“Serendipity”

I think this picture is so beautiful- a friend of mind took it and she calls it “Serendipity”.  the words she uses to describe her experience are profound- in fact, her work is profound and I’m in complete awe of her talent.  you can see all of her work on Red Bubble.  I think she’s an incredibly talented photographer and an especially wonderful friend!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the Super Bowl!  *go Saints!*

xo,

A

p.s.  donkeys are my favorite and so I like to think that Tania took this one especially for me!

February?!

where the heck did January go?  my goodness, for a month I don’t particularly enjoy, January sure did go by fast- and I’m happy for it!  I’m not much of a February fan either, but I think that the fact that it is a short month and Valentine’s Day is right in the middle of it makes it somewhat redeemable.  and yes, I love Valentine’s Day!  my husband always makes sure it gets celebrated right!  and if you’re interested, I wrote about the cutest Valentine’s ornaments made with vintage ephemera on my other blog, Portland Loves Local- you should definitely check them out!  they are adorable!  and of course, with Valentine’s Day comes jewelry sales, so I’ve been restocking a few boutiques and trying to stock my etsy shop as well.  Mink just got a batch of new pieces that I’m really excited about- lots of gorgeous colors and delicate designs!  and I’m also working on my Vintage Line for Grasshopper 510 in Chicago- they are an eco-friendly boutique that promotes reusing and recycling materials, which makes my vintage pieces just perfect for their collection!  while I was working the other day, I took a few pics at Mink.  I love the way they display my pieces:

I had a few goals for January, some I accomplished, some I didn’t.  the first one was to take a metals class, which I am doing and also really enjoying.  another goal I’ve had is to join the community center down the street from me- that one’s still on the list!  I’ve also made the decision to do some bigger shows this year.  if I could, I’d do all of the Renegades, but for now, I’ll have to settle for doing the ones that I can afford and have the time for.  the good news, though, is that we were able to apply for the Austin Renegade show that takes place in May.  I’m super excited and am crossing my fingers that we get in!

well, take care all!

and be well,

A

Taking a Breath… and finally seeing some sun!

as you might’ve imagined December was a really crazy month for me- and I know it’s terrible, but the craziness makes me a very bad blogger.  but, I’m back with my feet firmly planted on the ground, my life a bit more organized, and new inspirations for 2010.  so, happy New Year to you all!

I figure a quick recap is in order-

I had shows every weekend in December, with my last one being my best show ever!  I also produced pieces for multiple buys at Mink, which was very exciting and encouraging.  sales on etsy weren’t so bad either, so needless to say, I was a bit MIA to my friends and family and for that, I apologize.  but, I will say that December renewed my spirits and my drive and I’ve been trying to ride that wave for a while.  also, as a treat to myself, I finally signed up for a metals class!  I’ve had two classes so far and they’ve been fantastic.  I will post my projects and progress along the way so that you can see what I’m learning.

unfortunately, the days have been gray and rainy around here, but I saw the sun recently and it made me happy!  getting out of bed on a rainy day is just the worst.

now that the holidays are over, I’ve set my sights on Spring, working on colorful pieces and new designs.  I can’t stop thinking about new blooms, green trees, and sun-filled days.  I’ll even love the rain a little more when Spring gets here!

here are a few new designs that have come out of the studio in the past few weeks:

I hope you all are well and thanks for reading!

xo,

A

This Weekend!

I’ve got two shows this weekend that I’m excited to tell you about!

on Saturday from 5:30-9:00pm, I will be at the Holiday Twilight Sale at The 100th Monkey Studio.  Enjoy snacks and beverages while enjoying local art and getting your tarot read!

and on Sunday, I will be selling my jewelry at Handmade NW’s Formal Holiday Artisan Fair at the Chelsea Ballroom from 11-6pm.  it’s going to be a fun and fancy event that you I know you’ll enjoy!

if you do decide to stop by either of these events, I would love to meet you- please be sure to say “hi”!

‘Tis the Season for Craziness!

yep, I’ve been really busy!  I apologize I haven’t been here much lately- between working at the boutique and spending every other waking hour getting ready for shows that I have every weekend, things are getting to be a bit crazy around here!  I am constantly thinking of the next thing that I need to do.  I’m excited, though!  December is always a busy, fun time and I know that it will fly by if I don’t try to sit back and enjoy some of it.  I’ve been designing in the studio alot lately and when I do that, my body tends to feel it by getting all achy and sore.  but, I’m trying to care of myself this year (I’m not always good at that) and so, I get up and move whenever I think of it.  and I don’t just move- I dance!  I’ve been enjoying a little Hercules and Love Affair lately- it’s so very danceable!  the weather in Portland has been lovely, which is just what I need when I have to get up early and go to bed late.  I hope you all had a great holiday weekend!

Thankful

{photo by Manda}

well, hi there!  things have been a bit crazy around here this past week- I put a wholesale order in the mail today (yay!) and have been getting ready for all of my upcoming shows.  December is going to be crazy, but, it’s a wonderful time and I can feel the momentum kicking up a notch!  as my husband and I prepare our vegetarian steak and guinness pie for tomorrow, I am thinking about all that I am grateful for-

this year, I am grateful for:

my perfect partner,

my wonderful in-laws,

my far-away friends (you know who you are!),

and being able to make beautiful jewelry every day.

I am also thankful for all of you!  if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be doing this-

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

xo,

A

Getting ready for the holidays…

I’ve been playing with teardrops and seed beads- what do you think?

I really love the delicateness of the beads mixed with the heavy metals- and of course, their rich colors!  I think they’re just right for the winter/holiday collection!

JVille

Jacksonville was really lovely!  though it wasn’t everything we had expected it to be, it really was such a perfect time to be there.  I really enjoyed spending the weekend with my husband and such wonderful friends!  and if you’re ever going to be visiting Ashland, I would highly recommend the Terra Cottage Inn- it was so charming, well-designed, and extremely clean.  not only that, you are also welcome to pick greens from the garden and use their gourmet outdoor kitchen!

I hope you all had a lovely weekend too!

xo,

A

Five Senses Friday

{photo by A Skin for Tomorrow}

inspired by Abby and Jena, I thought it would be fun to participate in Five Senses Friday!

seeing:  the first season of Dexter (interesting show…. I’m on episode 2, not sure what I think of it just yet)

hearing:  Built to Spill (getting ready for the show tomorrow night!)

tasting:  hot toddies (the perfect cold weather beverage)

smelling:  pots of hot tea during this Cold Season (trying to get well!)

feeling:  the warmth of my new wool sweater that I got on my latest thrifting adventure.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!  I will be working in the studio tomorrow before going to the show, then it’s off to beautiful Jacksonville for a little adventure and location scouting for the story of Hurt.

enjoy,

A

Gray is the New Black

the afternoon rain storms and cloudy skies have inspired me to create this new collection of gray.  here, I’ve paired labradorite with mixed metals and tiny vintage seed beads with the warmth of gold.

how was your Thursday?  are you all looking forward to the weekend?  I’m just getting over a little cold and I’m so happy to be feeling better.  it was especially cold here today, but I’m trying to stay toasty with a cup of tea (throat coat) and my favorite chocolate (Maya Gold).  Pairing these with an episode of Survivor and then The Office makes me one happy lady!