All Minxed Up

Tear Sheets Dream Home

2010-01-07T18:28:00.000-08:00

A corner in an ideal living room.

I've been thinking about what my dream home might look like. The only source I could think of for such inspiration was Domino mag. So come take a tour. Some of these images might be familiar. They're some of my favorite Domino pics among the many.

The kitchen. Upper cabinets might be in order. They'd be white with frosted glass fronts and lit from the interiors.

The bedroom, though I'd like to replace the table with a couple of comfy yet sleek armchairs.

This is the perfect back yard. I wouldn't be able to kill anything, as it requires little care.

2009-12-24T12:40:00.001-08:00

Twas the night before Christmas and ... well you fill in the rest. Have a merry Christmas everyone.

Petite Minx Shop to Close

2009-12-20T13:05:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. It's been a while since I've posted last because I've had a lot on my mind. After plenty of consideration I've decided to close up shop by the end of January. For the past several years I have focused lots of money, time and energy on my jewelry. I don't have the resources or the time now to devote to a business, so I've instead begun to focus on saving money for travels and moving expenses and on further developing my writing career.

I'll have a closing sale after Christmas, so if you're looking to spend some gift money, it'll go far in the Petite Minx shop. This blog will remain active after January, so do continue to stop by and say "hi." I've enjoyed our interactions, my friendly readers. That being said, I'll move on to introduce you to my cute little fur babies.

"I think the mailman's at the door. You should go check," Lulu.

This is our Boston terrier Lulu -- mine and Trey's second "child." She's super hyper but also has a gentle spirit that shines through at the sweetest times, like when she met our 1-year-old nephew recently. I guess we shouldn't have been surprised by that since she treats her stuffed toys like they're her babies.

"How indecent," Lulu.

As you might have noticed, Lulu is well behaved when getting a bath, which is odd because she's the proverbial "bull in a china shop" most of the time. Our little stinker also is a connoisseur of the finer things in life, meaning she will inhale anything that resembles food and no food is off limits. Raw onions, nuts, bell peppers, apples, carrots, fresh green beans -- name it. She'll eat it. For that reason, she's my little "helper" in the kitchen while I cook. I never have to sweep afterward.

"I'd rather be stinky," Peanut.

And this little cutie -- a Cheweenie (part dachshund, part chihuahua) is Peanut, our first "baby." Four years ago Trey and I rescued her from neglectful owners. She was a true peanut then, fitting perfectly into the palm of Trey's hand. Probably because of her sad beginning, she is the most docile little thing when it comes to interacting with us and others. This makes her the best cuddly-wuddly little lap dog.

"I will destroy you, toy," (Godzilla) Peanut.

But with her toys she's a killer -- a king, Godzilla of her turf. Otherwise she goes all shaky at the mention of a B-A-T-H, needs puppy Valium when on car rides and like a true child does not like to go to her bed at night. Nevertheless, like Lulu, she's very obedient.

These two give Trey and I plenty to laugh about every day. I hope people who bought pets for Christmas this year got an animal from a shelter. Half breeds often make the best pets, and it's always a good thing to give an animal who might not otherwise find a home a good life. Check out a column I wrote for other reasons to adopt a shelter pet.

Holiday Arts Tour

2009-11-15T18:59:00.000-08:00

Petite Minx booth, Holiday Arts Tour 2009

Last weekend I exhibited my jewelry during Ruston, La.'s, annual Holiday Arts Tour. More than 50 artists showed their work from their studios and downtown. I sold my jewelry at a cute clothing boutique. This was one of my favorite table set ups ever. I layered an off-white vintage table cloth atop a pale blue cloth, and it really complimented everything beautifully. And see the little hand in the photo above? That's my prize find of the month.

Lots of people passed through the shop that weekend. Thanks to everyone who purchased from me. It's always nice to meet the people who appreciate my aesthetic and to learn what they like most. This year's Art Tour really validated me as a jewelry artist in a way that I haven't been in some time. It really gave me the gusto to persevere during a time when many artists, including myself, have had fewer sales than in times past.

As I have been absent from blogging lately, I am late in telling you all about the sweetest, most beautiful blog post about Petite Minx. Go see Dionne, the talented lady behind City of Dionne, and drop her a line while you're there.

City of de-Light

2009-10-25T13:14:00.000-07:00

I am in love with a city I have never been to. Paris is the ultimate destination, in my opinion. And it may be premature to say this, but I have saving gobs of money for months and will continue to do so to make a trip to Paris when Trey graduates (as a radiologic tech) in a year and a few months. It will be a graduation gift to ourselves. We're also planning to go to London, Amsterdam and a little town in Holland where a dear family member lives.

Check out these posts of Paris' fashionable window displays by the blog Paris Parfait:
♥ Chanel
♥ Shipwreck No. 1
♥ Shipwreck No. 2
The writer also has plenty of posts full of photos taken at Paris flea markets.

I just found this blog written by an American living in Paris. Gorgeous photos.
♥ Tongue in Cheek
And I am completely smitten with this blog I found recently. It's by a stylist and book author -- a book you probably know -- living in Amsterdam.

A Week of Polaroids

2009-10-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

by Me

Inspired by the 20s

2009-10-15T17:41:00.001-07:00

Photos found via Google images

For the longest time I've been fascinated by the 1920s, gypsies and carnivals. These things are inspiring me again. If I were to design a line of jewelry around these themes, what do you think they'd look like?I have my ideas. What are yours?

New Products From a Special Guest

2009-10-11T16:32:00.000-07:00

New products in the shop!

I'm super excited to finally reveal a project that's been in the works for some time now. Jessica, of the way cool vinyl wallet line Slaughterhead, has made two lines of limited-edition pouches for Petite Minx jewelry.

When paired with Petite Minx jewelry, these "Whatnot Pouches" would make the best two-in-one functional gift. Hide the jewelry inside a pouch for a double-fun surprise. These make super inexpensive gifts, too.

The pouches are only $12, and all regularly-priced Petite Minx jewelry is 30% off!

There are four of each of the two "Whatnot Pouches" available now in the Petite Minx shop.

The two lines include a purple wallet with colorful stitch patterns and a wood-grain repurposed lining. And there are brown pouches with an exterior inlay sunburst with the coolest striped repurposed lining. Both are pictured in this post.

To see more views of these pouches, visit Petiteminx.net.

Art of Doing Nothing Lost

2009-09-27T14:35:00.000-07:00

Image by Thinspocotore

I'm a reporter by day. Part of my job is to write a weekly column. I just wanted to share my latest with you all, because I think it's pretty universal and we can all benefit from its basic premise. So here it is:

Column by Monica Crowe

Do you ever just sit and do nothing at all? If you’re like me and almost everyone else it’s likely that moments like that are seldom stolen if ever.

Where does this constant need to do something come from? America’s collective unspoken motto seems to be, “Busyness is best.” But is it really? Consider this. People who manage to find the time to do nothing are often deemed lazy, and in our society, laziness is one of the most looked down upon characteristics a person can have. On average, Americans get five to 10 vacation days a year as opposed to Europeans who get upwards of 20-30 legally mandated days. Any American with that kind of siesta time would likely rather work than figure out what to do with all of those unregimented hours.

Image by Anna Caso

And, I mean, come on. We have to make money, right?

In my opinion, Americans work solely for the purpose of buying stuff. Yeah, food and shelter are factors, but what we really want is more stuff. Those who disagree should consider why so many people are suffocating their freedom and sanity by regularly adding to their heap of debt.

Creditcards.com reports that by the end of 2008, American’s credit card debt totaled $972.73 billion. The average debt per household was $8,329.

Image by Hakan Photography

As opposed to Americans, Europeans work solely to enjoy their vacation time. It’s true. I’ll give the perfect example. My Dutch brother in law’s longtime chum got a huge raise at work. Instead of accepting the extra pay, he made a deal with his employer to give him an extra day off per week in exchange for the same pay rate. So now this guy gets three-day weekends, plus 30 days of vacation per year. Amazing.

And the Dutch aren’t the only culture in Europe living la dolce vita. In Rome, the people have made an art of “Il dolce far niente,” meaning “sweet doing nothing” or “sweet idleness.” They relish in experiencing life to the fullest, to love and be loved and to see and be seen.

Image from I Am Blessed

If we are constantly on the go and moving from one activity to the next, are we really allowing ourselves to stop and take note of the subtle beauty of life? Plenty of people see life as a destination when really it is happening right now and from one moment to the next. By always thinking ahead, or even in being stuck in the past, we are robbing ourselves of the present moment, which is really the only time there is. The past is gone and the future is yet to be.

Doing nothing may seem like a waste of time, but if only on occasion it can be energizing to the senses and the mind. It can awaken creativity, vitality and feelings of well-being. Doing nothing, by the way, does not include watching TV or reading a book. It’s just being-ness. Try it. You may just learn something about yourself and the world around you.

Welcome to my Back Yard Studio

2009-09-07T14:41:00.000-07:00

Studio main wall

Finally I've moved into my long overdue backyard studio. It's taken one month short of a year since Trey and I bought the building to get to this point. I'm so giddy. Trey and his friends Andy and Michael did an awesome job. Big thanks goes out to Michael for the professional electrical work.

So let me show you around. Pictured above is my main work desk, which I got for $10 from a friend. It's positioned on the main wall of the studio. Bad feng shui, I know, but it looks good there. The birch drawers on the desk where I keep my beads and supplies are from Ikea.

Inspiration

In front of my work desk is my inspiration wall, which I coated with magnetic paint. Those thumb tacks keeping the pictures in place are actually magnets. Cool, right? I expect that the wall will be covered pretty soon with lots of tear outs that inspire me.

The white cabinet in the corner was actually the laundry room pantry from my previous house. Now it's become a handy storage space for my paints, brushes and random craft supplies. The lanterns draped over the cabinet were left over party lights from Peir 1 that Trey and I were given as part of a wedding gift four years ago. I finally got around to opening them, and I think they're perfect for the space.

From this view the room looks pretty bare, and I know the table is under scale but you work with what you have. I think that once I add more to my inspiration wall it'll balance the look.

Off to the left of the main wall is my secondary work table, which I'll use to package jewelry for shipping and probably for random projects.

I love the ample track lighting in my space. There are three tracks -- left, center and right -- and the lights can be angled any which way. The painting in the above image was done by my hand. It was living in the trunk of my car for the past year and has now found its permanent home. On the opposite wall is another black-framed painting I did that was also living in my trunk. It's main colors are pinks, and it really pops against the aqua blue wall.

The hanging star in the window was bought for the studio from World Market almost a year ago. It catches the light on a bright day just as beautifully as I'd hoped. The curtains hanging in the three studio windows were just completed today. I spent all weekend sewing them.

The fabric, which I absolutely adore, came from Target. The yardage was packaged as a large tapestry throw for a bed, wall or couch. After making the curtains I still have plenty of material, so now I'm considering other accessories to make for the studio.

And that's it for now. I'm sure I'll post more pics as the studio inevitably evolves.

Anthro Pics and a Surprise

2009-09-02T17:27:00.001-07:00

All images from Anthropologie's Sept. catalog

After a long day at the office I dragged my tired little self to my doorstep to find the latest Anthropologie catalog in my mailbox. Yay!

I love the little black and white striped number above. It's so girly and classic. It can be worn prettily or punked up rock and roll style.

And, gah! These shoes! I really like the purple and green ones, which by now you might have guessed. I always gravitate toward funky shoes, but the simple booties are calling to me, too.

More shoes. It's a theme lately. I already have a pair of black, heeled, knee-high boots, but I'm aching to get a pair of tough-looking brown flat boots this winter.

For the longest I've been oogling Anthro's hardware offerings. If only I had more cabinets and drawers.

Exciting News!
Recently, I was asked to participate in Chick Talk, an online Webisode channel by the Classy Closet. I'll be doing 12 Webisodes, 15 minutes each, on which I'll be talking about jewelry, style and my process as a designer. I'm also planning on taking to the streets and interviewing the most stylish people I can find at art and music events in my area.

The other day I filmed, in my newly completed back-yard studio, the promo for my part in the Webisode series. I'll post it here soon. Eeek! So excited.

Petite Minx in Etsy Treasury

2009-08-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much to Dionne, of City of Dionne, for putting Petite Minx jewelry in the top row (middle) of her gorgeous Etsy treasury. Dionne, you rock!

Changes Occur

2009-08-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

If I have seemed absent lately it's because my life as I've known it for the past seven months has changed quite a bit. A little more than a week ago my former editor, from the newspaper I previously worked at, asked me to come back to work. This was the second request. I took that as a hint from the universe and decided to just go with it.

So, now I've been reinstated to my former arts and entertainment reporting self. I'm happy to be back to work, seeing lots of old friends and colleagues and getting swept up again in my love for writing and interviewing people. Let me reiterate -- I do love it -- tremendously so.

But to be frank, I can be quite a shy and awkward individual at times. So having a job that forces me to be around people and talking to plenty of strangers is part blessing and part distressing. Most people who know me would probably disagree with my self-analysis, thinking that I'm an outright confident extrovert, but I usually hide my character quirks well.

Do note that this will not affect my dedication or attention to the Petite Minx shop.

Unrelated & Exciting: Recently a lovely acquaintance of mine posted an interview about me and Petite Minx on her blog, Exquisite Event Planning. Stop by, and don't hesitate to comment. She loves meeting new people and is such a sweetheart. ♥

Weekend Trip to Natchitoches, La.

2009-08-10T17:11:00.001-07:00

Smoochies! This is the only pic of Trey and I together on our anniversary trip. Me thinks Trey rather likes playing to the camera.

The foods, the sights, the sounds and the shopping in Natchitoches, La., is first-rate southern style at its best. Trey and I drove in mid-morning on Saturday and spent the entire day exploring. Lunch at Mamma's Oyster House, crawfish etouffee, was Ah-mazing.

(As a side note to all of you who know me, yes, this vegan broke down and ate things I'd normally shun. Hey, it was either eat or starve.)

I had no idea before I arrived that Natchitoches was so quaint. It's like a mini (very mini) and clean New Orleans just two hours from home.

Trey and I took a carriage ride through the downtown area and learned about historic homes and buildings, including the locations where the movie Steel Magnolias was filmed. We also visited the Magnolia Plantation, participated in an art exhibit openening and had sushi (very good, at that) for dinner.

Our stay at the Samuel Guy House bed and breakfast was nice, but the highlight of our accomodations was the lip-smackin' delishious complimentary breakfast on Sunday morning.

Check out more pictures of our stay in Natchitoches on my Flickr page.

Things I Adore Thursday: Lovin' on Life

2009-08-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

It's time for another Things I Adore Thursday post, but this time I think I'll do things a little differently. I'll just pull some stuff from the heart and throw it out there for the universe to hear.

Right now I'm loving the fact that I wake up when I feel like it ♥ that my dogs are always so happy to see me ♥ that my husband thinks I'm sexy even when I'm not wearing makeup and I'm in sweatpants and a T-shirt ♥ I love that I'm healthy and full of energy ♥ that I always seem to get what I want in some form or fashion ♥ that I'm enamoured all over again with writing (one of my first loves) ♥ I love my still incomplete backyard art studio (tripple, quadruple loves on that) ♥ I adore the color of the sky on a rainy day ♥ and that fall is looming on the horizon ♥ I love the way my ad looks on the City of Dionne blog ♥ And that my hubs and I are celebrating our four-year anniversary today ♥ And even moreso that we'll be celebrating it this weekend in Natchitoches at this bed & breakfast.

So, what are you loving lately?

Anthropologie's August Catalog

2009-08-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

All images from the August Anthropologie catalog.

The mailman came and brought me a prezzie. The latest Anthropologie catalog is out and here are a few of my favorite pics.

I capital L-O-V-E these saturated, jewel-tone colors and especially those purple T-strap wedges.

I would so rock this outfit if (1.) I had the moolah to buy it and (2) I had the nerve to wear those lovely gloves out around my town. The masses wearing their camouflage and ill-fitting, potato sack T-shirts would surely stare with keen and wary glares.

What's your favorite Anthro pic?

Monthly Biz Goals: August

2009-07-31T18:59:00.000-07:00

It's time to get all my eggs in a row. Wait. Is that how it goes? Well, whatever. You know what I mean. This is my first time participating in Modish Biz Tips Monthly Goal Meetup. For all of you small biz owners who are living under a dinosaur sized egg, see above, and don't know about Modish Biz Tips, check it out. It's handy dandy.

Goals for August
♥ Finish painting my studio.
♥ Move into my back yard studio! (I can't wait to show you guys the pics.)
♥ Make at least two items per business day.
♥ Post two items per biz day. (Duh.)
♥ Query five or more blogs for features.
♥ Begin working on new wholesale offerings.

That's it. Nothing to get scrambled over.

Things I Adore Thursdays: Layers

2009-07-30T08:27:00.001-07:00

Photo by Wendy Bevan.

Good Thursday morning, friends. I wanted to share some of my latest favorite photos found around the Net last week. Like the one above. Ooh, it's so gritty and grungy looking. Loverly! Check her Photoshop process out on You Tube.

♥ This food photo styling is amazing. Go and drool.

I'm loving these washed out fashion photos, and the layered bracelets on the model are inspiring me for some upcoming styles -- bracelets and necklaces included.

♥ I adore the photo styling here.
♥ A very smart lady sent me this link.

I'm feeling an abundance of creative energy right now. I must go now before the muses retreat.

♥ I want to make these, sans the sharp pointy bits.

Minx Gets Models

2009-07-27T18:19:00.001-07:00

Golden Maple Leaf

Two lovely ladies, Mary Drew and Carrie, struck a pose today -- er, make that 100 poses -- for the good of my shop. That's right, folks. Now, many of the most highly viewed goodies and others in the Petite Minx store are showcased on models.

Urban Huntress

I've met many Petite Minx customers, and, as a whole, you all are fashionable and opinionated. You know what you like and what you don't. My guess is that seeing Petite Minx jewelry on the models will help to inform your purchase. Am I right?

Pink Amethyst Pendant

Would you prefer to see the jewelry modeled, or does it not matter to you? I'd love to know.

Asymmetric Pendant Necklace

Last but not least, many thanks go out to Erin, of Ink Obsessions, who wrote about my jewelry last week. Here's the post. Her blog is so pretty and a fun read, too. Check it out!

Relics of the Past

2009-07-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

A building in downtown Arcadia, La.

Rummaging through files of old photos the other day, I came across little gems of fond memories from years ago. Trey, the hubs, and I used to be avid antique and vintage items hunters.

These are the interiors of a couple antique shops in downtown Arcadia.

Maybe it was a phase because we sure haven't done that in a while. Currently, we're in a "purge it" phase. Want to come to our yard sale?

More antique shop interiors.

Anyway, I thought it'd be fun to post some old photos (blogged long ago) of one of our antique hunts in Arcadia, La., infamously known as the town where Bonny and Clyde were shot down in 1934 by police officers.

These pics were taken at Bonny and Clyde Trade Days.

There is a monthly flea market, Bonny and Clyde Trade Days, that draws quite a weekend crowd. People actually travel from all over the place in their RV's and camp on grounds near the flea market.

Quaint. Yes?

The 1920s and 30s were, to me, such a fascinating period in American history. Just yesterday I went to see Public Enemies. Ah, the costumes, the music, the love story. Très romantique.

Things I Adore Thursday: Kate Sutton Illustrations

2009-07-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

All images by Kate Sutton.

For seven years I was formally trained in fine art, and I've been drawing since I was four. I can capture the likeness of practically anything or anyone. Nevertheless, I wish I had an inkling of the creativity of Kate Sutton, the illustrator who has created many (if not all?) of the posters for the Renegade Craft Fair and makes the cutest whatnot's from plushies and stationery to band aids and buttons.

by Kate Sutton

I am deeply enamored with illustration. It stems from childhood, I know. I would stare for what seemed like hours at the drawings in my favorite childhood books.

by Kate Sutton

If you like Sutton's work, too, check out her Pirate Bird plushie tutorial. These little guys, as seen in her work above, are so cute I'm planning on making some for myself and for my dogs. And I think they'd make great gifts, especially for a baby or small child.

Things I Adore Thursday: Eye Candy

2009-07-09T06:50:00.001-07:00

Image from SFgirlbybay

{Just a note: Thanks to all of you who checked out my new online shop and commented. Your input is appreciated!}

I'm loving this orderly inspiration wall. There's something about tidiness that makes pretty more palatable. I don't know, maybe that's my upbringing with a super duper perfectionist mom rearing its neat little head.

I am in looooove with this photo, above. I don't know who took it, but I found it on oh, hello friend, a gorgeous blog that I've recently discovered. Do check it out.

And here we've come full circle to a tidy little inspiration wall.

Before I go, I wanted to share some link love.
♥ Check out Urban Weeds: Street Style From Portland. There are beautiful photos, people, and lots of style.
♥ Mironabside's Flickr photostream -- so ethereal
♥ Crochet a "Button Bedecked Headband." I'm in the midst of this project now.

Petite Minx Launches Web Site

2009-07-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

Big news! Petite Minx now has its own Web site at petiteminx.net. It's super user friendly, and my favorite part about it is how large and clear the images are when clicked on. Best of all, at purchase time, customers won't have to create an account like they would on many other sites. Simply use your credit card or PayPal account. Easy peasy!

In other big news, Petite Minx jewelry is now also available via Lounge Luxe.

What I Learned at the Peach Festival

2009-07-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

Here's a view from my booth at the Peach Festival.

Hi friends. The Peach Festival has come and gone and boy was it hot. So hot, in fact, that I've vowed to never do another outdoor show in the summer again. While I was baking like a sweet potato fry in an oven -- in this case my plastic tent -- I scrawled a list of things to note.

What I learned at the Peach Festival:

1. Tables should be front and center when under a tent.
2. The real EZ Pop tent is worth the money. My $40 scrap heap was smaller than the 10 x 10 it was billed to be. What gives, eBay seller?
3. Never do outdoor shows during a hot southern summer. (This one bears repeating and leads me to No. 4.)
4. Indoor fees are worth the cost ... no matter how much they are.
5. Peg board displays draw more attention when covered with fabric. (This one is purely speculative at this point.)
6. Minimal makeup when in 100 degree weather is best.
7. If dumb enough to ignore No. 3, always bring headache meds and a spray bottle, which you'll probably use 50 times in an hour, so bring lots of water, too.
8. Tacky crap sells -- a lot -- at southern craft shows
9. Good stuff sells too, just not nearly as much.
10. Every show I've done has been a learning experience -- especially this one.

This is me, during the show, playing coy with the free paper fan that saved my friggin' life. I swear it did.

Thanks to everyone out there who bought from me at the show and signed up for the Petite Minx newsletter. Y'all rock!

Things I Adore Thursday: Yellow

2009-06-25T07:23:00.000-07:00

Image from Easy Living

I love the mix of colors in this photo from Easy Living.

Image from Lillyella.

If you're like me and have a brown thumb, you may have at least once wanted to make billowy paper flowers. Try the tutorial.

A Day in the Life of a Cottage Industry

2009-06-23T18:18:00.001-07:00

These are all of the promo materials I designed this weekend.

Yeesh! I've taken the A-Z small business crash course this week, and it's only Tuesday night. Between merchant accounts, banking, inventory and brand imaging, it's all about tying the loose ends into pretty little bows now. The Louisiana Peach Festival craft show begins this Saturday, and while I'm nearly as prepared as I can be, at this point I wish I could crank out more jewelry ... just for added measure.

Remnants of a paper banner.

The shop banner, which I'm hand making, is almost complete. In retrospect, I wish I would have spent the 50 odd dollars to have a small one made, but -eh- craft and learn. In the process of making the banner, I've been stabbed rather violently by angry fabric pins, have had a grommet setting debacle that stretched into a three-day event and experienced a snafu at my local printer's shop. And now that I've painted the "Petite Minx" on the banner, with two handfuls of letters left to paint, my fingers are going on strike and are refusing to work.

Check back soon for the craft show banner tutorial.

Craft Room DIY

2009-06-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

Image from Sunset.

Hello friends. Lately I've been an uninspired blogger, hence my brief absence, but I'm back with fresh muses on my shoulder and plenty of fun, helpful links to share.

Image found on Flickr.

As I'm still dreaming up ways to make my studio the creative center of my personal universe, the chevron striped table, above, caught my eye. I'm thinking of giving the DIY project from Sunset a go, though it looks like quite an undertaking.

Images from the Makool Loves You shop. In the words of Rachel Zoe, "I die."

I'll leave you with a few of my favorite links of the moment. Enjoy. xo

♥ Super handy! Make a rolling coat rack.
♥ How to Rock a Craft Fair
♥ Crochet a wire beaded bracelet.
♥ Frayed roses tutorial by Sis Boom
♥ I heart the Makool Loves You blog big time, and their shop makes me weak in the knees.

Counting Down to the Peach Festival

2009-06-16T12:12:00.000-07:00

I found this photo online. This shed is so cute and tiny, and it makes me appreciate the size of my studio-to-be.

Hi friends! The countdown to the Peach Festival craft show has begun, and I'm busy tying up lots of loose ends including making hang tags and business cards, my banner, displays and table cloths. Here's the lowdown on how things are shaping up.

Table cloths: Yesterday I spent $111 on fabric for the booth. The table cloths are going to be a pretty robins egg blue color and I'm thinking of making runners in a lime yellow hue to add a little punchy contrast.

The banner (signage): When I've finished it, I'll post a tutorial on how I made my banner, which is nothing more than raw canvas at this point. I'll give you a hint. Gesso, paint, grommets and a sewing machine will be used.

Displays: Trey will be rigging several pegboards (I got them for free!) to sit upright on the tables. We still haven't decided on the hanging mechanisms. All we know now is that hooks are bulky, unsightly and will add up to be quite an expense.

Petite Minx Shop to Re-open

2009-06-09T11:59:00.001-07:00

Coral and wire wrapped pendant on brass chain

I just can't seem to stay away. By tomorrow evening, the Petite Minx shop, which has been down for a week, will re-open before the said date -- end of June.

I love these soft color swatches.

Since the majority of my stock will be for sale at the Peach Festival in a few weeks, only a select few items will be available in the shop for now.

Asymmetrical earrings for the daring

I've been photographing those select items today. These are a few of my favorite shots.

The coral necklace and asymmetrical earrings will be available in the shop, as well as a pearl and chain necklace and pearl and chain earrings.

This photo was taken a couple weeks ago, but it went so well with the look of the latest shots.

The items that I'm listing are classic and wearable for just about any occasion, but they also have a modern twist that sets them apart.

Twenty Candles and Then Some

2009-06-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

It's mine! For the back-yard art studio.

This is the box Trey was hauling into the house when Wednesday, the morning of my B-day, I bleary-eyed stumbled out of bed and into the living room. Good thing I can't see without my contacts and didn't altogether ruin the surprise. Once I saw what he got me, I miraculously woke up and danced a jig, and all without my first cup of coffee.

This is the sushi bar I ate at on my B-day.

In homage to the confounding tradition of celebrating getting older, I've been reveling every day since Wednesday. Yes, I've reached one of those non-milestone ages that you would think only really deserves a card and maybe a cookie, but I'm amping up some much-needed enthusiasm for the big 3-oh my god am I that old?

This is the bar, of which I did not get to partake, at the restaurant. Boo!

For dinner, Trey, his parents and the girls (sweetheart nieces who colored me a card. I melt, melt.), took me out to Samurai, a trendy, dimly lit sushi bar where the music is fitting of a nightclub ... thump, thump, thump, un-ch, un-ch, un-ch.

To anyone from the north Louisiana area who happens upon the place, take my advice and never order the Thai tofu and veggies plate. Trust me. There aren't enough vegetarians in this area for the cooks to marinate the stuff, much less cook it right. The sushi is, however, da' bomb. But don't get me wrong. Despite the disapointing meal, I had a nice time.

A limited view of Shreveport's skyline.

On Saturday, my extended B-day bash, Trey and I drove to the Starbuck's in Ruston where we visited with my pal, Roz, who recently moved away but was in town on business. Then we were off to Shreveport where I had the most mouth-watering, delicous vegetarian Indian food at Indigo. To ice the proverbial cake, I finally found two books on crochet that I like (those are really hard to come by) at Barnes and Noble and went shopping at the Louisiana Boardwalk from which I walked away loaded down with shopping bags. Ah, getting older really isn't so bad. Is it?

Things I Adore Thursday: Craft Projects

2009-06-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

Learn to make this Paper Parasol Centerpiece from Instructables.

I'll admit it. I'm a dilettante. I adore dabbling in just about every art form out there. Lately I've taken up crochet, sewing, rubber stamp carving and am interested in trying my hand at cross stitching. But I have to draw the line somewhere, right? Perhaps I'll hold off for now.

I scoured Instructables and the Web this morning for some fun and useful craft projects, and this is what I found.
♥ Paperclip jump rings

♥ Betz White's shoe bag tutorial
♥ Teacup Soy Candle
♥ Pam Garrison's coffee filter garland

And since I just took up sewing, I'm loving this Cupcake in a Teacup Pincushion.

My Vacation Photos vs. Anthro Catalog

2009-06-02T18:26:00.001-07:00

Image from the latest Anthropologie catalog

Finally! I got my Anthropologie catalog in the mail. To my surprise, I found that half of the photos were taken in Austin, TX, where I've had some pretty good times and hope to call home one day.

I took these photos inside Uncommon Objects, Austin

The topmost photo, from Antrho, is part of a vintage-y spread that reminds me of Uncommon Objects, the coolest labyrinth of an antique and oddities shop in Austin's SOCO. In fact, the photo could have very well been taken in the shop.

Photo from Anthro catalog

The image, above, was taken at the Jo's coffee stand next to the Austin Motel where Trey (hubby) and I once stayed while on vacation. Every morning we stopped at Jo's for coffee and breakfast. To the side of the stand is a covered deck with tables and seating where people and their pets watch morning joggers and evening passersby.

This is the photo I took of the same Jo's coffee stand.

"Shaved Ice" image from Anthro

Here is a photo from the Anthro catalog of a girl sitting in a diner. The picture at the top right of the triptych, below, was the location for that photo shoot. You can tell by the tiled, checkered wall. And just to throw in a little Louisiana lagniappe, I included a gander at the front of Uncommon Objects.

Images by me. Compare the photo on the top right, above, to the "Shaved Ice" Anthro pic.

Peek at My Desk and New Jewelry

2009-05-30T14:07:00.001-07:00

This is my work desk where I make jewelry.

Seeing the surface of my work desk is about as rare and shocking an occurrence as me returning my library books on time. I had to document this anomaly.

Playing with different jewelry display options for the festival.

I also have to thank a new blog friend, Do You Love Lucy, for bestowing upon me the One Lovely Blog award. I want to give this award back to all of you who have linked to and followed my blog since its inception. Thanks so much to all of you. It means a lot that people care enough about my art to stop by often.

Desk-made by my hubby, Trey; mandala painting- done in acrylics by me; lamp- Target; desk paint by Ralph Lauren; wall paint by Behr

XO~
Monica

Things I Adore Thursdays: Photos and Links

2009-05-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

Image by Every Eskimo, found on the for me, for you blog

Good morning, all. This is the second consecutive day that I've woken up at an ungodly hour to get to work (10 paces away) in pajamas, my hair all askew and sleep still in my eyes. So now that it's late -- 8 a.m. -- I couldn't wait any longer to share these beautiful finds with you.

It's probably played out, but I'm a sucker for anything typography. The photo, above, from the Every Eskimo Etsy shop is actually a listing for wire baskets, which are great, but I want the type panels.

This rustic, red, striped table runner from Mothology was bound to end up on a Things I Adore post. I have a few textiles in my home that are akin to this.

Here we go again with typography. I found this image of the Ace Hotel on SFgirlbybay, one of my long-time favorite blogs. I'm really drawn to the moody look of the room with its deep colors and retro mod furnishings.

Lotta Jansdotter's home via Apartment Therapy

Here are a couple more links you'll be glad you followed:
* A Creative Mint -- gorgeous photo styling on this blog
* "Life in a Barn" -- I am so inspired by every aspect of these images on this post by House Martin.

New Jewelry and Business Updates

2009-05-23T21:13:00.000-07:00

New jewelry! Everything I make from now on is just for the Peach Festival and won't be in the Etsy shop. However, I'll be more than happy to make duplicates for anyone who asks. Just shoot me an e-mail, or follow the link to the shop and post a querry.

I finished this chocolate and raspberry collection today. (Top left to right - Peas in a Pod earrings, Espresso Beans earrings; Bottom left to right - Chocolate Raspberry earrings, Peas in a Pod bracelet)

I'm in the process of adding photos and descriptions of new jewelry to my newly minted Flickr photo stream. It'll be updated regularly as I continually make more items in preparation for the show. Also, my Flickr widget will be on this blog's sidebar soon, so you can peek in every now and then to see what's new.

Woodland Nest necklace and Peas in a Pod Asymmetrical

I'd love to hear what you all think about the new jewelry. Which is your favorite piece? Mine is the bracelet below.

While antique hunting today, I met a really nice couple who gave me just the nudge I needed to get a merchant account for the festival. So if all goes according to plan, I'll be accepting credit cards at the Peach Festival and at future shows.

I named this one Chocolate Blueberry Surprise.

They also filled me in on a couple more upcoming festivals in Louisiana and are interested in viewing my jewelry for a possible wholesale order. That makes two querries in the matter of a week that have all but fallen into my lap. Holy moly! Everything is really begining to happen for this little business of mine, and I'm super excited about what's to come for Petite Minx.

How to Make a Stamp

2009-05-22T09:05:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, in preparation for the Peach Festival, I spent some time carving a stamp to print onto paper bags. The effect of the image is rather handmade, which is precisely what I wanted.

I bought a rubber stamp making kit at Michael's that included:
(1) one rubber pad
(2) a carving kit that included two blades, shown in the photo.
(3) Separately, I bought a brayer (shown in photo), which is a tool that is used to spread paint evenly onto a surface.

You may also want to purchase:
(4) graphite paper for tracing an image onto the rubber pad
(5) various inks for stamps (useful if you're cutting a smaller stamp)

I started by freehand drawing onto the rubber pad with a color pencil, though a regular pencil will work too. The parts of the rubber pad that are not drawn on (referred to as negative space) should be cut away. What's left will be a relief of your image.

*Note: If you are including wording on your stamp, be sure to draw it backwards. If it reads correctly in the mirror, you've drawn it right.

After I carved away all of the negative space, I used the brayer to spread acrylic paint across newsprint. Then, I rolled the paint evenly onto the stamp and applied it with even pressure to my page.

As you can see in the top print, there were still parts of the stamp that needed to be cut down further. And in the bottom image, I had pressed the stamp onto the inked paper rather than applying the paint with the brayer, resulting in uneven coverage and not enough paint.

This is the result of the finished product. It's a pretty simple process. I suggest, if you have a choice between the white or pink rubber pads, to go for the white. They are more pliable and easier to work with.

Things I Adore Thursdays: Craft Rooms

2009-05-21T08:08:00.001-07:00

Image from My Aim is True.

This post is inspired by my very nearly completed back yard craft studio, which I have been waiting to work in for the past six months. Naturally, I've been mentally decorating it for some time now, and my deco plans have changed more than once.

This is the interior of my craft room as it is today -- so close to complete.

I like the idea of making the main wall a magnetic chalk board. It'll be my inspiration board that doesn't require a cork board or pins. And I can't wait for you all to see the colorful chandelier my mother-in-law bought me for the space. It's like candy for the eyes. Eeep!

The Pink Loves Brown studio from the Making it Lovely blog. My previous craft room was this pink color of her studio walls. Lo-ove.

The thing that I really admire about the Pink Loves Brown room, above, is the organization. I'm a sucker for bins and shelves and all-around orderliness. Though I try, I unfortunately don't accomplish this very well in my home, so I don't hold out much hope for the studio.

Photo from My Aim is True.

I like the room from My Aim is True because of how colorful it is. I recently discovered the blog and like it for two reasons: her adorable Boston terrier (I have a gassy one of my own.) and her spunky animal rights attitude.

And that's it for the things I adore today. Check back soon for a handy, dandy tutorial on how to make a rubber stamp, as well as for a peek at the latest Petite Minx jewelry.

Beads, Freelancing and My Playlist

2009-05-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

New item in shop: Asymmetric Blossom and Beads

I'm so excited to have gotten three packages in the mail yesterday evening. Two bundles were full of beads that are so gorgeous I have to keep touching them. I am itching to get started making more jewelry for my booth at the La. Peach Festival.

Beads, beads, glorious wooden beads

The other package had a book in it that I've been hired to edit. I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be asked to do this by the writer. It's a huge honor, and it's something that I truly enjoy doing. I'm a nerd. I know.

This is a small fraction of the bead shipment I received in preparation for my booth at the Louisiana Peach Festival.

Some of you may be wondering why anyone would ask me to edit a book. Jewelry is only one of my loves. I'm also a writer. My previous job was as a reporter for a daily newspaper. That's how I had the pleasure of meeting the writer of the book. One day I got a press release about it and the next I was sitting in a coffee shop interviewing this fascinating individual. All in all, I ended up writing three articles about her and her book.

I'll certainly be busy this week. Here's a list of the music I'll be listening to.
* Jeremy Larson
* Death Cab for Cutie
* Paramour
* Sufjan Stevens
* The Shins

Things I Adore Thursday

2009-05-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

The day we've all been waiting for is here. The winner of the free pair of earrings will be announced. Read on. But first, check out the Things I Adore this Thursday.

I HEART:

* The idea of twinkle lights above the bed. As a poor college student, I made a "headboard" over my humble bunk -- a box spring and mattress -- with colorful lights. It made the perfect light for reading in bed, and made the room all ambient and cozy.

* This Prada ad and its monochromatic color scheme.

* The desk of the writer of Creature Comforts, one of my favorite blogs.

* The chandelier in this photo. I wanted soooo badly to buy it from Z Gallerie when I moved into my house a year ago. But the chandelier above my dinner table is far more in keeping with the style of the house. I hang my head. My shoulders slump. I dream of a loft in Austin, Tx.

And now, I'm pleased to announce that the winner of the drawing is KATY! Woohoo! Somewhere streamers are falling and a kid is playing a kazoo.

Thanks to all of you who participated and voted on the poll.

XO
Monica

Enter My Jewelry Giveaway Drawing

2009-05-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

This is my hand drawn flier inspired by concert posters.

The Ruston Farmers Market craft show today went swimmingly. I met lots of nice people and sold gobs of jewelry. Thanks so much to all of you who purchased from Petite Minx.

This was the Petite Minx jewelry booth at the Ruston Farmers Market.

If you were there, then you were first to know about my jewelry giveaway. Read on for more details.

One lucky person will win this pair of earrings.

WIN A FREE PAIR OF EARRINGS!
That's right, folks. All you have to do is post a comment with your e-mail address. The drawing will be done on May 14. The winner will be announced here and contacted via e-mail. Your e-mail will not be used for any other purposes. Good luck everyone!

Things I Adore Thursday On Friday ... Again

2009-05-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

Ah, geez! Here we go again. Thursday slipped by under my whiffer, but I'm determined to be on time with Things I Adore Thursday next week.

Today I'm Adoring the kitchen above. I've been wanting to paint a room black for the longest but haven't had the huevos to do it. I think my husband would freak. So maybe I'll do the bathroom black ... yes? Anyway, the color in the photo is "Soot" from Benjamin Moore. Luuurve!

Other things I'm lurving are Mary Kate's style, grass votives from Wrapables.com, and the checkered floppy hat I bought yesterday from Forever 21.

And for josh sakes, will someone please tip my husband off to buy me The Printmaking Bible for my birthday next month? Pretty please?

Branching Out for Craft Show

2009-05-05T16:56:00.000-07:00

Prepping for the Ruston Farmers Market craft show has been so much fun. Today I started working on my booth display. I spent about $7 total for two terra cotta pots, moss and foam filler. The branches were free, courtesy of nature, and their soft white-washed effect is due to lying in the driveway for two days in the rain after they'd gotten a coat of spray paint-- a happy mistake.

Wanna know a secret? The round wooden lift that the pot is on is actually a chip and dip platter that I rarely use. Using around-the-house items in a display is a great way to keep exhibit-related costs in check.

Quite off the subject, here is my first ever finished crochet project. I'm self-taught, and it's pretty evident because the scarf is kind of wonky. It's also skinnier than Rachel Zoe is after lunch -- that is to say it's the twiggiest thing you've ever seen. But damn it's fashionable! In my mind anyway. Ah, well. Yarn over and learn I guess.

Things I Adore Thursday: Art Posters

2009-05-01T06:45:00.000-07:00

Blogger's Note: You may have noticed that I wrote this post on a Friday, thinking it was a Thursday. This is what self-employment does to a gal. It's a miracle I know what month it is.

So I'm starting a weekly post here, "Things I Adore Thursday," where I'll share some of the eye candy I find on the Net that rocks my socks. Here are a few concert posters that caught my eye.

I was so inspired by concert posters, in fact, that I've hand drawn a flier ad for this blog to be given out at the Ruston Farmers Market on May 9, when I'll be selling Petite Minx jewelry. It's a bunch of doodles. Not comparable to the screen printed awesomeness here, but it's my own brand of D.I.Y. Will show you the outcome later.

Ah, Cake. I love this band. It's a throwback to my carefree days. Trips into the country or to the lake on sunny summer days. The boy with the golden hair...

Blah, blah, blah. My sentiments exactly.

Love, love, love this one.

This flier is more in the vein of my D.I.Y. masterpiece. Gotta cut out now and get started on some freelance work. Peace.

Prioritizing: It's on my List

2009-04-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

Whoever said that owning a small business requires the wearing of many un-stylish hats (hats for rather menial and unglamorous tasks) was right. I've worn so many today that my hair is embarrassingly flat. It helps that I don't mind doing a little of this and a little of that during the day, but I'll admit that I dropped the proverbial ball more than once today.

As a pro list maker I shouldn't be so darned disorganized, but alas my desk is small. It's covered in beads, chinks of wire and chain, threads, papers, half drunk cups of coffee, pliers, pens and plumes. Feathers, that is.

My head is crammed with the debris from last night's Web crawl -- full of what's hot, what's not and what happened on Americas Next Top Model, thoughts of tomorrow, some of days gone by and much of things left to do. Like, with all this work to do, when am I going to get around to finish the fruitless endeavor of crocheting that winter scarf or playing the new Metallica Guitar Hero? Trey is hammering away on that little plastic guitar at this very moment, fancying himself a rock star I imagine.

But what's that you say? "You're blogging right now, Monica," say you.
Priorities, I know. My priorities are just all askew.

Here are a few fun things I've come by as of late.

* Bokeh photography -- Tutorial on how to bespeckle your photos with hearts a blur.

* Love this dress -- Get the pattern for some pocket change and look like a million.

* Ever wanted to know what's on Trent Reznor's playlist? I have. Check it out.

* Do you have a craft business, too? Awesome. You might like this helpful Web site.

Why Being Laid Off Pays Off

2009-04-27T10:15:00.000-07:00

Image found here.

A few months ago I was liberated from the 9 to 5 grind when the newspaper I worked for downsized and I became one of the millions of unemployed.

I experienced so many emotions at once. Sadness, relief, panic, nostalgia and determination. As soon as I heard those words, "We're going to have to let you go," it seemed like the worst thing that could have happened. But as I was sitting in that room with my former editor I had a change of heart. I chose to look at unemployment as the best thing that could have happened, because somewhere on my list of "Things I want to be when I grow up," was to be self-employed.

Sleeping in makes me all fuzzy inside. (I think this image is from the now defunct Domino mag.)

As a young adult, self-employment once seemed to me like a brass ring that was too high to reach. What were my qualifications exactly to do such a reckless thing as to carve my own path, swinging from one ring to the next without a safety net?

True, I haven't "made it" yet but I'm meeting my small business goals every day. One accomplishment leads to the next, and each month that passes the list of those achievements gets bigger until one day you wake up and think, "I've finally arrived. Look at how far I've come."

At least, that's what a successful musician I once interviewed told me. I think I'll take his word for it.

So here are my Reasons Why Self-Employment Rules:
* I get to wake up when I choose to. This is the honest to god, absolute most wonderful thing about working for myself. (That's not to say that I sleep until noon, because I don't. Not even close.)
* The coffee at the "office" is of good quality and is never burned.
* It's a short commute from the couch -- where I drink said morning coffee -- to my work desk.
* And I get to wear my p.j.'s all day if I so choose.
* Lunch breaks last as long as I please (as long as goals are met, of course).
* Any time the work gets too tedious I can take a break to play with my dogs, go outside and get some sun or watch some tube.
* This is one for my former co-workers. My office has windows. Yes! There are four of them.
* I call the shots on what to make, how much to charge, how my business effects the environment, what image I project and what I stand for.
* And last but not least, no one will ever tell me these two damning words, "You're fired."

Wistful For Those Folded Mags

2009-04-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

Blast from the past. A photo of one of my early fave girl vocalist bands, Veruca Salt.

I've been pouring through old issues of Adorn magazine tonight and it got me thinking about how most of my favorite rags have met untimely deaths. Adorn, Domino, Jane and many moons ago, Sassy, my first magazine love.

If you want to know me better, check out what I was reading at 14.

Perhaps with a bundle of well-loved magazines off the stands there will be less paper in landfills. That's not to say that tons of other mags will become bathroom readers and eventually cast off like a shred of used t.p. But in any case, thousands of gals like myself who fall under these rags' target markets will be greener and their disposable income expenditures leaner.

So, what to read now? Here's my short list of latest fun reads and eye candy Web sites.

* iCiNg -- Gala Darling
* Creature Comforts
* Modish

Let's Talk Craft Shows

2009-04-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

Check out this curio box tutorial.

After the ups and downs of a roller coaster month I'm finally hitting my stride, making Petite Minx products and posting listings at the shop. With a craft show at the Ruston Farmers Market on May 9 on the horizon and a couple locations asking for displays, I need all the drive I can muster to crank gobs of jewelry out.

You can check out photos of the last showing I did at the market here. Back then I was using my name for my business.

Photo from Country Living.

I've been making jewelry for six hours a day lately -- sometimes more. Each passing day the pile of finished jewelry at my work desk grows and grows. That's my favorite part of doing jewelry full time -- tracking the identifiable progress. That's also probably why though a part of me dreads balancing the books, I enjoy it. The numbers don't lie, people.

CRAFT SHOW DISPLAY IDEAS

* Fabric covered bulletin board for earrings and necklaces with fun push pins.
* Tree branch necklace display. Branches can be sprayed black, white or silver and stuck in terra-cotta pots dressed up with paint, ribbons, buttons, etc.
* Small picture frame earring displays
* Hand painted canvas banner
* Small black and white photo displays for interest

I'll update with photos as these things are checked off my list.

New Shop Listings

2009-04-20T17:56:00.000-07:00

Island Jaunt Necklace

I just posted new jewelry to the Petite Minx shop and there are a handful of items to be added before I get busy making more. These two necklaces were way fun to make. I love the colors and how the wooden disks on the cluster necklace (below) sound when they clink, clink together.

Wooden Charm Cluster Necklace

In an unrelated note, I took this photo, above, on a rainy day in downtown Monroe, La, as my hubby and I perused the city's annual Art Fest. The colorful balloons were a beacon on the gloomy day and juxtaposed in an ironic way next to the fallout shelter sign.

Back with more later.

Tales of a Beach Vacation

2009-04-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my vacation and though I'm slightly under the weather I am invigorated by the brief change of scenery.

Cherry Grove Beach - two blocks from where we stayed - a few miles from Myrtle Beach.

I took lots of photos and ate copious servings of Thai food. Walks on the beach were punctuated by sea shell hunting (some of the shells will be used in upcoming one-of-a-kind necklaces!) and the chilling high gusts of wind made the water too frigid for wading.

Drinking ginger and cinnamon tea, waiting for a plate of pot stickers. Yum yum. Trey is pictured in the background.

Admittedly it wasn't the best weather for lounging at the beach so I did plenty of perusing under the cover of clouds at outdoor shopping markets.

Market Commons - an upscale outdoor shopping venue. My favorite place
I shopped at on the trip.

Inside Antrhopologie. Love, love, loved their merchandising.

The last night we were in Myrtle Beach my hubby, Trey, and I went to see Le Grand Cirque at the Palace Theatre. The show was quite similar to Cirque du Soleil. At first Trey tried to act all macho like he wasn't planning to enjoy it, but once he saw the amazing displays of strength and death-defying stunts he perked up. He didn't actually admit to loving the show but I know he did:)

Inside Antrhopologie

Now I'm easing back into my day-to-day routines getting some freelance work squared away before I dive headfirst back into Petite Minx. First objective -- fill the Etsy shop.

New Jewelry and an Outing

2009-04-06T13:32:00.000-07:00

Love, love, love this Petite Minx necklace. Pendant-ebony wood; beads are bead chrysanthemum and vintage wood stained a cranberry hue; 19" with a 2" adjustment.

Though I haven't so much as tweeted in the past few days I've still been busy making jewelry, and here are some of the latest creations. While prepping to go on vacation I've been juggling a host of -- might I add random and plentiful -- business related obligations.

So please have patience with me as my Etsy site is relatively barren. After returning from vacation I vow to stock it to the gills.

Left-antique brass chain, shells, betelnut, white-washed wood and plum-hued silk; right- horn "tooth" pendant, black agate beads, antique brass chain and micro-fiber "suede"

Wrapped onto gold-tone wire are a freshwater pearl and an antique brass coin. The cord is micro-fiber "suede."

But it hasn't been all work and no play for me. The First Fridays art crawl in Ruston that I mentioned (last post) was a blast. I stopped by Thousand Words Photography to restock my display, but before I got the chance to mingle with any of the art crawlers my hunger led me to 102/a Bistro where complimentatry hors d'ourves and wine were being served.

Inside 102/a Bistro

The newly rennovated building looked swank and amazing and the food, which includes sushi (my fave) was to die for delicious. Also, I heard from a little birdie that there may be several vegan meals on the menu, too. Hooray!

Well, that's it for now. It's back to work for me.

Restocking Thousand Words; Going on Inspiration Vacation

2009-04-03T11:08:00.001-07:00

This evening I'll be restocking Thousand Words Photography (Ruston, La.) with some of my latest jewelry that includes silks, wooden pendants, shells and earthy-hued micro fiber "suede". Tonight is the inaugural First Fridays downtown art crawl in Ruston, and I'll be at Thousand Words for a while meeting and greeting crawlers.

So, perhaps you're wondering what the photos in this post have to do with anything I'm writing about. As usual I've been scouring the Web for inspiration and found some beachy/summery-themed pics that are getting me amped for my vacation to Myrle Beach, SC, next weekend.

These photos are also giving me ideas for more jewelry, some that will be one-of-a kinds, which I'll make available through the Petite Minx Web shop. The pictures beg me to ask the question, "What kind of jewelry do I want to wear to the beach, during the summer or while on vacation?"

Early next week and while I'm away that will be a question I'll repeatedly ponder as I sketch new designs whilst sitting at the beach under a large billowy umbrella. I can't wait to feel the warm oceanic breezes and hot sand between my toes and also doing some shopping at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. I'm so looking forward to perusing through Anthropologie and Pottery Barn, two of my favorites that I've never stepped foot in once before.

I'll be sure to post pictures of my vacation and my sketches here in the next couple of weeks.

Petite Minx Web Shop Opens

2009-03-31T16:03:00.000-07:00

"Dream Catchers" by Petite Minx will be available at 3rd St. Market as of Saturday.

Yesterday's meeting with the boutique buyers I previously mentioned went well. They ordered multiples of several items, which will be delivered to the shop this Saturday. If you're in the Monroe area check out Petite Minx jewelry for yourself at 3rd St. Market.

This necklace is available through the Petite Minx Etsy shop.

Today I also made Petite Minx jewelry available online at my Etsy shop. The selection is limited right now, but will be stocked in the next couple of weeks. Check it out!

The Possibilities Are Endless

2009-03-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

A view from my messy desk while I'm at work creating new jewelry

This week has been a whirlwind of activity at chez Petite Minx. After finally receiving all of my supplies I've begun to make the jewelry that is beyond anything I've ever done. I'm super excited to reveal it all here but have little time on my hands to do so at this point.

More exciting yet, I have an audience this coming Monday with two buyers at a local upscale home and accessories boutique. By Tuesday I'm hoping to have my jewelry on display there. Send me some luck, friends.

By Monday I need to have fabricated one set of all designs in the new line of jewelry. Then I need to get right back to work to make duplicates of each for the gallery that is already selling my work. I just got word that the older jewelry I supplied the gallery has sold quite well. I'm anticipating at the beginning of next month my first paycheck as a self-employed woman. Woo hoo!

The Designer at Work: An Inside Look

2009-03-16T10:31:00.000-07:00

Here's a peek at some earrings that will be in Petite Minx's first collection. The "skirt" is a dusty-rose colored wire mesh.

I'm waiting expectantly today to see the first bundle of supplies arrive at my doorstep, but placing that first order wasn't as easy as simply choosing pretty items all willy nilly like I'm used to doing. No, there was much work that led up to that itemized order.

This necklace will be made with a luxurious silk ribbon, peridot seed beads, golden Swarovski crystal connectors and a brass and mother of pearl teardrop pendant.

My creative process begins with scouring online the pages of my favorite clothing and jewelry collections. What brands they are, I shall never tell. But maybe you'll be able to guess once you see my finished collection, which will be for sale online at my Etsy shop, petiteminxbijoux.etsy.com.

Here's a peek at what the pendant will actually look like.

After gathering inspiration I begin to sketch ideas for necklaces, bracelets and earrings. (I made three sets of revisions to my sketches this time around.) After I've designed what the "bones" will look like I decide what materials and colors I'll use. Should the round bead be a 6mm black agate or should it be a 9mm wooden bead?

Then I search my supplier's Web pages for my specs, sometimes finding better materials than what I had in mind originally, which of course sends me back to the drawing board.

More sneak peeks to come. Check back for more of what's to come before the grand opening of the Petite Minx Web shop.

A Tease of the First Collection

2009-03-12T08:42:00.000-07:00

All photos from Gudrun Sjoden's Web site.

The week trudges along dragging its feet through the rain-soaked streets of my town while I hole myself up in my office designing page after page of jewelry. After three very interrupted work days I feel I'm closing in on the final sketch and will soon be ordering a treasure trove of goodies that have never graced my workbench before.

There will be silks and feathers; there will be rhinestones and glue; and there will be faux suede. Is your mind at work with the possibilities? Mine is. Of course, don't count out the fact that there will be plenty of beads, charms and chain worked into Petite Minx's very first collection -- a true body of work fit for an artist's portfolio.

The photos above will give you a sense of the inspiration that has shaped my designs for the collection. And soon I should have sketches and samples to post. Until then ...

The Display is Up

2009-03-10T14:12:00.001-07:00

It's official. Petite Minx has found a home at Thousand Words art gallery. There are lots of adjustable length sterling silver necklaces with colorful and dainty pendants and sterling silver earrings -- some with a distinctive artisan quality. There are also a few chunky beaded necklaces with distinctive pendants. And there's lots more to come, too. So check in on Thousand Words for the latest from Petite Minx.

Petite Minx Gains Ground

2009-03-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

Things at Petite Minx headquarters (a.k.a. my home office) have been busy, busy with plenty of tagging and embellishing in preparation for my display this Saturday at Thousand Words gallery in Ruston.

On top of prepping for my display I'm gearing up for the next collection of jewelry designs, which when complete I'll be shopping around to local and regional boutiques and art galleries. The theme for the latest work will be vintage bohemian. I scored some awesome finds at a local antique store that I can't wait to make into necklaces.

These earrings will be for sale at Thousand Words gallery as of tomorrow. They are made with sterling silver, the flowers are carved bone, and the beads are autumn jasper.

The Petite Minx Story

2009-03-03T07:47:00.000-08:00

"Plum drops" sterling silver French hooks with tiny sterling spacers

Welcome to the Petite Minx blog. Though the brand is relatively new, I've been designing jewelry for more than four years.

I got hooked on the art form when I was planning my wedding. I wanted unique jewelry to wear that wasn't the status quot. I had a blast making mine and my brides maid's jewelry. Several months later I had enough beads and finished jewelry to show around town, which led to plenty of sales and the confidence to move forward.

Photo of me before the big day

My style has evolved through the years and it's becoming more of an expression of me now more than ever. I'm continuing to play with styles and ideas and right now am inspired anew by the jewelry of Eastern cultures. So we'll see what comes of that.

Check back often for updates on new jewelry and discounts.