My Story. 

i am a mixed media artist with a passion for all things vintage, books, deep conversations, and seaside adventures with my three favorite men (ages 4, 7 and 41). with both a bachelors of fine art in graphic design and a master’s of education in teaching, i spent the better part of my adult life trying very hard to be a grown-up with a traditional job. after the birth of my two sons, my newfound-mama-love released me to follow my heart, reclaiming the artist that i have always been. in 2007, i created a line of silver hand stamped jewelry under the hazelnut cottage brand. today, i revel in mixed media messes, making heartfelt connections with others through art and and words.

My HeartWishPrayer.

i make art for so many reasons. mostly i make art because it brings me joy and because i feel most true and close to God when i am creating stuff and writing. artmaking is my way of proclaiming to the world that fear and woundedness don’t have to have the last say in our lives. i make art to help remind others (and myself) that love always wins and that there is power and goodness in beauty and innocence. if by some measure of grace i can encourage and connect with people, if i can be a voice in the midst of the darkness reminding you how much God loves you...that’s my heartwishprayer. :)

Contact Me!

i would love to read a kind note from you, see the art that you do and connect…(all this art stuff, but it’s really all about connecting, isn’t it?) and i am nice! you can contact me at: hazelnutcottage@gmail.com.

blessings, jan

Press.

Paper n Stitch | December 16, 2009
http://papernstitchblog.com/2009/12/16/studio-tour-with-hazelnut-cottage/

Bead Trends | July 2009 Issue
https://scrapbooktrends.securesites.net/shoppingcart.html?Category=bt_backissues&Product_ID=349

Cosmopolitan Germany Website | Feature Date: 04.09 (Wedding Feature)
http://www.cosmopolitan.de/mode/trends/a-22647/ein-tag-wie-kein-anderer.html

Chicago Sun-Times Website | Feature Date: 04.09 (Mother’s Day Gift Guide)
http://hazelnutcottage.typepad.com/hazelnut_cottage_design/2009/04/hazelnut-cottage-on-cosmopolitan-germany-online-the-chicago- sun-times.html

Sunset Magazine Website | Feature Date: 05.08 (Mother’s Day Gift Guide)
http://www.sunset.com/sunset/home/article/0,20633,1734955,00.html

mixed plate | Feature Date: 05.26.08 & 10.03.07
http://www.mixedplateblog.com/2008/05/get-to-know-janice-avellana-of-hazelnut-cottage.html
http://www.mixedplateblog.com/?m=200710&paged=3

OK Magazine Online | Feature Date: 02.28.08
http://www.okmagazine.com/pixandvids/gallery/4825/5

Modish | Feature Date: 02.26.08 & 08.08.07
http://modish.typepad.com/modish/2007/08/to-the-ocean-an.html
http://blog.modishhandmade.com/modish/2008/02/handmade-spac-2.html
shop: http://www.hazelnut-cottage.com & http://www.hazelnutcottage.etsy.com

Scoutie Girl | Feature Date: 10.16.07
http://www.scoutiegirl.com/2007/10/circles-of-silv.html

hapa | hale | Feature Date: 06.07.07
http://www.hapahale.com/hapa_hale/2007/06/a_visit_to_haze.html

…Anything Indie | Feature Date: 05.10.07
http://www.anythingindie.com/dreams_and_jewelry/2007/05/hazelnut_cottag.html

****************************************************************************************************

“My experience with Hazelnut Cottage was wonderful - Jan emailed me immediately, and again when she shipped (which was quite fast) and she even gift wrapped it, since it was a birthday gift. Since it was a long distance gift, I haven’t seen it in person, but the recipient assures me the necklace is gorgeous, and she was genuinely thrilled to receive it. I’d happily buy from Hazelnut Cottage again (in fact, I’ve been thinking about something for myself!) Thanks for a great transaction!” ~ J. Gnirrep

“Jan is a wonderful jewelry artist. My necklace is so beautiful and exactly what I wanted. Fast shipping too! She has excellent communication and quick responses. She makes sure everything is just right and that you will be happy with your special purchase. While she is a great artist and I recommend her jewelry, she is an equally professional business person. I think she is awesome and I know that my sister and mom are going to have “hazelnutcottage necklace envy” and I will have to return before Christmas to buy more!” ~ S. Ryan

“Jan’s work is amazing! The photos give such a great representation of what to expect, yet nothing compares to how delicate and beautiful the work is in person. My necklace is something I’m excited to wear everyday. She was friendly and helpful in all of her communications and everything is done so professionally. It was a real pleasure to work with her. And frankly, I’m looking for another excuse to use her talents again. :)” ~ E. Kazules

“I just love my treasures from Hazelnut Cottage. Each piece is the highest quality and I can tell is just created in the utmost love. I get excited each holiday deciding which of my family and friends I can buy the next special, personalized piece!” -C.Gallo

“It was a wonderful experience working with Jan in creating a custom piece for my mother. Her patience, ideas and input was wonderful. I went into it with a little bit of apprehension since it was the first time I ever commissioned a custom piece over the internet, but I am extremly pleased with the final result and with the process and interaction that led us to a wonderful piece of art that my mother will wear for many years to come. Thank you so much!” ~ C. Garranchan