Bad drawing but it feels good to be designing again.

Bad drawing but it feels good, originally uploaded by NymphDuPave.

Once I have most of the design down for this particular piece I'll start work on it. I don't wait until I have every detail out, nor do I stick strictly to what I've drawn. I like the organic shift between what you've pieced together in concept and what you're putting together in hand.

This was just a REALLY rough, quick start to sketching it out but I felt like posting part of the process that I go through. When I have the final piece together I'll post what the design looked like and what the piece ended up as.

I get my ideas from all over (movies, celebrities, neighbors, household items, other jewelry) and then I run to my little self-customized reporter moleskine and I start working on the design.

Leaf Pendant on Hemp Necklace

Leaf Pendant on Hemp Necklace, originally uploaded by NymphDuPave.

After I'd taken some time away from making jewelry I came back with new designs in mind and hemp was on the forefront.

I was going through all the available pendants and found this glass leaf in a gorgeous green. It went so well with the brown of the hemp that I just had to make it right away.

I love feeling that drive, that inspiration. It's a simple necklace but not everything has to be ornate.

Back and Ready to Create!!

So it's been awhile. I haven't uploaded anything new to my Esty store, I haven't created and I've been feeling like the poo you accidentally step on at 3am while walking your insomniac dog.

Lol, okay, maybe that's just me walking my dog, but I'm sure you get the drift.

Some major changes have been going on in my life and woohoo, have they been good.

Time for me to start creating some jewelry again, darn it!!

Lady Vengeance Dreadcuff/Sleeve

Another one up! I love the elegance of this little cuff. The opaque white as the backdrop and the shimmery, translucent red as the accent. I really enjoyed working on this piece. The uneven white seed beads to me really work as a cobblestone-like snow. The red indicates warning and danger.

If you are into beautiful tales of justice and haven't seen Chan-wook Park's Lady Vengeance you are truly missing something spectacular.

Newest Dreadlock Cuff/Sleeve Up

Newest Dreadlock Cuff. I posted it to Flickr as well as Etsy. I love making these cuffs. I find such peace of mind and an inner stillness. It's what so many people teach about in Buddhism and some people find it with yoga or building houses or running. I know I love doing beadwork because that's one of the places I find the inner stillness.


Look at the way the sun shines through those green beads! Wow! That just makes me so very happy, just to see that glow. And it makes me want some green apple candy. How about you?

The olive and cream go together so marvelously. I think all the colors complement not only each other but the film (and book) from which the inspiration to make this came. I remember when I was little watching that little girl find that secret door. The mystery of it fascinated me. I tried to make this little cuff like a mysterious treasure, a pretty little hair jewel. Hope I did a good job!

Creating a Professional Looking Package

This was my first attempt at making my packaging look more professional.

So all of my creations go out in packaging that looks like this.

I try to create something pretty & professional but with little cost. People LOVE the way their jewelry comes to them and they can even reuse what I sent them - then you get props for being Green and Eco Friendly.

I picked up the bags - black and white - and little cream boxes at Walmart in the section for wedding favors on sale $7 for 50 boxes, $3 for 50 bags. Talk about saving a bundle! You can find savings anywhere though; eBay's awesome for this.

I already had the little $11 stamp (comes with two cases of letters; more than enough) and just fashioned the words to fit closely together. Hint: when you're done with one label, use a little Dawn dishwashing soap and the ink (no matter how old) will come right off!! This saves you the cost of replacing the little letters which of course if they no longer make your stamp - they don't make mine - then you'll end up buying a whole new one.

When you're putting information on labels make sure the most pertinent information was on the labels. Your company name should stand out.

The labels I also picked up for a steal - $15 at Pearls for 1000. The little labels are very smooth and well cut around the edges with little strings to attach them to the bags.

Always be on the lookout for deals and KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS FOR EVERYTHING!

Selling Handmade Jewelry

It sure isn't easy! I've had a few sales so far but I am definitely not rolling in dough!

If you're interested in checking out my shop click here or go to Etsy.com and just enter my username, Clexbaby.

(If you join mention my username as the referral :) Not sure that I really get anything but they like to keep track of those things.)

Another place you can check out that has a little touch of me is my personal account over at the wonderful Flickr.com.