So the best lesson learned from FMarket was this: Israeli jewelry rocks. It’s new. It’s different. It’s hand-crafted. And it’s by and for individuals. I fell so deeply in love with O-Shan jewelry by the funky Israeli designer Shelley Leemor that I just had to go back. And I wasn’t just thinking of myself. Wearing my new O-Shan necklace was incredibly fun and even empowering. Amid the varied gold and silver designs on display, I was struck by the asymmetry of the items – and, more than that, the unexpected element within them. Bracelets that were square but soldered together geometrically into a type of square-link arm band. Elliptical earing hoops that hang like something from outer space. Off-center necklaces with different types of chains in the necklaces. It was all so amazing. Then one piece caught my eye: a gold chain charm necklace with a battle axe hanging down. Hot diggety it was so cool. Somehow antique-y looking because the color and charms but so modern because the clasp and concept. I’ve worn it now several times and am getting non-stop compliments and inquiries. Even wearing it the first time, I knew I was wearing something so different – not everyone could (or would) want to sport this necklace. And that’s when it hit me.
Introducing Designist Dream’s first amazing giveaway of two – yes that’s right two! – beautiful silver charm necklaces by O-Shan.
(Thank you Harry for the photos)
Both I think, reflect what I loved most about this designer: her attention to detail and designs of the unexpected. The necklaces are long silver-strand chains each with a charm and bead at its center. The cute, little rhinoceros is lightened by the sea green bead. And the detailed dragonfly is befriended by two deep amethyst beads. Both look great doubled around your neck or as a long antique-y pendant necklace.
To enter the giveaway here’s what you do. Just like I found inspiration by wearing my O-Shan necklace, post a comment below on what inspires you? Is it something you wear? Hangs on your wall? Sits near your bed? Isn’t physical at all but instead is a quote, a person or an experience? There is no judgment here on the level of creativity or measure of your answer. The winners will be drawn randomly from the comments. So please make sure not to post anonymously! The contest will be open until Thursday January 31st, 12pm midnight EST (US). Only one entry per person. Winners will be drawn at random and announced here on Friday, February 1st.
I look forward to reading your thoughts – and I hope the discussion breeds creative inspiration for all involved. And thank you readers, this one’s for you.
42 responses so far ↓
1 Brooke // Jan 25, 2008 at 1:00 am
I am inspired, of course, by my kids, as I think all parents are (hopefully).
2 Tish // Jan 25, 2008 at 6:08 am
Hi, Ziva! Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your nice comment there. And best of luck in my contest!
You’ve got a great blog here!
I absolutely adore these beautiful necklaces and would love to win one. I especially love the dragonfly!
I’m inspired by so many of the bloggers I’ve met. It’s wonderful to read their deepest thoughts. It’s as if they’ve invited you into their worlds.
3 Lesha // Jan 25, 2008 at 6:48 am
Being around optimistic people and people who are generally happy inspire me.
4 Roya // Jan 25, 2008 at 8:08 am
What inspires me: new thoughts and grand ideas, observing how people think, and floating on their excitiment and creativity.
Great blog, i just happened upon it this morning but think i’ll be coming back frequently to check out whats new in the design and art world.
5 Sorcha // Jan 25, 2008 at 10:31 am
Love the support of “blue and white”.
I work in a hospital and what inspires me every time is how people suffering can be so cheerful and charming to other people.
6 ES // Jan 25, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Nature inspires me the most!
7 nomi // Jan 25, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Wow, from IMJ to Ziva’s personal art world – very cool site!
I want the Karnaf!
8 Lily // Jan 25, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Besides my husband and child, I am having a passionate affair with my other biggest inspiration: music. I’m not a musician, nor am I singer, but I love music. All music. Rock, blues, soul, jazz, pop, country – you name it. (OK, sorry speed metal, you’re excused.) My inspirations are a composite, really – a range of songs and artists that move me and whom I can’t begin to list here. But let’s face it, everyone who loves music loves it for one thing more than anything else: the discovery. The moment you hear a great song or album that you think no one else has heard. That’s when you think to yourself, this band is mine! And you just hope it stays that way for a long, long time.
9 Jennie // Jan 25, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Show us the battle axe Ziva!
This may sound cliche but my daughter is a huge inspiration for me. She is three years old. Seeing her potential – her talents and curiosity and capabilities – makes me wonder if I have those potentials too. Maybe I’ve just forgotten about them or at some point decided I was just “not good at that.” She inspires me to test the boundaries I’ve set for myself.
10 Joyce // Jan 25, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Tzofi is my inspiration. I started writing down our family history, including stories that were told to me by my grandparents, parents and stories about me. This will someday be a gift from me to Tzofi and any future grandchildren.
11 nomi // Jan 26, 2008 at 7:00 am
after taking a closer look at your site..it is even cooler!
Ok, so things which inspire me:
growth, hope, connection, authenticity, simplicity – these are all found within and around souls I love (4 legged, 2 legged, winged, with snout without…).
This exercise inspired me!
12 Helen // Jan 26, 2008 at 7:09 am
Hi Ziva,
I have to say, like others, my son inspires me everyday. At the grand old age 3, well almost, his little mind is constantly working creating little stories and songs, with his toys and animals. He even invents little “stage shows”. If he is doing this at this age, what will he get up to when he gets older ….
Seeing how he is growing and changing everyday into the little person he is, is inspiring.
Then there’s Amos with his beermaking, it reminds me of how passionate I used to be about my work.
13 Stephanie // Jan 26, 2008 at 7:36 pm
I’m inspired by great people who have done great things despite the odds and who serve as role models to us all…
14 Mika // Jan 27, 2008 at 7:50 am
I get inspired by adventure – travel, getting lost, meeting new peoples and generally experiencing new things for the first time. And dragonflies! Because they look like little dinosaur thingies in the air.
15 Betty N // Jan 27, 2008 at 6:48 pm
My husband inspires me daily.
16 Linda Pinto // Jan 27, 2008 at 7:01 pm
The designs are beautiful and would bring me pleasure for years to come.
17 Dawn Langis // Jan 27, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Young children and senior citizens inspire me. One offers new hope and the other peace of a life well lived.
18 Teresa Hoyt // Jan 28, 2008 at 3:34 am
My 2 year old daughter inspires me. She was born with down syndrome and a heart defect, but she is the happiest kid ever! She has made me realize that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be great!
19 Shay // Jan 28, 2008 at 5:07 am
Would love to win some of your gorgeous jewlery.
20 annie n. // Jan 28, 2008 at 8:23 am
I try to always look for the goodness in people. Most of the time that goodness is right there on the surface, other times you have to look deep into a person to find it. When you see and feel that goodness it is truly awe inspiring.
21 tina mateer // Jan 28, 2008 at 9:00 am
I am 44 years old and my son who passed away four hours after his birth in july 1982. David Michael was my only child. Without his memory I would not have made it this far in life. I had a tatoo of a heart and cross w/his name and date of birth/death on my right arm. It makes me feel at peace and helps me make it one day at a time.
22 Leslie Stroud // Jan 28, 2008 at 9:03 am
Inspired by nature as it puts out new buds and blooms in Spring with all insects buzzing, including dragonflies resting on the waterlilies.
23 Alex // Jan 28, 2008 at 10:15 am
Inspiration comes from creativity. The more I do, the more things I think of to do!
The jewelry is indeed lovely.
24 ben // Jan 28, 2008 at 10:25 am
I was inspired by the time I spent in Israel, with so many people of different backgrounds and from different countries, with so much focus on jewish learning.
25 Emily Bickell // Jan 28, 2008 at 5:03 pm
I’m inspired by the world around me… good food, great books, good conversation and beautiful things.
26 Jennifer Morris // Jan 28, 2008 at 7:21 pm
The ocean…it is always changing and creating something new. It can be something as simple as a seashell, but the simplicity is what makes it so beautiful.
27 Jodi W // Jan 29, 2008 at 12:14 am
Annette Funicello once siad “Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful” (Maybe it was beautiful instead of wonderful.) Either way when things don’t go our way I try to recall this message from a sufferer of MS and remember that in the face of adversity things can still be meaningful. It’s a truly inspirational quote for our family that we refer to in difficult times.
28 Kathy Conley // Jan 29, 2008 at 3:43 pm
My youngest daughter is my inspiration in life. She always reminds me of what is most important
29 Interview with Israeli Jewelry Designer Shelley Leemor of O-Shan // Jan 29, 2008 at 6:15 pm
[...] ante. If the photos of Shelley’s beautiful designs weren’t enough to tempt you to enter this week’s giveaway to win one of two long silver charm necklaces from her company, O-Shan, check out my interview with [...]
30 Yochai Cohen-Benveniste // Jan 29, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Hi Ziva… You and Harry (and ofcourse Tsofia) are my inspiration! (is this raffle based on browny points?)
But seriously, you two are inspirational… this is an amazing thing you got going on here! Good luck… we’ll be staying posted!
Sharon and Yochai
31 Nikki Evans // Jan 30, 2008 at 2:53 am
I would love to be entered for your contest
32 Chris // Jan 30, 2008 at 5:59 am
I’m inspired by wanting the rhino. Also, Orthodox Christian iconography.
33 Leah // Jan 30, 2008 at 7:34 am
My husband is is the inspiration for everything I do. He encourages me to be the best I can be and supports me unconditionally.
34 zevan // Jan 30, 2008 at 7:43 pm
I am inspired by people who work hard,
take risks, and get up try again even after they fail, and my sister.
35 Sally Baldwin // Jan 31, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Several people keep me inspired. My children, my husband and my mother.
36 Gloria Smith // Jan 31, 2008 at 3:47 pm
My inspiration comes via a little Yorkie terrier who was rescued from an abused home about 3 years ago. Every morning he wakes up happy and curious and comes to love everyone he sees. He still is not totally over his experience of being abused, but he looks at us so sweet and acts like he knows he is in a safe place. We love him so much.
37 Samantha Pruitt // Jan 31, 2008 at 4:58 pm
i get inspired by good music and great movies
38 Sylvia Porter // Jan 31, 2008 at 6:26 pm
i get inspired by watching ordinary people.
39 Naghma Husain // Jan 31, 2008 at 10:49 pm
I’m inspired by music, art, and books.
40 RHicks // Feb 1, 2008 at 1:48 am
My inspiration comes from within.
41 ray davison, II // Feb 1, 2008 at 3:32 am
Sitting by the ocean inspires me.
42 Noah // Feb 4, 2008 at 1:06 pm
I’m inspired by
a) the weather
b) little kids
c) my girlfriend
d) hummus & tehina
e) ziva & harry’s ancient podcasts!
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