Anicca, Arts Inspired By Nature

Canvas Print of Original Photography by Melody of Anicca

 Today we are going to hear from our featured local artisan, Melody Ryan. She is a photographer, artist, and jewelry creator, and owns the online shop Anicca. She also has vintage items available in her Etsy store. Her shop name and inspiration comes from nature and the cycle of life and death that each living thing must move through..."although every little thing that arises to exist in this universe will eventually cease to be- will return to the dust; 
for a shining moment in time, every little thing stands still- frozen and glorious in its own special moment of existence."

I live in Nashville, TN. I love it here, because it is filled with art and music. There are so many different areas here that are very unique, and there is ALWAYS something interesting going on. It has a wonderful, deep-rooted artistic community that I am happy to be a part of!


 I dabble in all sorts of crafts and love to create anything and work with any kind of materials, but have recently settled on jewelry-making and photography. My first artistic passion was painting. I still paint occasionally, but photography has definitely won over my heart. I also really love the editing process of photography. I started crafting hemp jewelry when I was younger, which eventually transitioned to making all kinds of jewelry and working with metal.

In the near future, I plan on getting more involved in showing my work at different events and participating in more shows and festivals. But my main goal is that I would especially love to eventually be able to travel around the world to do exotic wildlife photography.

There is a great art supply store here in Nashville called Plaza that also offers a wide variety of art classes. And of course, there is the trusty Hobby Lobby down the road that I always get a little too carried away in. :)

My favorite item at the moment is a long bronze necklace with criss-crossing chains that dangle down and have little feather charms and a blue skull charm hanging from them. 

I have a facebook page at www.facebook.com/oAnicca
Currently, I have a happy spring coupon for 20% off any item in my store! Enter the code "BIRD00" (zeroes)

Sunday Shop

What better way to celebrate Mother's Day than to feature a jewelry shop? Kim Mullins' jewelry shop is vibrant and her jewelry is versatile, to say the least. At Gemama you'll find handcrafted jewelry..."with an attitude."

This swarovski crystal wrap bracelet makes a bold statement. It would be great to add some flavor to a t-shirt and jeans ensemble. You could even use it to spice up your little black dress.

If you want to add a little fun to your day, use these long volcano swarovski crystal earrings. Do you like the style, but think 1.5 inches is a little long? Well, Kim also has shorter ones. 

The greens in this pendant are beautiful. It would be fabulous with a little silver clutch and some black earrings. Any simple chain would be great for it. Keep it simple though, because this pendant doesn't need any help. It's gorgeous.


What got you interested in making jewelry, Kim?
About six years ago, a friend's girlfriend showed me some of her beaded jewelry and gave me a necklace and earrings. My husband said my eyes lit up. He remembered that I used to paint and thought I would enjoy making jewelry. He gave me some tools to get started that Christmas, and I've been hooked ever since.


Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration just about every where, but my favorite inspirations come from nature's colors: fall leaves, daylilies, the sun setting on the ocean, etc. There are so many wonderful color combinations in the scenery around us.


What is your favorite thing to create?
Currently, my favorite thing to make is anything that involves wire working and hammering sterling silver. My wirework pieces take the longest to make. The featured wrap bracelet takes me about an hour to make, but I get instant gratification from the finished product. I started out beading, then added wire work and fused glass. Next, I want to start soldering pieces and make pendants, rings, etc.


What are some of your other interests?
Can't pass up an opportunity for some more shameless self promotion. I sell Mary Kay and get to use some of the same creativity I use in making jewelry when helping women select make up colors that compliment their hair color, eye color, skin tone, etc. I also love scary movies and books. I'm currently reading the new Sookie Stackhouse book, Dead Reckoning.


Thank you so much, Kim!


-The Murfreesboro Etsy Team: http://www.etsy.com/teams/5505/murfreesboro-etsy-team


featured shop: gemama

Two New Shops!

We'd like to welcome our two new shops to the team:


EsthersAntechamber - "we offer body care, custom made costuming, and accessories for the off-beat world"


JamieBowwe - bright, colorful, young rings and earrings


Welcome, ladies!


-The MET