Working without words.

Here are a few picks of where I work to design me pieces.






Notice the TinkerBell that my daughter colored for me :) She is my "muse"!

Take a look at some of the other EART team members work spaces and works in progress. Follow the ring around, starting with the Team Blog.

My favorite Etsy Shops.

Today for our EART Blog ring is discussing what Etsy shops are our favorites. I am so excited to be writing this post, because there are so many great shops out there that it is hard to see them all. Hopefully you can brows by my favorites and make them some of your favorites too!

Here we go!

1. SMDstudio.etsy.com - Steve Drew is a super talented artist who has found his niche in the art world creating realistic landscapes, birds and much more on canvas.

2. Luxbeads.etsy.com

I have gotten some of my favorite gemstones from this shop, and have always have a great experience! Love the fact that I can but small amounts of many stones. This way I can get more diverse design work done for the same amount as a strand of one type and cut of gem.




3. EclecticArtisansTeam.etsy.com

Of course this in one of my favorites. So many great artists in one place! What a great mix of talent. Come check it out.




Want to see some more favorite picks from EART artists? Follow the blog ring around starting here at the team blog and read through some other great posts!

These Are A Few of My Favorite....Colors

Today on the EART Blog ring we are talking about out favorite color to work with. I have to admit that I tend to gravitate toward cool colors in my work because that is what I enjoy for myself. Blue is my weakness. It doesn't matter the shade, any blue will do!!! I prefer to work with natural gemstones that are blue instead of glass. I feel that the intensity that nature brings to the stone is so much more beautiful than any glass could be.

I don't think that I have a problem using other color combinations, however I don't wnd up doing it very often because I work from impulse. So my impulse typically gravitates to my personal color preferences. Stuck in a rut may be a more appropriate term for me than out of my comfort zone! Haha!

Want to read about what colors light up the creations of the other EART team members? Head on over to the team blog to follow the ring around!

Save some dough on Cyber Monday!

The EART team is having a trunk show in the Etsy virtual labs on Monday the 30th. Stop on by to see some gret products and get some awesome deals!!

Why I do what Ido

This week for our EART Team blog ring we were asked to write about why we started with our craft. I was thinking about this the other day and trying to pin point it down. I have been "crafty" for so long that it seem like it has always been a part of my life.

I have to give the credit for my hands on, creative nature to both of my parents. My dad is a wonderful wood worker and has always been good a "building" things, even one of the houses we lived in. My Mother is a talented seamstress and crocheter. In addition to all of that she cross stitched and is excellent at drawing and scketching.

With all of that being said I think I get my love for jewelry and design from my Pawpaw (mother's father). He was the kind of man who saw something that he was interested in and just did it. He never did anything half way either. One of his many "adventures" was into silversmithing and lapidary. He created jewelry and even cut his own stones to use in his beautiful pieces.

I have several of the stones he cut, and a few of the peices that he created. I am amazed by them, and admire and miss my Papaw so much. When I inherited these items I realized how much I really wanted to pursure jewelry design and eventually silvesmithing.

Even though I have been crafting with beads, elastic cord, and copper wire for many years, it was the nspiration that my Papaw left me that has given me the passion ans desire to make something more from my gift. To make the most beautiful things that I can with the best quaality and love that I can give them.

Thank you, Papaw for everything! I miss you!


Ok...drying my tears now :) Want to read about how some of the other EART team members got their start with their craft? Start at the Eclectic Artisans Team blog and work your way around. They have some great stories to tell that are worth listening to!

Have fun and Have a Great Thursday!!!

November Scavenger Hunt!

I am proud to be a contributing member of the The Eclectic Artisans Team's new team shop. Check it out! To celebrate our new shop and the beginning of the holiday season, we're having a scavenger hunt, and everyone is invited to participate!

Here's how to play:

Visit the participating etsy shops (scroll down for the list of shops) and search their items for this photo:



When you find it, send the shop owner an etsy convo letting them know you found it. You can search and enter in each participating shop. You can only win once (we want to share the love as much as possible), but the more shops you enter, the more chances you have to be a winner! Each shop owner will randomly draw one winner at the end of the hunt.

That's all you have to do. The scavenger hunt runs from Friday, 11/13, 2009, to midnight EST on Friday, 11/20/09. Check the EART website on Monday, 11/23/09 to see the winners. Enjoy the hunt!

(Please note: EART members are not eligible to win prizes.)

Here's a list of participating EART shops and their fabulous prizes:

MichellesCharmWorld
Prize: Pair of Lego Earrings & Lego

EDCCollective
Prize: Set of four photographic art note cards with envelopes, your choice of images.

DivaDea
Prize: set of four handmade christmas cards

IndigoOrchid
Prize: Platinum Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings

Pnkgeeni
Prize: set of six handmade embossed christmas cards

AWEshop
Prize: Hammered Copper Adjustable Spiral Ring

Purple Sparkle Crafts
Prize: Sugar Pink Marshmallow Cupcake Candle

MouserkinsMagic
Prize: Choice of 2 Bookmarks

InspirationRecycled
Prize: Peacock and Brown Felt Pendant

Punkynmunky
Prize: Animal print no slip hair clip trio

BeautifulSchlopp
Prize: $25 gift certificate

Hair Bows Wonderworld
Prize: red velour rose pin-on corsage/buttonhole

EclecticArtisansTeam
Prize: sparrow earrings from MichellesCharmWorld

Holiday Shopping Specials for You!!!!

This time of the year everyone is concerned with what they will give their friends and loved ones for the holidays. I am no exception! I have been browsing Etsy for the perfect gifts to give the special people in my life.

I hope that I can make your shopping a little easier this year by making it easy on your pocketbook (Who doesn't need a little help with that!).

Here are some of the specials I will be running:


STARTING 11/13/09 and continuing through 12/5/09

♦Free Domestic Shipping on orders of $30.00* or more
♦$3 off International shipping on orders of $30.00* or more.
♦Free gift with purchase (Perfect as a stocking stuffer)

After order is placed, please wait for a revised invoice from Paypal BEFORE you pay.

I have a free holiday gift wrap option available if you would prefer holiday colors to the traditional purple, white and black Indigo Orchid Designs packaging. (Please specify the holiday you are gifting for in the notes to seller upon check out)

* $30.00 minimum total cannot include shipping charges


I will also be running some blog reader only specials, so make sure you come back and check every once in a while to make sure you don't miss anything!!

Ok...Time to get out your pens and paper and head over to the EART Team Blog and follow the blog ring through each blog to collectyour lest of specials and discounts from EART members!! This is a great way to save some time and money this year!!appy Thursday everyone!

H

Christmas in October

I here people laughing about it all the time, but it seems to be more true every year. This week for the EART team Blog Ring we were asked how early we start preparing for the holidays in our shops. Well, seeing as this is my first year at this I have had hard time gauging when to start "hanging the holly" in my shop, as it were.

I have been working on some holiday designs since mid-October, and am planning on listing them by the end of this week. I guess we will see if it was too late or too early once I get that done.

I hope that Halloween was not an indicator of how my Christmas/ Holiday items will do. I only sold one pair of Dia de Los Muertos earrings, but I think I may have listed everything too late. Hopefully things will be a little more productive this go around.

Want to find out how the other EART team members are getting their shops ready for the Holidays? Head on over to the Eclectic Artisans Team Blog and work your way around the ring. Who knows, you may be able to fill out your Christmas wish list while you read!

So much to do, and so little time to do it !

This seems to be the story of my life! Always feeling like I am running in circles, but wondering if I am getting anything accomplished. This week the EART Team Blog ring is taking a look at how we manage being an active team member, a creative and productive artist, and still have a life outside of the handmade world.

To be quite honest, this is what I struggle with the most. Between two kids under 4 years old, housework, 9 hours of college, and my jewelry business I have a hard time keeping up! The one trick that I have found successful is to "budget" my time. I only give my self a certain amount of time to complete tasks. If I am not done by the end of my time I put if down and have to wait until I have spare time to finish. In all honesty, when I set reasonable limits, I have no problems meeting them.

The final, and most important thing that I do with my time is prioritize. If I have to choose between my family and my art, my family will win every time. Sometimes it is good to refocus and remember why you decided to make your art a business. When the lines get blurred and the art becomes more pressing to me, I step back and reevaluate how much time I "really "need

Want to read about how other EART members manage to lead a full life and still be able to by productive? Start here at the team blog, and read your way around the ring!

The Eclectic Artisans Team Shop Features Punky N Munky

Please stop by and read about the Eclectic Artisans Team Shop featured artist, PunkyNMunky!

The Eclectic Artisans Team Shop Features Punky N Munky

My Favorite Thing

As a jewelry designer and artist, it is really hard for me to pick out just one piece that I have made and call it my "favorite". I love all of my creations because they all cam from my heart. That being said, there are some pieces that I have made that really grabbed hold of me so to speak, and led me by the hand through the creative process.

This is one of those pieces. It is named "Inspiration" because it inspired me to use different items as focal pieces in my jewelry.

The focal piece of this necklace is a Czech Pressed Glass Button. The button itself is new, but it was molded using the original antique molds, and was crafted in the exact manner that this company originally did more that 80 years ago. I was impressed with the craftmanship of the button as well as how easy it was to use it just as I would a precious stone.

Inspiration - it is found in the strangest places! That is why this is the favorite item I have in my shop.


Want to find out what the other artists in the Eclectic Artisans Team treasure the most in their shops? Stop on by the EART Team Blog and follow the ring around. I'm sure that you will enjoy the stories that they have to share with you!

Happy Thursday Everyone!

The Eclectic Artisans Team is Open for Business!!

I am proud to say that the Eclectic Artisans Team, an Etsy Street team, has now opening up a team shop. This is a great place to go and brows through the great variety of what the EART team has to offer.
This week we will be running a Promo where all of the participating members will be offering a free gift with a purchase from the team shop! I am extending this offer to my home shop, and will be sending a free gift with every purchase over $20.00.
Take a moment and go visit the new team shop to see what my great team members have offered there. Who knows what you might find!

I need to go shopping!!

I mean it! I NEED to go shopping, just not for me personally- for my shop. The one thing that will stop an artist dead in their tracks is running out of their medium of choice. Well I am fast approaching the point where I hit a brick wall.

My favorite wire to work with currently is 20 gauge, dead soft sterling silver. Well... I a am running very low! So I guess a trip to www.Monsterslayer.com is in the near future for me. They have such an amazing variety of metals, chains, and beads. I could spend hours looking around online. I know, I know... it is a sad state of affairs when a girl is more interested in her next silver wire purchase than the next pair of shoes she will buy.


So, as much as I would like to say that my next shop purchase will be these FANTASTIC set of Wubbers pliers, it won't be ( maybe next time...). But that doesn't mean that I will have anyless fun with the purchase that I will be making!

Want to read about what other EART team members are shopping for to complete their shop? Stop by Diva Dea's blog and find out whether her next purchase will be a "need" or a "want". Who knows, maybe she is in the market for a little from both catagories...

Boo!! Did I scare you?

That's right, it is that time of year again. The time when spooks and ghouls start making their way out from the shadows to prepare for their big night, Halloween. The goblins and ghosts are extra good at sneaking up on people and I am no exception this year!

I had grand plans for some great Halloween items in my shop this year. Unfortunately, I have yet to get them completed. SO... until they are finished I will tell you about my ideas. One of the projects I would like to have up in my shop before the beginning of October are some very cool silver and onyx spider web earrings. On the menu are also some deliciously dainty carnelian pumpkins and candy corn. Last but not least, some cheeky Dia de Los Muertos skulls in all the traditional bright colors.

Keep stopping by to see that finished works as they pop into the shop. Some of the other Eclectic Artisans Team members are getting ready for Halloween too. To read more about what they have in store, stop by Michelle's Charm World to see what cute and spooky things she has in store.

Fall Is In The Air

It is getting close to the time of year when the temperatures start to fall and the leaves start to change. That is unless you live in Texas like I do, then it is still 95 and humid!

Well, even with the temperature not cooperating fall is on the way never the less. All you have to do is look in the stores to see it. Fall colors of browns, oranges, maroons, and golds are on every clothing rack. This has prompted me to do the same thing and pull out all of my fall themed beads and gemstones.

I am in the process of getting out my fall line made of Fancy Jasper, Tigers Eye, Garnet and Andalucite (just to name a few)! When the seasons change, so does the clothing and in turn the accessories. The seasons wait for no one, and neither does fashion!

Other members of the Eclectic Artisans Team are getting their shops ready for fall too! Go check out what Michelle' Charm World has in store for the fall season.

Troubles and Trials

Even though I love designing and creating jewelry, I still have periods of time that I find myself struggling. It is not the silver or beads that give me trouble, but rather the business of, well, running a small business.

My biggest trouble when it comes to running my little corner of cyberspace is time management. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the business of getting business that you end up being a hamster on a wheel, always running but never really getting anywhere!

I am still learning the ropes of online selling, but one thing I have already seen is that it can consume you if you let it. When that starts to happen it is probably best to take a deep breath, take a step back for a second and them regroup and reorganize. It is really important to me that Indigo Orchid Designs stays something that is beneficial to me and my family, and does not become a burden.

Are there any things going on in your life right now that seem to be a struggle for you? (I'm sure there are, everyone has some struggles now and then). Take a step back, reevaluate and regroup! You will feel better for having tackled it, even if it doesn't get completely solved.

Reading about others struggles can help put our own in perspective and give us motivation to take them on! Go, and stop by Michelle's Charm World's blog to see what struggles she tackles as a small business owner!

Are you ready to go back to school?

It's that time of year once again. Time for Moms and Dads to run around town stocking up on paper, pencils, and folders for the kids first day back to school. At least this is the first picture that pops into my mind when I hear the phrase "Back to School".

There is a whole lot more to back to school than paper and pencils and elementary classes. What about all of the College students heading back to University after a summer break. One of the top priorities from them is "How do I look"? Well, you are in luck today (wink, wink).

In a back to school tribute, I would like to show off some of my super simple, but eye catching jewelry. Perfect for those mornings when you rolled out of bed just in time to run a brush through your hair and make it to class right before the professor starts his lecture. (I am an expert in this subject!) The right jewelry can take that thrown together look and make it look planned.

Earrings that go from jeans to night out at the coffee house after class:



Super slick necklaces to help balance out any outfit:


This is just a small example of some of the things in the Indigo Orchid Design Shop that can help you start the school year out right! Don't forget to have your most important supply with you when you start back to school this year... your style!

Want to read about what other Eclectic Artisan Team members are doing to get ready for school? Check out DivaDea's blog to continue the back to school fun!

Why Etsy?

That's a good question! Why DID I chose to set my shop up on Etsy? Well first I guess I should tell you about what motivated me to look for a place to set up shop.

As you have heard me talk about in the past, I had been designing jewelry for my own enjoyment and use for several years before I decided to venture into the world of sales and custom work. One of the biggest motivating factors for bringing my work out into the public market was the hope that it would offset some of the financial burden brought on by my decision to be a stay at home mom. Being at home with my girls is hugely important to me and my husband, and I would make the same choice even if I didn't have a way to try to contribute.

After I had done my research on supplies and what I would need to start an official business with a tax ID, I started the search for the best way to get my product out in the market. Immediately the online marketplace stood out as the perfect option.

Since My primary job is to stay at home with my girls and make sure that my house runs smoothly, being able to sell online was ideal. It gave me the freedom to create and list my items as well as "keep shop" while the girls were asleep or having movie time. Freedom and flexibility were a must! This is when I was introduced to Etsy.

In one of the forums I post to I was always hearing the name "Etsy" brought up. Finally I decided to check it out. BINGO!! Etsy's fees were well within my price range, and it was available whenever I have a free moment to post. Another big factor for me was the community support network available through Etsy. The forums, teams, and news letters were a great source of information and support for me as a newbie. I have been with Etsy for almost 6 months now, and am very happy with my experience so far!

Speaking of a great network of artists... Want to read other Etsy set up stories? Go visit the Eclectic Artisans Team Blog and see what motivated some of the other artists in our team to join Etsy.

Can it "B" Tuesday?

Best Friends, baby-food and Basset hound puppies.

An eclectic mix of happenings today!
Best Friends:

Tuesdays ( and Thursdays) are fast becoming my favorite weekdays. The reason being that my best friend, Ali, comes over and has coffee with my before she heads off to work. I get to have true girl time before the morning rush of feedings, whining and dirty diapers begins. It is a refreshing way to start the day, and it helps me get my head on straight so that I can deal with my girls the way I need to the rest of the day! Thanks Ali! Woo woo woo!

Baby Food:

Today's menu item of choice for Aliana was banana cubes coated with crushed multi-grain Cheerios. I have to say it was a big hit (Once she figured out that she could mash them in her hand before she ate them.

Here is a little video of her post banana, giggly self!



Basset Hound Puppies:


In other random cuteness... On my families recent trip to Indiana we had the fortune of playing with some of the most adorable and cute Basset Hound puppies! Here are a few pictures so that you can Oooo and Ahhh for yourself!

Mondays were made for saving - money that is!

I have decided to dedicate my Monday blog feature to all of the great deals that I have found out there in the handmade world. Each week I will list links to all of the great places you can save money on your favorite things. After all, with summer coming to a close and Christmas peeking around the corner it doesn't hurt to find a great deal on a great item!

The Eclectic Artisans Team on Etsy has a weekly post to feature all of the great sales going on through the week here.

If you are in the market for some very cool handmade lamp work beads, don't miss the sale at MelissaBeads Artfire shop. Today only, she has her prices marked down 20%!!

Bluepisces76 is having a BOGO sale on their handmade soaps. Looks like they have some great stuff!

Claudia's Creations has these absolutely marvelous butterfly plantable handmade paper gift tags on sale 50% off!!! Once the gift has been given, the tag can be planted and wildflowers will grow. Talk about a gift that keeps giving! Lopts of other great deals at her shop too, a definite must see!

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to great deals on handmade! Have you found a great deal latley, or would you like to feature a sale on my blog? Email me and I will add you on to the next Monday Feature!