Gem of the Month Garnet

 Happy 2016!!!  I hope everyones new year is off to a great start.  

I have decided to approach this year's blog a little differently.  My goal will be to write twice a month and each month I will feature a gemstone of the month beginning with birthstones.  I  will discuss their properties, mythology and how I have used them in my designs.  

Garnet is the gem of this month and birthstone of January.  It is associated with the zodiac sign of Aquarius and it has been worn for centuries as a protective talisman.  Garnet dates back to 3100 BC and was used in much of ancient Egypt's inlays and jewelry designs. 

 It signifies eternal friendship and trust thus making it a wonderful gift for someone special.  It is said that garnet has been used to reduce body toxins and purify vital organs.  It can balance energy.   Some sources say Garnet might prevent nightmares  if you slip one under your pillow at night.  It can provide directional guidance in darkness. Faith, love and constancy are its attributes.   It is considered a lucky stone, for love, success and business relationships.  It can help you let go of old behavior patterns and boosts self-confidence. 

Garnet is typically mined in India, Sri Lanka and Africa.  They are available in an array of color ranging from deep red, orange, and vibrant green.

I love using garnet in my designs because of it's rich red color (which also happens to be my favorite color).  Below are some of the designs that I have done using this lovely gem.  I have recently aquired more so there will be some fresh garnet designs coming out of my studio in the near future.  

                                     Sterling Silver Blossom Necklace featuring Garnet

Sterling silver "ExperiMetal" necklace

Sterling silver assymetrical ring

Gorgeous Hand cut Orange Garnet used in original assymetrical wedding band commission

Drops and Dangles in the Summer Sun

Longer days, bright full moons, the summer breeze blows and we look forward to spending evenings on patios with friends, laying out on the beach, going to music festivals, farmers markets,  and art fairs.  While we are out doing these fun summer activities it gets hotter outside and the jewelry we wear gets lighter.  Here is a playful assortment of earrings I have designed and created to enhance your summer wardrobe.   

Sterling silver & Tourmaline A simple pop of color is all you need. 

Sterling Silver Textured Earrings.  Sleek and full of attitude. 

Sterling Silver Hammers. They swing, they shine, and they will get you noticed!

Sterling Silver  drops with faceted sapphires and kyanite drops.  Dazzle your sundress.  

Hand cut vines perfect for a summer wine tasting. 

These pieces and many more will be available in my online shop. You can also enjoy saving 20% this 4th of July by using the code FIREWORKS at check out.  Sale expires July 8th 

The Journey, the Path and Passion that is Aprilierre.

At a young age I began expressing myself in drawing which evolved into painting, and then I became active in the local community theatre often acting side by side with one of my parents. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from the University of MN Duluth and then began dabbling in some creative writing, and eventually my artistic expression evolved into its true form: jewelry design.

I love my art, and I get incredibly excited when other people do too. A few days ago as I exited the classic St. Paul establishment Cafe Latte, a woman stopped me on her way in and said, "Those are fabulous earrings! Who designed them?"

An energizing charge of honor and pride for my work filled me and my smile widened. The earrings she had noticed were a brand new design and I felt flattered that they were bold and unique enough to stop a woman on the street. A business card transaction took place, and I hope she will be a new client.  I have been complimented on my jewelry many times, but when someone specifically recognizes and sees that there is a designer aesthetic I feel humbled and honored.

The truth is it took me some time to truly believe that I can flourish with my chosen artistic path as a career. For years I battled the inner dialogue that "you aren't a real jeweler,” and "you're just learning." That line of thinking has never lent itself to the progression of my business; simply because I didn't allow myself to dream a bigger dream, the dream of sustaining a lifestyle based on creating my art. I see more clearly than ever before; this is the work I enjoy, I love making a connection with people, I love creating something that is a meaningful and emotional link to people's lives. I am a "real designer;” I seek to make Aprilierre a jewelry collection that people love, trust and come back for more.

  I wouldn't have a business or this opportunity for growth if it wasn't for you my loyal customers and clients. I am deeply grateful for the support I have had over the years and I am looking to continue growing my business with the support of my longtime, and many new clients. I am excited for the future of my business. I am having new packaging designed, my business will be featured in the Twin Cities Local Scout Guide Vol. 2, and I am working on launching my new collection this fall. What amazes me the most is that I have done all this myself. I am eager for the future, to turn over some of the reigns in my business (such as website development), but until then I am proud of what I built with my own two hands. My friends, my jewelry and my business, that is my passion. That is the story behind Aprilierre.

                                     

Jewelry in the "keys of life"

“Music, at its essence, is what gives us memories. And the longer a song has existed in our lives, the more memories we have of it.” –Steve Wonder

  I have such a fond memory of my mother playing piano when I was little. I would gaze at her fingers moving effortlessly over the black and white keys, amazed that the pages speckled with black notes before her translated into cascading chords of music.

 One of the first melodies I remember truly gravitating towards was “Music Box Dancer” by Frank Mills. It was such a playful little song and I would take such delight when it would come on the radio. I remember begging my mother to learn that song for me and she obliged and I would laugh and dance in circles around the living room in whenever she played the tune.

Recently a long time friend of mine reached out to me with a unique jewelry challenge. Her mother had passed away a couple year earlier. She had inherited a gorgeous antique piano that had been in her family for generations. Built in 1910, this piano arrived by train to the far north of Minnesota and made its way to her grandmother’s home. It would be passed down two generations.

By the time it came into her possession it was old and in need of repairs. All the keys needed to be replaced. They discovered the keys are real ivory before it was banned for sale and use in the United States in the 1940s. She asked if I could create three pairs of earrings from some of the ivory keys. I was immediately excited to accept the challenge.

Spreading out the pieces and drawing out ideas I set to work on some prototypes. I knew my friend enjoys wearing larger earrings and that she wanted me to use the larger keys that had been graced by her mother’s fingers and where her prints may still remain. We agreed on a design and what followed were many patient hours of sawing, torching, texturing, and setting.  

I love it when I have the opportunity to create a piece of jewelry that will hold a deep signifigance to the wearer. It’s an honor to be able to capture a small essense of a memory into a tangible piece of jewelry, in this case the memory of one’s mother playing the music she loved, much like my own.

Grateful for being "Lucky"

It’s March and  St. Patricks day is around the corner. Drinking irish whiskey and green beer aside, the first word that comes to mind is the word  “Luck"  What does it really mean to be lucky? Luck by standard definition means “good fortune; advantage or success, considered as a result of chance.” Or “the force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person’s life, as in shaping circumstances, events or opportunities.  While I have never been the “lucky” winner of the lottery, or the publishing clearance house sweepstakes, or a never ending pool of coins from a Las Vegas casino. I do acknowledge that I am lucky in life.

I observed at a fairly young age that I was unlike many of my classmates in the simple fact that I was growing up in a two parent household. The majority of my friends in school came from divorced or single parent homes. Yes I was that "abnormal" child who had parents that actually stayed together.

 I am lucky to have a warm and loving family. It was a core value growing up with out it being said or enforced. I was fortunate to live close to both sets of grandparents and grew up visiting them on a regular basis. My grandparents were part of the golden generation, survivors of the Great Depression and World War Two, I learned to value the things I have, they enriched my creativity and were always supportive of my artisitc endevours.   I was guided into an artistic path at a young age, inspired by my Grandpa Barnhart’s love of oil painting. I helped my Grandma Schuld weed her garden and the blooms, blossoms and luscious foliage have an impact on my designs today.

I am lucky that I some how made a career out of being a part of family. I was fortunate to raise two boys from the ages of 15mo and 4 to the ages of 6 and 9. I am lucky that I currently help raise two girls.   In both situations I truly became an integral and active part in their family. I am more then just the “nanny”. I am essential and have created a strong connection with their children. I am a part of their lives. I celebrate with them and grieve with them. That family connection a fundamental value in my life and that translates into the love and care I put into my jewelry designs.

This is a custom piece I made for one of the boys I helped raise.  The family lost a loving husband, step father, coach and dear friend.  

This photo is from a holiday photo shoot and I am with one of the girls I take care of along with their dog Paco. 

A beautiful commissioned bracelet resembling family members.

My spinner ring was commissioned as a wedding ring and the three bands represent "our past, our present and our future"

I turned forty this year.  (Hard for me to believe)  I am lucky that I am healthy and that I have been losing weight and am in the best shape I’ve been in years. But here I am forty.  I have never been married, I have no children.  I have been asked many times if I want children but I am not going to force anything to happen and I know time is running out.  Therefore, I am lucky to still have the experience of raising children.  I have an understanding and appreciation for all you stay at home moms out there. It is hard work…but I also understand the working career mom. It takes a lot of faith and courage to basically trust a person to BE with your children all day while you persevere, build and grow your own career to support your family. It’s not an easy choice and I know you struggle with it. The families that entrust me with their children are lucky to have me. In turn I am lucky to have worked for successful business women who inspire and motivate me to continue to build and expand my Aprilierre brand. 

All in all I feel that I have experienced LUCK as “a force that operates.. for GOOD.. shaping circumstance and opportunities.” Indeed I am a lucky woman.  This  week was a tough week for many in Minneapolis as the Target Corporation laid of thousands of talented hard workers.  I am lucky to be where I am, embracing a creative skill that I have, working for a wonderful family while I do it.  I feel I really can’t experience luck with out having an expression of gratitude. Each and every day I think of something or someone that I am grateful for. We all have our good days and our bad days and sometimes we need that little reminder to be grateful for what we have and where we are. That is why I created my “Gift of Gratitude” rings. My goal is to create a “gratitude” line of jewelry that I can use to give back and help foster and grow non profit organizations that help cultivate our community.

Artistic Evolution & The HAMMS Event

I knew as a little girl that I wanted to grow up to be an artist.  I just didn’t know what kind.  I was a drawer, a painter, a writer, an actor.  It wasn’t until well after college  that I discovered how much I loved the art form of jewelry making and design.
I started out by learning a few basic techniques in bead stringing and making loops and dangles.  I let my creativity move forward.

Selling my jewelry happened rather spontaneously and unexpectedly.  I had an acquaintance reach out to me and informed me of a small local craft fair taking place in a North Minneapolis Park.

I decided to fore go the traditional application process and drove up to the event early in the morning, introduced myself to the organizer and she allowed me to participate.  I paid the fee, drove to the closest WalMart for a cheap tent and folding table and set up shop.  I made three sales that day.  I was giddy.  A jewelry artist entrepreneur was born.  I began being involved with the Mill City Farmers Market and my business and relationships with my loyal customers has been growing ever since.

My displays and branding evolved over the next couple of years as did my jewelry evolve in design.  

I became more confident in my work and in believing that I can make a successful business from my own creations. I continue to participate in events. I learned all too quickly that there is a lot of expense to managing your own artistic business. Obviously there is the cost of materials, the packaging, the display, the booth fees, the marketing, the time, the tools and the list goes on and on.  For years I have been growing my business bit by bit developing entrepreneur skills along the way. I am making connections with my customers and my online sales have increased and I am excited to grow Aprilierre into a jewelry line found in unique specialty shops across the country.  

I was thrilled to come across an event like the HAMMS Event.   Here is an event that I am investing in that is structured to give one of  the participating vendors an opportunity to get that financial boost towards growing their small business.  The HAMMSEvent has put together an amazing ensemble of unique Minnesota Makers.  I am looking forward to the overall experience of connecting with so many talented entrepreneurs and see our businesses grow. Fashion blogger Sara Bartlett tells about her unique shopping experience at last years HAMMSEvent, leaving the impression that this is an event you won't want to miss.  I encourage you all to come out and enjoy this once a year event.  Another fun competition is the vendor who brings in the most people will be refunded their booth fee.  That is fantastic!  (Therefore, make sure you mention you heard about the event from Aprilierre at the gate. ) Meanwhile I will continue to create....

Show Spotlight

I have been taking time during this long relentless winter to reflect and focus on creating my art and expanding my business goals. This year I am taking part in some new events that I hope will not only help bring Aprilierre jewelry to a new audience, but also bring about a new network and connections with artists and entrpreneurs. Over the next few weeks I am going to highlight some of these events and feature them in my blog.

                            HAMMS EVENT 2014

I am looking forward to my involvement in the HAMMS event 2014. This is a crowdfunding event to support Minnesota Makers. HAMMS Event was born out of the “shop local” and “shop small business” movement, and around the fact that small businesses need to stick together. In 2013 they gave $5000 in HAMMS Event ticket sales and donations to one Minnesota Maker - to help them grow and expand their business. The philosophy is if small businesses all stick together they can make a difference.

Last year’s winner was Lynn Sanchelli of Painted Stuf.

Becky Sturm and Sairy Gernes are the entrepreneuresses who are the idea generators behind this event. Both accomplished with two unique companies a piece they have participated in their fair share of the pop up market circuit and bring the best part of that experience into the HAMMS EVENT.

Another fun aspect of the day is the vendor who brings in the most people to the event will have their booth fee refunded.  How fantastic.  So with that said, I encourage you to mark your calendars for Sat. May 3rd. 10am–4pm at the former Hamms Brewery Shipping Docks. 713 East Minnehaha Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55106

Purchase your tickets  or to donate to the event to help a MInnesota Maker Succed here.