!!!Merry Christmas!!!

I hope everyone enjoys the holiday and all the family love.

D.I.Y. Monday...Kind of: The No carve Stamp

Ok, Its Sunday I know but I will be traveling and will be without internet for a minute and I wanted to share this fun idea to creat your own stamp with out all that extra work and technique. I originally found this on blog.craftzine.com It looks super easy and I cant wait to try it.

For a step by step tutorial check out  blog.craftzine.com

Materials

1/8"-thick acrylic plexiglass; can be found at hardware stores
X-Acto knife
Metal ruler
Silicone rubber caulking (clear); can be found at hardware stores
Water-based paint
Brayer

 

Happy crafting!

!!!SALE!!!

 

Click flier to get to store front.

Travels: Temporary Store Closing

Hello hello,
I hope everyone is enjoying the new year.
I wanted to notify everyone that my store will be closed starting Aug 14th due to my travels. I will be posting here to stay in touch and keep you all posted on my new inspirations, designs and all other crafts and projects. The store will re-open soon with a new storefront and website... YAY!!!! Exicted!
I love change!

Here are some pieces I have worked on in the mean time to try and carry you over until the store re-opens.

They can dress up anything, can't they!?. LOL

We all know fur is in this season, so you know I had to add my 2 cents.

Just a dainty splash of color. They are only about an inch and a half in size.

My fav!!! yet they are so simple, it's something about that cobalt blue & copper together.

The pale pink leather has a pearlized finish, LOVE!

If you have any questions about these pieces PLEASE feel free to contact me. I will get back to you as soon as possible. Put your feet up and check out the rest of my blog.

You can also check out my Facebook page
for more images and info just by clicking the above icon.

Chat with you soon.
-Ciao

Inspirations: 50 Inspiring Entrepreneur Startup Quotes

During todays hard times there is nothing like some uplifting words of encouragement from those who have been there and done that. Here are a couple to get you started but click the link to read more of these lovely quotes from Startupquote.com. This is s site dedicated to start up quotes from the best entrepreneurs in the industry. I picked the ones that got me off the computer and back at my design table.

 

 

Startupquote.com

D.I.Y Monday: Glass Jar Moroccan Lanterns

I saw this and plotzed! How cute are these?
On one of my favorite blogs Design*Sponge has the best ideas and D.I.Y. tutorials.
Here are the photos and the full tutorial is located here.

Tools:

• old glass jars (spaghetti jars, jam jars or any plain glass jar will work)
• gold dimensional puff paint
• glass paint (Delta or Pebeo Vitrea glass paint are great options)
• paintbrush
• wire (optional, for hanging lanterns)

 

 

Full tutorial is located here.

D.I.Y Monday: Mothers Day Cards

I loathe spending $4+ for a card every card buying holiday, so I make them. I found a free pattern online at easycutpopup.com, downloaded the pdf file and that's how it started.

 Tools:

Card Stock Paper
Downloaded Pattern

Scissors

X-acto Knife

Embossing Powder (optional)
Heating tool

Fine Point Marker

Blank card and Envelope

Below are the cards I sent out this past week.

Used embossing powder to the illustrated roses.

I would have created it digitally but you can buy those kinds of cards anywhere. I wanted to take it back to Elementary school (lol) with the idea it took time, creativity and lots of love.  This style of card can be used for birthdays, anniversarys, sympathy, get well any occasion where you would usually send flowers.

I hope all mothers enjoyed their day of love and appreciation.

Fifty in 50: Key Chains.

Ok, so no more catch up I am just going to do this until I reach 50. LOL!
I have been experimenting with Gift with Purchase ideas and I decided to fiddle around with key chains. I know most people do not like having these bulky key chains so I figured...why not make it small yet stands out with a touch of leathery flair.

These are my first round pieces that I've made. There are some materials I need to purchase and some design things I need to tweak before I add the final touches.

Stay tuned....

D.I.Y Mondays: 'P.S.- I Made This' Upholstry Trim Necklace

There are tons of ideas in this book 'P.S.---I Made This' I saw it the other day at the book store and wanted to pick it up but did some investigative work and found most of the tutorials are on line. I found this one at www.refinery29.com. I would still recommend purchasing the book there are some crafty pieces in there.

I simply love this idea, its inexpensive and you can have a piece that looks like it came off the runway.

 Enjoy the tutorial and list of supplies at refinery29.com  

!!Happy Monday!!!

Packaging Idea

I have been having this on going dilemma on how to package my product. I want to add that same TLC (tender loving care) I put into creating my designs in what you will receive when your package arrives. I've purchased tissue paper, boxes, ribbon, fabric etc. and I think I have finally figured it out.

I just sent out a package this week and it was a trial run for my new idea of showing my customer not only how much I adore each and every piece but that I want my product to be an experience. ya know!

I made a little pillow and stuck the ear wires into it to keep them from sliding around the box.

The pillow and earrings are then placed on top of and covered with cotton fill pads.

This is the final product and I just love it. It gives the exact feeling and attention to detail I was looking for. I also included a gift with purchase but I can't tell you that part....It's a surprise!

Summer/Fall Sneak Peek!!!

Ok, this season I decided to implement a new system!  This will eliminate all wasted time trying to put together random pieces last minute and call it a collection. I have created story boards with colorways to help me stay focused and portray a certain image while creating my line. I love neutral colors so the creative process is just flowing like water.
 
Summer

This season will have metallics, shades and tones of turquoise/blues, greens and orange. With some added sass and class. haha, I like that!

The chained pewter "snake skin" earrings makes me want to get dressed up and go out!  Haha! You know I had to throw in some nautical love, that trend can not be ignored.

Fall

I love neutral colors, my Fall portion of this collection is coming along a lot faster than my Summer. Either way I am in love with this collection and my story board and colors are definitely pointing me in the right direction.

Fifty in 50: Week 7, 8+9

Ok its time for catch up!

Starting where I left off at week 4, 5+6 using the same shapes from the bib necklace. I played around with cropping the painted design giving these earrings a  very earthy bohemian vibe. The pieces below are made of tumbled leather hand painted with acrylic and a sealent to protect the design from the "elements".

Through out the process I was inspired by the art work alone, it reminded me of a kind of lace.

Now that I have lace on my mind these beauties just made themselves. I imagined having strips of lace and what I would do with them. I adore the orange and green leather combined with this idea of overlaying an off white lace. So instead of going in that direction of using lace and resin. I decided to paint on my design but tweaking it to resemble torn fabric. What I love is that no earring is exactly the same, they are individual pieces that comes in a pair.  There is also a contrast in texture this particular design. I sealed only the painted area giving it a shine while the unpainted section (depending on the leather) has a rough or matte appearance. 

I had a lot of fun making theses babies...

Yes, they are my babies. LOL 

They are ALL MY BABIES!!! ...mmeeoooaaaa- aaaaah- ahhh. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Ok, yes I have been m.i.a. for a while but I'm back!
Inspired and motivated with lots of ideas and sketches to share.

I hope this first month in the new year is treating everyone well.