Eve ‘N’ Ella Designs

Meet the Makers behind Eve ‘N’ Ella Designs

Clare, Dom and their 9-year-old twin girls, Lily Eve and Ella Faith are wire-wrappers who like to create wearable works of art. Their tag line is: “We help you wear your healing crystals with style, because everyone needs a little sparkle in their life!”

It started with a mission to keep the kids off the iPad, and it mushroomed from there. Soon their house was full of gemstones, wire and all manner of shiny things!

Why do you love ARTE?

First and foremost, ARTE has a family-type atmosphere. The warm, welcoming attitude and the friendly faces with everyone supporting each other.

ARTE is a community which is a veritable melting pot of talent and culture reflected in everyone’s unique art, which is something we feel very fortunate for.

When did you discover your passion for your artisan’s work?

Dom and I have always been attracted to stones and crystals since we were children. However, living on opposite sides of the world meant we both had interesting and very different collections of rocks.

The creativity only started to flow after we had the girls; now, they both dream of being designers. They love sewing, designing, drawing, painting, pottery, wire-wrapping – you name it!

Some of the wire designs are created from Lily and Ella sketching out their ideas for a pendant. Then sit with their daddy while twisting wires this way and that to bring the design to life.

Pendant design by Eve ‘N’ Ella Designs

Who or what is your inspiration?

Creativity came from our parents. Dom and I come from similar backgrounds and consider ourselves “expat brats”. Our parents extensively travelled the world when air travel was still a relatively luxurious concept, and the Internet was a 60’s sci-fi fiction movie!

They had to learn to be creative to adapt to their surroundings, perhaps inadvertently passed on to us. Consequently, we have always been influenced by a variety of cultures and experiences we try to incorporate into our work.

We’re fascinated by medieval Renaissance fairs, crystals and various medians from fabrics, wood, leather and, of course, metals.

The list is countless, as well as an obsession with metal smithing (which we are only beginning to explore). We take inspiration from everyone we meet. We enjoy the challenge and the reward of making something we consider beautiful that someone may treasure for many years.

What is your favourite piece of work that you have crafted?

Our favourite piece would have to be one we made for a friend leaving Dubai. We started and wanted to give her something unique so that she could remember Dubai. We made a rather rudimentary turquoise necklace and a bracelet wrapped with beads and shells collected from the beaches of Dubai.

We have changed a bit since then and are fully absorbed in our present jewellery collection.

Eve ‘N’ Ella Designs

What is your trick to make the sale?

Our approach is genuine, and we consider our customers’ needs carefully. We want the client to leave our table with a piece they will love for years and wear with joy. So we go the extra mile.

What is your best seller, and what are you known for in the artisan community?

We are known for our friendly attitude, cheerful disposition, the team of four, and beautiful wire-wrapped jewellery collection. We customize jewellery, and every market day, you can find us with our wire and stones, ready to breathe life into your jewellery with the design of your dreams.

Our 4Kids by Kids selection of bracelets and necklaces are created entirely by the girls and was their idea, which obviously, as parents, has us beaming with pride. It’s also one of our most popular sellers.

What does your artisan’s work really mean to you? Is it a business, pleasure or passion?
We’re all immensely proud of what we have achieved together as a family. It is extremely rewarding. The passion is a bit of an obsession.

What are you working on at the moment? Do you have any new projects coming up?

At the moment, we are creating Christmas-inspired pieces. It has been fun to explore the festive colours and investigate ways to push the traditional boundaries of wire wrapping Christmas. As a result, we now have Christmas decorations, and some statement pieces and delicate necklace sets.

Christmas design by

We are slowly working on our webpage and exploring all the requirements for online sales for when Eve’ N’ Ella Designs go global.

Who or what at ARTE do you like or admire?

The sense of community and camaraderie that ARTE fosters is beautiful. We feel fortunate to have been adopted into the ARTE crew. We admire every artisan, from their individual talent, passion, drive and dizzying collective array of gorgeous goods.

Everything everyone does is entirely handcrafted, which is what unites us and is unique and almost magical in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world.

ARTE is fundamentally as wonderful as it is because of the people behind the scenes. The amazing ARTE team is second-to-none, helpful, supportive and motivating. A special mention to Miriam individually. She is fantastic. Her calming, nurturing, kind spirit and the invaluable experience she willingly shares set the tone for the family atmosphere we love at ARTE.

Eve ‘N’ Ella Designs

Special Message from Lily Eve and Ella Faith

Lily: “Our jewellery company is Eve ‘N’ Ella. It’s our family company, made up of me, my sister and our mummy and daddy. We sell truly remarkable jewellery. Although it takes a very long time to make, it’s very rewarding to create something people like, and it makes me smile to see we are making people happy and making some money to help our family too”.

Ella: “We make and sell beautiful jewellery. One glimpse of it, and you are hypnotized!”

This fabulous foursome sell their unique wire-wrapped jewellery  at the ARTE Market in Times Square Center and Mercato Mall most Saturdays. Make sure to stop by and grab your very own piece of sparkle.

If you would like to learn more, follow or order from Eve ‘N’ Ella here are their contact details:
IG: @evenelladesigns
FB: evenelladesigns
Whatsapp: +971 54 401 4410
EMAIL: clarejmasterman@gmail.com
Their website will be launched shortly. Keep an eye on their Social Media.

Ways to Go Green! (Recycled Gift Ideas & More)

Our ARTE Markets are an invaluable resource for visitors to discover a wide variety of beautifully locally crafted items for the home. Among others, ARTE also welcomes a variety of locally-based artisans, who are committed to using sustainable, eco-friendly practices.

Here are a few green gift ideas for any occasion, – hand produced by ARTE Artisans, who have put their skills and love into making the products.

Scrabble tile cuff links by Theresa Tsui

Old zippers transformed into attractive rings

Old zippers transformed into attractive hairbands

Sock monkeys by Sandustar Socks Toys

Sock monkeys by Sandustar Socks Toys

Upcycled driftwood candle holders by Kariba Arts

Hand painted bottles by Artmitul

Hand stamped old spoons 

Old CDs transformed into Candle Holders by Pretty Dezines

Fabric scraps transformed into reusable envelopes

Sale of Second-Hand Books in support of Feline Friends

Wrist Candy

For an instant wardrobe update this spring/summer 2012, all you need is some stunning chunky wrist-candy.

At ARTE, they come ranging from the sparkly Swarovski cuffs to some of spring’s most attention-grabbing and colourful bracelet. Each piece is an original and eye catching piece handcrafted by locally based artisans.

Ghawaiesh by Mona El Sanhoury and Radwa Abo Alam

Swarovski beads bracelet – vendor unknown

A trip down memory lane with Sue Tyson Designs

Sue Tyson is one of ARTE’s most loyal vendors. Part of the original core team formed more than 6 years ago, Sue was probably the first handcrafted jewelry designer maker on the scene. I (Jan) remember her from the days when ARTE had its first exhibitions at the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza. Woah! It’s such a long time ago; however, sometimes a trip down memory lane is vital in helping handcrafters understand how their work has evolved in time, and also how they have, as human beings, evolved. No judgement, no criticism. Only a learning exercise.
Sue Tyson has remained true to her niche – which is using authentic Murano glass from Italy in her designs.  Her display is by far one that I enjoy stopping by every ARTE market without fail, because it depicts an artisan who has taken time not only to make beautiful jewelry, but also make the display appealing that you want to touch her jewelry and perhaps buy it!
Sue Tyson designs at one of the recent ARTE markets

Sue Tyson designs at one of the recent ARTE markets

Another of Sue Tyson Designs display at March 2012 (ARTE market). Love the cage!

Another of Sue Tyson Designs display at March 2012 (ARTE market). Love the cage!

Sue shares with us the first ARTE poster that was used at the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza exhibitions. You can see a piece of her work on the bottom right corner of the poster.
Her first experience in displaying and setting up was at the Marina Market. “It was definitely a baptism of fire for me as the market was every Friday. It was always outdoors including during the summer months and exhaustingly hot. If there was a Shamaal or rain, that was even more fun. Backing onto the Marina, you always got wind in every direction!  You always had to drink at least 3 litres or more of liquid /water during the day. Even though I was used to Hong Kong heat & humidity, Dubai’s summer was quite a shock.”
Marina Market display all those many years ago - Sue's first exhibition in Dubai

Marina Market display all those many years ago - Sue's first exhibition in Dubai

Note the previous design of Sue Tyson's business cards. Sue now has a silver foil emblem on her business cards and gift bags.
ARTE markets then moved to Al Ghazal mall for a very short season. The dark corridors meant that most photographs taken were dull and uninspiring. Still I’m glad Sue did take some photos, as part of her design evolution kit.
At Al Ghazal Mall

At Al Ghazal Mall

Even in those days, Sue's table displays were very imaginatively put together. Note the sponges used as displays.
Early Studio Display by Sue Tyson Designs
Not only has Sue’s display changed over time; the branding of her jewelry line has also evolved. She shares with us a photo of her earliest packaging kit.
Sue Tyson Designs - packaging in the early days

Sue Tyson Designs - packaging in the early days

Sue says, “So much depends on appearance, especially in Dubai.  One’s first visual image/impression that seems to be the key to whether someone sells/buys or not.”
“My main focus, I think is always best quality that I can currently offer, affordability, durability, authenticity, honesty, and good customer service. So that covers packaging, gift bags, add-ons eg. silver polish cloths if they buy precious metal, tips on how to maintain pieces (So many ask if they can go swimming wearing Sue Tyson jewellery.  I would say that one wouldn’t go swimming in one’s  usual clothes/dress so why keep all your jewellery on?).
Early Expo days

Early Expo days

In keeping with the whole Sue Tyson Designs brand, Sue has started to incorporate the PERLAVITA! range of Italian Murano Glass beads in her existing Murano Glass designs. “These are made by Italian craftsmen following a long family led tradition since the 14th centure, I believe.  They compliment my existing Murano themed designs perfectly.”
Sue Tyson Designs as they are currently. Evolution at its best!

Sue Tyson Designs as they are currently. Evolution at its best!

So here’s a note to newbie vendors.  Be authentic. Create your brand from your heart. Start somewhere. And the path will open up, slowly but surely and beautifully.
Follow Sue Tyson Designs on facebook.

Add a Little Sparkle to Your Life

Meet Laila Lambert, who brought to life her passion for crystals in 2006 when she founded Sparklefairy – the UAE’s first New Age online boutique, all things fairy, angel, handmade & crystals.

Illustration of Sparklefairy made by the fabulous Pink Poodle

Her collection comprises of beautiful handmade angel & fairy jewellery for every occasion including angel callers, wish pendants, exclusive scared geometry jewellery as well as supplying a full range of crystals from giant geodes (up to 1 metre high) tumblestones, raw, clusters, wands, pendulums, very rare crystals, fossils MOLDAVITE & ORGONE. Angel/Oracle cards, unique natural incense (no synthetics) and so much more, she also does lovely ideas for wedding favours.

We especially love her Fertility Bracelet made from crystals have an innate energy to prepare the body for conception.

We asked: What crystals are in the Fertility Bracelet and why?

Laila said: I personally use Moonstone and Rose quartz. Many crystals can assist but from research these 2 crystals are most effective in my opinion. Moonstone is said to help aid in nurturing receptivity and balances emotions, moonstone also said to help welcome new life into the body. Moonstone is often called the Stone of the Goddess and symbolises acceptance and new beginnings. Moonstone may help with childbirth, conception and breast feeding. Rose quartz helps stabilize the energy inside the body. Provides one with love and self love. Rose quartz provides us with harmony and trust. The powerful combination of the rose quartz and moonstone is known to boost the woman’s fertility status. The energy from the Fertility bracelet works by balancing the energy in the body. It is calming, rids negative energy and reduces fears, also known to regulates menstrual cycle, improve blood circulation. As above.

We asked: How effective is it?

Laila said: We never say the fertility bracelet gets you pregnant, but it aids and working with energy is a lovely thing. Fertility Bracelets come from ancient traditions and still continue to be in use today, These days, a lot of women wear these types of bracelets for the very same reason that they were worn decades ago. Women will wear these gemstones because of tradition, out of belief or suggestion from family and friends, in order to improve their chances of getting pregnant.

For more info visit her facebook page or her website here: www.sparklefairy.com.