Meet an Artist: NigatsuBebe

NigatsuBebe, who creates beautiful jewelry and accessories, is Uncovered Artistry’s first artisan. She creates handmade wire-wrapped pendants that are customizable and made from a selection of stones. She also creates yarn hair pieces and pins that add a unique pop to any outfit.

More about NigatsuBebe: She “wear[s] kimono, eat[s] Spanish food, [has] Victorian-inspired furniture, and like[s] German techno.” Her uniqueness is certainly what defines her as an artisan; her wire-wrapped stones are each individuals, as no two are alike! She was already selling online when she began creating work for UA. She “crafts for a cause” by donating a portion of the proceeds from her Etsy shop to animal shelters, such as Big Hearts Rescue & Rehabilitation (bigheartsrescue.org) and The National Humane Society.

Uncovered Artistry Boutique sells the artisan work of domestic abuse survivors. We st

rive to empower the survivors by providing them with the opportunity and resources to develop their own small, artisan business. We also sell the work of non-survivors who are commited to spreading abuse awareness.

Our talented artists create beautiful items for your home, closet, and family, including home decor, artwork, jewelry, and accessories. Visit our shop.

Meet an Artist: Erin

Uncovered Artistry artisan Erin creates origami ornaments and original watercolors. Her unique signature is the translucent lettering she stamps on her work. See if you can find the lettering on each of the pieces she sell in UA's shop:



Erin sells "Yellow Apple" Miniature Watercolor, Dove Origami Ornament and "Red Apple" Miniature Watercolor.

Want to get to know a little bit more about Erin? She says, "I love my mom, MMM Bop, blue, hot chocolate, warm blankets, my Nana, Burn Notice, starfish, my mom's meatloaf, pretty things, my five brothers, and brains. I am proud to be an all around geek. I’m a psychology major and a school-aholic. When I’m not studying I try to exercise the right hemisphere of my brain by creating. I dabble in music, writing, painting, clay, drawing, and Origami. My way of coping with my tough childhood is to keep busy. I try channel my focus on something positive and constructive. When I get down, and it can be hard not to at times, I just remember my goals in life and how my success would be the greatest vengeance against my abuser, and an encouragement for others who have been in similar situations."

Uncovered Artistry's Home Decor Showcase

Uncovered Artistry's fastest growing category, "Home Decor," features artisan products ranging from palm wax candles to advent calendars. Beautify your home with our handmade specialties:

Hand-decorated Clothespins by Sweet Petunias

"Yellow Apple" Miniature Watercolor by Erin

Rose Scented Palm Wax Pillar Candle by Dolly Rocker Candles

Retro-feel Advent Calendar by Sweet Petunias

Visit our shop for more products handmade by our talented artisans.

Uncovered Artistry's Commitment to the Environment

We at Uncovered Artistry also care greatly about preserving the environment. To do our part we chose environmentally-friendly business practices. For instance, Uncovered Artistry's packaging is made from recycled materials. With the help of volunteers, we create handmade gift tags, bookmarks, and mailers from re-purposed greeting cards, fabric, and sewing patterns.

Some of Uncovered Artistry's boutique products are made from recycled or sustainable materials.

Palm Wax Pillar Candles by Dolly Rocker Candles

A Word from the Artist: Palm wax burns cleaner than traditional waxes. Emitting almost no soot, it is a healthier alternative to paraffin. It is natural and vegan, like soy, but palm wax is harder and burns longer. The palm wax can also hold more fragrance oil and has a stronger scent throw, so you can better enjoy the fantastic smell.

Palm wax is 100% natural and sustainable, harvested according to the guidelines set by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil to prevent deforestation.

Reusable Advent Calendars by Sweet Petunias

A Word from the Artist: "I've made these calendars to last for your family's enjoyment for years to come. The last thing we need is more mass produced advent calendars going into landfills after this holiday season. I believe that this will become a lasting part of your family’s holiday tradition.”

Handmade Up-cycled Bookmarks created by volunteers

The bookmarks were crafted from recycled materials, including vintage sewing pattern packages, vintage buttons, and left over ribbon

Handmade Gift Wrap created by volunteers

We use recycled or reused materials for our gift wrap. Each gift box or bag is accompanied by a gift tag made from repurposed vintage cards.

Trend Watch: Italy

I have been living in Italy since January, and it would be impossible for me not to notice the fashion all around me. Italy is of course home to big name designers like Gucci, Ferragamo, and Prada, but it also boasts intriquing street fashions that combine bits of desinger influence with practicality. Italian women never leave their home without full makeup, styled hair, and a fashionable outfit. Therefore, I have seen almost as much fashion on the streets as I have in the remarkable shop windows. Below are some styles I particularly noticed:

High tops
Worn more often by the younger generation of Italians, both men and woman. The bright colors run the risk of appearing too juivenile, but Italians pull the look off with dark wash skinny jeans and leather jackets
Quilted Coats
Probably the most obvious trend on the Italian streets, these puffy, quilted coats are both warm and light. Many are made of down and run at expensive prices, but I have seen plenty on sale for much cheaper.High Laced Boots
I have seen in style in various heights and colors. It seems to be more of a spring trend and can be paired with jeans or leggings on colder days or dresses when it is warm.

Ciao from Italy,

Sarah

Oh, Swarovski!

Purple Swarovski Spiral Earrings, Swarvoski Rainbow Anklet, Pink Blossom Earrings

Swarovski Crystal is known for its beauty, simplicity, and radiant sparkle. These crystals are produced in Wattens, Austria near Innsbrook. I'll be traveling abroad to Salzburg, Austria and will be making a special trip to the Swarovski Kristallwelten. Expect some pictures soon! In the meantime, explore the wide array of Swarovski jewelry in the Uncovered Artistry Boutique.

Vintage Style Pearl Earrings, Swarovski Earring and Bracelet Sets

One Bracelet, Many Meanings

Awareness Bracelet, Created by Cheryl

This one awareness bracelet can represent so may causes: the fight to end domestic violence, epilepsy awareness, and lupus awareness. For more information about each cause, click on the respective links.

Carnivale Venezia!

Sarah and I visited Venice just yesterday during the carnival celebration. I took a night train from Salzburg, she a bus from Florence. I wanted to share some images from our short (but amazing!) trip. The carnival costumes and masks were intricate, gorgeous, and "Kunstwerk" (artwork) as my hostfrau said.

Uncovered Artistry's Community Commitment

The Uncovered Artistry Project constantly strives to be active in the community by sponsoring charity events, hosting group volunteer activities, and donating to local domestic violence shelters.

“We want Uncovered Artistry to really be a part of the community. That’s why besides donating to shelters we also donate to local charity events like the Tri Delta St.Jude’s 5k and try to be as environmentally friendly as possible.”

-Co-founder Sarah Spoto

LFC's Business and Entrepreneur Club's Deal or No Deal Gameshow, 2010

Benefits Oxfam International

Tri Hop, Lake Forest College, 2010

Benefits St.Jude's Children's Hospital

Uncovered Artistry's Craft Party for a Cause, New Hampshire, 2010

Uncovered Artistry's Craft Party for a Cause, Lake Forest College, 2010

Craft Party for a Cause

Wandering in Salzburg

Wandering through the streets of Salzburg’s Neu Stadt on a Saturday morning yields interesting results. Shopkeepers are just opening their doors as tourists begin clogging the streets with their umbrellas (and the occasional “Do Re Me” and Sound of Music chatter). I was surprised to catch snippets of so many American conversations as I walked, but at the time I hadn’t realized that’d I wandered towards Mirabel Gardens where a famous scene from Sound of Music was shot. A stretch of road perpendicular to Salzburg Congress was lined with enticing cafés. I was a snapping a photograph of a colorful café called The Heart of Joy Café when a server opened the door and welcomed me in. “You don’t have to look from outside, come in,” he said. When he asked me if I wanted an English or German menu, I told him I had to practice my German, so he gave me both.

Compared to other cafes in Salzburg, The Heart of Joy Café is large and airy. Painted in bold blue and orange and lined with books about meditation and healthy living, it’s a fun café to accidently wander into. Yogo-esque music was playing in the background as I enjoyed my “continental breakfast” of a roll, gouda cheese, and an Americano (all at a reasonable price below five Euro). A little card on my table read, “There is only one duty and that duty is to live happily,” and I was very content to be in Salzburg at that moment.

The clientele in The Heart and Joy Café was a smorgasbord of backpackers with dreads, young women with their children, and an American couple, who were taking photos of their breakfast, clearly as delighted as I had first been when my coffee was brought to me on a tray. After chatting with the couple about the Salzburg Card, a discount card that I was familiar with only because a different American couple I met in an Italian restaurant had given me theirs, I left to continue wandering. I passed Salzburg Congress and realized that the park I was walking through winded its way toward Mirabel Gardens. I snapped a great photograph of a group of men wearing traditional green wool coats and hats with a single feather poking up from the side. I caught a whisper of classical music as I passed by the practice rooms in Universität Mozarteum. Although it was raining, just above freezing, and grey, I’ve never enjoyed listening to Mozart so much!

Uncovered Artistry's Jewelry Showcase

The Uncovered Artistry Project operates a nonprofit boutique that sells the artisan work of courageous domestic and sexual abuse survivors.

Jewelry remains Uncovered Artistry's most popular artisan product. UA's artisans create by hand and with care beautiful bracelets, anklets, necklaces, earrings, and more. All jewelry is made of high quality material and some even have personalization options.

Visit the jewelry section of the boutique here.

Shown above:

Swarovski Bracelet & Earring Set in Green by Cheryl

Domestic Abuse Awareness Bracelet by Cheryl

Chandelier Blue & Pink Earrings by

Pink Blossom Earrings by Cloud Cap Jewelry

Gold Wirewrapped Pendant Necklace, Choose Your Stone by Nigatsubebe

Purple Crystal Bracelets, Set of 2 by Cheryl

Vintage Style Pearl Necklace by Cloud Cap Jewelry

ShaSha is wearing Czech Glass Wrap Bracelet in Red and Blue by Cheryl and

Silver Wirewrapped Pendant Necklace, Choose Your Stone by Nigatsubebe

Stuff We Like: annie O. boutique

Embroidered Floral Peruvian Belt (narrow/ “dotted”)

$69, annieoboutique.com

annie O. boutique is a socially conscious online store that sells the handcrafted belts, bags, accessories, and cards made by women's cooperatives in Peru.

Gift Ideas For Your Valentine

Uncovered Artistry Boutique sells an array of unique, handmade products perfect for a special Valentine. We have compiled a small Valentine's Day showcase, giving you a glimpse of the many products we sell in our nonprofit shop.

Rose Scented Palm Wax Pillar Candle by Dolly Rocker Candles
Facing Hope Miniature Sculpture by The Midnight Orange
Customizable Wire Wrapped Stone Pendant by NigatsuBebe
Vintage Blue Rhinestone Earrings given by donation
Pink Blossom Earrings by Cloud Cap Jewelry
Swarovski Bracelet and Earring Set in Red by Cheryl
Vintage Style Pearl Necklace by Cloud Cap Jewelry
Purple Crystal Bracelets by Cheryl

Happy Valentine's Day from us as UA!

Meet UA's New Intern: Jessica

Jessica has been a volunteer for The Uncovered Artistry Project since the project first began. We are proud to have her on board as an official intern. Jessica will help run the project while founders Angie and Sarah are abroad.

Thanks, Jess!

More information on Uncovered Artistry's internship program and details on applying for a future position here. You can also contact Sarah at Sarah[at!]uncoveredartistry.com.

A Word From Our Customers

"Thanks for the work you are doing helping victims regain their emotional footing, for there is no life worth living without it."
-Maria, Washington D.C.

"I really want to thank you for creating this project. It's a beautiful idea and I'm sure it's going to make a world of difference to a lot of people."
-Anna, New Hampshire

Entreprenurship Helps Victims Escape Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is a bigger problem than most people imagine. Entrepreneurship can help victims overcome the emotional and financial effects of abuse.

UA Goes Abroad!

Co-owners of the Uncovered Artistry Project, Sarah and Angie, will be embarking on their first trip to Europe this January and February. The two will be studying abroad in Florence and Salzburg for several months. Thanks to the help of the Project's new intern, Jessica, UA will continue to operate as usual. To update friends and family about their stories and experiences abroad, Angie and Sarah have started a blog: LFC Adventures Abroad.

Aufwiedersehen!

Arrivaderci!

How To Survive As An Independent Clothing Retailer

How To Survive As An Independent Clothing Retailer