Your Custom Text Here
ALL of these new pieces will be hitting the shop throughout the day tomorrow starting at 12pm, EST.
Necklaces at different sizes, rings, and several earrings so everyone has something to choose from!
Keep an eye on the main shop folks!
xx Stray Arrow
All of these pieces will hit the shop today at 12pm EST.
Giveaway news coming soon!
xx The Stray Arrow
Throughout my years of collecting and research, I've established some really wonderful contacts for the materials and supplies I use in my work. This goes especially for my cabochon and gemstone collecting. I feel extremely fortunate with how wonderful the folks in the mining and lapidary business I've met are. Them enabling me to provide the best choice stones for my customers and my work just makes this full time gig of mine that much more delightful!
Below are new recent turquoise and variscite scores with their respective origins listed. All are currently up for grabs for custom orders, but please know I have a cap on how many commissions I can take at this time.
*
************
******
***
*
A few new items also hit the shop this morning
xx The Stray Arrow
It's been a little bit, hasn't it?
I think it's time to share some of the new stones I've been amassing. I've been releasing stones less and less, taking on less commissions so they can be wrapped up quicker. This has proved to be a science; something I'm still tweaking. Commissions are still taking longer than I would like, and lengthening regular production times of "made to order" pieces in the shop as well. There's much more involved: hashing concepts and designs out, spending hours getting back to conversations and inquiries, sketches, etc. that I do not charge for.
Because of this I will be making a monthly commission amount cap. This will change slightly depending on what the commissions are and how much extra time will be involved for each. I want people to enjoy the process and I love doing them so folks get exactly what they're hankering for, and I'd like them to not have to wait as long to receive it either! To make this process faster and easier I'll also soon be drafting up a little form for folks who are interested in custom orders to fill out... basic info that sometimes takes me awhile to get from potential customers that can draw out the process. More on this soon.
In the meantime, here they are!
New all natural stones as listed, some freshly cabbed straight from the mine owners, some old stock. If interested in any of these please shoot me an email: stasia@thestrayarrowjewelry.com, or convo me on Etsy.
Note that as usual, until a solid design is nailed down and agreed upon, and a deposit is paid, no stones can be reserved.
*
********************************
These new items will be in the shop today~
COMING SOON:
More stone stackers with Rune Drop sides. Also on the new side and growing in popularity are Rune Weavers and Rune Drop Stackers, for which customizable listings will be created soon with a rune guide!
****
That's all folks!
Thanks again for taking peak into the backgrounds of my jewelry workings, staying in touch, and for the overall general support of my creativity!
These new items will be hitting the main shop throughout the morning:
***************************
These beauties are now stocked at The Lion's Nest in Austin, TX:
****************
These beauties are now at Arcana boutique in Portland, Maine:
******************************
Also recently listed is this beautiful vintage Navajo storyteller ring in my destash shop:
********
That's it for now folks! Stay tuned for more news-
xxStray Arrow
For this week's Throwback Thursday...
One of my first pieces. Ever. A necklace made from copper, cheap jasper stones, patina, and deer hide I still collect at the local powwow. I still love wearing this piece.
****************
In other news, I'm now stocking items at another shop! Arcana is the first and sole boutique I stock with in my new home town of Portland, ME. Since I've changed locations I've gotten multiple messages of folks passing through Portland enquiring if my jewels are in any local shops. I'm so happy to have found a great place for my work after residing here for my first year, and just in time for Holiday shoppers. Rune pieces and one of a kind items with turquoise and tiger's eye are currently stocked. New items will slowly roll in as well...
xx Stray Arrow
Adding new items to the shop has been slow due to an influx in custom orders and shop orders. These new items will be hitting the shop today with more added tomorrow!
*
^This is one of my very first pieces from 2009, now finally getting listed!
*****
Also new-
Items for The Ritual Ritual in Philly!
*
Check the main shop for new items throughout today and tomorrow!
xx Stray Arrow
Remember all of that quiet hinting in the past few months? News is on the way...news is on the way...
WELL.
Here it is.
Free People are now carrying one of my signature rings-
my Chained in Turquoise Arrow Vane Rings, which they are labeling as
"Chained Turquoise Arrow Ring".
They will be sold both online and in some physical stores, including the shop on 5th Ave. in NYC.
For these rings I curated some top natural turquoise pieces, and each ring has the mine name stamped inside the band for authenticity. Mines include Fox, Blue Moon, Candelaria, Skyline...all high grade succulent pieces. I cannot express the level of excitement I've been feeling since Free People reached out to me. It's because of you reading this, and everyone who has supported me on this path that this could even become a reality instead of some distant dream. It hasn't been an easy road trying to do what I love full time and make it work. Being the creator and sole runner of a business has it's downsides, but the reward of not just doing what I love but being able to share it with those who also enjoy it is worth everything. Thank you all for stickin' with me, giving me support and exposure, and taking a peak into my world of myth, stone, and metals.
with much love and appreciation ((and a decent amount of gleeful squealing))
xxThe Stray Arrow
Firstly, a brief photo viewing of the pieces that'll be listed today, Sunday. Then some photos of the outdoor ventures in this lovely New England Autumn weather. Lastly, some very important news concerning the month of October for my shop and all jewels.
*
*
...HOME...
*
I've been swooning over this delightful weather lately. I've been opening all the windows and the door to the studio to let through the nice crisp breeze. I love hearing the leaves rattle and fall....
**************
NEWS:
I am excited to say I am moving my home and studio from the woods to a city. This is going to be a hectic and semi slow process, so in the coming month a few things will change in the shops:
***THE ETSY SHOPS WILL REMAIN OPEN***
There may be a few 2-4 day spans when they're on "Vacation", but on the whole they'll be open. Many of the "made to order" items will be deactivated. Mostly "ready to ship" pieces will be available. If you're looking for something you were hankering for and no longer see it listed, convo me either on Etsy or email me here: Stasia@thestrayarrowjewelry.com. I may have studio time available to whip it up. If something is listed, it means I CAN make it. Production time will extend on all orders to 2-3 weeks.
*FOR CUSTOM ORDERS*
If I have started conversing with you about a commission, don't worry. I still have a studio to work in and we can create something lovely for you in a timely manner. I will NOT be taking custom orders during the month of October UNLESS it is a very desired and needed gift for someone (I've got a soft spot). If you do have an idea for a custom order you're serious about, contact me to plan for it come November/December.
Everything should be settled by November in PLENTY of time to handle the Holiday season which I am very excited for this year. If you have any questions about any of this feel free to contact me! I will update moving status on my Facebook and Instagram (@thestrayarrow).
************
I hope you're all enjoying the season!
Another blog update will occur Tuesday, Oct. 1 with further (happy) news! Stay tuned folks-
xx Stray Arrow
This post may be a little late, but here is a tish of my experience of the Renegade Craft Fair last weekend in Brooklyn, NY.
I chose to exhibit sharing a booth, essentially splitting the 10'x10' tent space. This way I could test the market without going all out, as I'd never been to Renegade before. The day before I made the 4 hour drive, and was lucky to be able to stay with my friend in New Jersey for the weekend so I wouldn't rack up any hotel costs. Everything had already been organized, labeled, and packed. It was all set for us to rise early and make the drive to Williamsburg for set up. We woke up late, as is our norm. We were still able to get there with plenty of time to find close street parking (!), and unpack the car.
I devised a way for us to carry everything all in one haul. Instead of a dolly, which would have been awkward for the car, I packed a large oversized folding grocery cart...thingy. I then also packed a fully loaded plastic storage cart (sans wheels) that fit perfectly into the bigger cart once unfolded. The cart, one large plastic container with handles, a roller case for delicate jewels and display case, plus one big bag for survival (food, water, etc.), was all we needed. Oh, plus my huge awesome-tastic banner.
To brighten things up, my friend and I ended up wearing the same bright cadmium red. I wore my "pirate wench" dress.
We also some some strange things on the walk to the park that made me think, "Ah. Back in Brooklyn".
We were extremely lucky on a few counts. Our booth mates were from Brooklyn and renting a tent for us to share. They had it set up the day before (!), so my friend and I didn't have to think that much that early in the morning. Not that we aren't morning...ish...people. I work at night, so I was on a backwards schedule. The other lucky bit what that our booth mates were just genuinely nice all around. They were great people and easy going throughout the entire weekend.
I think the luckiest part of the entire experience is that neither of us got heat stroke or died. It was very, very hot. Very. Plus humid. It took a tole on everyone. I used one of my postcards as a fan, Tory, my amazingly fantastic helper friend, was on cold drink duty. It was absolutely brutal, especially for an autumn/winter lover like myself.
There was plenty of time and then some for set up. I chose a crisp white table cloth, and plain organic woodlands vibe. I paired store bought display cases with my hand built and painted vertical displays. I painted everything to match in two main colours- washed out beachy white/mauve/gray, and dark wood. As my jewelry pieces as a whole cover many different themes and tastes while still be easily identifiable as "Stray Arrow Wear", I wanted to keep the table clean looking while still being cluttered with jewels. The second day the bark discs I drilled holes in to keep rings tied down was traded for a long darker piece of drift wood for ring display. Here are a couple shots, click on any photos in the post for links:
(Tory examining display)
Silver post earrings with silver and deer hide dangles featuring black pyrite. Behind them is a case containing my two most expensive items: the Three Needles bangle with old stock rare turquoise from 3 mines in the Southwest, plus diamond slice in 14k. It shared the case with my grand Spider ring featuring two pieces of natural old stock genuine Bisbee Blue Lavender Pit turquoise (!!!), and a quote from Mary Howitt's poem, 'The Spider and the Fly'.
A couple photos of my booth mate's goodies, natural soy wax candles. Kirsten, of Oille Natural, had the great idea of covering the candles so we wouldn't get sick smelling them in the heat for days, along with smelling each scent separately. Each signature scent was covered by a glass globe you lifted up and smelled inside of, instead of lowering your head to the candle. It looked extremely classy, and left me with a burning desire for cake.
Some photos of other fun things at the Craft Fair...
*
I was also happy to meet a lot of new grand folks at the fair. Along with the booth mates from Oille Natural, there were some really talented jewelers there- each doing unique lines. I traded with a few folks, and loved the sense of comradery. Megan Massacre, of Wooster Street Social Club tattoo, stopped by. She was on FIRE with Phoenix flamed hair, and her nails amazingly matched her friend's neon hair. They were both really great and enthusiastic, and Megan left with a mini Castle Dome mine turquoise knuckle stacker in darkened silver. She so sweetly took a picture of it with a couple other of her ring scores after the fair, as well. Look familiar? She's been in two TLC tv shows - NY Ink, and America's Worst Tattoos.
*
Another really great aspect of Renegade that came as a complete surprise? The food was DELICIOUS. Now, if you know me personally, you know I'm a complete food snob and picky eater. I was spoiled by a mother who should have been a chef, and I can cook fairly well. This stuff, was good. The first day we had duck confit dumplings and roasted cauliflower wantons with sauce (pictured). The second day we had grilled cheeses, delicious ice cream (dark chocolate, ginger, and strawberry), and falafel with salad. This was broken up by a constant stream of iced coffees, water, and raspberry tea.
*
My friend Tory rocks my jewelry. It fits perfectly with her little tiny romantic self. She's got some bite and edge in her too, so with every new grand piece, she likes to see it in person. After trying this bold beauty on, she knew it was hers!
Tory is also an amazing illustrator. As a by-product of her constant need to create, she'll soon be releasing a line of leggings to her shop! I'm getting me a pair in trade for the ring that called to her!
*
*
Other trades that happened: The badass Angela behind Concrete Polish Jewels traded me two of her Spike Crystal themed rings for a great pair of 1/2" chrysocolla gemstone silver plugs. Linda the darling behind Fleatherfox snagged herself a black pyrite Mini Cave Lady ring for a Bow and Arrow knuckle ring. Arlie, the complete sweetie behind Urban Revisions, traded this huge glass statement necklace for a mini dark silver and 14k gold sapphire stacker ring...
*
At the very end of the Craft Fair, I also traded with our booth mates. For some sweet rose gold fill stackers and rose gold fill stacker with balled open silver circle, I got two delicious candles. The first scent is Saint Croix, a newly released scent with elements like coconut. It smells like summer at the beach. The second is something I would want for everything....perfume, deodorant, soap, life essence...yes everything. It's called McGregor, and it is bourbon, brown sugar, and cedar wood. Can there be a better pairing? I think not. I've been burning it at my jewelry storage/packaging station, its a light scent but still present. The candle kept the room smelling divine even hours after I blew it out.
*
Best part of the entire trip? Dough, a scrumptious doughnut shop in Brooklyn, was a food vendor. I took home two blood orange, and two hibiscus. Three actually made it home with me, and none survived the night.
***************
SOME TIPS FOR ANY JEWELERS OR FOLKS WANTING TO DO LARGE FAIRS:
If in summer, DO wear open toed shoes if possible. I made the mistake of wearing ballet flats, and because it was so hot my feet were bruised and sore because of it. They still are.
Do also bring a lot of water, more than you think you'd need.
There's no such thing as enough change and singles in your money box, but having credit card acceptance is a big plus too (Square and Paypal both have handy mobile phone reader/swiper/attachment thingys).
Find shade. It makes you happier. No matter how hot it is, when people are in bright sunlight they get...squinty. It makes you harder to read as a person. That being said, wearing sunglasses can also be seen as putting a shield between yourself and the potential customer. Unless you stayed up late the previous night, for any...variety of reasons, it may be best to leave them in your bag.
Bring tissues. This is a BIGGIE. If at a fair or show that is outdoors, and there are portable toilets...chances are there won't be TP in there waiting for you. That being said, hand wipes are an essential as well.
Food: find something you don't need to actually touch. In other words, something you can eat with a utensil. When handling food and then going right back to touching your products, its just a no-no in general.
Make sure you have SOME kind of identifying signage. If you don't, it will make you look unprofessional, and your fans will never find you!
Take a stroll around. A lot of vendors cling to their booths like clinging to the rail of a ship being tossed around by an angry sea storm. You absolutely NEED a buddy with you. Show them a little trust, get up and go meet your peers. People are doing amazing things and they've taken the time and effort to make displays and share it with the public. Go visit with folks, and ALWAYS hand out your card. The best marketing can be just exchanging business cards.
*
***********************************
That's all for Renegade. You'll have to excuse a lot of the photography as it was done in a heat induced delirium with a phone camera.
In other news....
Starting Monday, for one week in the Main Etsy Shop, I'll be having a
HOT SUMMER SALE.
20% OFF ALL ITEMS WITH COUPON CODE: HOTSUMMAH
PLEASE do not forget to entire in the code, I will not be making refunds if you forget. This doesn't apply to custom orders. Sale STARTS Monday at 12pm, and runs through until Monday the 8th at midnight.
Why the sale? I have no a/c in the studio, and it's melt-worthy outside. I'd much rather be packing you up lovely discounted jewels at my air conditioned packaging station indoors. Help me not melt, buy something at a discount. Spread the word, I rarely have sales and if so, they're at 10%. This is a BIG. DEAL.
(I really loathe hot weather, if you hadn't picked up on that)
*
CHECK BACK TO THIS BLOG TUESDAY FOR A SNEAK PEAK OF NEW ITEMS FOR THIS WEEK.
That is all.
^Tory in front of crochet bombed bus.
This past week and weekend I visited the show at Brimfield. For those who don't know about it, Brimfield is an expansive antiques show in Western Massachusetts that occurs three times a year. The Brimfield Show happens in May, July, and September, and always from a Tuesday to Sunday. People travel from all over to go to the show. I normally go twice to cover all of the fields. While my main objective each time is to go and cry over all of the beautiful vintage jewelry I wish I could afford, it's always fun to see what other treasures people are offering up to the sunlight. Below is an offering to you if you couldn't be there in person! I've compiled a few photos from each day.
*
Tuesday. Day 1.
*Jewel wear for the day.
*
Saturday.
*
*Hopi rope dance ring.
*took this beautiful bracelet home with me! A sterling silver piece from the Northwest Coast. This stunner is completely hand etched, and unique in the it has two heads instead of a head and tail theme. The back is joined by tail feathers from each head. Inside is stamped AND signed! A rare find.
*jeweled get up second day, including a large genuine wampum necklace.
*
I also walked off with a couple tidbits for display during the upcoming Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn.
*
In other news things will slowly be changing in the shop. For the next two months I'll be doing some slight alterations, and during the month of June it is possible that some of the "MADE TO ORDER" items will be temporarily or permanently taken out of the shop. These items include mini stacking rings, stud earrings, and nose screws. If you have any concerns about this feel free to ask! (email: StasiaArts[at!]yahoo.com). If you're pondering an item, best to snag it soon! Especially with the MAY SALE almost over.
Cheers!
xx Stray Arrow.