I love, love, love music. Not a day goes by that I don't listen to music in some form or fashion. Whether it is on my ipod, on the radio in the car, in my head, or I'm humming a tune- it is such an integral part of my life.
I especially enjoy listening to music and creating stuff at the same time! They seem to go hand in hand for me. Whenever I am in a rut, all I have to do is put my ipod on shuffle, sit down with my beads in front of me and let the magic begin!
I thought it might be fun to throw a playlist on my blog today, since I intend to bead all day long. I've got a lot of pieces to start on and really could use the creative push in the right direction. Thanks in advance for the creative energy "music gods." Rock on...
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
And the winner is....Shannon Brown
Congratulations to Shannon Brown! She is this month's winner of $50 in FREE jewelry from my shop Family Jules. Shannon is a great gal with a fun sense of style. She is sure to pick out some great pieces and sass them up with a cute top, cool shoes or some other fabulous accessory! I will be posting pictures of what Shannon ends up selecting. Thanks to everyone who "became a fan" on Facebook. If you haven't done it already, become a fan and you will automatically be entered in my free giveaways every month! Who couldn't use some more jewelry? :)
Friday, August 28, 2009
Finding My Own Style
Okay, so I've never been a super trend follower. While I don't consider myself to be completely devoid of current style, I also wouldn't say that I make it a point to outfit my closet with the seasons "hottest" clothing, shoes and accessories. It's just not me, and well quite frankly, I simply can't afford it. :(
With that being said, I do however like to check out what's out there in the designer world. I am entrigued and inspired by color, textures and fabrics. I like so many different styles that it's often hard for me to categorize or find my niche in the handmade jewelry world. Some people do the whole "modern jewelry with a vintage feel" or "simple and sophisticated pieces for women" thing really well. I just can't ever seem to nail my style down to one influence or another. Marketing experts would probably say that not focusing my product or my target audience is awful for business, but I would have to say, name one person that likes to eat the same thing every day?
I mean why should we, as artists, be forced to represent ourselves or our lives for that matter, in one dimension. You know? I personally dress and accessorize based on my mood, the weather, the music I'm listening to, all kinds of stuff. What I have found is that in doing so, my own sense of style and confidence has emerged and evolved over the years. Now if only I could capture that or bottle that up in a neat little PR package. LOL
I take pride in the fact that I am not afraid to explore the world of color. I know people who like to play it safe and consequently, never incorporate anything too colorful or too ostentatious into their wardrobe. I however like to take chances, add splashes of color, mix it up with metals, wear shoes that are bold and such.
It is through this exploration that I find what works, makes sense, makes me feel more confident and comfortable in my skin. I'd like to think that in the same respect, that is the manner in which I design my jewelry. Perhaps that is my niche? LOL
Anyways, getting back to trends...I am super excited to see that some of my favorite colors are all the rage this fall! Deep, rich and regal colors are in. (Think royal colors) Inky blues, plums, camel, burnt oranges, olive greens, etc.
Another trend is that instead of silver, golds are coming in fashion. I usually prefer silver to gold, but really like the way gold is being paired up with these brilliant jewel toned colors. I might just have to explore this trend for fun...
Out of curiousity, do any of you look or follow trends? Do you feel like you have hammered down your distinct style? If so, how did that come about? Do you design things that only you personally would wear? Or do you pretty much make whatever people ask you for and are willing to pay for? I am interested to hear your thoughts on the subject. Please do share...
With that being said, I do however like to check out what's out there in the designer world. I am entrigued and inspired by color, textures and fabrics. I like so many different styles that it's often hard for me to categorize or find my niche in the handmade jewelry world. Some people do the whole "modern jewelry with a vintage feel" or "simple and sophisticated pieces for women" thing really well. I just can't ever seem to nail my style down to one influence or another. Marketing experts would probably say that not focusing my product or my target audience is awful for business, but I would have to say, name one person that likes to eat the same thing every day?
I mean why should we, as artists, be forced to represent ourselves or our lives for that matter, in one dimension. You know? I personally dress and accessorize based on my mood, the weather, the music I'm listening to, all kinds of stuff. What I have found is that in doing so, my own sense of style and confidence has emerged and evolved over the years. Now if only I could capture that or bottle that up in a neat little PR package. LOL
I take pride in the fact that I am not afraid to explore the world of color. I know people who like to play it safe and consequently, never incorporate anything too colorful or too ostentatious into their wardrobe. I however like to take chances, add splashes of color, mix it up with metals, wear shoes that are bold and such.
It is through this exploration that I find what works, makes sense, makes me feel more confident and comfortable in my skin. I'd like to think that in the same respect, that is the manner in which I design my jewelry. Perhaps that is my niche? LOL
Anyways, getting back to trends...I am super excited to see that some of my favorite colors are all the rage this fall! Deep, rich and regal colors are in. (Think royal colors) Inky blues, plums, camel, burnt oranges, olive greens, etc.
Another trend is that instead of silver, golds are coming in fashion. I usually prefer silver to gold, but really like the way gold is being paired up with these brilliant jewel toned colors. I might just have to explore this trend for fun...
Out of curiousity, do any of you look or follow trends? Do you feel like you have hammered down your distinct style? If so, how did that come about? Do you design things that only you personally would wear? Or do you pretty much make whatever people ask you for and are willing to pay for? I am interested to hear your thoughts on the subject. Please do share...
Monday, August 24, 2009
Become a Fan on Facebook and you could win $50 in FREE jewelry
Become a fan of Family Jules at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Family-Jules/80987544266?ref=ts on Facebook and you will automatically be entered into a drawing to win $50.00 in FREE merchandise from my shop. Keep it for yourself or give it as a gift! Winner will be announced on Sept. 1st. :)
Good luck everyone! Love, Jules www.familyjules.etsy.com
Sunday, August 23, 2009
5 Dollar Sale in My Etsy Shop
Hello Everyone!
Just dropping a quick note to tell everyone that I am having a 5 DOLLAR SALE in my etsy shop. www.familyjules.etsy.com. All items must go! I am making room for some new inventory and would like these lovely items to find a good home. And at $5, you can't beat that...
Have a nice Sunday! Jules :)
Just dropping a quick note to tell everyone that I am having a 5 DOLLAR SALE in my etsy shop. www.familyjules.etsy.com. All items must go! I am making room for some new inventory and would like these lovely items to find a good home. And at $5, you can't beat that...
Have a nice Sunday! Jules :)
Monday, August 17, 2009
Learning To Blog
So this is my first blog. I am finally jumping on the blogging bandwagon I suppose. All the cool kids are doing it, right? (LOL)
I'm not even sure that I have anything important, relevant or interesting to say. But let's be honest, there are a million people who blog about nothing in particular, who blog about the stupidest things. With that being said, here goes my first blogging attempt. Wish me luck, I need it!
So I started my morning driving across town. While this will not sound remotely interesting to anyone, it is a huge accomplishment for me. You see, I am 31 years old and have put off driving (I'm cringing as I type this) for as long as humanly possible.
I can parasail 1,000 feet in the air over the ocean, bungee jump from tall structures, ride the scariest of rollercoasters, hell jump from a plane- but driving freaks me the hell out! I have terrible anxiety about it. So there...I have started my first blog with a confession. That's got to count for something, right?
Much to my chagrin, I did rather well I must say. Okay so it was 5 in the morning and there was little traffic out on the road, but everyones got to start somewhere! I dropped off my girlfriend at work, and headed to Panera for some breakfast, and a much needed cup of coffee.
It is nice and quiet in here. The city is not quite awake, and the smell of fresh baked breads fill the room. Ahhh...I found a nice little spot and planted myself next to a window. It looks like rain is on the way which in a strange way makes me smile. Most people hate the rain, but I love it. I find it inspires me.
Hazelnut coffee- check, iPod- check, free wi-fi- check, it's going to be a good day!
I think I will spend my time this morning working on my blog, doing some business planning and coming up with my next creative endeavor. Aside from being a jewelry designer, I own a personal organizing & errand service business, 4 Chicks & A List. That is my full time profession, and while it keeps me busy most days, I love the days when I can be creative just for me! I love being alone with my beads, tools, and miscellaneous items that I draw inspiration from.
Today, I think I will draw my inspiration from the Fall. I know, I know, it's not here just yet, but I am already chompin' at the bit as they say. It was a tad chilly this morning, so that is why the Fall is on my mind. I look forward to Fall all year round, literally. It is my favorite season. It brings cool weather, warm sweaters, boots, scarves and other fabulous accessories.
It is my best time of the year too! What I mean to say is that I feel at my "truest" during the Fall. My mood is great, my creative energy is at its' highest, and I feel both intune with my spirituality and with mother nature. Fall = Happy Jules. :)
I'm not even sure that I have anything important, relevant or interesting to say. But let's be honest, there are a million people who blog about nothing in particular, who blog about the stupidest things. With that being said, here goes my first blogging attempt. Wish me luck, I need it!
So I started my morning driving across town. While this will not sound remotely interesting to anyone, it is a huge accomplishment for me. You see, I am 31 years old and have put off driving (I'm cringing as I type this) for as long as humanly possible.
I can parasail 1,000 feet in the air over the ocean, bungee jump from tall structures, ride the scariest of rollercoasters, hell jump from a plane- but driving freaks me the hell out! I have terrible anxiety about it. So there...I have started my first blog with a confession. That's got to count for something, right?
Much to my chagrin, I did rather well I must say. Okay so it was 5 in the morning and there was little traffic out on the road, but everyones got to start somewhere! I dropped off my girlfriend at work, and headed to Panera for some breakfast, and a much needed cup of coffee.
It is nice and quiet in here. The city is not quite awake, and the smell of fresh baked breads fill the room. Ahhh...I found a nice little spot and planted myself next to a window. It looks like rain is on the way which in a strange way makes me smile. Most people hate the rain, but I love it. I find it inspires me.
Hazelnut coffee- check, iPod- check, free wi-fi- check, it's going to be a good day!
I think I will spend my time this morning working on my blog, doing some business planning and coming up with my next creative endeavor. Aside from being a jewelry designer, I own a personal organizing & errand service business, 4 Chicks & A List. That is my full time profession, and while it keeps me busy most days, I love the days when I can be creative just for me! I love being alone with my beads, tools, and miscellaneous items that I draw inspiration from.
Today, I think I will draw my inspiration from the Fall. I know, I know, it's not here just yet, but I am already chompin' at the bit as they say. It was a tad chilly this morning, so that is why the Fall is on my mind. I look forward to Fall all year round, literally. It is my favorite season. It brings cool weather, warm sweaters, boots, scarves and other fabulous accessories.
It is my best time of the year too! What I mean to say is that I feel at my "truest" during the Fall. My mood is great, my creative energy is at its' highest, and I feel both intune with my spirituality and with mother nature. Fall = Happy Jules. :)
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