A sign of creativity

A sign of creativity

*   How great is it when your brain just starts to pop visual objects with details and you run to get your notebook to doodle everything you can remember about that moment! :)

*   How sad is it that it happens when you're in the middle of your sleep and you wake up and you can't remember a thing! :(

It's not an easy task to stay creative with so much distraction and interaction going on these days! That's why I keep a notebook pad in my car, the studio, and of course the bathroom!  You never know when creativity will strike again, and if you'll remember. A perfect example is when you're about to write something down and someone talks to you and you forget what it was you were going to write!  Happens all the time!  You just have to be ready!  Here are different ideas on what to do about your "dream catcher"....

A small (super cute) notebook pad could be placed
1)  In your purse.
2)  In the kitchen drawer.
3)  By your night table.
....among the above mentioned places.

Here are some cute notebooks I found...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86142296/mini-notebook-miss-shadow-love?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=mini+notebooks&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all

http://www.etsy.com/listing/93687149/mini-notebook-paisley-swirls-upcycled?ref=sr_gallery_25&ga_search_query=mini+notebooks&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all

https://www.goodsmiths.com/diva-gone-domestic/set-of-2-mini-honey-do-notepad-funny-saying-for-organizing

P.S. Don't forget sticky notes work well also....you just need to remember where you placed them!

What I've Learned!

What an exciting time creating and making my jewelry with my mind flowing with ideas and notebooks filled with doodles of the pieces that will be made. Mental clocks turning with creativity in my own space....so I thought.  Well for one the husband is not quite as thrilled as I am of my passion for art.  Although he supports me as much as he tries to, the doubt is there.  Will she actually sell anything?  Well I can't blame him.  He does have a point when I spend countless hours (until the kids are back from school) creating and enjoying the art of it all.  But I ask myself the same question, when will I sell my jewelry?

This is where myth meets reality.  All that work just making a piece of jewelry isn't enough.  There's taking the "perfect" picture, the hours of transforming the pictures you took to the right size and kb.  The description, which of course needs to be not only specific but inviting, don't forget measuring the piece.  And last but not least, promoting the items.  With money that you don't have and time that you don't have, research that hasn't been done, needs to be done, and will eventually catch up with you!  These are troubling times, I understand of the whole market and people are struggling with selling items online and in markets or fairs.  The thought of paying more for a handmade item has a long way to go.  I for one should have known. I can't wait a week to buy a pair of earrings, since I'm always on the go....not only will the same one's I'm wearing work all kinds of outfits, but do I really intend to look through 4,166,753 items, currently the number of jewelry items on Etsy! NO! So where has all this left me....on to this blog.

Rule number 1: Don't be too quick to jump on the wagon! There are many great places for selling handmade items, but you still have to work, and hard at it, to sell your own items.

Rule number 2: Do your homework.  It might seem like a good idea at first, but there are fees that need to be paid on certain websites that will take more of your money than they deliver.

Rule number 3: It's never as Easy as 1, 2, 3. Lots of pictures, shows, descriptions, money...you get the idea. Hard work is always involved.  There are the exceptions of course.  I find it hard to see some of the things that sell!!!

Rule number 4: It's always great to get support.  From family, friends, blogs, twitter, facebook...a little encouragement goes a long way...even when things aren't really going your way.

Rule number 5: Know when you need to give up. "Never give up" is only used when the effort is not coming out of your pocket.  It's hard, but it's harder to invest in something that doesn't give.  You could always have a side hobby that will entertain you. 

Rule number 6: There is a way to get back in the game, as long as you understand rules 1 to 5.  Why? Because you've done what you need to succeed. 

Good Luck!

Art Shows!

Art Shows!
I will be in the Sugar Art and Fashion Show on June 8th at Fusse. Be sure to stop by and say "hello".
It will be a fun night! Hope to see you all!  http://www.sugarartandfashionshow.com/sugar-does-miami.html

Also that Sunday, June 10th I will be at the Cauley Square historic village at an Arts and Craft show.  A great place for the whole family! http://cauleysquare.com/happeningsevents/event/body-mind-expo/

Can't wait! :)

Personalized Wooden Heart Necklaces

What a great way to state a message than with a personalized pendant.  These new heart pendants have a design on the front and a blank on the back for your special message.   One side has a hand burned design.  Some are hand painted others are left in the natural wood.  Some of the pendants have been hand painted on both sides.  

These personalized pendants are a great way to express your thoughts for yourself or others.

For example this one could be used to display your initials, ie (L+R)

This one could be used to show your godchild you care on Easter:

This one could be used for a birthday or a teacher:

This one's for the beach lover:

You get the idea!  These are a fun and economical way to let someone know you care....

'Til next time...with more additions.

Thanks for following - Leydis  @ http://www.miamisun.etsy.com/  MiamiSun

A bit of everything...

In the last few month of designing my jewelry I have found that mixing-it-up a little results in a stunning piece of jewelry that is more versatile than a simple design with no real goal.  You could probably wear a chain with a pendant everyday, but having one necklace with lots of details can actually dress you up more, enhance your outfit, and adorn better than a simple chain.  It can also look different with different colored clothes, so it's like having more than one necklace.

For example take "Mermaids Enchanting Dream Necklace":
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76520180/mermaids-enchanting-dream-necklace-fresh
Made with pearls and copper beads, this combination produces a very sophisticated and elegant look.  Pair it with a light or dark pink, brown, or white blouse, or jeans and it could be worn to the office.  Pair with anything black and the style is more for a party.

With the "Go Fish" necklace, a mixture of beads in the same tone can also result is a great necklace.  This piece, in blue and white, has the element of surprise, which is fun and sassy.  Blue jeans, black jeans and the everyday t-shirts are great with this necklace.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76789239/go-fish-necklace-painted-blue-chain

Another necklace with blue and white, I've mixed with silver toned beads to add flair to the combination.  Silver always goes with everything, as well as gold tones.   http://www.etsy.com/listing/76855863/blue-and-white-surprise-necklace-ceramic

Although not a very popular color, this "Royal Jasmine Necklace" has beautiful purple dyed jade nuggets that are accented by the dark color of the diamond hematite, and are complemented by the amethyst Swarovski crystal.  A necklace that can go from work to party in less than 60 seconds-just add more lipstick.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76522122/royal-jasmine-necklace-purple-jade

Hard to beat are "earth" tones...for example this "Chocolate Swirl Necklace" can go anywhere with you...
A working moms day...the supermarket, the park, the birthday party, meeting with a client, dinner and a movie.  All with the same necklace.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76973689/chocolate-swirl-necklace-three-different

Ok, one more and very important are the chain combinations.  A tad of color, lots of textures = very appealing and adaptable jewelry.
Take the "Tropical Rainforest Necklace" 
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76644496/tropical-rainforest-necklace-round-and

or

"Moroccan Nights"
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68153726/moroccan-nights-necklace-antique-metal

or

"Coming Home"
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76645410/coming-home-necklace-large-brass-oval

and finally

The "Aqua Necklace"
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76970275/aqua-necklace-aqua-painted-aluminum

All with a mixture of texture and a some color for a more adaptable style.

So, the next time you purchase a necklace, think about how much use you will actually get out of it....including will it go with a nice blouse, t-shirts, jeans, a favorite outfit, work, a party, summer, spring, fall, or winter.

Enjoy!
Leydis

Shop:  www.miamisun.etsy.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Miami-Sun/198589206833830
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/MiamiSunJewelry

Renewing my shop

Hi everyone,
Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm renewing my shop - kind of spring cleaning - just for Summer!
I want you to purchase beautiful items at a great value, and be able to enjoy them for many fashions and seasons.

Be ready for summer with sweet flower design necklaces...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72540867/shasta-daisy-necklace
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72140041/black-pearl-amaryllis-necklace?ref=v1_other_2
http://www.etsy.com/listing/71451620/aqua-green-beach-necklace

Earrings in Summer tones...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70623012/white-and-gold-earrings
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68406688/bronze-sand-earrings
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70068228/indian-wrap-design-earrings

Bracelets with color and glam...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73203918/sunny-day-for-mom
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68229168/caribbean-tagua-bracelet
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68301649/purple-majesty-bracelet?ref=v1_other_1

And don't forget to come back often and see the new items added weekly...Enjoy!
http//www.miamisun.etsy.com/

Get ready for summer!

Two New items for a great summer's day...
Chinese Garden Butterfly Earrings

Nectar Sweet Earrings

Enjoy a day out with these cute and casual earrings for summer!