Re: Music and Art

Hello readers,
I'm back to writing, my art, creating, designing, gawking at other artist works that inspire or leave me wondering "how did they do it?". After a long blogging break, my fingers itch to keep this going, hoping to keep your interest alive with my posts and give you something to enjoy, reflect, smile, anything really as a break.
As I re branded my art line and relaunched on etsy recently, I have been thinking about creating art with content - themes and designs that celebrate life, inspire the artist within each of us, reflect on the positive, make gifting more meaningful, etc. One of my favorite jewelry pieces in my latest collection that flew home to Australia is a violin pendant. Its my way of blending music with art, in fact the jewelry was intended for a musician as a gift. How many people think of music as purely an art form? Or is it science or entertainment? In my opinion it is a bit of each of the above.
Interesting and fun tidbits about the majestic violin:
The violin is also aka the fiddle. The oldest violin traces back to the 1500's. The oldest surviving violin is named Charles IX-lol! The current record amount paid for a violin is $15.9 mill in a 2011 auction. The music styles that use the violin are classical, jazz, folk, Arabic, & pop mainly. Who knew all this stuff about the violin - Not me! Here is my humble reproduction of the instrument:
Also here @ http://etsy.me/1qASfxw

Birds, Telephones, Trams, & Iced Teas!

Hello!
March brings with it blooms and the scent of spring is somewhere in the air. And spring means color, lots of it! Talking of color makes me extra happy and so does Pragya Kothari's art. Pragya specializes in one of a kind digital illustrations, posters, ACEO, and mixed media 3D wall art. Her themes are very chirpy and whimsical. One predominant theme is birds - vibrant colorful birds set amongst quirky surroundings, articles of daily living, weaving a joyful connection between nature and human life. Pragya's art stand out in that it speaks a language all of its own - simple and happy! Her online shop on etsy also features commissioned pet portraits, a variety of kitchen and nursery art, musical instruments, floral and romantic illustrations. In her own words, "My illustrations are often loosely based on my own life, random incidents, and far off dreams." Take a peek at her portfolio @ http://www.etsy.com/shop/pragyak and I promise you will leave smiling...............

Pragya is also a good pal of mine and I am glad to be featuring her work on my blog, friends always make it extra special!:) Have a great day everyone as I sign off listening to "Three Little Birds" By Bob Marley.........

Re: Birds of Prey Amaze me!

Hello Readers,
I couldn't wait to get out my notes this morning, the little fun tidbits I had written the other day while attending a volunteer training @ the Audubon Society. A workshop has never been this much fun and the people made it so special! Starting with the history of the society, the land, the building, took us down a century ago in black and white photographs of early settlers, innovators, and real estate developers. Not to bore with a history lesson but just learning that a fully destroyed forest land has in fact regrown itself to a beautiful rain forest a few decades later almost to the point of no recognition, makes me wonder at the self restorative property of nature. Nature is so mysteriously powerful! so brilliant...
Enjoyed learning about birds, specifically birds of prey, owls (fell head over heels in love with Hazel, the white spotted northern owl), amazed at the binocular vision of the hawks! Did you know that hawks can literally see a tiny rabbit amidst tall green grass from a distance of nearly 2 miles?? I am sure that leaves them never hungry huh! And that vultures open their wings wide on hitting the sun's rays to kill bacteria on them? and they sure have a great sense of smell too, that works in a 2 miles radius. I can barely smell a burnt pan on the stove till minutes later and by then my DH is yelling his lungs out:)!
I wish to go back and pitch in a few hours every week as I get to spend time with nature, birds, and children teaching them how to spot bird species and explore their habitat.

I gave myself a pat on the back when I scored 10/23 on a bird id quiz at the end of the day, should have done better but the yumm veggie pizza with artichoke made me fuzzy brained and all I could gather was a mere 10, well nobody ever saw or need to know so its all cool:)....

Re: New hair do, new skill, new life!

Good Morning,
Its amazing sometimes how small things can impact your mood and overall feeling of well being, that lil something to get your groove back on. I have been a bit under the weather lately thinking about a bunch of things and  decided to get a new haircut and also learn a new skill. And bam! It worked or what? It has surely reset a few things for me. A new hair do (provided your stylist did her job well:) does change how you feel about yourself, changes your perspective and adds to your sense of self. I walked out 6-7 inches shorter on my tresses and all that much lighter too! My steps had bounce in them as I cheerily walked out in the mist making my way home uphill. I had a feeling I left behind something I dint need, cut out some noise.

I also took an hour private lesson with a jewelry maker and learnt how to string beads and crimp and wrap wire to make basic necklaces and earrings, an addition to my hand painted jewelry line. It made my day when I came home to see my creation in class, a beaded necklace with a hand painted pendant! Wow, did I really do it all? A great feeling......Here it is! What do ya think?

Hoping to work on some blue pearls and a butterfly pendant, soon in my etsy shop!

New Year, new hopes.....

Dear Readers,
May 2012 be an year of strength, hope, renewal, and joy. Let the year of the dragon be fortifying and fulfilling to all. I had a fun holiday season, with a mix of everything thrown in. A trip to Vegas, Argentinian food in old town Pasadena followed by grooving to an amazing remix to usher in the year, a day trip to Catalina island, some shopping, and I call it a good end and beginning.
Few things I've thought about as I bid goodbye to 2011: I would like to start volunteering as much as possible, would like to start a small organic garden patch, go around town to do some self exploring, spend quality time with nature, and cherish the small little things in and around. Also, would like to practice more of living in the present.
What have you thought to change or add to your life this year?

Re: Molecular Passions

Hello Readers,
Just thought of quickly popping in with a new artist feature I couldn't resist writing about. Something so unique and charming that caught my attention as I was browsing etsy. Life takes you strange, yet good places! As in the case of Molecularmuse's designer/owner Raven Hanna who makes science inspired jewelry. An ivy league educated scientist, Raven found her true calling on etsy about 2 years back, yes indeed! The science background sure comes in handy as her creative hands churn out molecular magic. Different molecular structures take the shape of fancy earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and more. How Raven twists and turns the sterling silver to assume these fascinating shapes in but any one's guess. Serotonin, caffeine, dopamine, chocolate, and the list gets even quirkier. If you are curious, head on out to Raven's shop @ http://www.etsy.com/shop/molecularmuse and find something to talk about this season.

Art is fancy but scientific art is something else altogether:)........Good night Peeps! Short days and long nights seem to make me crave for one of these caffeine molecules!

Recycled Elegance - Brilliant or what!

Hello Readers,
A short hiatus and I am back again just in time before the hols, life has been busy, rolling by on its own terms while I make my plans, nonetheless. This past Sunday had me on a high as I basked in the aftermath of a good run at a 4 hour pop up artist event at Hapa Collective, one of the boutiques I consign for. I have been outta the art show circuit for a while now and had my jitters suddenly back again the day before. My futile anxiety aside, the day couldnt have been better! The cherry on the icing - A loyal patron swung by to see me and picked up a whole bunch of my pieces. I was elated and thankful, the saleability of my new product lines gave me much needed reassurance, a good feeling.....
I miss my artist features and so here I am back at it with HippieKingdom, an eclectic line of eco fashion jewelry by artist/designer Devi Chand from Chennai, India. A born recycler and crafter, Devi dabbled in creative pursuits since childhood. A graduate of the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Accessory Design, she complemented her skills to steer her design ambition to the next level. The HippieKingdom line was born in November 2009 and Devi's work regularly features on the front page of etsy, where she sells her work.
Devi experiments with a variety of materials and textures including paper, yarn, straw, cardboard, seed, hemp, clay, etc. Most of her materials are recycled and/or come from natural earthy sources.
I simply love her work, truly ooak, earth friendly designs with a touch of colorful elegance. A must have addition to every  girl's wardrobe!
Just also heard Devi is tying the knot, best wishes to her and cheers to her adorable collection of handmade jewelry, do check her out @ http://www.etsy.com/shop/HippieKingdom for your holiday shopping!

Re: Magical Minis!

Dear Pink Readers,
I have been taking little breaks from blogging to focus on my art and I am hoping to get a regular posting routine before the holiday season starts. There is always so much to prep for the season, creation wise and shopping wise! Can't imagine a busier time than this for all small businesses....
Today, I would love to share a fellow etsian's work of art - MagicByLeah. Leah is a fascinating sculptor who likes turning polymer clay into pieces of fantasy. Little trinkets of joy such as tiny santa figurines, mini teddy bear earrings, sock monkeys, pumpkins, hand crafted clay beads, and so much more! Leah finds inspiration from daily life-things she hears, sees, TV, friends, internet, and client custom requests.
I love miniature art and find it very fascinating and collectible! If you have a penchant for all things small and cute, Leah's shop may just offer you something for your holiday shopping-Go ahead and check her out @
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TrinketsByLeah

Adorable piggy tooth pick holder - love it! Enjoy your TGIF feeling and hop into the weekend, may it be refreshing and relaxing.....later again next week!

Re: Cat's Cork Jewelry-Unique's the Word!

Hello!
I was looking for something really unique and interesting to break the mid week blues and the downpour of pitter patter drops here in sunny Cal.....one of those days!:) and then I din't have to look too far. Cat Ivins's ooak recycled cork jewelry truly caught my eye and I knew I wanted her work on my front page! Cat calls herself a "mad scientist mom" living it up on the Jersey shore. All of her cork creations come from cork that is harvested off oak trees in Portugal forests, a process that is repeated once in nine years the old fashioned way without the use of agri chemicals that help preserve the forest's delicate eco system.
Her product line includes wine cork necklaces, terrariums, pushpins, earrings, cuff links, and more. Who ever thought cork could be used this way huh!? An artist can always create things, even out of thin air............Lovely idea and I dig it!
See more @ http://www.etsy.com/shop/uncorked - Enjoy!

Cat currently recycles corks from her local bars and restaurants and encourages you to do so as well-have any cork lying around your kitchen? Want something creative out of it? Cat's the person to talk to!

Re: Pampering yourself naturally with Beer Soap?!

Hello Pink Readers,
Been off the blogger circuit for a couple of weeks, working on inventory and exploring local market avenues. I have decided to start showing my work at art shows in and around the area and look forward to my first one mid-October. Yay!
I would like to feature one of my team mates on ecoetsy for today's interesting read. Erin Krug, a mom of two who works her magic around crafting natural vegetable based body care products-A true vegan delight indeed!
Erin is a science teacher turned stay-a-home mother who just wanted the very best products for her children. So was born the inspiration for Krugsecologic. Her product line includes natural soaps, lotions, scrubs, masks, and skincare that boast of a melange of exotic ingredients. Unique and so desirable - Look at the Beer Soap for instance and read about what goes into it @ http://krugsecologic.etsy.com You would be surprised!

Then there's more of rose shea, lavender, peppermint, agave almond, ooh...Lovely and the list goes on....
Erin's products and packaging are all eco-friendly too with reused and recycled as the keywords. Now I love that!

My pendant on handmadeology!

Good mid day readers!
My day's off to a great start as I share some good news. Cindi, an etsy artist and guest writer has featured one of my sunflower pendants on her post for http://www.handmadeology.com/, one of etsy's largest art community and a widely read blog. Be sure to check it out for must-have sales tips, small biz advice, and more...
And the link to the read is http://www.handmadeology.com/every-opportunity-is-a-marketing-opportunity-etsy-marketing-tips/
Cooking in my studio...some art note cards for the holidays and some miniature jewelry for my second batch of consignment. My art brooch "I love Art" below has sold within an hour of display @ the hapa collective boutique. A customer wants more! What else is more satisfying for an artist whose pure joy is to paint night and day....
A few thoughts on consignment I would like to share from my experience so far:
**Being very organized with your inventory list helps a lot! Both the inventory in stock at home and the inventory handed over for consignment. This way you can avoid unwanted stress and chaos in the process..
**Only promise what you can seriously deliver within the expected timeline.
**Set your pricing high enough wherein the margin with the boutique doesn't chew into your profit. Having said that, be reasonable at the same time since it's a new product and takes time to sell.
**It's always good if you can supply your own display to the boutique, if possible. If you need some display pieces, work on getting some nifty deals at dollar stores or flea markets.
**Timely and friendly communication helps maintain a good positive relationship that is mutually beneficial.
**Supplying seasonal/holiday items well ahead would help with better exposure and sales. I learnt my jute bags and accessories do better in the spring/summer time and it was already a tad late to put them up in June.

Just a few pointers that spring to mind....every consignment experience is different and its worth a try!
Enjoy the day.....

Re: Miniature Frogs and Strawberry Gateaux!

Hello Readers,
Just a bit overwhelmed with my things to do list and thought I should write it down and check off things you know what they say about that and a quote by A. A. Milne says it best: Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up. 
So my first check off is my blog post which has been long pending! Oh boy you cannot relax, breathe and get things done at the same time-Can ya!? Atleast I can't all the time-I am not the enlightened one yet! hoping to get there someday soon.....Anyway!
I have been wanting to feature an artist from Bangalore, India by name Susmitha who does truly unique and very pretty jewelry. One look at it and you feel transformed into a whimsical mini world of color and joy. Susmitha is an avid animal lover, a Reiki practitioner, a tarot reader and a vegan philosopher, all of which reflects in her passionate creations. Her cute etsy shop has art beads, miniature sculptures, and artisan jewelry using Polymer Clay, Wire - Silver and Copper, Lampwork Glass Beads, Gemstones and Crystals.
I love the choice of colors and the variety her work offers. Susmitha says: "I plunge my entire being into what I'm making and let the love flow through me to the work of art that is being formed." She calls it meditation and it is truly one of the best kinds indeed!
Don't you agree?

Enjoy Susmitha's gallery @ http://www.etsy.com/shop/artbysusmitha
Me off to some more check offs before I sleep tonite!

Inspirational & Eco Friendly: This Is It!

It's been a while since I did an artist feature and I couldn't but resist getting back at it the moment I came across Jodi and Dan's cute little shop on etsy named this is it. The duo also happen to be my co-members on team eco etsy. The husband and wife team from Oregon had a dream to make eco friendly inspirational gifts which are also animal friendly. The dream - This is it was born in 2005 and offers journals, spiral notebooks, cards, jewelry, notepads, and custom wedding goodies.
Entrepreneur and do-gooders, the couple donate a percentage of profits to animal welfare groups. 
I love their simple and sustainable product line and the passion that goes into the creation process.
Worth checking out @ http://thisisit.etsy.com

Don't you just love it?! Anything that makes you smile or feel good is good enough indeed....

Re: Looking to Guest write on a blog

Hello Readers,
What can be the next best thing besides writing your own blog? Guest writing for another one! It's like sharing some extra space to convey your thoughts to the world. I am working on a guest post for this blog named KanelStrand organic living @ http://blog.kanelstrand.com/ - A neat little blog on sustainable living and much else. Sonya of the blog is also an etsy artist and designer of organic jewelry, from exotic Scandinavia. She lives with her family in a pine forest by the sea and is apparently very nature inspired. All her creations are made in a clean, unpolluted environment in the heart of the Norwegian forest by crocheting and knitting pure Norwegian and Icelandic wool. I love her cute little things! Check out more @ http://www.etsy.com/shop/kanelstrand

Can't wait to share my blog post with you all. Coming soon........there's always something so refreshing about organic, isn't it?! 

Exciting or What-My work in Dundee, Scotland!

Hello Readers,
A lovely day to stay and work from home-Grey skies and pretty drizzles! I have some nice news to share-My work on Jute has made it all the way to Dundee, Scotland where it is currently being exhibited @ the Dundee’s Verdant Works – a restored 19th-century jute mill which is now a living-history museum, the exhibition named From Carriers to Coffins-Jute in the 21st Century.
There is a wonderful medley of various jute products highlighting their uses in modern life, including the world of high fashion. Designers and artists from all over the world have contributed items for the exhibition and I am
honored to have my jute table runner and portfolio displayed as part of the fantastic collection.
Check it out Cool ain't it?!

One never knows where one could go with a piece of art! Seriously, art has its own way of globe trotting!

The Beauty of Blue!

Hello Readers,
Me back to my studio with my messy paint soaked brushes and loving it!

Started working on a summer inspired floral series of paintings and Oooh aren't flowers the best thing ever? So much pleasure in bringing out those gorgeous hues-anytime anyday to keep the blues away!

Talking of blues, the color blue is indeed a magnificent shade-very tranquil & yet powerful. I wanted to use a little bit of oriental technique to create this piece-Just freshly listed on my etsy shop:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/78693055/original-watercolor-painting-oriental

Enough blue to beat the blues away eh? Enjoy! and yes do keep checking often to see a whole bunch a flowers coming your way....

Re: Some Food for an Artist's Soul!

Hello Pink Readers,
I am enjoying my summer break and hope everybody is on to something fun and fulfilling! Working on some new pendants and more-coming soon to my etsy shop. Will also introduce water color florals and other nature themes.

Thought of sharing excerpts from a write up I had put together a while ago while studying a course in design. My musings on an artist's role:

An artist is a person with talent, vision, creativity, and a purpose to make something different, a piece of work that truly decorates, beautifies, and appeals to different sensibilities. Art is necessary to enhance life. It adds enthusiasm and joy to an otherwise mundane existence. It brings out the best in human potential. It is also a responsible medium.

Any creation cannot be art. It has to satisfy certain conditions. Art is supposed to have a significant degree of aesthetic interest, often surpassing that of most everyday objects-Stanford Encyclopedia. This means that artists have to create pieces that satisfy this condition, so not any random creation can be art.

A piece of art always has the edge if it brings about innovation, education, and a positive change.

Some food for thought.......enjoy!

Re: Summer Break-Fresh Inspirations!

Hello Pink Readers,
How I missed blogging!-been busy and away getting things ready for my first boutique consignments locally. How fun it was putting it together for my first showcase in the LA area. Crossing my fingers and hoping for a good run:) Also, vacation time-will take a short break and work on new inventory and fresh ideas. The heat is sure making me cocoon at home. Hope everybody is chilling this summer. Flip Flops, Beach, Popsicles, & soak up some Sun!
Will do a weekly update and stay connected, also hope to keep posting some new pics of what I am upto.
Soon Again,
Cheers!

Re: Ecofriendly Earring Giveaway!!!

Hello Monday!
Two weeks away from my vacation and I am all super charged:) Also excited to be hosting my first giveaway for an artist friend Fia who makes ecofriendly jewelry. Fia uses all natural materials in her crafting such as stones,shells,wood,seeds and recycled glass,upcycled jewelry beads or findings.Nature inspires her and so does color! Her creations are elegant and simple-every piece infuses an earthy rustic charm.
Fia is making this week fabulous for our readers by giving away a lovely pair of wood and glass danglers.

To win'em, simply join my blog and leave a comment under this post with your name & email. I will pick winners through a random drawing that closes on Sunday,the 22nd. So go ahead and try your lucky hand:)
Enjoy!Also do check out Fia's shop @ http://www.etsy.com/shop/Fianaturals

Have a great week ahead everybody!

Re: American Top Fave Foods in Miniature!

I so enjoyed creating a set of three magnets today-Oh Boy Food is always lovely isn't it? The pasta and pizza are my faves too! Its amazing how much of these foods are consumed in the US on a weekly basis. Sure there are fun statistics on that too somewhere!:).
I wanted to incorporate a burger in there but thought a trio is good for now-maybe next time.
Great kitchen decor and a perfect gift for anyone!
Check it out and show some foodie love @ http://woodbits.etsy.com/

Me craving some pizza for dinner-After a hard day's work:) Good night!