The Uncovered Artistry Project

Posted on February 25, 2014 by Sarah S.

It started with a simple equation.

Art + Entrepreneurship = Empowerment. Add a couple business-savvy ladies and a serendipitous grant from Projects for Peace, and you’ve got yourself Uncovered Artistry Boutique. We’re a little shop built on the belief that business fosters empowerment in all its flavors (financial, personal, emotional, et al.). Our little piece of this cyber world sells the creative work of domestic and sexual abuse survivors, individuals who, more than most, benefit from the uplifting effects of art and business. Our roots are planted deep in Midwest soil, yet our reach extends to all those with an Internet connection and a penchant for joyful shopping. Shop the boutique today.

Four years ago, my sister and I started this small online non-profit boutique. Today my sister is abroad living and working in the Netherlands, and I’m working in the wondrous world of fashion in Pittsburgh, PA. Now that we can no longer run the organization together from our dorm room or basement, we wanted to make sure we still had a simple, straight-forward way to promote what we’re doing at Uncovered Artistry. So today, UA-related updates and behind the scenes stories live here with me on MiaPrimaCasa, which only makes sense really: the organization is a significant part of my experience as a post-grad twenty-something. To filter to UA specific posts, choose “The Uncovered Artistry Project” under Categories.

To learn more about The Uncovered Artistry Project and boutique, visit us here. And stay tuned for news and updates!

Mineral Point Art Tour, Flea Markets, & Crocheted Scarves

Posted on October 27, 2012 by Sarah S.

Last weekend a couple friends and I took a trip to the Mineral Point Art Tour. On our way into Mineral Point we found a huge flea market, which of course, none of us could resist. As usual, I found a piece of vintage jewelry that I fell in love with. It looks like a 60s costume jewelry necklace, but I can’t be so sure! The necklace reminded me of some of j.crew’s new jeweled statement jewelry pieces and is perfectly in line with this fall’s blingy vintage-inspired style.

I’ve been falling more and more in love with menswear this season (it’s not long before I try pulling off a skinny tie!), so I was delighted to come across a vintage men’s jewelry box. The tie bar holder is even labeled. It will make a unique addition to my vanity.

My friend Jaqui who joined me on the trip actually finished crocheting a beautiful cowl scarf on the car ride there and wore it through the flea market and the art tour.

I had never been on a art tour quite like this. I knew that artists opening up their homes and studios was the norm, but I was stunned by some of the amazing studio spaces and architecture that I saw. My favorite was a sculpture garden at Peter Flanary and Sandra Peterson’s gorgeous rural home. We also enjoyed the small town’s speciality, ceramics, at a downtown gallery after lunch at the local deli. All of this makes me think I ought to set up a studio in my basement and get back into creating!

Great Finds: Spoon Ring

Posted on September 18, 2012 by Sarah S.

Maybe I’m the last to discover spoon rings (my friends seem to have seen them many times before!), but I thought they were such unique pieces to stumble upon, especially since I found this gorgeous ring at an apple orchard gift shop. For $10, I found a ring I find myself wearing almost everyday. Not a bad find!

My Cameo Jewelry Collection

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Sarah S.

I started collecting cameo jewelry about three or four years ago, just simply because I think the pieces are beautiful and intriguing. I’ve focused on collecting costume jewelry cameos (for the moment!) as they are less expensive and easy to discover in a wide variety. Oddly, I rarely wear the cameo pieces, so I’m going to have to come up with a creative way to display this collection so that I finally do it justice! Here are some of my favorites:

Wisconsin

New Hampshire

From my Nanna’s Jewelry Box, Illinois

New Hampshire

Wisconsin (the newest addition that I picked up on Labor Day weekend)

Ciao!

Sarah

Great Finds: Vintage Perfume Necklace

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Sarah S.

I discovered this unique contraption at a local antique shop, and though I first spotted it for its gorgeous exterior, was even more intrigued when I learned what was inside. The back of this pretty vintage necklace (circa 1970s, is my best guess) opens up to reveal a spot for cream perfume. There is still some old perfume left (yuck!) so I’ll have to clean it out, but I do intend to add my own fragrance. What a perfect way to freshen up in the middle of a work day or a long night out!

Even better is knowing that I got a great deal for the find too! I bought it for $10. It’s selling online for $78 on Ruby Lane.

Ciao!

Sarah

Jewelry Organizer Idea: Inspiration Bulletin Board

Posted on July 3, 2012 by Sarah S.

I knew I wanted a bulletin board over my vanity/desk. I liked the idea of fashionable images that will help inspire my morning wardrobe choices. I also knew that my jewelry didn’t belong on my vanity (that is way too cluttery for my taste!). My sister came up with the idea of hanging necklaces and bracelets from tacks at the base of the bulletin board. The idea is simple, but I think the result is striking (not to mention extremely cheap).

The cost for this project?

Bulletin board: $4 at GoodWill

Images: Free from fashion magazines

Tacks: $3 at Target

Total cost: $7

What are some good jewelry organizer ideas you’ve ran across?