I had the realization that business social media account-wise, I tend to post a lot on Instagram, occasionally on Facebook, sometimes on Pinterest, and rarely here. My intention is to start blogging more.
I’ve been working hard – prolifically making jewelry, figuring out prices, planning for my next craft show (on September 13!), editing my digitized oracle cards on Photoshop, putting up a few new items on Etsy, and getting ready to go away for Labor Day weekend to visit my love.
So, here’s a taste of what I’ve been up to recently:
I found these brass flowers at a local bead shop/art gallery and knew I had to make them into earrings. Brass Flowers with Lapis Lazuli Leaves Earrings. Up on Etsy here.Triangular turquoise in sterling silver. Also on Etsy. Seen here with a beautiful piece of selenite, one of my recent favorites from my stone collection.Ways to Make a Wish Card – I see this as a birthday or general encouragement card. It’s blank inside. Here on Etsy.Collage/mixed media piece in progress. I wonder what it will become. At this point, I know it will have more layers, but I’m not sure beyond that. There’s something really soothing about creating with glue and paper.I took this photo early Sunday morning. I woke up because the moon was still so bright, and then decided to get up and take this picture.Moonglow, Sunday night. I came back home after seeing live music, and turned around to see this. The picture doesn’t capture the full beauty, but it does capture some of its essence.
I sit in an office, or maybe it’s the back room of a store, or at a small table in a living room. I ask my customer what she is looking for: is there a specific stone she is drawn to? I have a bowl full of stones to look at as well as other resource books on crystal meanings. Would this be a gift for someone or herself? Is there a quality she would like to embrace in herself more? Something she wants to let go of? Something she wishes to protect? Are there any symbols or shapes she is drawn to? I ask her record her dreams for a week and tell me any details that stick out to her.
Once I have information I spent time brainstorming. I show her some sketches. She gives me feedback about what she is drawn to, and why. At this point, we discuss materials and price. Then I create, playing with wire, gemstones, and intuition.
I would like my jewelry design and art business to have an intuitive custom aspect, where I combine my energetic and artist gifts to create one-of-a-kind pieces for people. I’ve made a custom piece for a friend, and I really enjoyed the process: it was experimental, collaborative, and very satisfying.
Custom Piece: Citrine and Silver Spiral Nest
My energy healing training: I am Reiki Level 2 attuned and I’ve also done some informal training based on the teachings of the Berkeley Psychic Institute. Energy work feels like it comes naturally to me, but training and attunement has made it easier for me to access and sense energy. I also identify as empathic, and can pick up on others’ emotions. I want to continue to integrate these skills and abilities into my creative process – it feels healing for me, and I hope it will help others as well.
I love the idea of setting an intention and working with someone to make something special for them or a loved one.
If you are interested in ordering a unique, intuitively-created piece, let me know. You can contact me here.
I ordered three of my illustrated affirmations in sticker form, and I think they turned out pretty well. I’m selling them as three sticker sets on Etsy here. Check them out!
On Saturday, I spent the day mostly offline. In the morning, I went down to the Rio Grande and took a walk. I also spent some time just sitting by the river. Then, I came home and created up a storm: I made prints, jewelry, and a watercolor painting. I was really grateful for this time: after all the busyness of the past few weeks, it felt wonderful to call a time out of sorts. I need to take intentional time offline more often – it allows me more space to dream and to refill my energy reserves.
From my time by the river
I also took some time this weekend to write out a few new listings on Etsy, and posted them this morning. You can find them here.
I’m slowly easing into the rhythm of daily life after a weeklong Nia intensive training in Santa Fe. Nia, a form of dance fitness, is one of my other passions and expressive outlets. I am now a Nia White Belt, which is the first level of certification for anyone who wants to teach or wants a greater depth of understanding of the principles and practice. I am so grateful for my experience there – it was both healing and enriching. I’m also feeling really inspired, and I already see that leaking into my creative life.
I brought a few of my jewelry pieces with me to the training and ended up selling three things. I now have learned to bring more items at similar events in the future, and also to have a good stock of business cards with me at all times. One of my classmates is a successful jewelry designer and I hope to connect with her more soon.
I sold this Red Jasper heart last week.
I’ve been working on updating my website! If you have a chance, please look at it and tell me what you think. I’ve been working with a friend on online marketing and she suggested that I work on making the home page more visual. In any case, I had fun playing with the images.
I signed up for a craft fair in September, and I’ve been looking at the possibility of selling some of my pieces on consignment at local shops.
I also submitted both poetry and art for consideration for the 2017 We’Moon calendar and datebook. I’m excited for more opportunities like this – no matter what the outcome, it’s good practice and exposure.
Also, I got proofs of my oracle cards! I made the originals with pencil, pen, and watercolor two years ago as part of a project. Since then, I have digitized them in Photoshop. I’m still working on editing and rewriting the card descriptions, but hope to have them ready and available to sell at some point soon!
Lately, I’ve been enjoying illustrating words. For myself, I find them encouraging. I also love the painting process, of putting my brush to paper, deepening the shades of color, finding my own balance between abstract and expressionistic.
So far, I have painted these words: (click for full size images)
Two-Dimensional Art Portfolio
What other words would you like to see? What inspires you?
I have a weeklong Nia (dance fitness) intensive training starting on July 25. I’m nervous and excited. Dance is another one of my creative outlets, and it also is great exercise. In the meantime, from today through July 23, I’m having a sale on Etsy – 15% off with the coupon code NEWFOLLOW. I just added a few new items to my shop, too. www.etsy.com/shop/seekingspiritdesigns.
Also, I’m looking into printing some of my drawings and two-dimensional art pieces to make them into cards and larger prints. I just ordered one set (for proof purposes) of my oracle cards and should get them next week. Exciting times!
Just a few of my recent works. I’ve been busy learning how to market myself on Facebook and Instagram while also consistently making new pieces. I’ve sold a few items on Etsy, too. I’m loving what I’m learning and realizing that it takes a lot of persistence and patience! I am determined to continue doing what I love and sharing it with others.
Seeking Spirit Designs 