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An Interview…

a sweet, little interview was posted about me the other day on the blog, Betsy and Iya.

Studio-1

Betsy and her crew have a wonderfully curated little shop not far from my home.  it showcases Betsy’s amazing jewelry as well as my own.  other items for sale include pieces from local artists as well as those nationwide.  the place is such a treat for the eyes (and other senses!), I would encourage you to stop by if you’re in the area.

and if you’d like to more about me, I’d love for you to read the interview and check out the beautiful pictures my Mr. R took- he’s quite the talented photographer!

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Looking to Fall…

 

 

 

so, I did a little research and this is what I’m looking at for a Fall 2012 palette- what do you think?  I am really loving these colors!  in fact, even my beautiful aging bouquet below reminds me of Fall- I guess I’m ready for it to get here!  it is my favorite season after all.

I’ve started to work on my pieces for Fall and rubies are definitely in order!  if you’d like, a little sneak peek…

Phoebe Necklace- ruby, vtg. brass, sterling silver, goldfill.

Annabelle Necklace- labradorite, vtg. brass, sterling silver.

Ruby Row Necklace- rubies, sterling silver, goldfill.

I hope the colors of Fall have been inspiring you too!  although we’ve been experiencing the heat here in Portland, I’m starting to see some Fall color and it’s beautiful- I’m excited for the glimpse of a new season!

xo,

A

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Ebb and Flow

goodness, where does my motivation go?!

it ebbs and flows and the question I don’t always know how to answer is why?

so, as a one-woman business, how do I stay inspired, motivated, and encouraged?!

yikes!  a break in the business or a small let-down can be so devastating.  I am aware of some of the things that I find difficult- for one, working as much as I do in the summertime at my other job really takes its toll on my business.  every summer, things start to slide and then I re-organize and reinvigorate for Fall.  I don’t want to let this keep happening!  so, a new plan is in order… and goal setting!  I’m hoping these ideas will help.  and as a jumping off point, I will be taking the Catalyst Course with Jena and Jen– I’m very excited!  I am stuck in a cycle that needs to be broken!

I know that I don’t often post personal stuff, but as far as business goes, I have decided to be candid and open with my readers and those who support me.  hey, why not?  this business thing is a struggle- it doesn’t necessarily come natural to me!  so, it’s time to make some changes so that I can go forward with success!

I was recently in New York City with my best friend for her wedding- it was marvelous!  every time I go to NYC, I come back with significant stories to tell and this time was no different.  I think of that trip every day and to be honest, wish I was still there!  I love it, I just love it.  when I’m there, though, I am aware that I couldn’t live there long-term.  those buildings and all the people start to make me feel a little claustrophic at some point.  but, it truly is a magical place- and the city never sleeps!  it is alive with energy.  it’s definitely hard to get back into the swing of things here, but day by day, I’m making progress!  tomorrow’s gem show should help!  I’m excited to get some new gems and start creating again.

perhaps these images from my trip will inspire me-

and maybe they will inspire you too!

all the love,

A

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Beautiful Inspiration

hello!  please pardon my absence.  I’ll just admit it- keeping up with blogging is hard!  what have I been up to?  well, of course, there’s the blur of the holidays, then January came and I just wanted to rest.  and rested, I did!  Meriwether’s closed for 6 weeks to remodel the kitchen.  I had big plans to be uber-productive, but in the end, I realized how much I just needed a break.  I did get lots of organizing done, though!  my apartment looks better than ever.  and I got my Spring Line mostly designed- soon to be in stores!  there have been high’s and low’s these past few months, but I’m starting to feel on top of things and ready to take on a new challenge.

since I have been redoing my space, I’ve been looking for new pieces of art here and there and recently, this beautiful watercolor caught my eye.  it came yesterday and even the packaging was impressive!

how cute is the baker’s twine and tape?!

a note card freebie and brown paper packing.

and inside was the most beautiful painting!  I had just the place to display it.

isn’t it lovely?

clearly I find the color combination quite inspiring!

hope all is well in your world.

much love,

A

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There is Much to be Thankful for!

it’s been quite a year for me and although I tend to reflect rather regularly about life and what I’m thankful for, Thanksgiving day is no exception.  although I haven’t been feeling too well AND I worked yesterday, I still wanted to take a moment to give thanks.

this year, I’m especially thankful for:

1.  my amazing friends who gathered around me and lifted me up when I was down- Amy, Ivy, Jen, Fawn, Janell, Linda, Misha, Sarah, Erin, Charity, Tania, Laurilee, Rebekah– I love you and am so honored to have you in my life!

2.  my family, whom I’ve become closer to and have gotten to know better in this last year.  thanks for being my rock!

3.  my Grandma, especially, for being someone I can tell anything to and she will listen, laugh, and understand.  we are the same.

4.  my work, Meriwether’s, who was kind and understanding and supportive when I needed them to be flexible and dependable.  Walking there every day got me out of my head and allowed me the freedom and independence to support myself and be independent when I needed to be.

5.  and of course, my other job, which brings me joy every day and has grown twofold in the past year.  I am so thankful for being able to do what I love and to have met such kind and supportive people in this amazing creative community.  Ruthie, Joann, Kristen, Betsy– it is such a pleasure to know you and your work is inspiring!  thanks always for supporting what I do.

6.  Portland, the fantastic city that I live in- my favorite coffee shop, the co-op across the street, Forest Park, my family-owned apartment building and my cute little apartment.  I’m lucky to have everything nearby and to live in such a great community.  I look forward to seeing such open, friendly faces every day!

7.  for all that I’ve learned about myself this year and how these things have changed me.  I’m excited for the adventure that awaits!

{the images above are from a recent trip I took to Northern California- so lovely!}

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New Camera

{Birdcage}

{Artemesia}

{Chinese Garden}

{Quilt}

{Gnome}

my dad recently informed me that he owned a Yashica.  do you know how excited I was when I heard this?!  it is now in my possession and I’ve been enjoying shooting with film.  I got my first role of film developed and I love how the pics turned out!

the weather is crazy here today, but the light is just lovely.  maybe I’ll head out and try taking some shots with the black and white film I have in there now.

I hope you are enjoying your Sunday and finding the end of the weekend relaxing and peaceful.

xo,

A

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A Day at the Coast

a couple of weeks ago, a dear friend and I decided to spend our day at the coast- although it was 96 degrees here in Portland, it remained a cool 60-something at the coast.  I wasn’t prepared for such a chilly day, but I relished it anyway.  it was really lovely.  we spent some time in Wheeler, Manzanita, and Gearheart- a few of my favorite coastal towns!

the sun came out for us in Wheeler

can you spot the heron?

after dinner in Gearheart

I have a feeling that day was my last “hurrah” before the Fall Season arrives and I will be focused on getting ready for holiday shows- I can’t believe it’s already time to start applying!  I better get busy.

xo,

A