I have a thing for cute. I also have a thing for trees, deer, nature, etc..So when I came across this artist, I knew I found a winner.
Meet Kitty Empire, home of the oh so cute wallets and purses that have definite appeal. I really liked this bunny wallet set against a large red heart. Made of vinyl, it features a button closure and fabric interior.
Priced at $15.00, it’s a steal. Stop by her shop to see her other wonderful goodies. Kitty Empire
technorati tags: Kitty+Empire, Etsy, Wallets, Purses, Vinyl
So, I’ve done a lot of thinking pertaining to the jewelry that I make and sell. Trying to decide between, what I like and what I love. What makes me happy and what’s just there to fill my shop.
Every jewelry designer or artist for that matter, makes a decision regarding their medium of choice to then hone and make their signature. Right now I lack that. I’m kinda all over the place. My problem is, I like too many things. I have to teach myself that just because I like it, does not mean it needs to be in my store. My brain simply cannot focus on any one thing, I’ve tried. For the sake of my business I have to start thinking in one direction and one direction/style that will be what my primary image will be.
My store evolution hopefully will be complete by Summer 07. By that point, I will have gotten rid of anything that no longer fits my direction and I will be a more focused designer. I still love my resin pendants so they’re staying since from start to finish, it’s all me. I will however be moving on to selling items that are handmade from start to finish down to the ear wires. I make everything by hand but some components are not unique to only me. I love sterling silver and that will be my primary medium. There are still about a grand more of tools that I’ll need to buy in order to help make my signature pieces, but for me to stay focused, that’s what I’ll have to do.
My decision to go forward was after a talk with an artist from a very large wholesale company that caters to true artists. After she went to every page on my site, the same questions popped up, and unfortunately I do not make all of my findings (brass stampings, filigree, etc). My pretty brass stampings may be awesome to me but they’re too mass produced. I didn’t realize how "unartist like" that I was. Made me look at what I was doing to my brand since I am going LLC soon. The conversation left this weird feeling in my stomach, like I was so far off, I lost the whole reason of even creating jewelry. She liked the handmade fine silver pieces, but she said there simply was not enough to say this is your signature. I totally have to agree. I like what I make, but I love anything that has to do with torch-work even more. When I start soldering, I’m in heaven.
I’ll still sneak in some brass filigree every now and then for my rings, but eventually I’ll be an all silver site with everything hand made, no more stampings.
I made this ring today and I have to say it came out great.
I’ll have to start making my rings adjustable, so this is my next task. I just cannot stand it when I see adjustable rings for sale and the artist is using silver plated adjustable bands which can be found anywhere in bulk for .35 cents per ring.(I’ve been tempted, lol) Silver plating won’t last on a ring band because of the constant contact your hand will have with objects, yet you see them all over the place. I want my customers to be happy with what they buy from me without worrying whether the silver will come off . I also plan on working with smooth gemstones and setting them in bezels so I’ll offer rock rings by Summer as well.
My resolution is to stay focused on my branding and signature and to not deviate from that in any way. To be more committed to creating new and unique items and to get a few more wholesale accounts.;-)
I came across this artist rather unexpected. I love art in all forms whether it’s sculpture, paints or installation. Jon Partain‘s work is a sight to see. True art from a true artists soul. He works with oils on canvas and wood and has been in many juried art shows, and from the few that I picked as my favorites, you can see why.
He’s currently featured on the Denver artists website where he can be reached via email to be able to purchase his works. Stop by his site to view the wide range of talent that he possesses.
technorati tags: Jon+Partain, Paintings, Art, Surrealism
I came across this artist by chance and I keep checking her store over and over because her style is so different and unexpected. She can go from total rocker to a quaint scene while still maintaining her edgy style. If you visit her shop you’ll see what I mean.
Here are 3 prints from her portfolio. There were so many to choose from that I had a hard time picking my favorites since I had so many.
Show your support for Indie and stop by her Etsy shop. Menta You won’t be sorry. Let her know you found her on Anything Indie.;-)
technorati tags: Menta, indie, prints, etsy
I recently had a wonderful zen like experience with my tea. I’m a tea and coffee drinker, but I tend to side more with Latte’s than tea. Well, I’ve changed my mind. I’ve seen the light.
Herb + Ginger has the most amazing teas. Not only are they aromatic, but they are flavorful as well. I tried 3 of their teas and I’m going to be placing my order because I couldn’t get enough.
My favorite was the Summer Mango Fruit Tea. I could not stop drinking it. When I first opened the package I received a wonderful rush of aroma flooding my kitchen. The pieces of fruit were chunky and plentiful, not minced down to nothingness. When I made a full pot and dipped my infuser into the kettle I could see the rich color change and my kitchen smelled as if I were baking a pie. I really enjoyed all 3 teas that I tried. I tried the Peach-icot (bestseller) and the Red Chocolate Rooibos tea as well, which by the way was delicious with a little cream.
Stop by this wonderful tea shop with wonderful prices for high quality teas : Herb + Ginger
technorati tags: Herb+Ginger, teas,
I’m on a kick right now with prints. I find it’s an easy way to add color and visual texture to your surroundings, giving your room or table a pick me up.
Ashley G has just the prints that are very easy on the eyes. Wonderful colors that are well balanced and cute characters is what you’ll find in her collection.
The one that caught my eye, because of the Winter season, is called, "HELLO December". I love the soft pinks with a touch of orange and the deer hiding in the background. It’s a very calm and serene print of her original illustration. Ahhh..winter.
Please visit her shop to see her other very appealing prints.
Also with every sale of this print which is only available in the month of December (better get it now), she donates $5.00 to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (http://www.trfinc.org).
technorati tags: AshleyG, prints, illustrations
I really love the colors that Joan uses for her palette. Vibrant and bright, they have a Technicolor feel as the subjects pop off of her colorful, detailed prints. She paints her work on canvas then translates that image into a digital print on heavyweight archival paper. The images are as sharp and clear as her original paintings.
1. Poppies $12.00 8×10 2. Spring Garden $12.00 8×10
Stop by her shop to view more of her wonderful works of art.
technorati tags: art, prints,
I have a thing for birds, nature, trees, you name it. I can’t seem to get enough. So when I came across an artist that makes bird’s nest necklaces, I had to take a closer look.
They’re available in many colors and you have a choice between bright or oxidized silver (my fave) to complete your look. Priced at $30.00. Stop by Lindsey’s shop to say hi!
technorati tags: bird’s+nest, jewelry, necklace
