CJ Harlan
CJ (also known as Christie to some family and friends) accredits her great grandmother, Margaret Harlan, for a lot of the innovative, insightful and creative qualities she applies to her designs, teaching, and everyday life.
In CJ's words, "My great grandmother always encouraged and nurtured my imagination, often rolling up her sleeves to assist me in developing my vision without ever limiting me. Her ability to see things for what they were, and all that they could be...was one of the most precious gifts anyone could have ever given me...a gift that carries over into everything I do."
CJ has studied and developed her love for many art forms since she was very young, spending over 25 years teaching, designing, marketing and selling her artwork. She has promoted and sold her jewelry at seasonal art shows, in galleries and specialty shops, to a select clientele, and online.
In CJ's words, "My great grandmother always encouraged and nurtured my imagination, often rolling up her sleeves to assist me in developing my vision without ever limiting me. Her ability to see things for what they were, and all that they could be...was one of the most precious gifts anyone could have ever given me...a gift that carries over into everything I do."
CJ has studied and developed her love for many art forms since she was very young, spending over 25 years teaching, designing, marketing and selling her artwork. She has promoted and sold her jewelry at seasonal art shows, in galleries and specialty shops, to a select clientele, and online.
CJ Harlan Designs are inspired by the things we may see everyday, but seldom take time to notice or appreciate. Color combinations, texture, and even design shapes...often come from nature, the environment, and the components she selects for each piece she creates. To view Designs by CJ, click on the Designs tab.
CJ creates designs using only the finest quality components which can include: precious and semi-precious gems, pearls, amber, wood, resin, crystals, Czech and vintage glass, fibers and fine metals. You will often find authentic handmade Bali silver and gold vermeil beads incorporated into her designs. Although she loves metal-smithing, a large portion of her designs rely on various old and new stringing techniques. Wirework is also a signature of CJ Harlan Designs, yet offering organic designs without metal components is also very important...making sure that anyone can wear a CJ Harlan Design. For pieces without metal, you will find CJ's stamp of "MF" on the jewelry tags for these designs.
Silver, sterling silver, gold, gold vermeil, copper and niobium are the most common metals CJ chooses for design accents and for function. Even when a design choice leans toward another metal, whenever possible all metal components are nickle-free and clearly marked if there is a possibility for sensitivity. To learn more about the individual components that may be used when creating any of CJ's designs, please check out the Design Component Glossary tab that she has provided.
CJ loves to make New Designs as often as she is inspired, time permitting. Because of this and her desire to make unique pieces with a variety of valuable components, she will often make limited designs. Although earrings may be offered in a limited edition of up to 50, many necklaces and bracelets can literally be one-of-a-kind, or a limited edition of only 10. Each limited edition design ordered, comes with a signed certificate and personal thank you.
When you attend a trunk show or special event, you will find your design also numbered and receive a direct thank you, as well. One of the things CJ values most in her work, is her connection to each person who finds, wears...or gifts her designs.
CJ loves designing within a variety of art forms and has extensive experience using many different mediums. It is this expertise, passion and personal experience that carries over into her work as an artist, writer, teacher and strategic coach, using new and different art forms and art therapy techniques to help people overcome hardships, pain and insecurities. Her unique collaboration of art techniques and healing methods, truly highlights her larger vision of creating Art That Makes A Difference.
CJ has taken some time off from designing and speaking to write many inspirational books which you will have the opportunity to read very soon. Once released, her books will be available on Amazon and in book stores yet this year. Her books will be introduced personally to all HC Members first, before they hit the shelves, as a member benefit. All members can also reserve a copy of any book and receive a signed first edition, if requested upon ordering, while supplies last.
If you wish to become a member go to the "Become A Harlan Member" tab, fill in a little info for your special gift from CJ. Once submitted, you will receive membership benefits that will included book releases, event notices, new design updates, artist celebrations, classes and Harlan News.
As for important news, CJ is developing her "Art That Makes A Difference" and "Guidance Gifting Programs". You can learn more about this program by clicking on the "Make A Difference" tab or by visiting Harlan Circle Gifts, which celebrates and supports local and national artists while building awareness for her mission...CJ's mission is to help anyone that needs coaching and support, to get the help they need. As CJ states in one of her books, "Great mental care, support and coaching SHOULD NOT BE offered to only those who have good insurance plans or larger incomes...getting rid of mental weight and learning how to succeed in life MUST BE an option to anyone who is committed to understanding more and making positive change a part of their life...despite the odds or circumstances".
Art, HC programs and strategic coaching are all ways in which CJ can help make this kind of personal and professional care a reality for more people, acknowledging that together we can achieve greater understanding, overall health, happiness, fulfillment, balance and success for all.
To learn more about CJ's designs, classes and HC programs, including the Guidance Gift Program (GGP), to schedule a personal power meeting, group coaching, or to book CJ for a speaking event, please Contact CJ or visit: TheHarlanCircle.com
CJ creates designs using only the finest quality components which can include: precious and semi-precious gems, pearls, amber, wood, resin, crystals, Czech and vintage glass, fibers and fine metals. You will often find authentic handmade Bali silver and gold vermeil beads incorporated into her designs. Although she loves metal-smithing, a large portion of her designs rely on various old and new stringing techniques. Wirework is also a signature of CJ Harlan Designs, yet offering organic designs without metal components is also very important...making sure that anyone can wear a CJ Harlan Design. For pieces without metal, you will find CJ's stamp of "MF" on the jewelry tags for these designs.
Silver, sterling silver, gold, gold vermeil, copper and niobium are the most common metals CJ chooses for design accents and for function. Even when a design choice leans toward another metal, whenever possible all metal components are nickle-free and clearly marked if there is a possibility for sensitivity. To learn more about the individual components that may be used when creating any of CJ's designs, please check out the Design Component Glossary tab that she has provided.
CJ loves to make New Designs as often as she is inspired, time permitting. Because of this and her desire to make unique pieces with a variety of valuable components, she will often make limited designs. Although earrings may be offered in a limited edition of up to 50, many necklaces and bracelets can literally be one-of-a-kind, or a limited edition of only 10. Each limited edition design ordered, comes with a signed certificate and personal thank you.
When you attend a trunk show or special event, you will find your design also numbered and receive a direct thank you, as well. One of the things CJ values most in her work, is her connection to each person who finds, wears...or gifts her designs.
CJ loves designing within a variety of art forms and has extensive experience using many different mediums. It is this expertise, passion and personal experience that carries over into her work as an artist, writer, teacher and strategic coach, using new and different art forms and art therapy techniques to help people overcome hardships, pain and insecurities. Her unique collaboration of art techniques and healing methods, truly highlights her larger vision of creating Art That Makes A Difference.
CJ has taken some time off from designing and speaking to write many inspirational books which you will have the opportunity to read very soon. Once released, her books will be available on Amazon and in book stores yet this year. Her books will be introduced personally to all HC Members first, before they hit the shelves, as a member benefit. All members can also reserve a copy of any book and receive a signed first edition, if requested upon ordering, while supplies last.
If you wish to become a member go to the "Become A Harlan Member" tab, fill in a little info for your special gift from CJ. Once submitted, you will receive membership benefits that will included book releases, event notices, new design updates, artist celebrations, classes and Harlan News.
As for important news, CJ is developing her "Art That Makes A Difference" and "Guidance Gifting Programs". You can learn more about this program by clicking on the "Make A Difference" tab or by visiting Harlan Circle Gifts, which celebrates and supports local and national artists while building awareness for her mission...CJ's mission is to help anyone that needs coaching and support, to get the help they need. As CJ states in one of her books, "Great mental care, support and coaching SHOULD NOT BE offered to only those who have good insurance plans or larger incomes...getting rid of mental weight and learning how to succeed in life MUST BE an option to anyone who is committed to understanding more and making positive change a part of their life...despite the odds or circumstances".
Art, HC programs and strategic coaching are all ways in which CJ can help make this kind of personal and professional care a reality for more people, acknowledging that together we can achieve greater understanding, overall health, happiness, fulfillment, balance and success for all.
To learn more about CJ's designs, classes and HC programs, including the Guidance Gift Program (GGP), to schedule a personal power meeting, group coaching, or to book CJ for a speaking event, please Contact CJ or visit: TheHarlanCircle.com