This is one of the toughest posts I've ever had to write. Recently, my husband and I have made some very important decisions for our financial future. We have resolved to devote most of our free time to learning as much as we can about real estate investing, searching for properties, and acquiring them.

We are both very passionate about this pursuit, and have been wanting to do this for quite some time. In the long run, the payoff will be great. Time is as short, as the road is long.

This is why I will be devoting far less time to the business than I had originally intended. Sadly, I will not be releasing the much anticipated web site. Instead, I will continue to put my jewelry up for sale on Etsy. I truly enjoy making YD Jewelry, and sharing it with you. It is not something that I can easily give up, so I will continue to do what I love, albeit on a smaller scale.

Dismay: The Rainy Day

I had big plans for today that were supposed to get me that much closer to presenting the new YD website to all of you. However, mother nature had other plans for me. It has been pouring down rain all morning, and with no strong natural light in the forecast for today, I won't be able to re-take my product shots.

Recently, I took a look at the nearly finished "Necklaces" page and thought the images needed more "oomph!", so yet another day of photographing is in order.

Wellington Rain Boots!

Really, I am such a perfectionist. Especially when it comes to my product shots. In fact, that is the reason why I am still working on this project. I rely on natural light, rather than bulbs because I find that they cast a yellow, green, or blue tint that really distorts the true color of my jewelry. So, I am at the mercy of nature on this one.

(I wish I could just curl up in this space with a book today.)

Though, my sister in law called me the other day to tell me about an awesome studio lighting kit she had just bought from Wal-Mart for only $50. I'll have to see about the lights in this little kit. Wendy, expect a phone call.

New Styles

horn bracelet with textured chain

The last couple of days here at YD have been exciting for me. I love to get shipments of new bead and metal supplies. I feel like a kid in a toy store all over again.

choker necklace with Czech lamp work bead and silver studs pendant

I spent most of the day yesterday making a bunch of new necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. These new items are a continuation of what you've seen on the blog lately. They were made in a range of complementary colors, in keeping with the previous formula (IE: the tear drop and glass bead pendants) to be added to my new line.

resin and glass bead bracelet on textured sterling silver chain

Wait! That's not all! I've also made a few new things to keep you on your toes. They will also be part of the limited edition line of colorful and simple designs that I've been so fond of making lately.

I know you are probably getting as anxious as I am by now, but I'm getting closer every day to the big reveal of my new web site! Please hold on just a little longer, folks.

Studio Friday: Wabi Sabi

Wabi-sabi (in Kanji: 侘寂) represents a comprehensive Japanese world view or aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience. The phrase comes from the two words wabi and sabi. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete" (according to Leonard Koren in his book Wabi-Sabi: for Artists, Designers, Poets and Philosophers.

What imperfection are you struggling with in either your art or studio space? Is your ideal set too high? Do you put too much pressure on yourself? Try to see the beauty in its imperfection and celebrate it!!


"Nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect."
(taken from Wikipedia on the topic of Wabi Sabi)

I have said for years that my art work, and now my jewelry designs, will never be truly complete because there is always room for improvement.

Recently, I have moved to change the direction of my jewelry designs because, quite frankly, I was ready for a change. I am now working toward more simple, young styles, and am pleased by the outcome.

I hope that the new look will resonate with a younger crowd more than the designs of my past had. I enjoy sharing my work with people of all ages, but would be ecstatic to see my peers enjoying YD jewelry as much as I do.

This is why I have worked hard these last few weeks to find materials that will allow me to sell my new line, made with all sterling silver findings, at a reasonable price for a young budget (prices at $35.00 or less).


This, of course , is by no means the end of my design innovations, because I believe that, "Nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect".

Cheers!

Cheers to you all! I'm thoroughly enjoying this Wednesday morning because it's photographing and photo editing day here in the studio. Honestly, this used to be the most unnerving day of the whole make/sell process, but now that I have gotten the hang of it, I find it to be very exciting. As soon as I finish photographing, I rush to the computer, memory card in hand, to see what I've captured on "film".

These yummy dangle earrings will soon be for sale on the new website! The days are winding down to the final reveal. I'm a bit nervous, but more than anything, I'm super excited because there will be lots of new styles to choose from. In the past few days, I've made several sterling chain necklaces with simply eye popping pendants, and gorgeous sterling charm bracelets.

Silver Jewelry in Stock

Yay! Sterling silver jewelry is now available in the Etsy shop. I spent most of the morning getting these great shots for your viewing pleasure. Believe me, they are far more dazzling in person.


These pendants are hand painted mother of pearl. Just gorgeous, and perfect for the season. A lot of people ask me if I paint the pendants myself. I don't because these necklaces would cost a lot more if I did. I am, however, playing with the idea of painting simple pendants and hanging them from chain. Maybe in the near future, I can add that to me repertoire. Until then, enjoy these by going to my Etsy store and seeing the full length versions.

Free YD Jewelry!

Great news! Yvette Designs is donating raffle items to Fashion Binge Blog for their one year anniversary party in New York City. The blog is dedicated to bringing you the latest on fashion trends with "so much style you'll want to vom". Check it out. http://fashionbinge.blogspot.com/
Above are a pair earrings that will shortly be on their way to the Big Apple. If you live in NYC and want a chance to get your hands on some free YD Jewelry, then go and get your party on!

Etsy Store Redux

This past week, there has been a lot going on behind the scenes of Yvette Designs. I have decided to redo the Etsy shop which means I'll have a brand new banner, all new photos, and products to add for your viewing and shopping pleasure.

The new look is based on my personal aesthetic, influences, and inspirations. For example, the new photo background colors were inspired by my heritage and culture. My ancestry is Latin, but my culture, being born and raised in Louisiana, is Cajun. The violet, mustard, and green backgrounds are representative of my love for New Orleans, while the deep red, and again mustard are symbols of my Latin heritage.


Some of the props in the photos have meaning for me as well like the peacock feather, which is used frequently in Mardi Gras masks, and the dahlia flower which was the flower I chose for my wedding. Finally, one of the last things I need to do to personalize the store is to add a banner. I'm hoping to get it finished by the end of the week. While the store does not yet have the completed look, you can view it in its early metamorphosis. http://yvettedesigns.etsy.com

I would like to know what you think of the shop's new look. Please feel free to comment here and let me know if there is anything I can do to make the store better. Thanks to all of you, my readers.

Cool New Stuff

Here are a couple new necklaces from the Y.D. chain collection. These have been a lot of fun to make. In times past my motto was "more is more", but this season's style has taught me that less really is more. Go figure!

I've been doing a lot of "window shopping" lately and am loving all of the breezy spring clothing out there. I've found that the pink Austrian crystal briolette necklace (top left) would be an excellent complement to the mostly black and white halter dress (top right) from Charlotte Russe.

Also, for some reason the chunky chain and pendant necklace (bottom right) reminds me of ancient times and would be perfect for the Roman inspired halter from Forever 21. The only thing needed to complete a look befitting a goddess would be a pair of strappy metalic sheen, flat sandals.

New York Fashion Week Jewelry Report : Necklaces

New York's fashion week has come and gone, but the trends will be with us through the spring and summer months. Are you up on the latest?

Necklace fashions are leaning toward a layer up aesthetic, as seen in Chris Aire, Ralph Lauren, and Carmen Marc Volvo's collections, to name a few. Simple pendants and chain in gold, and silver were seen in abundance on the runway. Chain lengths seem to vary from 16" to 20" .

In jewelry fashion, the colors that made the biggest statements were:
Southwest colors such as tan, clay, orange, brown, and...


sea inspired colors such as light blue greens, Caribbean blues, cool silver, and white.


Check back regularly for more jewelry fashion updates. Happy shopping, everyone!