Spring Trunk Show at Oaklandish - Debut of Fall Collection!

We're celebrating spring with a last minute Spring Trunk Show at Oaklandish this Saturday from 12-3pm at 1444 Broadway in Oakland, California. We'll be debuting a new line of designs I've been working on the last several weeks.

I've made lots of new - Neoclassically inspired designs with front toggle clasps. I used to only do these on the Antiquity Collection, but they add such an elegance at an affordable price.

 

Above: Mother of Pearl Victorian Button, 1893 Worlds Fair Souvenir, Vintage French Tourist Medal.

I'm also using gold fill pocket watches, metallic watch dials and the result is rather pleasing. As the industrial age took hold, the Victorians became very nostalgic about nature. That tension is reflected in the beauty of the Victorian-revival dragonfly contrasted with the mechanical metallic watch dial. These new designs will be on our website next week.

Check for event updates on our events page!

Trunk Show at Oaklandish
Saturday, April 13 2013, 12-3pm
1444 Broadway,
Oakland Ca.

Urban Air Market - Spring Show SF
May 5, 2013, 11am-6pm
Hayes Valley: Octavia Blvd. @ Hayes
San Francisco, Ca.

PG&E Spring Bazaar
May 9, 2013, 11am-4pm
66 Beale St.
San Francisco, Ca.

Marin Open Studios
May 11 & 12, 2013, 11am-6pm
19 Caletta Ave.
San Anselmo, Ca.

Fairfax Festival
June 8 & 9, 2013
Fairfax, Ca. 

San Anselmo Art & Wine Festival
June 22 & 23, 2013
San Anselmo, Ca.

Rivertown Revival
July 20, 2013
Petaluma, Ca.

Willits Kinetic Carnivale
September 7 & 8, 2013
Willits, Ca.

SHOP NOW and save 15% with secret code: VICTORIA15
 
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Holiday Shows, Luscious Galleries, The Fad of Authenticity?

I've finally gotten my holiday show schedule up on the Compass Rose Design Jewelry events page, just in time! I also celebrated my one year anniversary working with Modern Eden in North Beach, San Francisco!

There was a recent article "All That Authenticity May Be Getting Old" in the New York Times which essentially stated that handmade just another fad. Below is the photo and some of the supporting evidence presented in the article:


"Major retailers sell vintage or handmade objects, or produce items with that look. Clockwise from top left: artisan-made felt ornaments and a mass-produced mug adorned with an owl, the totem of the crafts movement, both from West Elm; vintage pickling jars sold by Pottery Barn; wooden tops made from reclaimed railroad ties and vintage toys from India, sold by CB2; the Versailles chair, linen pillow covers made to look like vintage grain sacks and reproduction machinery gears, all from Restoration Hardware. " (see full article)

F*$@ You New York Times. What is a fad is West Elm and giant entities like Pottery Barn either pretending to be artisans, or employing etsy artists or other crafter-makers to do huge scale production far beyond the realm of sensible scale. There is a parallel with small beer brewing - there are ways you can interact with your medium and craft in a way that is prevented by industrial processes and industrial scale. I would argue that Pottery Barn, in it's very nature is incapable of being authentic. Large scale operations reliant upon global production systems exist, but let's not pretend that making pillows out of "real" Turkish flour sacks is part of the handmade movement. In addition to patting ourselves on the back and celebrating handmade goods, the handmade movement is also born of old school craft of necessity. For me, becoming a full time artist and maker was born out of needing a job and finding something I was good at (and happen to love). Inherent in scale is a whole set of values about living wage and craftsmanship and quality of life and valuing human life and work that is at philosophical and physical odds with fulfilling orders for Pottery Barn. The point in handmade for me is to recognize and directly support craftsmanship and quality while minimizing middle men and human and environmental externalities born of exploitative production relationships. Who knew making necklaces would feel so philosophically important?

Certainly Urban Outfitters got called on making a design similar to an etsy artist, seen in the photo below from Regretsy.

But there is another layer, eloquently pointed out by Regretsy, that other artists are making state cutouts earlier, and let's be honest - this has been a design since the 1970s at least. I make typewriter key and pocket watch jewelry, which has been made since the 1960s at least. At least the chain stores use plastic fake typewriter keys and aluminum watch stamped molds, so authenticity of objects matters. a lot. It's an interesting thing to ponder. I'm pretty convinced that it works itself out.The questions of authenticity and scale are on my mind as I think about goals for next year. The expected trajectory of business seems to be infinite and sustainable growth, whatever that means. As I near the capacity of my physical body and quickbooks ability to maintain the now 10 galleries in four states I work with!!!, questions of hiring people, expanding, sales reps arise. Several weeks ago while vending at Indie Mart, I met a fellow vendor who had been in business 10 years and had grown to 5 sales reps and 4 production assistants. Yes, she made more money, but she has scaled down to a scale of 1 for issues of quality of life, and she still makes a reasonable living. As a maker, and artist, an entrepreneur, this work of making real things at a sensible and sustainable scale has great meaning.

Can you tell I am reading Shopcraft as Soulcraft. The irony that the link is to a giant chain bookseller is not lost on me :)

 I am proud to make things, and I am constantly amazed by the constant cleverness of all the gallery owners I work with. Each has an amazing ability to create a space that reflects their interests, passions and philosophies. We form a network of local entities that all make each other possible. 

Yabette, Queen and Owner of Swankety Swank, in San Francisco, is a master of refurbishing furniture and truly artful recycling.

I always look forward to my sessions with her - we just did a big refreshment to the collection last week - go check out some of my latest designs, including pearls, finally!

Swankety Swank is also a great place to prepare yourself for the Edwardian Ball, should you need to adornments of the ruffled and feathered variety.

Need a corset?

Head to Dark Garden :)

Just two more shows left this year:


SF Thread Sunday, November 20, 2011,
11 am - 5 pm
Metreon Shopping Center,
San Francisco, CA
(more info)





Bizaar Bazaar
Saturday & Sunday, December 3rd and 4th, 2011
11 am - 5 pm
Concourse Exhibition Center,
San Francisco, CA
(more info)




Lots of new items at the Compass Rose Design Etsy shop - Check it out! www.etsy.compassrosedesign.com

10% off my direct Compass Rose Design shop w/ RCRD10

Visit the Compass Rose Design website for upcoming events and discounts

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Extreme Summer Marketplace, I love Indie Mart, and Hops in the Garden.

I'm really grateful for the community aspect of this work. I adore the hours of time alone with my ideas, trays of old keys and cameos, soldering, weaving with metal. But I LOVE show season - the summer months that stretch into fall where I appreciate both my amazing customers and the clever organizers of events and marketplace craftiness. The marketplace interaction - direct from maker to appreciator, whether bread or a bracelet - is one of the oldest community interactions in this human family.

I've gotten back into cameos. They are quite an investment on my end, but I love watching all the antique pieces find their home, almost seeking out their new owner for the next life of memories. It's really rather profound and beautiful watching folks interact with them. I started making a few new designs with long hanging tassels that can be worn long or wrapped double. I like that versatility in my pieces when possible - it really changes how you feel wearing the piece.











The San Anselmo Art & Wine Festival was rather a delight, it's my hometown and people were incredibly supportive. The two-day show was a marathon, but the commute was 7 minutes. I loved this guy's old school phone adapter for his mobile.

It's been interesting to visit with folks at all sorts of events and see the collection resonate across age groups and marketplaces. This summer has been one of extremes - from fancy wine festivals, diy hip maker events, to full scale flea market - people have received us well.

Indiemart end of July outside Thee Parkside was next. Indiemart is one of my favorite markets. People tend to simplify the Indiemart phenomenon as a hipster event, but it is much, much more. Kelly and the entire team of mostly volunteers - are rockstars of clever. But not inaccessible rockstars, they are people doing real things out of creative passion, purpose, and a diligent commitment to a different relationship with stuff, time, work, and each other.

I appreciate Indimart's realization of a we-can-do-it-ourselves universe and the creation of a place for people like me - it makes my livelihood possible. Possible for me to employ my skills and to make a lifestyle and employment option I love. I deeply and profoundly love what I do and people like Kelly and all the gallery owners I work with.

Next up is Alamo Square Indie Mart, Saturday, August 20th - a delightful convergence of antiquers and makers - another favorite.


And though random, I am too thrilled not to post a photo of our hops that finally are bearing fruit, as it were.

Curious about what shows are coming up? Check my events page.

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Compass Rose Design at Green Zebra in San Francisco

Hooray for Heather from Heathered wallets - whose recommendation landed me a spot on the shelf at the Green Zebra, at the Crocker Galleria in San Francisco.


I got there on farmers market Thursday - it's simply luscious to have the produce in the middle of the financial district - and prices to match.


We set up a selection of women's and men's items. With all those fancy suits walking around - I'd love to see some of my upcycled watch cuff links on them!


Here are some of the Heathered selection at Green Zebra


Green Zebra brings back all my memories of working at the Ecological Farming Association - a bit of funkiness, a lot of passion and a great cause - all of which attracts pretty great people. Green Zebra offers "local savings for sustainable living." They are expanding the collection of beautiful local, handmade, and recycled goods.



Lots of new items at the Compass Rose Design Etsy shop - Check it out! www.etsy.compassrosedesign.com

10% off my direct Compass Rose Design shop w/ RCRD10

Visit the Compass Rose Design website for upcoming events and discounts

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Last Minute Handmade Love and Late Winter Inspirations

Come indulge in my steampunk necklaces, neo victorian adornments and a world of luscious accessories in the first trunk show of the year!


Looking for that last-minute Valentine's day gift for your sweetie? Look no further than Big Umbrella Studios' trunk show "Last-Minute Handmade Love!"

Saturday, Feb.12 & Sunday, Feb. 13 from 12-5pm
Big Umbrella Studios, 906 1/2 Divisadero St., SF, 94115
www.bigumbrellastudios.com

Featuring some of the most awesome handmade artisans from around the Bay, don't miss your chance to find the perfect gift that you've been holding out for at this two-day show.

Saturday, browse the magical wares of Nerd Jerk, Heathered, Compass Rose Design, and Etta + Billie. On Sunday, find joy in the majesty of Twinkie Chan, Mangosteen, Crooked Sister, and Monkey + Seal.

Nerd Jerk: http://www.etsy.com/shop/NerdJerk
Heathered: http://heathered.weebly.com/
Compass Rose Design: http://www.compassrosedesignjewelry.com/
Etta + Billie: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ettaandbillie
Twinkie Chan: http://www.twinkiechan.com/
Mangosteen: http://www.mangosteenoakland.com/
Crooked Sister: http://www.etsy.com/shop/crookedsister
Monkey + Seal: http://www.monkeyandseal.com

See you there!

I've been working on a few new designs: this first one was a custom for a bride - the photo is not amazing, but the necklace is.


I also did some pin brooches now on my etsy shop.



Continuing on with the wing theme - I got these luscious wings and I am LOVING them. I've done several necklaces as well and am very pleased with not only how they look, but how fun they FEEL to wear!


I also did a necklace accented with brass and copper chains - I think the contrasting metals are fabulous.


The first hints of blossom and late winter glimpses of spring have given me the first moments of garden delight. I got in some tiny bees and am putting them to work as well.


Don't forget about my February 15% off from my Etsy shop with FEB15

10% off my direct Compass Rose Design shop w/ RCRD10

Vsit the Compass Rose Design website for upcoming events and discounts

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Last show of the season, Victorian Dress Restoration and a New Sign

It's been a really amazing holiday season of shows at Market SF and our last trunk show at Modern Eden. It's been really great to meet so many fabulous artists and feel a sense of solidarity and community. Loved meeting fellow artists at Form & Funktion, Lorinczi jewelry and others! After a few years, I can truly say that I love what I do.

A few favorite items from the Market SF show last weekend including Linen dish towels from The Heated




Modern Eden's Trunk show was a delight - and the gallery is looking stunning as usual!


Also stocked up the collection at Boneflowers - a world of whimsy, lace and delight, curated by the fabulous Jenna. You can see my latest designs and listen to old vinyl while you browse her amazing universe.

A few of her recent projects with Victorian clothing:






Getting ready for our last show of the season!! Come visit me Sunday!

SFFAMA & BRIEF SPACE Present: "INDIE BAZAAR 3: HOLIDAY BAZAAR."


I also finally got a sign - just in time for my last shows :)



What: INDIE BAZAAR 3: HOLIDAY BAZAAR
When: Dec.. 19, 2010, Sunday, 11AM-5PM
Where: Brief Space at Metreon, 101 4th Street (at Mission), SF, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA
Admission: FREE TO THE PUBLIC

Find out about other Compass Rose Design Events

Don't miss the Compass Rose Design Holiday Sale
10% off everything until December 31!
Etsy discount code: 10DEC10
Direct shop discount code: XMAS10

Visit the Compass Rose Design Jewelry shop
Visit the Compass Rose Design Etsy shop
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Beet Freaks, Legos, Holiday Shows and a New Workspace

I've been so busy keeping up with winter shows and gallery requests, but I am catching a moment while getting ready for my back to back shows tomorrow at Market SF and Modern Eden. It will be the last Market SF show of the season, and the last one at the Blue Macaw on Mission - where Barb has been keeping me full of her mimosas during the Saturday Artist Market.

Last weekend was fabulous, and the first show I'd done in a month. Since my new nephew Hank was born a few weeks ago, I've been full into legos, starwars, and fort-building with his big brother, Julian. Anyways, last weekend's Market SF was full of some really great folks, including spiced pickled beets from the Beet Freaks. The hint of garlic, ginger, cinammon, cayenne were delectible!


Here's another delicious beet recipe from my friend Joscelyn from a family cookbook I made:


Things have been scaling up pleasantly and after permanently taking over the kitchen table, we carved out an additional spot near a window in the living room. I am thrilled to have more space and feel more organized, at least temporarily.



In preparation for my last holiday shows December 11 at Market SF and Modern Eden's Winterland Trunk Show. I'm excited to do a show at Modern Eden! the space is really amazing and a fabulous studio, gallery and gathering spot.


I've been making lots of new designs - come see them tomorrow!




Don't miss my last show of the year next Sunday December 19th - Indie Bazaar at Brief Space

Find out about other Compass Rose Design Events

Don't miss the Compass Rose Design Holiday Sale
10% off everything until December 31!
Etsy discount code: 10DEC10
Direct shop discount code: XMAS10

Visit the Compass Rose Design Jewelry shop
Visit the Compass Rose Design Etsy shop
Visit our website
Find us on Facebook

Compass Rose Design at Dark Garden, Various & Sundries, and the Aunt Daisy Collection

The big news is that Compass Rose Design is now featured at Dark Garden - one of the most luscious places on earth - full of corsets, lace, parasols, wristlets, and a world of delight. They'll also have a selection at the Dickens Christmas Faire! Dark Garden is at 321 Linden Street in San Francisco.

Compass Rose Design is now also at Various & Sundries in Fairfax, California, at 69 Broadway Ave. Fairfax CA 94930 right next to the Scoop - some of the best ice cream on the west coast.

First things first, my uncle by choice's Aunt Daisy - queen of costume jewelry - was a great collector. She loved cats and owls and Christmas, and left literally pounds of costume jewelry, charm bracelets and treasures. Born in 1915, though she claimed she was 10 years younger, all her official records say she was born in 1925. This only became a problem when she needed to collect her social security benefits and had to prove she actually deserved them.

There was a mountain of pink bejeweled owls and flowers....


... as well as some real treasures like some charm bracelets with working parts...



... and a metal purse with movie tickets from a 1936 film in Ponca, Oklahoma as well as a consumers tax credit coin.




You will see some of these items reappear in new configurations - there are some fabulous lockets, charms, book lockets, and crystal whatnots that I think call for a new collection - The Aunt Daisy collection will be made from Aunt Daisy's treasure trove of vintage jewelry... stay tuned....

Don't forget 10% off the Compass Rose Design Store until December 31, 2010 - enter XMAS10 at checkout!

Visit the Compass Rose Design Jewelry shop
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Typewriter Key Bracelets, Residents Artist Gallery, Project Transaction

I’ve had a hectic of a week in the best possible way! I've put an initial collection up on the new Compass Rose Design Direct Store - 10% off with XMAS10 at checkout for friends and family (that's you!) I just came across a lot of typewriter keys, so I'll be making more bracelets. They have such a nice weight and sound to them!

I got invited to R.A.G. Residents Apparel Gallery at 541 Octavia St. in San Francisco. It’s a really awesome space with more than 75 Bay Area artists run by two fabulous sisters, Blakely and Page.

The space is filled with clothing, accessories and jewelry, just down the street from La Boulange Bakery.

I originally heard about R.A.G. from Jake and Holly at Project Transaction – who I met at Market SF, a small artist market at the Blue Macaw in the Mission every Saturday. (By the way, I’ll be at Market SF on December 4 and December 11). Jake and Holly make reclaimed leather cuffs, belts, restraints, harnesses and other accessories, with brands, rivets, and prints that are both edgy and sophisticated. Below is one of their handmade leather belts available at the Project Transaction Etsy Shop. They've also had some INCREDIBLE upcycled modified leather vests - re cut and outfitted with grommets that I adore.They are good folk.

Visit the Compass Rose Design Jewelry shop now
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Found Object Bracelet, Pumpkins & Beer, and Gathered Thyme

I’ve done stained glass for about 8 years, but I haven’t hauled out the soldering iron since before I lived in Amsterdam. I did some really fun pieces with broken glass I found when I was about nine years old at a logging camp in the woods where I grew up near Skyline, California.

Yesterday, at Baubles and Beads in Berkeley, I started a refresher in some basic metal working skills. Unsurprisingly, my first piece is a found object bracelet. I started with an assortment of favorite objects.... My soldering iron was getting too hot, annoying since it was the one recommended - but apparently the Weller 100 with the blue handle is the best for this type of project. Volcanoarts.com has pretty good prices and awesome selection for stained glass, metalworking, and book binding!

Some of the objects you will recognize from other Compass Rose Design series, but there are some wonderful new pieces as well. I used old game pieces, rulers, postage stamps, a 1919 accounting register, wrist watch, key, escutcheon, and an optician’s lens – and I think it turned out pretty well.

Now I am eager to get to my collection of broken ceramics and stones...


The garden is definitely shifting with the seasons. The oregano and thyme I collected last week are dry and ready to put in jars for winter seasoning.

My husband, Johnny is brewing beer today, he’s making an Oktoberfest ale. There is no pumpkin involved, in fact if you want pumpkin in your beer, Van Houten Brewing probably won't be able to help you, but it’s Halloween….

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