Emo

I had no idea what "emo" was when I heard one of my husband's nieces talking about it the other day. So, I looked it up on the Web and, well, apparently it's a style, or lifestyle, maybe. I'm not sure. It really doesn't seem any different than what was "alternative" in the mid-80's when I was a teenager. When I look at photos of the current "emo" style, it just seems a variation of Susie Sioux (remember Susie and the Banshees?) or Robert Smith from the Cure. Even Sid Viscious of the Sex Pistols had a little of the "emo" style. Anyway, it's just funny that these "new" looks come along that aren't really new at all.

The strangest part, though, is the stereotypes that accompany them, like being severely depressed and "that's why they wear black." I always wore black because it just suited me and still does. As much as I try to steer away from it, every new piece of clothing I buy is black or a dark shade of grey or brown. Of course, being older and a mom, I've learned to throw in a little bit of color every now and then, so I don't look too "depressed". lol

Anyway, I was inspired to create a little "emo" girl pendant. She reminds me of me as a teenager. I guess I was sort of an "emo", or alternative, or punk, or...something like that :)

"Ringing" in the New Year

I am working on these new little fun rings to add to my site. I don't usually wear rings, but I am really excited about these! Before I add them to my shop I need to figure out how to package them. I have some ideas, but I need to test them out first.

I am realizing the importance of packaging and the branding of that packaging. I have received some orders that are Christmas gifts and I shipped them out with a thank you card but the actual products don't have my logo :( Let's say that person receives the gift and thinks "Wow, I really like that. Where can I get more?" -you never know, it might happen :) Well, if I don't have a tag of some sort on everything, they aren't going to know and the person who originally ordered will most likely have forgotten! Important lesson for me! Now, back to work, probably on tag design :)

My First Display!

I am so excited to be setting up a display in a local retail shop! I worked on this display all through the Thanksgiving weekend and for being my first effort, I think it turned out quite well! It was just what I had pictured in my head. My family looked at me quite quizically when I was trying to explain my idea of using steel piping and plywood, but once it was done, I think they all liked it. I almost want to just keep it here in my house, but I guess I wouldn't sell anything that way :) Hopefully the shop owner will like my idea as much as I do!

Here it is!

This has GOT to be the smallest studio ever! I got tired of my stuff inhabiting almost the entire dining room table in our house, so I off I went in search of a space to turn into a studio. It was either the office closet, or a dark, cold corner of our basement. So, I chose the closet, which is only about 32" wide by 24" deep. My husband thought I was crazy, and I wasn't sure it would work, but it did! Of course, someday I hope to outgrow it, but for now it will function just fine...and we will actually be able to eat at the dining room table again!

My First "Live" Sale

I had the opportunity to have a table at the local retail shop Victorian Trading Company last weekend. It did not cost me anything to set up a table and I sold six items in about five hours of time, so I thought it went pretty well. Of course after I left I went to another sale and spent half of what I earned.

I am currently working on creating the "smallest" studio ever! 
I'll post a photo of it once it's completed and you'll see what I mean. :)

Halloween

It was my daughter Sophia's first Halloween to actually trick or treat. We went to the mall. Good thing we got there early! By the time we left it was packed! I made a Thomas the Train costume for her. She LOVES Thomas! Okay, back to work.

I love L.A.!

I had the best weekend in L.A.! It was business for my husband and a little business and a lot of play for me! My best friend and his wife are expecting their first child in December and I got to see her oh-so-cute belly! I can't believe that within 48 hours I saw downtown L.A., Laguna Beach, Burbank and Santa Monica! The traffic was a little different than in K.C. On the way back from Laguna it was bumper to bumper the whole way even though there are 6 or 7 lanes of highway! Even with the traffic and the low air quality, I just love it! It smelled like Spring almost everywhere (except downtown, of course).

Before I left Kansas City, I printed off some small promotional cards (about 1" x 4") and left them in various places, like in the restrooms at the airport, tucked into the magazines on the airplane, stuck in the windows of the newspaper machines in L.A., and on the counter at various Starbucks. We'll see if I get any hits from those! I made a sale right before I left, which really got my psyched!

It has taken a couple of days to return to Kansas City time and get creating again, but I am going to list more product this week, so I'm happy.

Finally Fall

Fall is finally here. It has been hard to believe it is October, as temperatures about a week or so ago were in the low 90s. I can finally feel the briskness entering the air and the leaves are changing color. We are going to have a lot of leaf clean up in our yard from our two monster white oaks! We've been rushing this past weekend to get the rest of our house painted, so I wasn't able to list anything for my shop. I can't believe it's already Monday! I better get rolling! I think I'm going to get my promotional postcards today. I can't wait to see them!

My store is OPEN!

I finally listed a few items today and am preparing other product photos to be listed soon. I'm so excited!

Previews!

Much of what I am working on are not quite finished pieces, but I just have to share my excitement! Above are birthday pendants that feature my original line art decoupaged onto wooden pendants. Each pendant features the appropriate birth month flower and all are adorned with corresponding Swarovski crystals for each month. With the sterling plated components, these pieces are absolutely beautiful!

I love working with Swarovski crystals! This pendant is titled "Autumn Splendor."

The "Letter Yourself" collection.

These hand-stamped wooden pendants have a silvery metallic glow and just a touch of attitude!

The Love, Sophia collection I am really excited about!

Prepare to be bombarded by glossy hot pink hearts and sparkling Swarovski crystals!

I will post more photos and information on my products soon!

Getting Ready

Since March I have been contemplating my new direction in design. I have been experimenting, researching, creating gifts for family and it is almost time to introduce my stuff to the world :)

I am so excited to soon be opening up shop on etsy.com. I am creating fun jewelry pieces at the moment, to add to the already saturated jewelry market :) I am having so much fun with the creative process and with looking at what other artists are doing on etsy! It truly is an amazing venue! I will be posting some preview shots of some of my goodies soon and hope to open shop before the end of October!