New Rings.

I just wanted to give you a sneak peak at the new rings that I've either listed, or will be listing in my etsy shop in the coming days. And there are even more (not shown)! I'm so excited to be sharing these with you, I hope that they bring you as much joy as they do me.

Flying Lessons. Rings. Authenticity and Play.

Zinnia - chartreuse ring by olive & hope

I have yet to mention that I enrolled in Kelly Rae Robert's e-course called flying lessons. {The course is all about tips and tricks to help your creative business soar}. Maybe it's because I took on so many things at once...maybe it's because I have been absolutely immersed in it. Actually it's a yes to both! I wasn't going to enroll for a couple of reasons...money, and time. But as the weeks (two to be exact) went by, I kept seeing people I follow on twitter post about the wealth of info and how amazing it was...that led me to tweet my regrets, and longing to be on the journey. And an angel in the form of Tiffany Moore came to the rescue (big thank you)! I followed my heart and decided to dive in and catch up. Let me tell you that the amount of information Kelly is sharing is A Lot, and so good. It took me a bit, and I had very tired eyes from all the reading but I am offically all caught up on the lessons (there are as many as 500 comments sometimes!).

One thing that I learned about in class is picnik, which is a photo editing tool that's user friendly and free. I think I'm a little late to the party on this, but I thought I would share in case there is anyone out there (like me) who needs something like this. I spent some time playing with it, and it's a lot of fun! I edited the photo above and added a lomography type of effect to it. I don't have anything other than a point and shoot, so the fact that I can play with F-U-N effects, makes me smile! I'm sure that it's not on the same level as having a fun camera - lomo diana, holga, polaroid, etc. but exciting for me nonetheless. And maybe just the thing that I need to move me through my fear, and into my desire to play more with photography.

I am also going to be loving up on my etsy shop a bit more, it's been neglected due to the slow going over there. I have been frustrated with the progress of my little shop, and thus, haven't been giving it much attention. In reality, I haven't been putting enough effort into it...period. I do really well with the rings in person, when people can touch them, and try them on. When they can see the colors up close and personal. And see how comfortable they really are. I feel comfortable talking about their virtues in this type of setting. The rings make me really happy, and I'm told that they make others pretty freaking happy too. So I will be taking my approach from that place. If you want a little more happy in your life...buy a ring. And then you can take it on the road with you. Wherever you go.

The truth is that marketing in general, makes me a little squeamish. I am not a pushy sales person. In fact, I got let go from my first paying job (at 16) in a clothing store (after only a few days) for not wanting throw extra clothing over the door at the customers. I knew I didn't want anyone pushing things on me (and still don't), so I wasn't comfortable doing it to others. This is where the dis-comfort comes in around marketing/selling, but facts are facts, and if I want people to know the rings exist, I must talk about them. And because much of my focus around these parts is authenticity, self love and the like, I will occassionally be mentioning my lovely little rings as authentically and lovingly as I can. This should spare me discomfort, and you from being pushed around! Hopefully it will be a win-win for all of us.

 I recently had the pleasure of having some interaction with Miss amazeballs herself - the lovely Michelle Ward (she is as authentically playful as it gets)...and I discovered something about myself and my shop. I have been neglecting to share my playful side with all of you. Well...maybe sometimes I give you a teeny tiny glimpse? I want that to reflect in all I do, because playfulness is important to me. So that is another thing that you will notice around both this space, and ye old shoppe. When I started making the rings, I decided to name them after girls and left it at that - I'm happy to announce that the girls will now be getting some personality! Sometimes I wince when I write something silly, and Little Miss Inner Critic whispers that people won't get it, or they will think I'm a huge doohfus. You're going to be seeing more of that side of me, and I'll let you decide for yourself whether or not you think I'm a doohfus or not - because it's really none of my business what you think of me. And maybe, just maybe...you'll love me even more than you already do! Happy Friday. xo

My Best Project of 2009. Me.

December 21. Project. What did you start this year that you're proud of?

Things have been strange this year. I was contracting myself to another designer throughout '08, and for the first several months of this year. Things had slowed down so much for her business that we all took a hiatus for a few weeks. And that few weeks has turned into months. Normally I would have panicked, but this time I made a conscious decision to enjoy the moment. Embrace the time. Do something new. Spend time with friends.

I started with a sewing class. I discovered that I am not bad at it! In fact I actually enjoy it, and really enjoy sewing zippers in. Why that is, I'm not sure...but I love me some zippers! I also started making rings this year. I opened an etsy shop . I went with things a little more than usual. I struggled with the details of starting a business. I tried to jump in and not worry about all of the minute details. I challenged myself to step out of the shadows, to interact with people more. I practiced being present. I trusted that what I needed would be provided, even if I wasn't sure exactly how. I got back to exercising. I ate healthier (that is until the holidays snuck up on me). I forgave others. I'm starting to forgive myself. I took time to breathe. I enjoyed the beauty of  nature. I started a blog. I started to step into my authenticity - into "me".

I guess the project that I started this year, the thing that I am most proud of, is a little project called "me". I think that 2010 is going to be a continuation of what was begun in '09. And I'm looking forward to diving in head first, with complete abandon!

* this post is part of Gwen Bell's - The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge

Zoe Ring.

Zoe Ring by olive & hope

Meet my latest and most popular ring at the moment...*drumroll please*  Zoe! I haven't sold any in my shop yet, but I am selling them in person - fast fast fast. Each ring is completely one of a kind, and they each feel like a little piece of art :)  The shells are beautiful little things, peach tones, green tones, a little creme, and touches of chocolate brown.  Colors so natural and neutral that you can wear it with almost anything.

Crocheted Goodness on Etsy.

Photo courtesy of beautifulpurpose  on etsy

I was happily searching away on etsy a day or two ago, and I found a great shop! I love the name by the way.... BeautifulPurpose :)  The shop owner, and creator of beautifully crocheted things is, Leslie Young. I found a few things I'd like to add to my Christmas list...and I'm sure that you will too.

These crocheted boots make me happy, and I love her recession rings too. The shop is chock full of of crocheted goodness, and she happily accepts custom orders. If you'd like to have a scood or boots for the holidays...Leslie is asking you to order by the 8th of November (yikes! sorry for the short notice). We have only had a brief exchange, but Leslie was very sweet, and I always want to support those who are open and gracious :) Happy shopping!

It's a Work in Progress.

Rings from olive & hope

Starting a business is a challenge for me. My creative brain goes a little haywire. I will go to it, one step at a time -  I started with my etsy shop . It's still a tiny little thing, but I will do just as I said.....grow it one step at a time. SARK calls them MicroMOVEments ,of course my brain instantly says...you can't spread your tasks out over that much time....but I guess that's why I'm a work in progress ;)  I've added a few more rings to the shop, and over the next several days I will add some more....that's where I'm at right now.

No More Empty Etsy Shop.

My etsy shop is no longer an empty shell! I'm so excited that I finally have something in it...Olive&Hope is not a full shop by any means (one ring at the moment), but it will fill up in the next few days and weeks. I'm looking forward to adding listings - I have so many ring styles to add! My plan is to start with the rings, and then I'll move on to my other items i.e. tote bags, zippered pouches, pillow covers, one of a kind home decor items, etc.

I vow to not blog only about Olive & Hope's products, really... *raising my hand - I do solemnly swear. As I work through getting the shop set up, I'm sure there will be more than a few... I will keep them short and informative ;)  I promise. You can check out the shop at oliveandhope.etsy.com  Check back often to see the progress, and that way you'll be sure not to miss out on a limited quantity item. Or something you just can't live another day without!

Rings {Today's Project}

Happy Fall! - the Autumnal Equinox is officially here, and I have my air conditioning on....but hey, a girl can still be in the mood right? Today I'm trying to get some rings made for a few upcoming shows. Since I've been feeling so inspired by Fall lately, I went bead shopping and am now working away on some new baubles. Just thought I would post a picture of a couple of my newest additions.

I still haven't listed anything in my {currently empty} Etsy shop, and I'm hoping that I will get my act together... and add some items before the weekend! Oh Happy Day!