!

I imagine Frida Kahlo may have worn these...

Thinking of Nevada wildflowers...

New this evening!

Introducing Kathmandu Dreams IV and the Aegean Bracelet (SOLD)...

The Aegean bracelet is inspired by the colors of the Mediterranean Sea.

  Kathmandu Dreams IV is a reinvention of Kathmandu Dreams I.  I'm in love with this new version!

Find out all the details on Etsy.

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Hello everyone!


On May 22, 2011, I officially launched the Bohemian Earth Handcrafted Jewelry line.  (I named and unofficially opened my shop on Etsy back in February 2011, but I took the next three months to build up an inventory.)  So, to celebrate my one year anniversary, I'm offering a special promotion: 10% off EVERYTHING beginning NOW through Memorial Day, May 28th 2012,  at 11:59pm PDT.


Simply use the code CELEBRATE at checkout.


Cheers!
Jameela

Shop at bohemianearth.etsy.com

Like my shop on FB: facebook.com/bohemianearthjewelry

Five New Items on Etsy

Enter from the East Earrings (SOLD)

Chriso-Roz

Fiercely Pink

Southwestern Sunrise Bracelet

East/West Necklace

BohemianEarth.Etsy.Com

Coming this week...

Here's a small preview of what I've been working on...

"Enter from the East" Earrings featuring cloisonne beads, lapis, orange jade, and 22kg plated accents

"East/West" Necklace featuring turquoise, carnelian, agate, copper & jade

Two new necklaces!  One features 24kg coated Mykonos beads, African trade beads, frosted pink glass, & pink quartz, and the second necklace. hanging lower, features rhodonite & moonstone

"Southwestern Sunrise" Bracelet featuring carnelian, agate, Baltic amber, and tie-dyed turquoise

 These five new pieces will be available on Etsy 

by the end of this week!

~~~~~~

I also take custom orders.  

Here are two two special order earrings I made for a friend...