Blog
Suspending Sales to the U.S.
My jewelry career was built in California and a significant portion of my sales come from the U.S., however, with the current politics and tariffs against Canada, I have decided to suspend sales to the U.S. for the forseeable future. Even if things change, I don't feel comfortable with the constant whims of the current U.S. administration and no longer feel it is in my best interests as a maker to be stressed about how to handle sales or returns. 50% tariffs would put me out of business.
Scribble Butterfly Necklace for Auction
Living next door to Niagara-on-the-Lake, I've become quite enamoured with the drive along the water to this beautiful community of vineyards, artists, and kind-hearted creative souls.
Natural Elements Collection
One of my first collections, Natural Elements, feature some of my top selling items over the years including the Birds on a Wire Spinner Ring and the Birds in a Tree Earrings, both of which were copied by overseas manufacturers. As disheartening as it was to discover I was copied, I continue to grow and develop the line because I believe in my work. The collection consists of recycled sterling silver, mix and match nature oriented designs that are meant to be worn everyday.
Setbacks
Setbacks are always part of our journeys. Sometimes they can be a catalyst for whole new work. And these times are filled with uncertainty and change, so embrace the unexpected, keep calm and carry on.
Fidget Rings
Many individuals swear by the effectiveness of fidget rings (worry rings) as a discreet and fashionable way to manage anxiety. The repetitive movements involved in spinning, rolling, or sliding a component of the ring can help redirect anxious energy and provide a sense of calm.
Wild at Heart
I admit I am a bit of a fashion maven. Recently when window shopping with my mom, I was pleasantly surprised by the latest fashion trend of hearts. If anyone knows my work, you would know that hearts are central to my ethos. Some of my first pieces I made were hearts. Below are my lastest heart creations along with a fashion collage I put together through Urstyle with a couple of items from my Hearts Collection.
Jewellery Giveaways
I am busy preparing for shows this year. I was just in a Valentine's Day show, and now gearing up for a Lion's Club Craft Show in my childhood town of Dundas Ontario. I am discovering that a lot of the local shows have giveaways and I find it very satisfying to create something unique for each show door prize, specifically for craft shows that are charity events such as the Lion's and Lioness Clubs which have many wonderful programs for people in their communities.
Asters & Amethyst Collection
Bright purple asters
Lighting up the forest floor
Painting late summer once more
-Janice Hagey
This current collection is based on my drawings of asters which then formed a repeat pattern and became the focus of most of the pieces.
Learning Pattern Design
Pattern design has a rich history. Inspiration can be pulled from everywhere, including nature, math, fashion, interior decor and art history are just a few ideas. Doing a deep dive into patterns in art history will lead to designs from the Middle East to Asia. To understand more formal pattern design such as symmetry, the book Pattern Design, by Lewis F. Day is informative. For more modern approaches to patterns, there are many books and online courses that are helpful. Make it in Design and Bonnie Christine on Skillshare are two very good sources for learning.
