Hiatus...

This is just a short note to say why the blog has been so quiet and let you know that I'm putting it on hiatus for a little while.  I am preparing to move back to New Zealand in two weeks, after living in L.A. for almost the past four years.  This it taking a lot of mental and emotional energy in addition to the logistics of it all.  I've been feeling guilty for not posting, so I've decided to officially put the blog on hiatus until things settle down.

My Etsy store is still open right now -- moving Kenzo back to New Zealand is costing me about $USD5000, so every sale helps!

Back in a bit...

Share

That Guy

Kenzo had a haircut today, so to capture him in the 10 seconds it takes before his fur grows out again, I took some pictures:

Share

New SALE section

I just finished adding a sale section to my Etsy store, please check it out!  Here are some of the listings currently on sale:

Summer Bloom Bracelet $27

Butterfly Earrings $14.50

Hot Air Balloon Earrings $12

Share

(Un)inspiration

I've been feeling a little... uninspired lately.  I don't have any of my necessary jewelry supplies left, and I'm hesitating on buying more when I feel like I should see if my current stock shifts, since my Etsy store has been so quiet lately.  So without anything to make, I've felt a bit disconnected and creatively flat.  I also feel less inspired and motivated to engage with others on the creative front and work on other aspects of my fledgling creative biz.

I have other things I can create with, of course.  I have needle-felting materials, wool and needles, paint and canvases.  Instead, I've been wasting time watching TV shows which I think makes me feel even more creatively stagnant.  So I think I might go on a TV fast this week, and make sure I'm spending my time in the evenings on creative projects. 

Today I made a start on breaking my creative drought by visiting the local farmer's market and baking a blackberry-apple pie from scratch, pastry and all:

I just had a slice and I think it turned it well!  Here's to the rest of the week being a little more inspired and productive.  What are your favorite methods for getting out of a rut?

Share

Customer Interview -- Jenny Lee Wentworth

My first customer interview -- the adorable and very sweet Jenny Lee Wentworth!

Hi Jenny! Tell us a little bit about yourself:

     Ok, well...I live in beautiful Oregon with my husband, two kiddos (one boy one girl), and two kitty cats. I'm a dental receptionist/assistant by day and an artist by night. I began my love affair with arts and crafts just the last couple of years by doing primitive stichery with simple store bought patterns and then began designing my own stitching patterns. Before I knew it something kindled inside of me and I was experimenting with new mediums, materials, and techniques, and reaching out to the creative community for support and inspiration. I was experiencing an artistic awakening and being able to express myself in these creative avenues has really made me feel fulfilled. Making art for the walls of my home and for friends has been a real joy for me. It sounds corny but I've never felt happier.


How did you find out about Art & Clasp?

   I found Art & Clasp through an online class we both took and I'm so glad I did, Averil is a sweetie and I love her jewels!. Her pieces are so unique. They are made with love by a kindred spirit, and you feel special when you wear them.


What Art & Clasp pieces do you own?

    I own the fabulous bicycle necklace that I won on the blog giveaway and the bold red bird necklace which I am wearing right now. I will definitely own more in the future.


Tell us about a time you wore one of your Art & Clasp pieces recently.

    I was in Paris this summer and I had my portrait drawn by a local artist there. I was wearing my bicycle necklace and the artist leaned in to get a closer look at it. She said it was, "C'est magnifique!" Honestly, I get compliments every time I wear my art & clasp jewelry. I think I should keep a stack of business cards with me at all times. Seriously Averil, if you send me some business cards I will hand them out when people comment on my necklaces. :)


Where can readers find out more about you?

    Visit me at my blog anytime at http://www.jennyleewentworth.blogspot.com/. You can also find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/JennyLWentworth and on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Wentwortharts.


Thank you so much Jenny!  Your compliments give me warm fuzzies :)

If you're an Art and Clasp customer and you'd like to be interviewed for the blog, please get in touch!

Share

Music To Craft To

I like to have music on when I make jewelry or other crafts.  Recently I have been searching for some new music, and last night came upon Will Stratton's new album, New Vanguard Blues.  I am in LOVE with this album, every song on it is beautiful.  After downloading it I was listening to it in the background and realized it deserved my full attention.  I turned the lights down, lay on the couch and listened to the whole thing from start to finish.  It has been a long time since I've been moved enough by an album to just sit still and listen.  Will Stratton is offering it for download online for only $8, and you can listen to every song before you decide to purchase.

Other favorites to craft to:

Sufjan Stevens

Elliott Smith

Zee Avi

William Fitzsimmons

Zero 7

Hoping that brings you a little inspiration :)

Share

Jewelry, Purse and Organic Kid's Clothing Party in L.A.

 Art & Clasp, Stars at Noon, and 31 Gifts Party!

As I have mentioned, moving my dog/best-friend-ever Kenzo to New Zealand is costing me a small fortune.  A friend suggested I hold a "jewelry party" to try and make some more sales/fundraise.  Just the thought of it made me uncomfortable -- inviting my friends over to try and get them to part with their hard-earned cash?  I shuddered at the thought of them feeling obligated to buy something.  Still, with the next round of vet visits and payment to the pet exporters looming, I decided to suck it up and do it.

I put it up as a private event on Facebook and invited about 20 women I know.  Then, the same friend (she's full of good ideas) suggested I join forces with another friend of hers that sells purses and gifts through the 31 Gifts line.  I also thought of Norma from the Flying Lessons e-course who I met on the weekend, who had mentioned that she had some stock of her awesome organic kids apparel that she wanted to shift.

So it became an event!  It's now going to be held at a business location in Woodland Hills, next Wednesday July 28th at 6.30pm.  There will be wine and appetizers, yum :) If you're in the L.A. area and available, we'd love to see you!  Please check out the event page on Facebook and RSVP.

Share