Flashback Friday and a Sneak Peek for Next Week

What better way to take it easy at home while nursing a vicious cold than going through some of my past creations. :)

I had so much fun making this ring.  It all started when I was exploring making my own polymer canes.  I created the blue base as part of what would later become flower petals and decided that it would make a great looking pond in a ring.  

At first I was thinking about making a koi pond, and then I added a bunch of colorful flowers and some Swarvoski crystals, and this is what I got. 

It reminds me of a reflecting pool.  It is so amazing what is created when we just go with the flow and see where life takes us.

This was one of my very first creations.  I was very into the harajuku and decoden style at the time, but wanted to give it my own glamorous, sparkly twist.  Making this necklace took a lot of thought and much trial and error.  I made each one of the glass covered discs unique (AB porcelain roses, metal roses, rose cabochons, faux pearl hearts, crystals, and more) and surrounded the rose centerpiece with both faux pearl cabochons and Swarovski crystals.

I truly love creating one-of-a-kind pieces, even if all the business journals and guidelines I have been reading tell me that that is not the way to go.  Time will tell, but I will definitely be making one-of-a-kind pieces all the time.

In case you couldn't tell, pink is one of my favorite colors! 

A few of my miniature doll figurines from when I discovered braided and multicolored hair! :)

 When I got the idea to make my very first miniature doll, the name "Megumi" literally came to me in a dream.  When I looked up the meaning of the word (which I had never heard before), I discovered that it meant "blessing" or "grace."  Pretty cool, huh?

I have since made these little dolls into lucky charms for my necklaces and bracelets (coming soon due to popular demand!) and hope that they will bring joy, luck, and love to their owners!

And on that note... here is one of my little dolls today!  I have named this one Persephone!  She's got gorgeous pink, purple, and lilac hair and has a hot pink flower and Swarovski crystals in her hair.

I have even made a little companion for my dolls! :)  He's not a charm, but a cute miniature friend, nevertheless.

Perhaps an inspiration for dolls with companions! (coming soon?????)

Keep an eye out for sister and best friend necklaces (my latest idea) coming soon to my store!

XoXo,

Joyce

Pumpkin Madness and Paying it Forward

Halloween will be the first big holiday for my shop.  I can't say that I consciously prepared for Halloween, but I must have had the holiday somewhere in the back of my mind as I happily share with you the pumpkin themed items I have made and listed for sale.

Jack-o-lantern studs. Pumpkin Necklace. Pumpkin Princess Necklace. Cutie Pie Invisible Clip Earrings.

What has been consciously on my mind, however, has been the idea of "paying it forward."  We receive so much in life from others, including from strangers.  Sometimes all it takes is a kind smile, a gentle word, or a pat on the shoulder to give us that much needed boost of energy, reminder to smile, or encouragement to go on.  Sure, there are definitely those in the world who take take and take, but I would like to believe that human nature is more so inclined toward the spirit of giving.

Giving conscientiously is such a simple choice.  Often it is the decisions that we make on the spur of the moment that grow into seemingly fantastical realization.  Our one decision can ignite a passion that kickstarts us and sets us onto the right path toward fulfillment of our goal.  One powerful decision can lay the foundation for building something truly great.

I heard an interesting story about my uncle over the weekend.  He viewed his career as a geotechnical engineer as a way to pay it forward.  It seems like such a strange idea, but it makes sense.  His job was to ensure the safety of the foundation so that the project could come into realization, be it a parking structure, a building, a subway line, or even the first ever public toilet in Hong Kong.  He was proud of his achievements, even if they weren't always recognized.

I was told that many years ago, when my cousins were very young, he took them to the basement of one of the skyscrapers he had worked on.  My cousins asked him, "What are we looking at?"  To which he replied, "Look at this beautiful foundation that I have built."  I can only imagine the looks of puzzlement on the faces of his young children as my uncle probably broke out into his classic laugh and knowing smile.  To him, the buildings, the subway line, the parking structures, and the public toilet were all ways that he could impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of people over the years.

In his small way, through his tireless giving of hours of thought, the heavy responsibility he carried for the supervision of his projects, and the time he spent checking and rechecking numbers and calculations, he hoped to build something that would lay the foundation for others to build an amazing final product that others could see and admire.  He did not seek admiration, praise, or even understanding of his contribution.  His joy came from realizing that he had contributed towards something that would continue to pay it forward to friends, family, and even strangers.

Uncle Stephen's Second Avenue Subway Line.

Join me in taking a moment to remind yourself just how little it takes to give a little.

XoXo,

Joyce

My Dreams in the Form of a Shop: www.DaintyLittleGarden.etsy.com

It has been a long time dream of mine to give my artistic endeavors a full go and to pursue art as a full time job and see where it goes.  I had never allowed myself to freedom to try it, in part due to my not having the confidence in my ability to do so, and in part due to my listening to the well-meaning naysayers in my midst.  Nevertheless, the dream lived on and my drive and confidence grew, and I have decided that that time is NOW to "do or die" trying.

Latest creations in the works.

So what does it mean to live as an artist?  What is my style, and where do I find inspiration?

These are all questions that are a work in progress, but I am sure going to have some fun finding out!

I know I am a bit late in the market for trends that I spotted years ago (i.e. the invisible clip earring trend), but I seek to bring to the market something new - my individuality.

And I am confident that in the midst of creation, I will discover who I am and what makes my own voice unique.

On my palm for scale

People who know me never believe me when I tell them that I am actually a shy person.  I think that people tend to confuse being friendly with being outgoing.

Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely a social creature.  I love making friends and getting to know people, but I won't be the first to say "hi" and get to know someone unless I force myself to.  And yes, it really is a matter of "forcing" myself to do so.

One of the ways I put myself out there is through my art.  It's always nice to meet people with similar interests and talents and it is always a pleasure to meet those who have made it pursuing their passion in life, whatever it may be.


I have long envied those who find and pursue their passion - whether it be the willingness to stand in blood soaked new shoes for an entire day for an unpaid acting role (*a nod to my brother Kevin - https://www.facebook.com/KevinYoungActor/*); standing all day cutting and styling hair while experiencing an incredibly difficult pregnancy, or try three (*a nod to my friend Kasumi Grillo - http://www.kasumigrillo.com/*); being inspired by an office visit by a massage therapist to quit your day job and begin a full time pursuit of bodywork, which leads you to your true passion in life - rolfing (*a nod to the amazing Susannah Myrvold - https://www.larolfing.com/*); simultaneously pursuing silversmithing, bodywork, and life-coaching (*a nod to the superstar Stevie Duren* - https://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedsilverworks and http://blissbodyworkjh.com/*); or spending your lifetime teaching others so that they may learn to enjoy, appreciate and strengthen their bodies (*a nod to my mentor and the world's most amazing Pilates teacher Michele Sheinbaum*).  But, envy no more will I, as I take the plunge and join them!

So, without further ado... **drum roll** my shop:  www.DaintyLittleGarden.etsy.com.

XoXo,

Joyce