Simply Stated

The other day, while at work, I had the urge to make jewelry. Lately, I have been trying to exercise a modicum of restraint when it comes to buying supplies, so instead of buying more, I made do with what I had. What I made were these sterling silver chain and pearl necklaces.(The green glass piece was just thrown in for good measure.)

The holes in the aqua pearls were too small for my wire. Luckily, I was in the right place at the right time. I went right back to the jeweler's bench and drilled bigger holes in each. Thus, a project that would never have been completed was finished. It really comes in handy to have the right tools for the job.

Now, if only I had more chain...

Studio Friday: Look Back

This week's topic for Friday July 13th: LOOK BACK!

They say don't ever look back, nor dwell on things for too long. One is supposed to instead just move on, eyes straight ahead focused on one's goal.
BUT...here's the but... while it is certainly true to not look back and dwell on the negative events it is one of the best things one can do, to look back... but on the positive things and see how far you have come!!!

"The people who are happy and fulfilled measure their progress by comparing where they are against where they’ve come from. The people who are stressed and dissatisfied measure progress by comparing where they are against their ideals."- Jamie Smart

This topic is a little bittersweet for me because as you may already know from reading one of my last posts, I'm letting go of my original dream for Yvette Designs.

Looking back to the start of my jewelry making endeavors, I have come a long way. I went from not knowing what a blog was, to being blogging obsessed; from being photographically challenged, to nearly accomplished. The materials that I used have evolved to better quality and the jewelry now has a more young and contemporary style.

My first and only jewelry party is depicted in these two photos above. I hosted it at my home. The day that I sent the invitations the city began roadwork on my narrow two way street(I had no idea they were going to do this), and it completely threw the success of the party. I only had a few guests, and only one of them bought jewelry. I put a lot of effort into it, and I was crushed, but I kept forging ahead with my sales in other ways.

This photo was one of my first attempts with hot lamps and an empty milk carton diffuser. I would sweat to death in my little home office or in the hallway where I'd try to get the perfect shots to put up on my new blog. At this time, I had never even heard of Etsy. Now, getting the perfect shot is as simple as point, click, and some minor Corel Photo touch ups, and Etsy is no longer a mystery.

My jewelry and I have come a long way. The journey has been fun, but there is still more to do. Since I'm ever changing, it should be interesting to see how my skills and jewelry develop in the next year. Maybe then I will do another similar post to have a walk down memory lane.

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.

YD Gets Mentioned!

*I'm a link*

I just received word this morning that Indie Galore, has featured a post about Yvette Designs! See the post here. I couldn't be happier this morning! Check this blog out for pages full of eye candy goods made strictly by the indie community.

Studio Friday Topic: SP(E)ACIAL!

Take a look around you at your studio space...how much space do you have?
Take a look at your art...how does your space influence your art in any way? Do you create small or large art works? Do you see a parallel?
Take a look at your dream studio space (yippieh!)...what does it look like? What is the layout? Is it big or small? And most important of all: What art do you create in it? Will it be on a larger or smaller scale than before? And what can you do to get closer to your vision this week/month/year?

This topic is perfect for my state of mind this week. Lately, I've been dreaming up plans to make my current studio space the perfect place for me and my budding business. As things are now, I have quite a large desk space where I make YD jewelry. It has storage shelves on one side, a magazine rack on the other (and boy did I fill it). The table, originally made for a seamstress, also has two deep filing cabinets built in, which I eventually plan to house my shipping supplies in. What more could this girl want, right? Wrong.

I've realized that I am truly a mess maker. Usually, if I've been working, my desk looks like a tornado hit it. Then, I don't want to do paper work or computer work at the desk because it really just stresses me out. Next, I end up avoiding the room entirely. That's why I'm close to moving the day bed (from the opposite side of the room)out and bringing in a desk for paper work and such fun things.
As far as a my dream studio goes, I would love to have a little, airy, sunny backyard cottage to work in. I'm warming to the idea of having a prettily painted pegboard installed, in whatever space I have, where I'll hang strands of gemstones. It seems like the perfect bead storage solution for me, since I find it easier when I can see what I have to work with.

Website Update and More

It's been a busy couple of weeks here trying to get the new Yvette Designs website up and running. So far, I have completed the index, and it's looking good. Be looking forward to a clean, colorful, (it makes me think of candy) fun website.

Today, my goal was to make a bunch of earrings for the "store". I tend to make more necklaces than anything, but I think after today, I have a new found love for earring making. I just completed 7 pairs in one sitting. Turning my bead board into a production line really did the trick for me. I just piled beads on headpins until I had enough earrings to satisfy me. Then I got to looping, twisting, and hanging them from French ear wires. It was a cinch!


I've been listening to my newly downloaded c.d., "Wincing the Night Away" by the Shins. I love this c.d.! Yesterday, at work, I listened to it for the first time on Eggbert, my iPod while I soldered and polished jump rings for an hour. I've come to the conclusion that music was made by and for creative types. Think about it, creative work usually requires little to no heavy thinking. You just move your hands and let intuition take over. Meanwhile, I have the opportunity to really listen to the lyrics and to tonal changes, ebbs, and flow.

Latest News

I told myself I wouldn't spill the beans before it was time, but I am just too excited. A YD website is currently in the works. It's nothing fancy, but it is quite clean and professional nonetheless. Customers will be able to buy Yvette Designs jewelry from the site. There will be a guest book, and a message board where YD customers and enthusiasts can send messages to me and to one another. I will keep you all up to date on the virtual boutique's progress as it develops.

Now, it's on to the latest fashions. Nude tone clothing is big right now, and I couldn't miss the opportunity to post this photo of the New York runway show from Burberry. These styles are so very me ten years ago, which would make sense because I was only a girl then. Though, somehow I can still strongly identify with these looks.


The shoes are very upscale boho. I remember having a similar pair, and all I could do was concentrate on not falling off of them, which I did a time or two. Ouch! I can imagine some young waif wearing them with a earthy hued tunic and a huge sling purse draped over her tan shoulder. She'd have on at least three strands of necklaces, an arm full of bangles, and of course, the Y.D. necklace below would complete the look rather nicely. Don't you think?

This is one of the necklaces that I sometimes put on the mannequin bust in my studio just so I can admire it. It's a quality control measure, really. Anyhow, I do hope someone buys this earthy gypsy like necklace soon because I have been fond of it since its conception, and every day I am loosing my resolve to part with it. For those of you who are interested in it, don't worry. If I am overtaken by this desire, and I haven't kept a thing I've made yet, it will quickly disappear from the pages of my Etsy store. Happy shopping everyone!