MTV Movie Awards Gift Lounge - The Journey So Far

Well it's been almost two months since I've announced that I will be participating at the MTV Movie Awards Gift Lounge presented by GBK Production through my membership with The Artisan Group.  I've been working feverishly coiling and cutting over 10,000 little brass, stainless steel, copper and bronze rings and getting them connected together to make 100 Chainmaille Pendants that will be inside the Celebrity Swag Bags.

So far I am please to say 65 Pendants are made and ready for me to do the final tweaks.  As long as I keep doing my personal quota of five pendants per day, I should be completely done by the end of this month.  However there are other things I need to do such as labeling, packaging, writing out my bio, making sure I have enough business cards.

Dodecahedron Chainmaille Balls

The picture above is a sampling of what I've been doing.  These little chainmaille balls, called Dodecahedron, will be the focus of the pendants I'm making.  It takes 96 little rings to make up one ball, really fun!  I'm not going to post the finished piece quite yet..  Still want it to be a bit of a surprise.... I can tell you the name of these pendants..... Fidget.

I can, however, show you the creation that will be displayed at the table during the event.  It's one of my Signature Chainmaille Tree of Life Decor...

Chainmaille Tree of Life Home Decor

I still haven't given it a name yet... still got some time for that.

So there you go... with some planning and scheduling, I am half way there and will be ready for the big day in June.

Meet Cami Tout of Camilee Designs - Featured Artist

Gorgeous Gemstones and Fine Metals are used to create the unique jewelry designed by Cami Tout of Camilee Designs.  Cami is a fellow member of The Artisan Group and I am thrilled to feature her beautiful work and a bit about Cami today.

Cami Tout, Designer

How and when did you discover your love for your craft/art? 

I started making jewelry in 2000.  I was living in downtown Portland, OR working as a telecommunications analyst for a big bank.  At the time I felt overwhelmed by job and I was looking for creative outlets.  I’ve always been crafty, but something felt different to me about making jewelry.  I wanted to know all about it and be great at it all at once.

Do you remember the first piece you ever made?
As a gift, my husband, then boyfriend, bought me a Swarovski crystal necklace and earring set from Nordstrom.  One day while shopping I spotted the necklace and peeked at the price tag and was shocked and a little horrified since we were in our early 20s and definitely couldn’t afford those luxuries!  I went on a mission to re-create that set.  I bought some jewelry making books and magazines and browsed local bead stores for hours, and spent some time googling – although there wasn’t that much info back in the olden days!   After replicating the Swarovski set (For about 5% of the price) I went on to develop my own style. About a year later I opened Camilee Designs and with my husband’s encouragement, left my job at the bank 2 months later to focus on my business full time.

Ruby and Garnet Mini Mosaic Pendant

Every Artist has a creative process, can you explain yours?
I create in my home studio, which looks like a train wreck most of the time.  It is functionally perfect - everything is out in the open for me to reach for when I get inspired, and when I don’t have time to clean up (which I never do!) I just shut the door behind me…haha!  Now that I have it where I want it functionally, I’m working on making my studio more beautiful.  I get terrible artist block (or whatever you call lack of inspiration for a crafter).  All of my ideas come flooding in all at once so I keep a design journal for when that happens and it is my go-to for inspiration during dry spells.

When people start doing their craft/art, they tend to try a lot of different things before settling down to something that resonates with them.  How has your work changed since you began?
When I first started making jewelry I was into really chunky pieces with big pendants.  Now, my line is very delicate.  Honestly, I feel like I am always searching for what resonates with me.  I feel like I find it for a while and then get bored or change my mind and move on.  

sterling silver basset hound necklace - live long

What inspires you creatively?
I find a lot of inspiration in color combinations and patterns in textiles.  I think my best ideas have come from browsing through wallpaper books or looking at bedding sets.  Inspiration can come from the wackiest places for me – a video game, shopping for nail polish, or sometimes just out of thin air.

Can you tell us about some important goals you have achieved with your work?
The most important part of being a maker for me is to be able to offer something that is authentic, original, and truly mine.  I feel like I am always striving for that, but intermixed with my classic pieces, I have some original pieces and lines that I’m really proud of right now. 

Who are some of your favorite artists/crafters and why?
Have you checked out The Artisan Group? ;)  I am in awe on a daily basis.  I admire so many crafters – especially the ones that are very skilled at what they do and have a cohesive look about their branding/product.

Mom Necklace - Sterling Silver Flower Bouquet Engraved w/4 Charms
(pictured is a Personalized Celebrity Gift sent to Jessica Alba via The Artisan Group)

Any goals for the future you would like to share?
I have 2 retail opportunities and a wholesale opportunity that I would really like to make happen.  My goal for this year is to have more time to produce new items so that I can make them a reality!

What do you do in your spare time?
Up until a few months ago when I injured myself I spent a lot of my spare time running.  I’m hoping that I can start up again!  I spend a lot of time doing crafts with my daughter who is 4 and during the growing season I love to tend to my vegetable garden. I also really, really enjoy red wine, really.

Cami and her adorable daugher

If you are displaying or selling your craft/art? Where?
I sell on Etsy at camileedesigns.etsy.com  I also sell my jewelry at a great local shop called Elizabeth’s House of Wax.

If you sell online or at physical store.  How many hours per week to you spend in the creative side versus the business side?
On an average week I spend about 10 hours/week on the creative side of my business:  designing and creating items and about 10 hours/week on the business side of my business:  photographing and listing new items, buying materials, marketing, facebook, twitter, etc.  When my daughter starts school full time I hope to get back to a full time schedule! J

What advice would you give to someone who want to start out or start a business in their craft/art?
It takes a lot of time!  It takes a lot of patience!  It can be very emotional at times to share your art with the world, but there is no job I would trade it for!

If there is anything else you want to add, please feel free to do so.
Find me on facebook at:  www.facebook.com/camileedesigns
I love to tweet:  www.twitter.com/camileedesigns

*****

Thank you Cami!  Be sure to also follow Cami's BLOG!

*****

Until next time, thank you everyone for reading about this talented artist.  Come back Friday, January 13, 2012 for our Feature of Libbi Shorts of Mt. Baldy Glassworks.

Meet Debrah Block-Krol of DBK Designs - Featured Artist

Today it is my pleasure to introduce a fellow SRAJD and The Artisan Group member:  Debrah Block-Krol.  Debrah is the creative force behind DBK Designs.  

Debrah Block-Krol

Wire Mesh Jewelry, Polymer and Gemstone Jewelry, Hand-Dyed Scarves, plus Hand-Knitted Gauntlets (aka Fingerless Gloves) adorn her shop and website.  

edgy and elegant pearl and leather mesh cuff

carribean aqua blue scarf

chic opal earrings  

Let's get to know Debrah further....

How and when did you discover your love for your craft/art?

I have always loved art and creating things since I can remember-

Do you remember the first piece you ever made?

My mother taught me to sew at a very young age. I had one of those children’s antique singer sewing machine (wish I still had it!)—when I was 4 or 5, my mom was making a suit from a small blue and black houndstooth wool fabric..she gave me a scrap, and I made a tiny little purse from it. We were at my grandmother’s house and I remember how I proudly showed it off to my mom and grandmother.

Every Artist has a creative process, can you explain yours?

I just see things in my mind’s eye..i will get an idea and I can see the finished project...it makes me want to get started on things right away even if it is the middle of the night.

When people start doing their craft/art, they tend to try a lot of different things before settling down to something that resonates with them.  How has your work changed since you began?

I have a degree in fine art arts in painting from Rutgers university, and I love the sensuality of painting, but I am naturally drawn to textiles. And I love color—I had a business prior to this knitting colorful item such as hats sweaters, pillows..i said it was akin to painting with yarn.  I started this particular iteration of my business with hand dyed and woven cotton scarves....i progressed to working with mesh and gemstones, have tried out polemer clay, and I am now hand dyeing and felting wool and silk scarves.

The hand dyed wools I use are explosively colorful..back to painting with wool! I hope I keep on evolving and growing.

handknit cashmere fingerless gloves

What inspires you creatively?

Pretty much everything around me—love music, nature, words, dance, especially ballet, fine art….

Can you tell us about some important goals you have achieved with your work?

When I started I wanted to get my work out there, have it appreciated and feel validated. I think I have achieved that, but it is important to keep going--

Who are some of your favorite artists/crafters and why?

One of favorite crafters is my cousin Donna Greenberg---she is an artist and polymer clay designer, and is inventive and has endless creativity and ideas….
also love Kandinsky, Matisse—again the colors and compositions are what draw me in- fine art is the mother lode of inspiration-

I have to give props to my fellow artisans at The Artisan Group.  They are an incredibly diverse and talented bunch. I love seeing their works.

rainy day watercolor ribbon cuff

Any goals for the future you would like to share?

I would like to continue to grow my business and keep creating.

What do you do in your spare time?

What is spare time?! Don’t have any-

If you are displaying or selling your craft/art? Where?

Aside from my website and shop on etsy, I am represented by about 20 galleries and shops nationally.

If you sell online or at physical store.  How many hours per week to you spend in the creative side versus the business side?

I would say 20% business and 80% creative, which of course is the part I prefer and love….

textured silver disk earrings with turquoise pearls

What advice would you give to someone who want to start out or start a business in their craft/art?

Just start! And be persistent, if you don’t promote yourself no one else will. I am naturally shy so I would say push beyond your comfort zone…

If there is anything else you want to add, please feel free to do so.

Thanks for this opportunity-

*****

Thank you Debrah!  Be sure to check out Debrah's WEBSITE where you can find her beautiful collection of handmade artistic Jewelry and Scarves.  


To purchase any of her gorgeous creations, visit her Etsy Shop or at her new Online Store.


Be sure to also follow Debrah via Facebook and Twitter, too.

*****

Come back on Wednesday, January 11th, 2012 for our interview with Cami Tout of Camilee Designs.

Until then, take care!

Search for the Creative Fairy Contest

*** UPDATE ***

There will be 3 Consolation Prizes consisting of 25% Off Gift Vouchers also to be won!!

Jewelry by Saniki Creations has a bit of a problem and I need your help.  My Creative Fairy, Sparkles Tangerine, has decided she didn't want to work and is hiding out somewhere within the website store at http://www.sanikicreations.com.  With 3 kids, a dog, and a hubby to deal with, I just don't have the time to hunt her down.  This is where you come in...

Rumour has it that Sparkles has been hiding in different pages of the website on a daily basis, your task is to find her everyday for the next 7 days, starting April 29, 2011, and mark down which pages she made an appearance.

Your task will not go unrewarded... A winner that states the correct locations of  this mischievous Fairy will receive a special chainmaille bracelet made by me. (see picture of prize below)

Stainless Steel Sweetpea Variant Chainmaille Weave, 18 gauge, Size 7.5" (19cm)

If you are want in on this contest, comment on this post that you want to participate, do not post her locations here, keep it to yourself until a winner is drawn.

How to Participate:

1. Comment on this post that you want to participate in this contest. Deadline is May 2, 2011 to enter.
2. Go to my Website everyday and look through the website's different pages.  If you see the fairy (pictured at the top of this post), write down the day she was spotted and the site's page on a piece of paper.  Be sure to keep the location to yourself.

Here are the rules and "fine print" of this contest below:

1. Contest is open to anyone Worldwide.
2. No purchase necessary to participate.
3. Must be over 18 years old.
4. Deadline to enter contest is May 2, 2011.
5. Contest starts on Friday, April 29, 2011 and ends on Friday, May 6, 2011 at 12:00am Pacific Standard Time.
6. All participants will be put on a list and a name will be randomly drawn, the name drawn will be contacted for the answers to the whereabouts of the Fairy.  If the person does not have the correct locations, another name will be drawn and the process will be repeated until a winner is verified.
7. Name(s) drawn will take place on Friday, May 6, 2011 at 5:00pm Pacific Standard Time.
8. Main prize valued $47.00USD, three consecutive prizes consisting of a Gift Voucher valued at 25% off purchases will also be made

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.  Good luck to everyone and happy hunting!

Welcome 2011... Here's what's we're planning!

Farewell 2010, It was nice knowing ya! Hello 2011, a brand new year with brand new ideas...

This January we are celebrating our 2 Year Anniversary.  We like to call it our toddler stage, but definately not our terrible twos.  We are looking forward to another year of creating more designs.  Through feedback from our local customers, and what we've seen at our recent outings at the craft fairs/trade shows, plus a little bit of research (some might call spying) of what other jewelry designers are doing in my area, within the next six months, we will slowly phase out our beaded jewelry and our Children's Jewelry sections and work on increasing our chainmaille category, so be on the look out for some insane clearance deals...

This January, we are also introducing our Earrings of the Month and Bracelet of the Month clubs.  I, for one, love to receive packages in the mail.  It's almost like Christmas all over again.  With this concept, I will personally design and make specific pieces that will be sent out for club members.  Designs will vary and you will never receive the same thing twice.

Be sure to leave us a comment to say "Hello" or to tell us what you think we could do to make our site more user friendly in our Guest Book section of our site.  We are always looking for feedback from everyone!

Until next time, have a wonderful January, enjoy your loved ones and stay tuned for more news from us!

When did it become April?

Time seems to be going by way too quickly... I think I lost a few days here and there. I don't really remember the month of March being over and we're now in April and in a couple of weeks my middle daughter, Anisa turns 7 years old.  She wants a princess tea party for her birthday... so being such a great Mom I am, I found a "Princess" to host the tea party... For $200 for two hours, she better be a good... I think I'm in the wrong business and should be a "Princess" too and charge parents to attend parties and eat cake.  However, I will probably get fat from all that cake and the way my various moods have been recently, I probably will end up being the evil Queen instead.

But enough about that... I suppose I should try to catch up on what I'm suppose to catch up on and get my things ready for a upcoming craft show in mid-May.

Until the next time I remember to post a blog, be sure to check out my new line of Chainmaille Earrings (lovingly named "Saniki's Little Links").  I originally was suppose to write about that today... somehow got sidetracked... again.  You can go HERE to view the collection I have listed in my Artfire Studio.

A few Updates and a Special for Twitter Followers

Happy Friday Everyone!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and for my fellow Canadians....

Happy Thanksgiving!

Eat lots of turkey (and tofu turkey for my vegetarian friends).

Updates to Know (even if you aren't interested....)

As of tomorrow, I will be deleting my Facebook Fan Page for Jewelry by Saniki Creations. I would like to thank all of you who have "fanned" my page. At the moment I cannot forsee another Facebook Fan page being created. As it is I am pretty overwhelmed with so many network profiles to maintain and one less could help me stay sane. (At least that's what the voices in my head tell me)

However, I am still maintaining the Groups page on Facebook. If you haven't already, please feel free to Join this Group and let others know about it. The Group is opened to anyone and I would love to see and make some new friends.

Click HERE for the Facebook Groups Page

Do you "tweet"?

Follow Jewelry by Saniki Creations on Twitter and until October 15, 2009, save 50% Off your purchase of $25.00 or more. Free Shipping, too! This is only valid for my Twitter Followers, so Follow Me today and take advantage of this great steal, I mean deal!

Click HERE to Follow Me on Twitter

Calling All Artist/Designers/Anyone who makes Handcrafted Items

I'm looking to add more sites to my Link Exchange page and would love to have you exchange your link with mine. My only criteria is that the site relates to Handmade/Handcrafted items. Blogs, Marketplaces and Instructional also welcome to exchange links (be sure it relates to Handmade!)

Click HERE to submit your site.

Until next time, Have a great Weekend!

Oh I've been baaaaad!

Hi Everyone,

I've been so busy these past few months that I totally forgot I had this blog, that's why I haven't updated it since April. (Naughty, Naughty). I suppose I should mark it on my calendar to update this on a regular basis.

Alot has happened since my last post, mainly creating more designs, playing with my kids (it was a looong summer) and watching my littlest grow into a toddler (she's 19 months old now and is going into her terrible twos....yikes).

I had also created my own logo, changed the name of my company from Saniki Creations Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories to Jewelry by Saniki Creations, lowered my shipping costs, revamped my website, networked all over the internet, mainly on Twitter and Facebook and finally trying to make time to list the many pieces I've made.

I'm still designing One of a Kind creations plus having Limited Edition pieces due to many requests from friends, family and customers. I will still never mass produce my pieces though....I'm still a strong believer in that. My One of a Kind pieces are now listed in the category Saniki Signature Collection, plus I've also added a new category called Seasonal/Holiday Collection.

Right now I've listed a few Halloween, Christmas and general Fall Season items. I love this time of year but I just don't like the colder weather. On the bright side, at least this makes me create more and not go outside to play in the sun.

As always, as I'm trying to work on this computer, my toddler is now wanting my undivide attention so I must go and play a round of ring around the rosy with her.

Bye for now (I shall mark on my calendar to post again soon....)