Laura's Style
ELLSWORTH — Two best friends who share a passion for their jewelry-making trade have opened a workshop at The Maine Grind.
Nisa Smiley of nisajewelry.com creates jewelry inspired by nature and the sea.
Cara Romano creates jewelry using silver and vibrant hues of felt. Her website is www.cararomano.com.
The two are happy to be working together in the same space.
“We always said, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we could work in the same room instead of working our studios talking on the phone?’” Smiley said.
The pair’s Grind workshop is predominantly a working jewelry studio, but there is a small retail area where customers can ooh and ah and try on pieces created by Smiley and Romano.
Smiley describes her work as “very nature-inspired. It’s very sensual.”
Smiley tries to use as much recycled metal as she can as well as gems and sea glass from the United States.
She also uses mussel shells, which get polished and set into frames for earrings or pendants.
- The Ellsworth American
Laura's Style
"I feel very lucky that a friend of mine has introduced me to a jewelry collection like no other. Saying that Cara Romano is a very talented artisan is an understatement. Her creations are unlike anything I have ever seen. She uses an unexpected combination of Sterling Silver and Felted Wool. Someday I hope to be lucky enough to see her made in Maine creations in person. For now I can only appreciate her photographers detailed work in capturing the beauty in every piece. If you are ever on Newberry Street in Boston, take a second to look for a sign that says 'Society of Arts and Crafts' and walk on in. You will see Cara's work among other accomplished artistes! Make sure you check out her website to see where she will be presenting some of her latest designs in the upcoming months. You will also see her work in a book that has been published titled 'Art Jewelry Today 2' by Jeffrey B. Snyder and it can be purchased by going to her website http://www.cararomano.com/. This is a book of the most colorful, beautifully artistic work produced by today's top art jewelers. This is something that Cara should feel soooo incredibly great about. She is an accomplished artist at the age of 31! I really appreciate her work and I know you will too!"
- Laura Michaud, www.laurastyle.com
Cara Romano to Exhibit at the American Craft Council Show
More than 700 of the country's leading craft artists will gather under one roof to present their latest designer, handmade work at the American Craft Council Show in Baltimore, the largest juried, indoor craft show in the nation. The highest quality of handmade jewelry, furniture, clothing, home décor, and more, will be available for purchase at the Baltimore Convention Center, February 25 - 28, 2010.
Cara Romano will be exhibiting her work at the American Craft Council show. Wholesale Buyers are welcome.
Cara Romano Published in 'Art Jewelry Today'
Hundreds of stunning color photos display the wearable artwork produced by today's top art jewelers, including one-of-a-kind necklaces, brooches, bracelets, rings, and earrings in gold, silver, mixed metals, glass, enamel work, found objects, and more. Here is sculpture made small and designed to adorn the body and draw the eye, created by artists who have committed their lives to their work. The text introduces artists from around the globe. This book is the second in a series pioneered by the late Dona Meilach and provides readers familiar with her work with a new look at some of the artists they have come to know as well as an introduction to artists not previously known. This is a valuable guide to today's art jewelry, for buyers and artists alike. Click here to purchase 'Art Jewelry Today.'