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The Uncovered Artistry Project Blog has moved here.

Enjoy resources for small businesses, inspirational stories and organizations, and updates about the Project.

A gallery of artists, a community of survivors

Our mission is to support the entrepreneurial efforts of domestic and sexual abuse survivors, individuals who, more than most, need the empowerment and freedom fostered by entrepreneurship. Uncovered Artistry supports the businesses of domestic and sexual abuse survivors by displaying their shops in our boutique and providing them with small business resources. We strive to create a community of survivors, ultimately aiding them in their efforts to break the cycle of violence and abuse.

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