06 November 2010

I heart Vintaj!

The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you.
~John E. Southard

Those fine folks at Vintaj honored me with their Friday Featured Designer yesterday. They are really too kind. I totally thought it would just be a few pictures showing their products, but they actually wrote the sweetest things. I was completely tickled to be asked because I recall very vividly the first time I found Vinaj products from the book Easy Beaded Jewelry. I was instantly smitten. I wanted to find these products and use all of them! I love the color of the metal and the versatility. I wanted to be one of those designers that used their products in the book or on their website.

The people at Vintaj are some of the nicest I have ever met. They are incredibly talented, especially Jess Italia-Lincoln. She is such a bright shining light in the Universe and I thank my lucky stars that I have been able to meet her. We had a little creative party together in July 2009 when I traveled to Galena, IL. I highly recommend the city, the people, the food, the shopping. So lovely.

Coming Home
Featuring a house pendant from Lynn Davis
When they asked me if I would be willing to play along, I jumped at the chance, but I told them that I wanted to challenge myself to make some new pieces, specifically using art beads. I ended up making five new things, and three of the new ones are in the highlight {two have been submitted for publication...keeping fingers and toes crossed!}. The other two are things that I made in the past year or so.

Vintaj has helped me a lot. Their products have expanded my horizons to what is possible. They help me think outside the box when it comes to design and how to use materials in inventive ways.Their people have encouraged and supported me. And if I were any closer to Galena I would be begging Jess for a chance to work for those fine folks {even if it just meant that I would push a broom and clean up the glitter after all the crazy creative sessions that she holds!}.

Thank you Vintaj for this most awesome opportunity. And Jess, you can bet I will find a suitable way to 'get even' with you! ;-)

Enjoy the day!

12 comments:

Regina said...

Congratulations, you truly are an artist and a wonderful person. Love your 'Coming Home' it says so much. Have a happy weekend.

Courtney Breul said...

Yeah! Congratulations, those pieces are great!

My Life Under the Bus said...

Oh YEAH!!! Congrats - what an honor. Their brass is just gorgeous.

Alice said...

OMG, I discovered Vintaj through the Easy Beaded Jewelry book too!!! So funny! I was smitten, and right away I placed an order--their $200 minimum was the most money I'd spent, as I had just begun my journey of beading. It was well worth it, and I have been in love with Vintaj ever since. The ladies there are constantly coming up with unique products and lovely designs to inspire us all.

How fun that you got to meet them--which is one of my dreams. I have not visited their blog this weekend and will head there now to read your feature. Your creations are just lovely!!!

Patty said...

Congratulations Erin! I can totally see why they would choose you. These pieces are fabulous. Now I'll remember Galena for two things - in addition to you and Vintaj, it's the place where, as a kid in the Midwest, I learned to snow ski. :-)

stregata said...

Congratulations, Erin! Coming Home is fantastic!

Cristi Baxter Clothier said...

Congrats, Erin! That necklace is just fabulous!

Yeli said...

Congratulations Erin. Your piece is lovely. You are a very talented artist. I look forward to seeing your other pieces pubished!

Judy said...

I read the wonderful fabulous Friday feature on you, it was great!! I love this necklace, you used the key in such a unique way!

Shannon Chomanczuk said...

Congratulations!
I love Vintaj too and finding their products has brought my jewelry designes to the next level. I am inspired every time I pick up a Vintaj piece.
I love the Coming Home necklace you created! I am going to check out the Vintaj blog now. Congrats again, how cool!
Shannon

Cindy said...

Congrats, Erin!! I agree, Jess Italia-Lincoln is an incredible designer. I am in awe whenever I see one of her designs!! Your Coming Home piece is great...love all of the elements. It really speaks to me as you know I'm moving soon to our new Home! :-)

Riki Schumacher said...

Congrats Erin! Good for you, how fun to be featured by them. I do love their products. Your necklace is adorable. Love it. Hugs, Riki

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