Jypsea Leathergoods at JC Fridays PLUS Etsy Craft Party 2014!

Join us on JC Fridays, a quarterly city-wide celebration of the arts in Jersey City, as the latest work from designer/artist Terina Nicole, founder of Jypsea Leathergoods is presented at Ed's Salvage Co.
Participate in a fab design DIY project and goodie bag giveaway! (while supplies last) in conjunction with Etsy 2014 Craft Party!

Free and open to the public.

June 6th, 6:30-8:30pm at 672 Bergen St., Jersey City

Terina Nicole is a New Jersey City University graduate student, Fashion Institute of Technology alumni and creator of Jypsea – a home & body luxe line of leather goods. The collection’s focus is jewelry, handbags, small leather objects and furnishings. Materials used includes exotic skins, up-cycled finds, wood and metal; with all, she provides an infusion of soul.

See the full art crawl line-up at http://jcfridays.com/

RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/303702259796999/?ref=22

Also, now until midnight on Friday, all of Jypsea Leathergoods earrings are 20% off at the Etsy Shop!

Art Smith, Premier Modernist African-American Jewelry Designer

Art Smith, born in Cuba in 1917 to Jamaican parents in Cuba. His family settled in Brooklyn in 1920 and Smith showed artistic talent at an early age. Encouraged to apply to art school, he received a scholarship to Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. There he was one of only a handful of black students, and his advisors tried to steer him towards architecture, suggesting he might readily find a job in the civil sector of that profession. His lack of proclivity for mathematics eventually forced him to abandon this path, however, and he turned to commercial art and a major in sculpture, training that would prove invaluable.

Trained at Cooper Union, Art Smith opened his first shop on Cornelia Street in Greenwich Village in 1946. One of the leading modernist jewelers of the mid-twentieth century, Smith was also an active supporter of black and gay civil rights, an avid jazz enthusiast, and a supporter of early black modern dance groups.

He also took a night course in jewelry making at New York University. That and the friendship with Winifred Mason, a black jewelry designer who became his mentor, set him on the course of his adult artistic life. 

Mason had a small jewelry studio and store in Greenwich Village, and Smith became her full time assistant. He subsequently moved from Brooklyn to the Village’s Bank Street. In 1946, Smith opened his own studio and shop on Cornelia Street in the village. But after suffering racial violence in this Italian neighborhood, he soon moved to 140 West Fourth Street just 1/2 block from Washington Square Park, the heart of Greenwich Village where as an openly gay black artist he felt more at home. The new store was better located business-wise and socially, and Smith’s career began to take off.

He began to also sell wholesale to boutiques around the country. Also, he became acquainted with some of the city’s leading black artists including writer James Baldwin, composer and pianist Billy Strayhorn, singers Lena Horne and Harry Belfonte, actor Brock Peters, and expressionist painter Charles Sebree. In the early 1960s, Smith received a commission from the NAACP in 1975 to design a brooch for First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

Inspired by surrealism, biomorphicism, and primitivism, Art Smith’s jewelry is dynamic in its size and form. Although sometimes massive in scale, his jewelry remains lightweight and wearable. 

Visit his long-term installation at the Brooklyn Museum; From The Village to Vogue.  Visit his website to learn more about this legendary artisan/designer.

Art Smith (American, born in Cuba, 1917-1982), fashioned modernist pieces from simple metals that achieved new expressions in shape and form.
Visual resonance can be detected between pieces of Smith’s and the works of artists associated with modernist abstraction,
- See more at: http://www.cooperhewitt.org/object-of-the-day/2014/02/03/art-metal-modernist-jewelry-greenwich-village%E2%80%99s-art-smith?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Cooper-hewittObjectOfTheDay+%28Cooper-Hewitt%27s+Object+of+the+Day%29#sthash.Bap2WqQG.dpuf

Art Smith (American, born in Cuba, 1917-1982), fashioned modernist pieces from simple metals that achieved new expressions in shape and form.
Visual resonance can be detected between pieces of Smith’s and the works of artists associated with modernist abstraction,
- See more at: http://www.cooperhewitt.org/object-of-the-day/2014/02/03/art-metal-modernist-jewelry-greenwich-village%E2%80%99s-art-smith?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Cooper-hewittObjectOfTheDay+%28Cooper-Hewitt%27s+Object+of+the+Day%29#sthash.Bap2WqQG.dpuf

The Artisan's Custom Jewelry & Art Showcase Sale

Custom jewelry, music and fine art---at affordable price points--happening tomorrow:
Saturday, October 5, 2013
1-6pm
9400 Livingston Road, Suite 102
Fort Washington, MD

Tasha Hussey, "The Jeweled Life."

Each of us artists and designers are all awaiting that BIG BREAK. Jewelry designer Tasha Hussey discusses her process, her niche, passion, business, and what she needs to BLOW UP. Here is a clip from her documentary, " The Jeweled Life."

What's NEW in the Jypsea Design Studio

Jypsea Leathergoods is no longer just about handcrafted, one-of-a-kind handbags. Leather & exotic skin home decor and small furnishings are now on the menu. Check out some of my latest projects:

Leather "Goddess" Belt upcycled from leather jeans.

Reupholstered leather and balsam wood chair

Reversible leather tote upcycled from a jacket

Reversible leather tote upcycled from a couch

Pin-striped and leather floor pillow

Re-upholstered cherry wood chair with storage

Lambskin and kidskin tasseled floor polliw

Double-sided leather coaster gift set

Animal leather throw pillow

Double-sided leather coaster gift sets

Leather covered wooden jewelry boxes

View my portfolio here: http://www.custommade.com/by/jypsealeathergoods/

New Style: "Urbane Jungle" Leather Earrings

See more at Jypsea.com

Beauty is Strength! Nzingah Designs

Imagine my surprise to open my mail and find these beautiful earrings and a hand-crafted greeting card from fellow artist/designer and sister-friend Nzingah. I barely remember her asking me for my address so the gift really caught me off guard. And the fact that she's just sharing her fly kindess and love just for the sake of doing so.....is just SO DOPE!
This is the kind of artist/brand you want to get behind and support. Someone who embodies love and kindness and spreads it with no expectations.
Her tagline is "Where strength is beauty and beauty is strength." Nzingah, a Florida native residing in NY, is the breathing manifestation of beauty and strength as an Activist, Painter, Writer, Musician, Dancer, Jeweler, Designer, Teaching Artist and so much more!


See more of Nzingah Designs:
Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sankofaschild
Website: http://www.nzingahdesigns.com
Facebook fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/BeautyisStrength

Lee Little Collection: Art that Works

Insanely talented fiber artist Tamara Little of Williamsburg VA has added a "playful, creative, whimsical &

alluring" jewelry line to her brand. Check out the gorgeous and inspiring video below.

The collection can be purchased at 

The Peninsula Fine Arts Center

101 Museum Drive

Newport News , Va.

757-596 - 8175

Find out more about The Lee Little Collection at:

http://www.leelittlecollection.com

http://leelittledesignstudio.blogspot.com/
 

The Lee Little Collection from James little on Vimeo.

Emerging designers, learn how to design a collection to present to stores. Read my book ENVISION: The Young Accessory Designer's Guide to Collection Development. Get the softcover or download it instantly.

Designs by Alicia P.

PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
My name is Alicia Piller, I am 28 years old and I live in Brooklyn, NY (hometown: Chicago)

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED ON YOUR CREATIVE PATH?

I have been making jewelry and crafts/art of all kind since I was maybe...3 years old.  I come from a family of very creative/crafty women.  I remember having my own little table of jewelry to sell at a flea market my mothers would sell at...when I was maybe 5!

WHAT DO YOU CREATE?
I make Couture (suede/beaded jewelry/accessories), Fine art (oil paintings and wall-hangings), and hand-painted clothing.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CREATE?
1st of all I am a serious work-a-holic....I am the kind of person that can sit still without making/working on something!

My jewelry is inspired from nature...organisms...the insides of everything...I have a fascination with how things look inside....with the natural patterns found all over the world from creatures to rocks...etc...

I studied anthropology and painting in college....I love to travel the world and see what amazing patterns/colors/designs, different cultures are creating...for religious purposes...status...etc...I'm a little bit of a nerd.:)

Overall my work is inspired by a million influences all mushed together to create my own world of.."organisms"/sculptures....

HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO MAKE A LIVING BY BEING YOUR AUTHENTIC, CREATIVE SELF?
Absolutely!...I quit my day job (Head designer for a Manhattan based jewelry company 3.5 yrs)....quit almost 2 years ago now....it was scary and still can be...but throught particpating in tons of events, tradeshows, loaning my work to stylist etc...i have been able to continue to grow my business with no need for a second encome...lets just say my parents are happy about that!:)

WHAT NEW PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON? HOW CAN PEOPLE FIND & SUPPORT YOUR WORK?
There are so many things in the works for me now....getting a brand new website together (should be complete by the end of this month), working on taking my couture work to the next level....making a dress/body jewelry pieces for clients and bras!.....&!!!!! one of the most exciting projects is that I will be opening a store in collaboration with Harriets Alter Ego(Harriets by Hikema), in Downtown Brooklyn, in a new green market set to open by August!:)
My work can be purchased a few ways: 

Online:
1. New website coming soon..

Designs By Alicia P.
www.designsbyaliciap.com
2.http://www.ustrendy.com/store/alicia-p 
3.http://www.etsy.com/shop/Designsbyaliciap?ref=pr_shop

Store info:
Neda (map)
302 Court Street
Brooklyn, NY11231
718-264-NEDA

Nicholas (map)
560 Fulton Street
Brooklyn NY 11217
718-797-4400

MoCADA: Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (map)
80 Hanson Place
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718-230-0492

Featured in several art + cultural publications such as:
+The Fader Magazine
+Time Out New York
+Luire Magazine
+Clutch Magazine
+H.A.S. Magazine
+MetroMix New York
www.designsbyaliciap.com/press

Beach Beauty

http://www.stylepage.com

My New Space-Age Swag

My style is decidely “polished-bohemian-hipster-meets-round-the-way-girl(circa 1990)” but THIS beauty I just got from Washington (state) based designer, Lunaversoul, has got me wanting to change things up a bit…go a little Jane Jetson! It will be the perfect piece to rock with a boyfriend blazer and maxi length strapless tunic. Hey! I guess I can keep my polished bohemian steez afterall. Just bring it into the future.

Visit the Lunaversoul online boutique for your own: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lunaversoul

Yasmin & Jazmin

Tag necklaces are definitely back with a vengeance and hot all over Hollywood as celeb trendsetters from AnnaLynne McCord to Justin Bieber have been spotted rocking the signature style. Yasmin & Jazmin has made it easy for anyone to get the look with their striking unisex tag necklace pavéd in black sapphires—an accent that effortlessly adds a modern rock ‘n’ roll update to the classic design.
Even Keri Hilson and Usher have been checking for them.

Fabulous facts about Yasmin & Jasmin:
1. Their semiprecious stones are sourced from Thailand, South America, and Jaipur.
2. The line is handcrafted by jewelers who create the fine jewelry for royalty.
3. All pieces are made of sterling silver or 18 carat gold.

The Tag Necklace retails for $345

Where to buy: http://www.25park.com/

See the full collection and get spotted with your Yasmin & Jazmin tag dripping with sophisticated bling here:

http://www.yasminandjazmin.com/



Shanae Grimes

 

Justin Beiber

 

AnnaLynne McCord

Zivile Art

PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF. I am Zivile Pupinyte born and raised in Lithuania. I have been living and working in the US for 9 years and created my company Zivile Art in 2004.
 HOW DID YOU GET STARTED ON YOUR CREATIVE PATH? I have been always playing with different stones, shapes, forms and have been making accessories for myself for a long time. the professional path of my creativity chose me accidentaly in Philadelphia in 2003 by a big unterest in my designs. i was invited to show at few galleries back in 2003 and from there it just rapidly started evolving into something bigger and Zivile Art was born in 2004. creativity is given then it is just a matter of knowing what to do with it. my education background is in business and communications and I think this really helped me to be where I am. to be an artist and to run your own business is not that that easy but if you have background of business knowledge and common sense of running fashion/design/art oriented business it is very possible. organization, planning ahead and predicting future are main important aspects.

WHAT DO YOU CREATE? - My company Zivile Art is a one-of-a-kind jewelry (wearable sculpture) company as well as fashion event planing/consulting and fashion styling company. Using exotic stones and natural materials, my meticulous handiwork and lucid creative process has yielded an eclectic collection of jewelry that is both fashionable and refreshingly unique. My pieces lend adventurous spirit to haute couture. My jewelry collections are strictly handmade and one of a kind. I am a recognized artist in Europe as well as locally selected 'The Best Philadelphia Jeweler 2010' by Philadelphia Weekly and one of the features on Philadelphia Fashion Week 2010 fall runway.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CREATE? Mainly my inspiration comes from my travels and my dreams. When i travel (and i do a lot) I tend to pay much of attention to architecture detail. My work is detail oriented and architectural. The other inspiration are my dreams. I am very vivid dreamer and many of my designs are just born there. When i open my eyes I take time and think (I think still being in a dream reality) and some designs are born, or some things just start making sense. its kinda hard to explain :)
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO MAKE A LIVING BY BEING YOUR AUTHENTIC, CREATIVE SELF? Well, I do have a secondary income from working in the service industry, but mainly my creative income comes from organizing really good, well put together, involved fashion events where I present my new lines.I do 2 collections a year and present them in a big fashion event thatIi produce myself from beginning to end.
WHAT NEW PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON? new collection presentation event 'MODERN FOLK' : November 13th 4-8 pm @ LGTripp Gallery 47-49 North 2nd Street. (the full production with fashion runway show, live dance/vocal performance and more). Presentation of collection in a more private setting in December, some future plans for a fashion show in Philadelphia featuring this amazing business owner coming late spring 2011.
HOW CAN PEOPLE FIND & SUPPORT YOUR WORK?
http://www.zivileart.com/ Attending on November 13th 'MODERN FOLK' -  the best way to get introduced to my work and meet me.


invitation front

Invitation back

ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING CREATIVES? Make sure people see what you create. Make it visible .... to do so there are few options: put it in as many stores/galleries as you can (Personally I find this to be very hard to manage), reach out to press, do well organized and well attended events (if you need help doing that and if you know the scale of the events I produce, I can do it for you or with you ) I believe that everything is possible you just need to really really want it - this is my driving force and this is why i still do this.

See more and shop at http://www.zivileart.com/.