4.26.2012



Greetings from lazy land...

I'm heading out in a bit for Art and Flea, the once monthly vintage/handmade/thrifty/crafty/music/cocktails event that I do once a month.  I spent a little while fooling around with display ideas and tweaking some things...but I have to say I'm really not feeling it.  Why is it that sometimes no matter what I do, nothing is good enough?  It's my inner perfectionist screaming out...sometimes I like it when she screams, and gets me to do some very detailed work just perfectly.  Other times I think she's yelling just to hear her own voice...meaning sometimes I suppose I need to give myself a break.  Why are we so hard on ourselves?  Doubting, questioning, and letting negativity cloud our heads...(and I say "we", but really, who am I kidding, it;s "me" all the way).  My very soul has been screaming this week, about so many different topics.  I feel changes coming.  In fact I NEED changes, so I suppose that I need to figure out what they are, and make them happen...harder than it sounds.  I could use some bolstering, some encouragement, some ideas.  I seem to realize this very moment however, that I have a nasty habit of searching for those things outside of myself...So, here's to being my best bolster, to encouraging myself, and to being kind to myself in the process.


4.22.2012

Custom!

I LOVE it when customers/friends/acquaintances/ladies of the cyber world write to me and want to collaborate on a design...Really this is the highest form of flattery, and makes me fell like I have diamonds on the soles of my shoes

These beauties are the latest and greatest...





 They are mas grande, and I LOVE how they turned out!  Ive always love the chunky, big earrings but these take it to the limit!!!  I will definitely be cranking out more of these, in different sizes and colors over the weeks to come.  One thing that has been on my mind since finishing these and getting such a great reaction is that I really need to " go big or go home".  Not necessarily "big" in terms of size but regarding my designs...I often have these grand ideas in my head and then when I sit down at the bench I end up making a smaller more pared down version of what I originally thought of.  I guess it's all the doubts creeping in...what if nobody likes it, and I spent all that time and material to create it?  What if it's just "too much", well you know what?  Who cares?  I've got to be stronger in my conviction with my designs, push myself, do what I want and be happy with it.  I always love everything I make and would of course wear all of it, and like I've said before, selling them is really just the icing on the cake...I guess what I'm saying is that this whole custom order has me feeling inspired to create more from the heart, to really bring it with my designs, and not to worry about the "ifs and what ifs" and just let it flow, (I am the queen of over thinking, and doubting myself so lets leave that behind us shall we?).

These are also a custom order, just need to finish up one more pair and then they can fly home...
 
And, last but not least, this "little" nugget...heavily rusticated and textured, making its way to etsy soon.



In other news, we are still totally obsessed with our little Max...Since my injury last year I have been through so much emotionally as well as physically, and having him around brings extra smiles, laughter and general happiness that I am so incredibly grateful for every day!




Dear Max, thanks for making me smile so many more times a day than I would if you weren't part of out life!

One more tidbit...It was a little on the chilly side today, and for someone living in Hawaii, that means I get to have hat appreciation day, accompanied by a scarf and my favorite jeans!  The temperature here rarely allows for both of my favorite accessories to be worn in a single daytime outfit...and jeans too?  WOW!  That never happens!  So, thanks Sunday...You've been great so far, now I think I need to find an old movie on Netflix and get my relaxation on!


Look Mollie, it's the scarf you got me in China!



4.19.2012

Dear Thursday...Thanks for the unexpected adventure, the simple pleasures, and for the down and dirty garden project/appreciation moments.








Baby orange!  We've been waiting for you...

Garden Cairn, Hawaiian Style.  This one was here when we moved in, we love it.  
 


I've been working on some custom orders in the shop, a collection of earrings that make my eyes happy with color, and my mind wander with possibilities...It's really a beautiful thing.




I had to get a few pictures with the silky black patina, pre-polish...The COLOR!

Can you tell I'm feeling extra love for bright color these days?





So, thanks Thursday...You've been great, lets go toast a frosty beer on the back porch!

P.S.  I forgot how happy it makes me to put new plants in the bedroom...



4.12.2012

Studio Fruits...

Here's a quick peek at what I finished up today...





 





 They've just made their way over to the shop.

I'm headed back to work on a few custom orders, and then to bond with my lady over some Tecate and whatever is in the fridge for dinner.

P.S. I'm having another bezel creation battle at the bench...wish me luck, and if you hear me swearing while I'm in there, don't worry, I'll get over it!

4.10.2012

Tuesday...


Hi there! 
I've been organizing and re-decorating the studio lately, and what a difference it made!  I cleared the clutter, and am ready to sit down to work with a clear vision and a head full of ideas!




I've just finished with a mountain of steel wool, applying the patina to a handful of earrings for a custom order.  My fingers are blackened and dry from the oxidation and steel wool, my lovely manicure from the weekend is now officially on its last legs...





I finished this ring a while back and have had it on my table for the markets, It hasn't made it's way to ETSY yet, but I'm working on it.  The rain and cloudy skies are putting a dent in my photo taking plans this morning...So I'll be taking it for a spin today around town, and infusing it with a little extra love!






Earring creation madness continues to roll on strong in the studio!  I've got a few pieces ready for the shop, they just need to smile pretty for the camera and we are ready to go...In other news, we've also been cleaning up the garden, re-potting and bringing some new plants in to the house.  One of the best parts of living here is that we can go out to the yard, take a few cuttings, plant some pots and bring some new plants inside!  There's not really a difference between indoor and outdoor plants around here...There's nothing like some new greenery to spruce up the living areas and bring in a nice pop of colorful life to the indoors...I'm kind of obsessed with adding to the collection!




 

Happy Tuesday...

SK