Wholesale Orders

I'm often asked, "Can I place wholesale orders through Jean Skipper Originals?"  And my answer is always an enthusiastic, "Absolutely!"


"Remember to Remember" a series of custom designed pendants
for a customer with gatherings on the East and West Coasts.

I love working with boutiques and organizations to meet their unique wholesale needs.  Sometimes this means selecting exactly the right combination of jewelry and accessories to maximize their sales in-store or online.  At other times, it means designing a specific piece of jewelry that represents the organization's values or their mission. 

No matter how large or how small, I'd love to discuss your next wholesale project with you.

Reminders From Class

My only regret...I have only one photo of the fun to share!
The artwork in the background is by the talented Jodi Ohl.

Last week I had the privilege of teaching a spirited class at Artful Living Group in Carolina Beach.  I gathered there with seven wildly creative students to create hand stamped copper cuff bracelets.  I knew that I'd found my home when one of the students arrived with a bottle of wine to share.  ;-)

Shortly after we began, an unexpected equipment malfunction occurred, one that might have brought the class to a screeching halt.  As a result, I excused myself to meet with one of the store's owners to discuss a "Plan B" for the class.  When I returned a few short minutes later, I was astonished to see that these remarkably resourceful women had already embarked on a "Plan B" of their own.  They were joyfully sharing the equipment that was in working order, and our class proceeded without a hitch.

As a result of this experience, I'm reminded...

       ...to expect the best of others.  Most people we meet are of a kind, generous, and caring nature.

       ...to ask for help when I need it.  "Going it alone" is overrated.

       ...to continue to learn from my students.  I gain more from them than they do from me.

Thank you again to the wonderful women who shared this experience with me!  I'm looking forward to seeing you again for our next round of learning.

Before and After

I captured this photo during my event at The Painted Mermaid on Thursday, June 20th.  Do you see the gorgeous, well organized, and inspiring box in the background?

Neat and Orderly.  It's an effort; but I really do try!

Then came the crash heard 'round the world!  After a day of heavy duty organizing here in my studio, this photo shows a new perspective of the same box.

One step forward, and two steps back.  ;-)

Mama said that there'd be days like this...  ;-)

This Week at The Painted Mermaid - Southport, NC

Debuting on Thursday, June 20th, 11:00 until...

This Thursday, June 20th, from 11:00, and until we run out of fun, I'll be visiting The Painted Mermaid in Southport, North Carolina.  This sweet vintage and handmade boutique is run by one of the nicest women I've ever met, Amy Atwell. 

These parts and pieces will give you a
sneak peak at The Safe Haven Collection

During our visit, we'll debut my new jewelry collection that was inspired by the book and movie, Safe Haven.  Safe Haven was filmed in and around Southport last year; the cast and crew endeared themselves to the community; and a number of treasures from Amy's store were used in the filming.

I'll also demonstrate metalsmithing techniques, and I'll be ready to personalize any of the afternoon's purchases. 

If you're within driving distance of Southport on Thursday, I hope to see you there!

The rich patina of each piece speaks to
the weathered and worn in all of us.

Cuff bracelets and necklaces will
make their debut on Thursday.

The Art of Being Rejected

When talking with an artist who’s on the brink of marketing her work, the fear of rejection often plays a significant role in her approach.  This can be as obvious as, “What if no one likes it?!?” or as insidious as,”I’m not good enough.  My work isn’t ready yet.”   These sentiments may be muttered to a trusted friend or simply held in the heart of the artist who’s longing to share her work with the world.

Rejection is one of the not-so-thrilling-parts of being an artist.  It’s become a routine part of my career, and I expect that it will remain my companion through all stages of artistic development.  Rejection proves that I’m still stretching and taking risks with my work.  That’s a good thing.  And while I don’t look forward to it, I have learned to deal with it.  As artists, it’s not something that we talk about often, and perhaps that does a disservice to those who are following similar paths.

This week I received a rejection phone call from a gallery whose board chose not to represent my work.  Their reason?  My collection is too edgy for the conservative population who shops there.  What process did I go through when I heard this news?

In the moment, I absorbed all that the caller was telling me.  While I don’t take every word to heart, I do try to listen for constructive criticism that can guide my approach toward galleries in the future.

I resist the urge to defend my work.  This one can be overwhelming for me!  For whatever reason, they’ve made their decision.  Nothing I say is going to change it, and ultimately I wouldn’t want it to do so.  I try to remember that they’re not rejecting me personally.  They just don’t think that my work would be a good fit for their gallery.  My work deserves better than that.

I thank the gallery for the opportunity.  Yes.  It’s a little like saying “It’s an honor to be nominated.”  The art community is a small one, and I want to keep the door open in the future.

I take a good hard look at my work and my presentation.  Did I put my best foot forward artistically?   Was my work presented professionally?  Were my marketing materials of high quality?  Did I follow the gallery’s specific submission instructions?  If I see room for improvement in any of these areas, I work on it.  If the answer to all of these is affirmative, I let it go and move forward. 

I accentuate the positive.  Other opportunities are waiting!  I now have a full set of inventory that’s ready for a show, my online stores, or submission to another gallery. 

In the interest of full disclosure, this type of rejection still stings.  It can cause you to question your abilities.  And it might even cause you to consider the validity of your dreams.  Don’t give in to it!  This is a growing pain.  You’re not alone in what you’re feeling, and I promise that it diminishes with time.  The sweet success of your next acceptance will be cause for celebration and proof that all of your efforts have been well placed.

Blue Pelican Gallery - Hatteras, North Carolina

When in Hatteras...or anywhere in the vicinity of The Outer Banks,
add The Blue Pelican to your list of places that you absolutely must visit.

Sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words, and I suspect that this may be the case with Blue Pelican Gallery in Hatteras, NC.  When you walk in the door here, you'll feel instantly at home.

Owner, Jenn Johnson, is far more likely to brag about her artists than herself. 
Be sure to ask her to share her creations with you too.



You'll find Mary Neligan's Funky Fish at Blue Pelican...

...with an amazing collection of
traditional and whimsical pottery.



The selection is a fiber artist's dream come true.



And during June 2013, The Blue Pelican is offering a special on all
"Yarn Shop" selections.              Buy 3, and Get 1 Free.

Can you say, "Kid in a candy store"?!?!?


Get your Hatteras-wear here too.

While a picture may be worth a thousand words, photos can't do justice to the experience that's in store for you at Blue Pelican.  It's the kind of place that you'll want to share with your friends, and I hope that you'll do exactly that.