Moving Forward and Opening up...

As most of you know, from reading my latest blog post, I'm in what I call "The Space Between". That space of not knowing, between the end of the old and the beginning of the new.  It's a place we often find ourselves when we are going through a time of growth and expansion.  It's that moment when we are to choose between fear and love.  I've made my choice and with it comes more layers to shed on my personal healing journey.

Spring Has Arrived...

At least it has in my little corner of the world.  I have spent the last couple weeks following the call to creating new and fun beach and sea inspired pieces for my Shop.  I'll be listing them soon but for now I wanted to offer my tribe a huge 33% off Spring Sale.  Why 33%, well I'm partial to the number 3...in Numerology it's key words are Joy and Creativity...a perfect way to commemorate Spring on the 3rd day of the 3rd month of the year!

Two Exciting Announcements and Offerings for You!

I have two exciting announcements to share!  I'm sure you all remember a few months back when I announced I was accepted into the ARTbundance Coaching Certification Program in my post "Being Willing to Ask".  Well, I am happy to announce after a long magickal journey through my training I am finally a...

Certified ARTbundance Coach!

Woohooo!  As I said it's been a magickal journey, I've so enjoyed this wonderful training as I myself did some deep self-exploration and self-discoveries along the way, which was part of the curriculum. As I mentioned in my original post above, this program was based 9 Principles Gratitude, Intuition, Balance, Choice, Vision, Action, Attraction Connection, and Service, teaching unique exercises that use Art and Creativity as a conduit for exploration and transformation.  I have seen amazing results and empowering sessions in my practice and I'm honored to be able to offer this type of coaching to my tribe. So in honor of my new offer, I am gifting my Tribe and anyone else interested in Co-Creative Coaching...

A Pay-What-You-Can Special Offer...

If you are interested in learning more about ARTbundance and what my Co-Creative Coaching sessions are all about, click HERE and explore!

Now remember I had a second announcement to share? But before I do, I want to share a little back story on how I came to create it.  Well, I've been so inspired by these powerful 9 Principles we explored that I not only use them intuitively to guide my sessions, but I also align myself with them on a daily basis.  These Principles are building blocks to self-awareness, I personally envision them as a spiral ladder, each one taking us up to our ultimate desire.

Since my training I've adopted two more Principles...Play and Change, which I feel are just as important to explore.  Play is the core component in my Coaching and has become a big part in my life and biz.  Dolphins came to me as my business totem 2 years ago...at the time I wasn't sure why or even how they had anything to do with my business.  Since then I've continued to grow and expand and have come full circle in understanding what they were foreshadowing.

As with all growth, there is Change...

the second principle I've adopted. When we invite growth and expansion, we need to not only expect Change, but be willing to allow and embrace it, both in ourselves and life in general and most important to have faith no matter how scary it may seem.  And that's been exactly my journey.  Here's a wonderful quote about Change that resonates with me...

Therefore be as the river willow that bends and sways with the wind. That which remains changeless shall outlive it's spirit, but that which evolves and grows will shine for centuries.
 Scott Cunningham

Okay so for the second announcement...aligning myself to these Principles daily has given birth to using them with my Essential Oils, more info on this coming soon and inspired me to create a mini eBook using them to create Affirmations.  An empowering practice I enjoy.  The book teaches a fun way to engage Deep Play to create change in your life.  By Changing, negative talk and limiting beliefs through creating Affirmations.

11 Steps to Creating Affirmations Using 11 Principles!

In this book I guide you through, step by step, in creating powerful Affirmations using these 11 Principles.  I also offer a picture for each, of our Goddess Self embracing each Principle through the Symbols I've assigned each of them.  It's a creative approach to creating Affirmations that I came up with and want to share with you!  Click HERE and check out what others have said about my ebook! 

Another Peek into My Studio

I thought today I would give you a peek as to how I create my stampings.  Since my introduction of Stamped Inspirations, my hubby suggested I make some that said "I love Alpacas" on them, with fiber cording, for one of our upcoming Fiber Festivals.  Shortly after he posted our new joint creations on Facebook, our friends and fans who own sheep, rabbits and llamas as fiber animals chimed in and requested some

Pendants with their favorite fiber animal

 ...and so I made some.  Hubby photographed these over top of their appropriate fibers.  Pretty huh?

Okay so I said I would share my process...

Here we go then...as you know I enjoy making all my findings by hand, jumprings, headpins and such.  Well the same approach was used in creating my Stamped Inspirations :)
 

First off the blanks needed to be punched out...for this I use a device called a die cutter.  This to me is the hardest part as it takes some muscles to punch them out.

 
After that it's off to the bartex machine...my blue monster, where I buff off all the sharp edges around each piece.  I use a set of pliers for this cos' the metal does get hot, the pliers makes it easier to  handle ;) 

Then the fun begins...

I start the stamping, where I get to create the phrases that are going to be displayed on the blanks.  I had fun picking out the fonts I wanted to use on my stampings...so much so, that I chose two different styles one for Caps and one for Lowercases.

From there I give each piece a concave backing finish...using a Dapping block.  Then I finish the edges with my Chasing Hammer,

giving it that cool etched edge ;)

Then I punch out a hole in the blanks and give the letters a Patina finish, a chemical process that tarnishes the blanks.  Then the second hardest process begins, I buff off the extra Patina and make each piece shinny again, leaving the Patina only in the grooves of the letters.

I'm not as close to the computer as it looks :)

I then make the jumprings, fuse them and they are ready for their cords...






Once the cords are on they get one last polish and wala...beautiful stampings!

 

Magickal Monday Adornments~Stamped Inspirations

There are times when one hits some rough stops in one's life and all too often forget...forget to breathe, forget our dreams, or forget we are never alone.  These past 6 weeks have been like that for me.  Suffering through so much physical pain and discomfort on top of dealing with financial stress.  But those are also the times when Miracles happen and break throughs occur.

And so...through the darkness a little light shown through...   

Giving birth so some wonderful and fun new pieces for my shop.  During these weeks, I found myself relying on the lessons I've learned so far this year...simple reminders.  Which then lead me to think about how to make those reminders more present, of course putting stickie notes on my mirrors, frig, computer and where ever else is a great idea but so is wearing it or hanging them for our car review mirror and key chains.   Thats where it hit me, I've been thinking about some new and exciting pieces and I saw how popular stampings were up at the Telluride Artist Market.  So, that's when I thought...you're a pretty creative gal, I know you can come up with something fun and pretty...Goddessie like yet hip and modern. 

That's when my Stamped Inspirations came to me.  I've created a Limited Edition of a few sayings in necklace form, that resonate with me as powerful reminders during my time of need.  I have lots more sketches and ideas for key chains and simple leather cord pendants...but for now I'm introducing you to my first creations.

Of course, there are many more sayings out there and I would love to hear what some of your's are!

Remembering I'm not alone is something I was reminded of when Mentoring with Lori-Lyn from Dream Life Studios.  Her loving gentle guidance and wonderful wisdom was exactly what I needed to kick off my year.  Learning to work with my Guides and Angels reminded me that "I am never alone".  I further delved into my communication with Angels and Faeries (Nature's Angels) through Sheri Ann Ponzi's "Angels in my Studio".

Doing Soulodge: A Sanctuary for Women with Pixie Campbell reminded me of my  wild and free spirit and to follow my dreams no matter what...were also great reminders.

But I believe the most powerful one was "Just Breathe"

...much too often in the mists of those rough patches, I find myself holding my breath forgetting to breathe deep, as well as forgetting to slow down and spend time outside barefoot (one of my most favorite things to do) and connect with Mother Earth allowing her to ground me and fill me up with her healing energy. 

As you all know I love going barefoot and I so was hoping to be able to finance the Barefoot Breathing eCourse by Jackie Stewart.  But with all the financial crises going on right now for us it would take a huge miracle for me to be able to pull it off.  But that's okay...she offers many beautiful free meditations and such through her site that it will do for now...but of course I had to make one declaring I'm a "Barefoot Breather"!

Meditation and my Yoga practices, were also life savers for me during this rough spot.  But, with my mouth pain I couldn't do some of my poses, and when I got frustrated and stopped for a few days, my 5 year old asked me why...then said "You can still do it Mom"!...and said "just don't put your head down, don't do the one's that make your mouth hurt"....out of the mouth's of babes, right?  In case you've not figured it out yet...I'm an all or nothing kind of gal.  I like to give my 100% in all I do, I don't like half assing it if you know what I mean...but sometimes that is self defeating.

And so...I'm learning to let go...just be...and move forward.

I still have more dental work ahead of me, but I believe the most painful part has passed.  Oh, and about those Miracles I mentioned...yes, once again the Universe provided us with a Miracle...I was able to get Medical Financing to cover the thousands I've had to invest in my mouth... and though I don't know how we are gonna mange to pay it back...once again I'm reminded about my word for the year and to Trust...that all will be well and this too shall pass.

 

Magickal Monday Adornments ~ Boho Bracelets

Yep, I'm introducing two new Boho Bracelets to my collection, that I've recently created and just listed.  Been busy creating more work for the Telluride Artisan Market coming up next week.   But one of my artist friends Michelle, you can check out her shop Greenwoman Healing Arts on Etsy too, (while there check out her knitted Goddesses...Lovely!) suggested I make some natural colored ones. So here they are...the one above is Amber and Gold Pearls and this one is in Pearls and Agates.

I'm a little nervous and excited all at once about the up coming market.  Shows, markets and fairs are always overwhelming for me, for various reason.  First of all, it's hit or miss whether or not my creations will do well in them.

The other reason is that I'm an introvert/extrovert, if that makes any sense.  I don't do well in crowds of strangers, I feel like I get bombarded from all the energy, so I tend to "zip up" around crowds.  That of course comes off as me not being very friendly, which is quite the opposite, cos' I am really friendly, lol  After the birth of my second child, when I would be around large crowds I would feel weird, mostly headaches, felt drained, kind of off, that's when it all started for me.  At first, I wasn't sure what was happening, then after learning about our energy bodies and how we can take on others energy, well, I learned to "zip up" creating a barrier so that I don't take on others or give away my own energy.

The other reason...which is irrational but I suppose we all have some sort of irrational fears, it's sort of ridiculous really, but I get all frazzled when I have to deal with money...well, making change that is.  As a child I was drilled constantly about math, especially making change.  Even now, after I've learned how and having numerous cashier jobs (though I never really enjoyed them) it still triggers something inside me, which makes me feel stressed and nervous.   But it's all good.  I'll sharing a booth with my neighbor another fellow artisan she's so awesome, she's a big reason I'm doing the market, she feels my work will do well up there and has encouraged me to go.  We're quickly becoming good friends and she knows my secret, lol, and said she'd support me through it :)  So, though I'm a little nervous, I am grateful to be able to be doing this Market.  Marketing/selling isn't my strong suit when it comes to owning my own business but practice makes perfect right?

Be Still and Listen...

You've all heard me mention, quite a few times this year, how the Universe is totally getting my attention and you all know that I chose Trust as my word for the year in reference to trusting that everything is as it should be and that the Universe does provide even during those rough patches.

Despite my good intentions, I've not been present to my oracle cards as I was at the beginning of the year...through them I was getting some uncanny messages...they were right on, sometimes even foretelling.  I love connecting with my cards and I was doing it on a daily basis, when life got in the way...you know, you get wrapped up in the mundane day in and day out of stuff, even my meditations are sporadic, I practice more than I've done in the past, but not always daily as I want to.  So, as I've come to see, there are plenty of other ways the Universe has found to get me to listen.

Tonight I've been sorting and tagging jewelry as I prepare for my up coming Artisan Market in Telluride and I was thinking to myself how the Universe keeps finding ways and showing me signs not only to make me listen, but to confirm I'm on the right path.  Even when it falls on deaf ears it's persistent cos' it knows I'll hear it eventually.  Now, I'm probably not making any sense as I'm writing all this, so I'll just go ahead and share what I've been experiencing.

The year started out rough...financially.  Yet, before I could even give in to fear, the Universe provided in one way or another...and continues to do so.  I've yet to experience a full blown anxiety attack, something I've experienced a lot of in the past. It's like the Universe is showing me in many ways how important it is not to waste my energy that way...yet, somewhere inside I still feel like I'm waiting for the ax to fall...but it hasn't.

Then, about 2 months ago, I met a local entrepreneur who owns a very successful business.  During our visit, we talked about our businesses and my dreams of making my as successful...she visited my Etsy shop and told me I should increase my prices, that I was undervaluing myself.  She also mentioned how much she got out of reading Martha Becks' books and she suggested I should look into them.  This isn't the first time I've been told my prices are "incredibly reasonable".  For me it's hard to put a price on my soul work, on art that I create from my heart, out of joy.

A few weeks ago, one of my sisters, had a give-a-way on her blog...which was Martha Becks' latest book.  I thought to myself..."I've yet to look into her books, I should download a sample to my NOOK just to see what it's like".  I downloaded the sample.  During this time, a group of us from another FB group started a discussion about pricing our art and a video was shared about pricing for profit.  It talked again about undervaluing our worth.  Something lots of artist do (especially women)...I mean really, most of us have a not so good relationship with money (more on this later).  So, I consulted with a dear friend and a successful artisan and started reevaluating my shop.  I realized I need to get serious...stop undervaluing my work, time and gifts.  You see, those who've been following my blog know very well that last summer I was close to being unemployed and when I went out there in the world to look for work...I found that I had no skills other than my art...I have been out of the Medical field for so many years it is impossible to go back without some refresher classes.  And  now I'm thinking...if I can't make my jewelry business successful, then it's time I invest my time and energy into something else that will help pay the bills...keeping it small and a hobby isn't going to help.  Because the time will come when my "day job" will no longer be there for me...being in my 50's and working at Walmart is NOT where I want to find myself in a few years, my soul craves for more than that and I know I would not be happy there.

Yesterday, one of my sisters from the Book of Days mentioned Martha Beck...which reminded me...once again...how I didn't "look into her book yet", despite the fact I downloaded a sample of it weeks ago.  So, since it was the third time I was reminded to read it...I went ahead and read the sample pages and with every page I read I was like YES...YES...YES!...it all made sense to me, I stayed up late reading more of it... and yes, I did purchase it on my NOOK.  It talks about finding your purpose...returning to your true nature...which has been my mission this year.  With every eCourse I've taken, every ritual, meditation and practice I've done...it's all been about returning to my true nature...connecting again.

Today during lunch...I read the first week of the Business Goddess eCourse...again... (a course that shifted my business last year and where I learned about Social Media and being seen).  The words..."I realized I wanted to do more than having a gorgeous creative hobby that made me a little bit of money" rang so true to me.  Oh and I said I'd get back to the, not so good relationship with money...read Leonie's blog post..."The Real and Shining Truth about Success, Money and Business"... the part that got me was...."Us creatives and soulful types are afraid of talking about business, afraid of talking about money, afraid of becoming successful because that would mean:
We are greedy. We are selfish.  We have sold our soul.  Marking must mean manipulation. Money is baaaad and the cause of all evil in the world.  And it's impossible for us to talk about creating businesses that support us abundantly and joyfully without facing this...interesting.  I'm totally starting to get that there is abundance to be had for all of us...we just need to shift into a place of gratitude then of scarcity, (which was ingrained in my from childhood).

So we come full circle back to this evening and tagging my jewelry...when I realized yet one more confirmation that the Universe is trying to tell me something....for the past month...I've been getting all sorts of catalogs in the mail, jewelry/fashion catalogs.  I didn't order any jewelry or clothing and don't recall signing up for any of these...yet in every one of them there is jewelry...many similar to mine and with prices that are not "incredibly reasonable"... once again confirming that I was undervaluing my work...and that's when it hit me...despite me not being tuned in or connected, as much as I want to be, I've been getting messages, consistently despite me not listening and I've been getting little hints along my path reminding me to just stop and be still and realize I/we are not in this alone...we are always taken care of and always provided for.  Whether they are holy wow moments or just subtle small signs letting us know we are on the right path ♥

Catching up on 29 Faces

I'm back!  We had an awesome weekend at the Pagosa Fiber Festival.  Met some really wonderful people from all over and did well for our first Fiber Festival.  The weather was a little rough as we experienced some very high winds. Had to cinch down the tents with ratchet tie downs and despite using heavy duty spikes, Saturday night's high winds blew so hard it broke one of our spikes in half, luckily the other spikes held strong.   So by the time the day was over we were extremely beat and wind blown.  

Snap shot of the booth before we broke it down on Sunday

Everyone enjoyed seeing pictures of our herd and seeing the process of our fibers from rovings, to yarns to finished products.

Hubby did so well on his demonstration of the use of a Hackle to blend fiber, that we sold out on the Hackles he brought to the show!  My fingerless gloves did well too, they always do, as I can never keep enough of them in the shop...as did the rovings, yarns and felted products.  All in all it was a great fair.

Afterwards we could not leave without treating ourselves to the Pagosa Hot Springs, sitting in the therapeutic mineral healing waters was heavenly.

Of course, despite having a busy weekend I did make time to sketch my daily faces.  I thought I'd have time to post them on my blog in the evenings, but I have to admit by the time we were done and got back to the hotel I was beat.

So, you get to see the 4 faces today...

Face 25

Face 26

Face 27

Face 28

One more face to go and I made it through the 29 Faces challenge!

Magickal Monday Adornments ~ Earrings

Adorning our ears has been a practice that has been around for thousands of years.  Originating in the Middle East around 3,000 B.C. mostly warn by men!  Of course aside from being used as adornments, they were also used as cultural identification and a sign of wealth.  I love earrings, they always add that little extra touch no matter what we are wearing  to make us feel Goddessie!

Although I make various styles of earrings...like my simple pearl or gemstone drops  and small clusters of various gemstones and pearls...

My favorites are the larger more intricate dangles, of course inspired by the Middle East belly dancing jewelry.  I just find that style incredibly inviting allowing, our inner Goddess to shine.  They are sparkly with lots of movement and just full of yumminess! 

I like using bright contrast color, as well as monotone palettes.

Most of my work is made from sterling silver and 14k gold filled but I've also included a line of copper earrings in my shop.  These are fun as they oxidize ( the patina finish) different and offer more warmer tones.  Being an earthy type they really appeal to me, like the one in the top photo.  I've had lots of customers love the double dangle, longer earrings which also provide lots of movement but are much longer and sleek then the others.  I make these in various lengths and colors too...

Well, as you can see the styles and color combos that can be created are endless.  I so enjoy creating and offering a variety  of styles, this way everyone can find the style that's right for them so they too can feel Goddessie ♥