About Me
Blond Dyed Peacock Feather Long Earrings
Bridal Collection -SwanRiverStone 2011
My name is Andrea. I am no stranger to creating with my hands!! Every since I was a child, I would draw and play with beads and fabrics. I first started making and drawing clothing and jewelry designs as a hobby at 15 or so while modeling for community events and shows. In my early 20"s "real life" set in, I landed my first corporate job and became a mother. Still, my passion for crafting and doing it "my way" never changed. Twenty years later, I decided to take "the plunge" as sell my crafts full time.
By working closely with a few experienced jewelry designers such as Pam Older & Kimina Baylli, esp Kim who showed me all the in's and outs of becoming a female vendor is a predominately male vendor world. I learned how to improve my jewelry making and was encouraged to sell my work. I became a sidewalk street vendor in the Bronx, Soho and the East 14th Street in 2006, followed by opening my first online shop at Etsy.com in June 2007 with my hammered metal, beaded, wire wrapped and semi precious stone jewelry designs under the Nyblaque name. I later incorporated handmade greeting cards and peacock feather earrings. By 2008 I included peacock feather stem sets and surplus beads and handmade jewelry findings which eventually evolved my shop into an artisan emporium.
By working closely with a few experienced jewelry designers such as Pam Older & Kimina Baylli, esp Kim who showed me all the in's and outs of becoming a female vendor is a predominately male vendor world. I learned how to improve my jewelry making and was encouraged to sell my work. I became a sidewalk street vendor in the Bronx, Soho and the East 14th Street in 2006, followed by opening my first online shop at Etsy.com in June 2007 with my hammered metal, beaded, wire wrapped and semi precious stone jewelry designs under the Nyblaque name. I later incorporated handmade greeting cards and peacock feather earrings. By 2008 I included peacock feather stem sets and surplus beads and handmade jewelry findings which eventually evolved my shop into an artisan emporium.
A time to evolve.......
Cowrie Shell and Jute Twine Burlap Flameless Candle Wraps
Ashante Culture 2014
The year 2009 paved the way for SwanRiverStone- my eco friendly, minimalist bohemian jewelry and accessory shop. SwanRiverStone grew into AshanteCulture from 2012-2015 as the inspiration to create more Afrocentric, Native American and Caribbean designs for jewelry, hair and the home. As much as I love what i do a long break was needed. I have immersed my time with my family,blog about other artisan sellers and participate in green workshops, community work and participate and advocate in charity/fundraiser events"
I never stopped making what i love to do and will return to the public to showcase my full works in May 2017
I am a SRAJD Member #1423(under the name Nyblaque)
SRAJD Stands for- Self Representing Artist Jewelry Designer.When you purchase from a SRAJD member, you are buying and supporting authentic handmade products directly from the artist.
View my SHOP Tab to view all my online shop links.
I never stopped making what i love to do and will return to the public to showcase my full works in May 2017
I am a SRAJD Member #1423(under the name Nyblaque)
SRAJD Stands for- Self Representing Artist Jewelry Designer.When you purchase from a SRAJD member, you are buying and supporting authentic handmade products directly from the artist.
View my SHOP Tab to view all my online shop links.