californiablue has a new look!
I am thrilled to unveil my new earring cards! I’ve been contemplating tweaking my branding for a while and decided that my earring cards were the first item that needed a little makeover.
I wanted a more simple earring card with less color so it wouldn’t compete with the color and design of my earrings. Fortunately I have a talented friend who does wonderful letterpress work! Despite my indecisiveness, she patiently provided her advice and applied her expertise to my new and improved earring cards. I love the simplicity of design, the spacing of the letters and the color of the ink (my signature californiablue).
My friend Bridget has her own Etsy shop called Janky Press. Check out her unique collection of postcards and prints. If you are lucky, she may even help you with your next project!
Etsy Fundraiser in support of animals!
It is my distinct pleasure to be part of an Etsy fundraiser where a portion of our sales goes to Saving Shelter Pets.
This is an organization run by a fellow Etsian who shares my strong convictions concerning animal welfare. Her organization facilitates rescues from high-kill animal shelters and promotes spay & neuter, in an effort to give all pets the chance at life they truly deserve. Pet overpopulation is a national problem, and every one can do their part to prevent unnecessary euthanasia of healthy, adoptable pets.
From August 16th through August 26th, by purchasing from one of the participating Etsy shops, not only will you be supporting handmade, but you will be supporting a program which makes a difference in lives of animals. Check out all of the Etsy shops that are participating in addition to californiablue!
Inspiration for californiablue jewelry
If you have a creative outlet, a common question you will receive from people is, “what is your inspiration?”
For me, when I create californiablue jewelry I am inspired by light, color, plants and water. All of these factors come down to one thing - where I live.
Recently our house was included in the home tour section of the wonderful blog, Re-nest.com. As we were being interviewed and the pictures were taken, I realized that my creativity was really born in this house. All of the detailing found in this house is truly inspirational. From the unique ceramic tiles to the beamed ceiling, it is clear that very creative minds were behind the craftsmanship of our home.
We feel very grateful to be living in this house and sharing it’s creative spirit.
The perfect summer necklace
Here’s my take on the perfect summer necklace.
It needs to be incredibly light weight. Nothing is more uncomfortable than heavy jewelry when it is hot out! It also needs to be able to be worn with a dress, a t shirt and maybe even a bathing suit if you are feeling super fashionable!
These necklaces are so fun to make, and the color options are endless (pictured are three different necklaces, although you could wear them together). More of these will be added to my Etsy shop very soon.
Happy summer!
Industrial yet natural
Zen Lotus stamped necklace with aquamarine
Valerie Tyler’s Etsy shop is composed of a unique collection representing the dichotomy of industrial and natural elements. Like many artists who are inspired by where they live, Valerie is inspired by the industrial and rust-belt areas of Cleveland, along with old architecture and bridges. She also
lives just steps away from a national park, with gorgeous expanses of green and nature.
Dotted Spotted Copper Dome Necklace
From these images of Valerie’s work you can clearly see how her distinct inspirations are combined to create a modern, earthy, organic style.
Skinny Tree Sterling Silver Teardrop Earrings
Take a stroll through Valerie’s Etsy shop and witness the unique creations born out of industrial and natural inspirations.
Spring giveaway at californiablue!
My spring giveaway is a pair of my recycled green glass earrings. Since I’ve been doing a lot of planting and setting up our compost pile, I thought these little “green” earrings would be the perfect giveaway to get us all to think a little more “green”.
Here are the rules:
* Leave a comment here about what you most enjoy about spring (qualifies for one vote);
* You can earn additional entries by telling your friends about this giveaway - via Twitter, Facebook, Blog. Just leave another comment and include any relevant links.
Contest closes at midnight (PST) on April 25th, and winner will be selected randomly (by random.org) on Monday, April 26th.
Good luck, and Happy Spring! If you are looking for some fun spring designs, check out my Etsy shop :)
Easter already?
Doesn’t it feel like Easter is earlier this year? Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t believe Easter Sunday is this Sunday! Where did March go?
This photo was taken during our trip to the breathtaking Filoli Gardens in Woodside, California. I loved the Easter colors of the tulips and other spring flowers, and of course the rabbit! As a result of searching for rabbits on Etsy, I put together this fun collection from talented Etsy artists.
Enjoy, and happy Easter!
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Spring inspiration
It is always fun to discover new shops on Etsy! I immediately was in love with urbandesign’s shop when I stumbled upon it. Her photographs evoke happiness and an undeniable natural beauty. The two photographs featured here are Maleah’s top picks for spring. Where ever you may be, these photos will bring the celebration of spring to you.
Based in Eugene, Oregon, Maleah is inspired by the stunning nature of the area and the never ending changes nature presents.
Check out urbandesign’s gorgeous shop on Etsy, and happy spring!
More than just soap
When I came across Castle Company Soap’s Etsy shop I immediately was stuck by the purity and simplicity of her products. Maybe it’s my mood lately of “simple is better”, but I find her soaps so appealing and soothing.
I asked Beth to tell us a little about her shop, her craft and her process. 
Lavender Rose Goat Milk Soap
From the artist….
It’s in my nature to organize and categorize. I want a place for everything and everything to be in its place. But, life doesn’t fit simply in a box and it doesn’t conform to the calendar in my head. I can just make myself crazy trying to make it do so.
So what does this have to do with soap? Well, over the past three years the crafty girl inside of me started screaming to be heard and I’ve finally stopped to listen. I’ve dabbled in a few different crafts and have two that I can say are my hobbies: painting terra cotta pots and handmade soap.
Making soap is a pure simplistic joy. Just as a child is excited about their crayon drawing, I am so excited when a recipe that I create comes out exactly how I pictured it would and not only do I like it, but others do too!
Making handmade soap makes both my left AND the right side of my brain happy. The right side has fun with the math and the science and the organizational side of it and the left side loves the creativity. I plan to try my hand at decorative soaps with swirls and layering and will also try some fun fragrance oils instead of essential natural oils. But I find true joy in making a beautiful simplistic bar of soap. I enjoy every bar, but my favorite is the basic dairy bar with goat milk and buttermilk.
Daffodil paradise
It was another rainy Saturday this weekend, but I was really excited to attend the Filoli - Sunset daffodil event. The Filoli estate is spectacular, and the grounds and gardens are always breathtaking!
When I heard that they had planted an additional 50,000 daffodil bulbs, I knew I had to see it. I was equally thrilled that Sunset was part of this celebration as it continues to be one of my favorite magazines of all time. Every month, I’m reminded why I live in the West!
Despite the rain, daffodils were popping up everywhere! Here are just a couple of the pictures I took during our Saturday stroll through daffodil paradise. Enjoy!
P.S. Daffodils were an inspiration earlier this season when I selected some wonderful Etsy artists who portrayed the daffodil theme in a unique way.
