Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Delia’s Delight Jewelry Launches Karmic Serenity Collection at GBK’s 2015 MTV Movie Awards Weekend Gift Lounge

Delia’s Delight Jewelry (http://www.deliasdelightjewelry.com), in association with The Artisan Group®, will introduce its Karmic Serenity Collection at GBK’s 2015 MTV Movie Awards Gift Lounge, taking place April 10-11, 2015 at an exclusive location in Hollywood, California. Delia’s Delight will be gifting celebrities its White Copper Tree of Life Pendant. Select members of the press will receive a pair of White Copper Charm Earrings.

The White Copper Tree of Life Pendant being gifted to celebrities features a freshwater pearl and silk ribbon in a complementary color. It is wire-wrapped onto a delicate sterling silver chain and will be gifted in one of three colors: Lilac, Rouge and Iris. Members of the press will receive White Copper Charm Earrings in one of five designs: Tranquility (Grass), Harmony (Onyx), Tree of Life (Rouge), OHM (Lilac) and Lotus (Iris). Each pair features White Copper Charms wire-wrapped in sterling silver with either freshwater pearls or semi-precious gemstones.

Monica Sargeant, owner of Delia’s Delight Jewelry, designed the Karmic Serenity Collection based on her conviction that in today’s world, it is more important than ever to take time to enjoy the moment, take a break for yourself and send out positive energy back to the universe. “Karmic Serenity is the belief that the more serenity you put into the world, the more you will get back,” she says. “This Collection provides beautiful wearable reminders of what is important in life.”

The White Copper Tree of Life Pendant retails for $56.00 and the White Copper Charm Earrings retail for $32.00. Both can be purchased at DeliasDelightJewelry.com.

With good karma in mind, and because Monica believes music is extremely important to society because music heals, inspires and encourages in ways nothing else can, for each Karmic Serenity piece sold, Delia’s Delight Jewelry will donate $5.00 to Woodstock Illinois District 200 Music Boosters.
“As with many public school music programs around the United States, Woodstock Illinois District 200 depends on fundraising and charitable donations to keep going,” remarked Monica. “Some of the instruments at one of the District 200 High Schools are over 80 years old and sadly there is no budget to replace them.”

Monica Sargeant is an accomplished self taught artisan jeweler, who has been published in “Step-by-Step Wire Jewelry” and “Best of Step-by-Step Wire Jewelry: Special Edition 2010.” Monica is Level 1 certified in precious metal clay and has taken classes with some of the best teachers in the field.  Her jewelry has also been mentioned in Lisa Johnson Mandell’s blog, AtHomeInHollywood.com.  Of her designs she has said, “Expressive and detailed designs are part of my jewelry signature. My creative journey involves discovery and evolution. My handcrafted creations are inspired by nature, history and my imagination. I love to work with metals, natural stones, fibers, resins and glass. Starting with a focal concept, I use different techniques and mediums to bring my ideas to life.”

Delia’s Delight Jewelry has been gifted at GBK’s Luxury Celebrity Gift Lounge for the 2015 Golden Globe Awards and has been included in The Artisan Group Collaborative Stylist Gift Bags for “Better Call Saul,” “Law and Order: SVU,” “Jane the Virgin” and “Cedar Cove.”

To learn more about Delia’s Delight Jewelry, contact Monica Sargeant by email. Become a fan on Facebook (@deliasdelightjewelry), Twitter and Instagram (@deliasdelight). Follow her boards on Pinterest (@ddelightjewelry). Monica also shares her opinions, techniques and discusses art-related topics on her blog, Delia’s Delight.

To learn more about The Artisan Group, visit theartisangroup.org.

ABOUT MONICA SARGEANT AND DELIA’S DELIGHT JEWELRY
Monica Sargeant (http://www.deliasdelightjewelry.com) has been creating artisan jewelry since 2004 and has been teaching artisan jewelry in the Northwest Illinois Suburbs since 2005. Monica is published in Step by Step Wire Jewelry in a featured tutorial and as part of “Best of Step by Step Wire Jewelry 2010” Special Edition.
She is also a member of The Artisan Group, an exclusive premiere entertainment marketing organization on a mission to introduce Hollywood to the best of the best in handcrafted products.
Monica currently sells her jewelry on her website and select juried fine art shows throughout Northwest Illinois.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Why should you buy handmade?

I make Artisan Jewelry.  Over 10 years ago, I started designing jewelry as a hobby but I have been actively pursuing it as a small business owner for the past eight years.  It is a passionate journey for me and I enjoy it.  Working with metal, gemstones, fibers and anything really to make my ideas come to life is a natural high.  Don't get me started on tools, I may have surpassed my husband years ago!

The ironic part is that most times, I don't even wear jewelry.  I have about 10 pieces that I wear religiously because they are a reflection of who I am or what I like. I also purchase from other artists because as part of an artist community we support each other and it is always inspiring to see another artist's vision.

I don't like to be pushy to my friends and neighbors about buying my jewelry.  Most friends and family are aware that I make and sell jewelry.  Some have bought from me in the past and I am very grateful. I put quite a bit of thought and detail into each piece I make and my hope is that someone will love the piece as much as I do.

I have a different outlook on why I wear jewelry.  I don't really look at wearing jewelry as just an accessory.  Jewelry is not disposable.  I would wear every single piece of jewelry that I make because I think wearing jewelry is like wearing a little piece of personal art.  I love it when someone picks up my jewelry and really looks at it. Taking in every detail because that means they understand and appreciate the work that went into each piece. I love when my jewelry is bought by someone who really loves the piece because it means something personal to them.

I use the best quality materials because I want my jewelry to stand out. I have no issue with people purchasing from companies like Lia Sophia, Sundance Catalog, or Silpada.  I actually really like Silpada because they use quality materials and Sundance is also great because they are sourced by jewelry artists.  I do not get offended if someone buys something from somewhere else because it is on sale or less expensive than what I sell.  My prices are derived from the amount of time, materials, and overhead costs it takes to make each piece.  Everything I make is handmade by me.  I don't outsource and because of that you are guaranteed a one of a kind piece of jewelry that if treated with some care, will last a lifetime.  I stand behind that.

Now don't get me wrong.  I do make lots of jewelry and some would not be considered "art" but there is still attention to detail and care when designing and making each piece.  I would encourage everyone to think about the process that was followed when creating a piece of handmade (not homemade, I don't make jam and jelly!) artisan jewelry.  Don't just look at the price tag and think "Oh, it's so expensive for just some beads and metal!" or my favorite comment, "I could make this."  If you could make "this", you would understand how much work went into "this" and realize just how reasonable the price for "this" is.

I belong to a couple groups of artists that design, create and sell their products.  Whether it be jewelry, clothing, beauty products, pet accessories, and even promotional materials, each of these artists put their passion and creativity into everything they create.  When you support them by purchasing from them, it means you appreciate their passion and creativity and validate their efforts.  So before you scoff at a price or decide to buy the "bargain" version, think about buying handmade and everything that goes with it.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Delia's Delight Jewelry to Participate at the GBK 2015 Golden Globe Awards Gift Lounge

I am happy to announce that Delia’s Delight Jewelry will be participating at GBK’s Gift Lounge honoring the 2015 Golden Globe Awards Nominees and Presenters, in association with The Artisan Group®.  Wire Wrapped Pyrite and 14K Gold Filled Necklaces will be gifted to members of the Press stopping by The Artisan Group exhibit.  This event is a by-invitation-only Gift Lounge and takes place January 9-10, 2015 at an exclusive location in West Hollywood, California. 

The gifted Wire Wrapped Pyrite and Gold Filled Necklaces ($90 USD at deliasdelightjewelry.com) were designed and created by Monica Sargeant, founder and owner of Delia’s Delight Jewelry.  The elegant wire wrapped design is hand crafted from 14K Gold Filled Wire and features a Faceted Pyrite gemstone which delicately hangs from a 14K Gold Filled Chain highlighted by tiny Faceted Pyrite gemstones.

Monica Sargeant is very pleased to be a part of this event as this is her first involvement with gifting through The Artisan Group®.  Delia’s Delight Jewelry was started in 2005 in Northwest Illinois.  Monica Sargeant has been creating unique and detailed designs for over 10 years.  Her jewelry can be found at Juried Fine Art Shows in the Northwest Illinois area and on her website, www.deliasdelightjewelry.com.

You can contact Monica Sargeant by email at deliasdelight@yahoo.com, Like her Facebook Page (facebook.com/deliasdelightjewelry), Twitter (@deliasdelight), Instagram (@deliasdelight).

For inquiries regarding The Artisan Group, please visit theartisangroup.org.


Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Learning to Fail for Beginners!

Learning to fail is harder to do than learning to succeed.  I have been wire wrapping for over 10 years and while I do not consider myself an expert, I have learned many different techniques and I love being able to pull them out of my mental workbox much like a painter knows which colors to mix to get those perfect sunrise colors.

I have made many wonky wire pieces that will never see the light of day.  It is through those failures that I have learned how to perfect my wrapping skills.  I have two full binders full of tutorials and I have gone through most of them more than once.  I can usually figure out how to replicate a piece but learning the technique and improving or adapting it to my skills make them worth every penny.

When I first started out there were not many tutorials or books available as there are today.  The best way to learn back then was practicing and taking a class or two.  After about a year I ended up teaching others.  Learn how to fail and keep practicing.  Don't get discouraged because your first piece is not a masterpiece or doesn't come close to the picture in the book.  I promise you that not many people can create a wire masterpiece the first time they try a new technique.  Start again and learn from your mistakes.  Sometimes those mistakes are happy accidents that will lead you to a better technique or design.  Stressing out over failures is not going to help you learn any faster.

Practice, practice, practice, oh, and have fun with it!

This is a practice piece from Timeless Wire Weaving by Lisa Barth