wow

another inspiring picture from mr. jacob riis who has newly brought great inspiration into my life with his turn of the century new york city (particularly 5 points area) photography.

New Item, Inspired by Jacob Riis

Jacob Riis was a photo journalist of Danish origin in New York during the 1800s who was part of the "muckraker" movement in journalism where photographers and reporters used their talents to benefit the impoverished and suffering. His work is amazing, and I added a new piece in the shop where the story is inspired by the above photo taken on Mulberry Street in the Five Points in 1880 something.

Thanks Ana Ottman!!

I recently had a really inspiring interview by creative coach Ana Ottman. She's dope...she's out of our nation's capital and found me at Crafty Bastards '09. She is such a wonderful and strong woman with great resources for women entrepreneurs. Have a hear and snoop HERE.

In addition, I never really shared, but I am a serious cook, I throw down in the kitchen. Cooking is really an art in its own right, the color, the smell, the taste, the inspiration to do it! I have to say it's my family and friends' joy that pushes me to create in the kitchen. I will share with you what I made the other night. Eggplant (my favorite non-meat main dish), because I couldn't grill it, I pan seared it, then baked it, then made separately a Bruscetta of some sort from fresh basil, yellow pepper, red pepper, vine tomato, garlic and salt cooked in olive oil then spread on the eggplant, followed by a slice fresh mozzarella, a fresh basil leave, dash of olive oil and devour! I served this with a side of Moroccan lamb murgez. Balsamic vinegar around the plate.
Also, if you're game for a Brooklyn party with artists and designers, forget the snow and come on through to the Grand Opening of Better Than Jam, CHECK IT.

la petit chose.

some little treasures make there way to the shop just in time for Valentine's Day...My little collection of vintage charms salvaged from a New England warehouse on simple gold filled chains were a HIT during the holidays. People adored these simple, yet unique pieces and layered up with them or wore them single. The tiny skeleton key is really something, what's great is that on the gold filled chain the gunmetal patinated charm pops, as does the tiny copper padlock. Practical price of $20 for the key alone, $23 for the combo. Also wholesale available for my beautiful boutique buyers.
xoxoxoxoxooxxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxxooxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxxoxo

graphix.

i am really excited about some new pocket mirror images that my favorite graphics designer (and fellow jeweler) Leila Marvel of The Red Heart Chronicles is creating for me. Just to give a lil' tasty taste...here is one and i will admit it is the simpler one. she happens to be a seriously amazing designer and artist.
i have only trusted her with my graphics since i discovered that she wasn't only a jewelry crafter bud a by-trade graphics person. she is also responsable for my awesome banners. check her out here!

inspire.

A vintage tarot card sits above my work desk these past four weeks and wants to dance with me. The Chariot...I am a lover of all things Egyptian, and this card is all things Egyptian+Circus+Symbols, and I love it. My aunt on my mother's side (one of my grandmother's eleven children) is a clairvoyant tarot reader, and I will say this, she was the one person that believed EVERYTHING that nobody else believed when I was a child. All the mysteries of my youth she accepted with a smile. My grandmother on my father's side was also able to do things, she read fortunes of everyone in the room from there small cups of Turkish coffee. In most Middle-Eastern cultures, when you're done with the post-dinner coffee, you flip it over and it reveals a depiction or text then read by the special lady in the house. Ancient, ancient practices that humanity has meshed into the contemporary state of their cultures..quite amazing how inspiration molds who we are.

A little reminder: Sunday Love in Williamsburg, that happens to carry THoF jewelry, was once a Fortune Teller's home and work place on the gritty Grand Avenue...stop on in NYCers and go through a warp, a mirror pool so to speak:
Sunday Love
624 Grand Street
BROOKLYN

Better Than Jam Handmade Co-op Comes to Brooklyn!

Boutique Fashion Hits Bushwick
Better Than Jam Handmade Co-Op brings local indie design to a deserving neighborhood. February 1, 2010


Bushwick, Brooklyn - Better Than Jam Handmade Co-Op opens its doors on February 1, 2010. Located at 1095 Flushing Ave, the Co-Op is soon to be neighbors with 20 other diverse businesses that will inhabit the "Markets at the Loom," providing a varied destination for local shoppers to shop and browse.

“We hope to provide a unique shopping experience to the residents of Bushwick and the handmade community at large,” said designer Karin Persan, who owns the Better Than Jam Co-Op.

The Co-Op will bring to the forefront a variety of clothing, jewelry, and accessories, created by some of NYC's most talented designers. All items at the Co-Op will be 100% handmade. Better Than Jam will also host shopping and launch events, parties and workshops open to it’s designers and the local public, to grow the already hugely artistic and creative community.

" Our goal is to showcase local designers whose work is handmade and high quality, at a fair price," Persan continued.

WHERE: 1095 Flushing Ave , Brooklyn NY 11237

WHEN: Opening: February 1 Grand opening reception: Friday February 5th 7-10pm

CONTACT: Karin Persan karin@betterthanjannyc.com (631) 377-2500

Come mingle with the designers and receive complimentary drinks , 10% selected designers, and free tote bag with purchase, compliments of The {NewNew} Etsy street team.



Owner Karin Persan of Better Than Jam (www.betterthanjamnyc.com)

Sample of designers (full list at website above)

Handbags- SML Bags (www.smlbags.com)

Jewelry- The Hand of Fatima (www.fatimacouture.com)

Fashion- Joann Berman (www.joannberman.com)