April's Etsy Artisan Giveaway: Stella Saves the Day

In this day and age, where everything moves at lightening speed, I find myself wishing more and more for lazy afternoons of playing kickball until the sun goes down. It is with this yearning for "the good old days" (God, I sound like my parents!),that I find myself prowling Etsy for incredibly cool, handcrafted goodies that scream Your-Grandma-probably-has-a-similar-something-in-her-closet.

It would be fantastic if I could actually raid Grandma's closet for her looks of yesteryear, but unfortunately, when she passed away, good 'ole mom put her baubles, stoles and hats "someplace safe". If you know our mom like we do, that means our kids will find it in 2050.

So it is with much happiness that I introduce to you, Jennifer Shingelo from Stella Saves the Day! Her hand-embroidered photo lockets and restyled vintage jewelry are carefully made in her Brooklyn home for all of us to enjoy. My favorite pieces of Jenn's are her hand-embroidered Anchor lockets made with silk thread and antique linens!

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Giveaway Spotlight: Jennifer Shingelo from Stella Saves the Day

Can you tell us a little bit about your Etsy store?
I make jewelry that has a "story." Either the story comes from the fact that it is made from vintage components and it had another "life", or the story lies in the symbolism depicted by the embroidery. Once someone owns it, they bring their own stories to the piece by adding a photo or giving it to a close friend at a special occasion, or just by wearing it every day.

How did you come up with the name Stella Saves The Day?

My maternal great-grandmother's name was Stella and I have always loved the name. I wanted a fun name that rolls off the tongue!

Your work is just lovely. How did you get started in jewelry making?

Thanks so much! My training is actually in sculpture (I have an MFA), but I have always loved jewelry since childhood. My fascination with Victorian hairwork jewelry led me to to use hair in my artwork for a number of years. I just love the idea of encapsulating the memory of a person in an object or piece of jewelry and I love that my current business has allowed me to do this for other people. I would like to do custom hairwork pieces for people at some point. Most people are more comfortable with the thread, though!

When did you come up with the brilliant idea of adding hand-embroidered inserts into the lockets?
I came up with the idea in the fall of 2010 when I was playing around with some jewelry components I had on hand and started experimenting. I wanted to make a modern version of the Victorian sentimental jewelry that I love so much, and I was thrilled when I got the results that I wanted.

You have this incredibly cool, vintage vibe going on in your shop, but it's also got a slightly nautical twist to it. Who's the sailor? 😉
Thanks! Although there are many sailors in my family, it is really the symbolism of the anchor that I love…it traditionally symbolizes hope, solidity, tranquility and faithfulness and was used often in Victorian jewelry.

What inspires you?
Victorian symbolic imagery, vintage and antique jewelry, men's pocket watches, tattoo culture, antique embroidery, observing people in New York (especially Brooklyn).

What do you love most about selling on Etsy?
I love the community and the support–I have met some great people! Also, my customers have just been lovely and a joy to work with. I am happy if they are happy.

What do you do when your not making jewelry?
I work a full time job as an academic advisor at Pratt Institute, and I play keyboards in my husband's band: black bird white sky. We also try to have some down time with our 8 year old Shih-tzu, Nina, who is our resident clown/diva!

Just out of curiosity, how did you get involved with Vday.org?
I happen to feel very strongly about stopping violence against women and girls and I think that Vday and Eve Ensler do an excellent job of putting the resources where they are most needed. They are also great at educating the public in an upbeat, creative and positive way about these issues here in the US and globally.

Where can we find you?

Shop: www.stellasavestheday.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stella-Saves-the-Day-Jewelry/150925688260640

Twitter: @Stellasaves

Blog: http://stellasaves.blogspot.com/

Brick and Mortar Stores:
Old Hollywood, Manhattan & Brooklyn, NY / Black Bear Vintage, Brooklyn, NY / Teich, Manhattan, NY / Tilde, Portland, OR

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Want a beautiful handcrafted piece of jewelry of your own?
You can purchase these lovely pieces directly from Stella Saves the Day, or you can enter our contest below to Win an original piece of jewelry of YOUR choosing (up to a $32 value)!!

Here’s how the Giveaway Contest works:

1.) Like Us on Facebook.

2.) Help Us Spread the Word:

Tweet this: Amazing New #Giveaway Contest from @WeKnowStuff_US – Win a handcrafted piece of recycled vintage jewelry from @StellaSaves!

Post it to Facebook: Check out https://www.facebook.com/WeKnowStuff.US and enter to Win an original, handcrafted piece of recycled vintage jewelry from https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stella-Saves-the-Day-Jewelry/150925688260640

3.) Leave us ONE comment below and let us know what you've done (please include a link so we can see how you helped us spread the word).

The winner will be selected on April 30th at 4:00 PM EST. USA residents only, 18+ or older.

Good luck,
Denine & Daniele