Endless Summer Sale

Summer is winding down and school is back in session. I've had plenty of time at the bench creating new work which makes it the perfect time for a sale!

Promotion not valid on custom orders or past purchases. Discount only available in the Erin Austin Etsy shop.

Go ahead, take one last camping trip, make time to soak up some sun at the beach, and treat yourself to something special from me to you!

Thanks for reading!

Something Nostalgic: The Delicate Nature of Eyelet Lace Updated in Sterling Silver Jewelry

A lot of my work in college dealt with childhood memories and the strange microcosm of the nuclear family. I'm pretty sure everyone in my sculpture class thought I came from the weirdest family ever as I unveiled "The Tickle Bug", "Skin The Bunny", and "You've Got A Tail".

As much as those family sayings, or Roller Racers, The Goonies, Garbage Pail Kids, Rainbow Brite, Popples, Pound Puppies, or Punky Brewster take me back, nothing screams childhood to me like eyelet lace. I'm pretty sure that 90% of my dresses had sleeves that were trimmed with it and somewhere out there is a Cabbage Patch Kid with sleeves to match (thanks mom). 

As I began to focus on metalsmithing I left the more abstract concepts from my childhood behind and focused in on something that was always tangible, the repeating eyelets that provided welcome distraction during adult conversations as I counted the clusters and marveled over the way they lined up, just so, at the seems. 

As I continue to create pieces for the Eyelet Lace Collection I waver between the delicate airy nature of open eyelets like those pictured here and the more sturdy and chunky nature of pieces that are backed with silver sheet. I can't help but wonder if it's the continued struggle of a 7 year old girl in a dress trimmed with eyelet lace that desperately wants to be outside hunting lizards. 

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Finger Bling Stacking Rings: Go Ahead, Cover Your Fingers With Rings

Some of my favorite photos of my work have been of my ring covered fingers. Not very practical for getting anything done, but still, super fun. 

I recently came across some of the rings from the 2010 Ring A Day challenge while digging through a drawer looking for who knows what, including a few stackers I was never able to part with. 

Ring A Day 2010

I still can't do it. So hands off! However, it did get me in the mood to make a few more.

Copper versions as well! 

Available in the Etsy shop. I wont even fight you for them!

How many rings can a person fit on their hand at once? I bet Pinterest has the answer (Spoiler: a lot. Don't worry, I found instructions).

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Back to Basics with Geometric Jewelry

This may come as a shock, but I'm not a huge jewelry wearer. Aside from the initial fixation when a piece comes off the bench I generally stick to wearing one or two pairs of studs and occasionally remember to slip on a ring or necklace when something special pops up, you know like a family dinner out, or a trip to a museum. For the last several months I've been rocking a pair of mismatched orbital studs.

I know there are others like me out there who just want a super simple pair of studs to wear for months on end. These geo studs are for you!

For anyone looking to get a little more crazy, I remembered to make some in larger sizes.

And dangles as well!

You're Welcome.

Gotta have more geometric eye candy? I'm on it.

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Who Doesn't Love A Statement Necklace?

I know I do and I recently let them overtake my bench. Starting with this huge pyritized ammonite fossil hanging from an extra long 35" chunky cable chain. This piece is heavy! 

Next up was a geometric stunner featuring a free form faceted carnelian cabochon (say that five times real fast) and a handmade chain. This is the largest piece to come out of the Fractured Collection to date and I am in love with it. I'm wearing it right now. I may wear it forever. 

 Finally I finished up a piece I started in January. I guess it's fitting that I took my time on this one. The "Mandala Necklace" has a rainbow moonstone at its center surrounded by frosted chrysoprase stones in raised settings. This piece also hangs from a handmade chain and feels great in your hand.

If you still haven't had enough check out the other statement necklaces available in my Etsy Shop!

Or head over to Pinterest and feast your eyes on the statement necklaces of the world. Or at least those that someone bothered to pin and I decided to save.

Have a favorite statement necklace of you own? Share it in the comments!

Thanks for reading!