A First for Raziela Designs

I can't be happier!  One of my designs has been featured this week on the Cousin Corporation of America's Fan Page on Facebook.  Click HERE to view the page.

If you recall, we featured the Cousin Corporation as our Company of the month back in May.  Cousin Corporation produces beads, findings, charms, inspirational booklets and project guides for Walmart, JoAnn, Michaels, and Hancock Fabrics.  Among their line are Crystazzi, Elegance Metal, and Jewelry Basics.

Looking for the perfect hideaway?

For our 6th wedding anniversary, my husband told me to pick a place to get away for the weekend and we would go. We knew we wanted to escape the regular hustle and bustle of most tourist places. We definitely wanted more seclusion and time just to enjoy each other even though we only had the weekend.  I didn't want the whole hotel/motel experience.  I wanted something different.  We began stalking Bed & Breakfast spots.  We settled on a little place in Long Beach, Mississippi.  The little place was called Long Beach Getaway Coastal Retreat. It is a small, 9 bedroom bed and breakfast that is nestled back off the main road with still a great view of the Gulf of Mexico from the beautiful veranda.  Still within in walking distance of some very nice restaurants. I can tell you The Long Beach Getaway Coastal Retreat was the most serene place I have ever been.  Just above the dining area was a lovely library with a full view of the Gulf.
 

Our room, bedroom view

Our room, living room view

We checked in on June 9th a little before lunch time.  From the moment we arrived, our host Dinuhabi Patel welcomed us like family.  He made sure everything was perfect for us when we arrived.  He even had a welcome message for us on the bulletin board wishing us a happy anniversary.  Dinu, or Dean as most people call him, took the time to get to know us.  He was truly interested in our happiness while staying with him in his home.  Our gracious host offered us the choice of two different rooms, and we chose one we just absolutely loved.  Our suite was complete with a very comfy king size bed, separate living area with a fold out couch, large screen TV with over 300 channels, (but we didn't watch much TV...wink wink, nudge nudge).  The private bath included full sized bottles of lotion and body wash with a Spa shower.

That night, Dinu prepared the most amazing meal for us.  We had the dining room all to ourselves and he not only cooked for us, he served us as well.  He called it a Colonial dinner.  It was served the way it would have been in India to the royals.  There was a beautiful bouquet of various white and pale yellow flowers on the table for us. Our meal began with Champagne.  Our appetizer consisted of a half of sweet pepper with marinated local Blue Crab and a half of a Key Lime.  Next, he served us Saffron rice with huge fresh Gulf Shrimp, a baked tomato stuffed with sweet potato and eggplant and various spices.  Our main course was locally caught Spotted Trout in a Coconut Cremé sauce over Saffron rice and a blend of English Cucumber, tomato and onion.  For our dessert, Dinu prepared a lovely ice cream dessert consisting of an orange slice, local produced vanilla ice cream, strawberry syrup and a few drops of rum.

Dinu in his element.

Dinu shared with us the rich history of India and the way he served the meal.  The rice he prepared was once only available to the royal families of India.  His grandfather owned one of the few rice farms in India that produced that particular type of rice.  He shared with us all about his family, where he was from, how he came to be there.  He had came from Iowa with the Red Cross right after Katrina.  He knew the then owners of the facility and helped them out a few months out of the year.  He now leases the property and runs it on his own.  He is in the process of adding a new larger kitchen and dining area to accommodate a full service restaurant.

Me and Dinu

David and Dinu

The morning of our departure, June 10th, he created the most amazing breakfast for us. We were served hot coffee, orange juice and a plate of fresh fruit consisting of kiwi, oranges, and cantaloupe. A large three egg omelet with large fresh gulf shrimp, sweet peppers, baby portabella mushrooms, three strips of bacon and two sausage patties.  We were completely stuffed!  We hated to leave our little bit of paradise we had found.  But all good things must come to an end.  We are already planning another trip back!  Make sure to visit the website for the Long Beach Getaway to see more information.  Click here to go to their site.

There is plenty to do and see while in the Long Beach, MS area. Visit Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis Home.  Take an hour drive west on I-10 to visit the Infinity Science Center. Just north on Hwy 49 is the Gulfport Premium Outlet Mall.  It is a fairly large mall and loads of great shops.  If you are in to the casinos, Gulfport and Biloxi are home to several.

Featured Shop of June 4th, 2012

This week I am featuring a relatively new shop from Etsy, Paper Movement.

Meet Amberley, owner and artisan of Paper Movement:

I guess you could say we're almost still newlyweds, my husband and I got married a year and a half ago. We don't have any children just yet, but we'd definitly love some in the future. We both love kids.

My husband had the idea of creating cards because he works in a print shop and because of that he has also become quite good at graphic design. I also enjoy designing, and that works out great because we help each other design our products and then Korey can print them himself where he works!

We started designing cards about half a year ago and have been slowly building up our collection. We just joined Etsy less than a week ago! My husband read about Etsy on the internet and he thought a community like that would be a great way to market our cards and posters.

Our name Paper Movement comes from the idea that paper can be used to glorify Christ. The movement idea behind our name is the idea that we want the paper we use to make a difference. This works in designing God-centred products, as well as in how we respond with what our paper can bring us (money..also made of paper).

We talk quite a bit about Untouchable Children, which is what we're moving to help. We first learned about them after reading Revolution In World Missions by K.P. Yohannon. It's a very gripping book by Gospel for Asia's founder.

The Dalits, or ‘Untouchables’ are the lowest class of people in parts of Asia under the Hindu caste system. The caste system has actually been made illegal, but unfortunately the devastating effects still remain. The majority of these people are desperately poor, exploited and powerless to change their destiny.

- The word “Dalit” means “ground”, “suppressed”, “crushed”, or “broken to pieces”.
- There are more than 240,000,000 Dalits in India, 70,000,000 of them are under 18
- There are about 2,000,000 sex slave children in India, almost all of whom are Dalits.
- Their illiterasy rate in some areas can be as high as 90%
- Every hour, two Dalits are assaulted, three Dalit women raped, two Dalits murdered and two Dalit houses burned, according to the Human Rights Education Movement of India, yet only one percent of those who commit crimes against Dalits are ever convicted.  Because these children are denied opportunity, these children are likely to remain in this vicious cycle of poverty, just like their parents.

We want to help support GFA - Bridge of Hope rescue these children with Jesus' love, quality education, a daily meal and medical care. 50 cents, and one dollar at a time...add it up and we could really make a huge difference!

For anyone starting out crafting I'm just recommend that you do something that you love and are passionate about. If you're just in it for the money it'll be frustrating when things go slower than you wish they would. Have fun, and be persistent!

Featured Shop of May 28th, 2012

This week I am featuring D.M. Design from Etsy.com

Meet Doran Merav, owner and creator of D.M. Designs:

I am a 29 year old artist, designer and architect. I graduated from the Technion, Israeli Institute of Technology. I have been creating all my life.  I am self taught and have been mostly painting and carving in wood (mainly because of availability of tools and materials).  In 2006, I started studying architecture which significantly expanded my physical and mental arsenal of creation.  New materials and ideas started showing themselves in my work, but the basic concept has always been achieving beauty through motion, volumes and general composition testing the materials and reinterpreting it in anyway I can think of.

My jewelry is NOT for everyone.  The jewelry I make does not try to hide on your body as a thin line of gold that just says "this is a gold ring". My jewelry is about color, textures, and composition. It wants to be seen. You will not find a simple loop of hammered metal in my shop because that does not interest me. Instead, you will find architectural compositions as well as nature inspired organic flowing forms and jewelry that are more of a statement or a concept.

I do not like writing long stories about each piece unless absolutely necessary.  I rather give basic, important information about materials and size and let the pictures do the talking. Most of my designs are made to order in any size, material and finish you choose.

You can also see Doran's designs on his website:  www.doronmerav.com

Featured Shop of May 21st, 2012

This week, we are featuring Distorted Earth, a bohemian-chic jewelry boutique on Etsy.com



Meet Brandy Kamenski, owner of Distored Earth.

 

I am from Newport, NJ. I have a wonderful family. My husband, Chad, and I have a soon to be 3 year old son. I am a 27 year old stay at home mom. My family is my top priority but I love making jewelry in my spare time.  I make what I like. Everything I make is an expression of my self and style or of some variation. Sometimes it's hard to part with some pieces, but I can't keep them all and I love the thought of my work being worn and appreciated by other people.

I became seriously interested in making jewelry when I was about 14. I would make beaded jewelry and try to sell it at the flea market or small local craft shows. While I met some pretty cool people and had some fun times, I never had any success selling my jewelry. As I got older, I found eBay. Off to the craft store I went. But it was a failed attempt. I could not move my jewelry there either. I stopped making jewelry for a long time until my my mother-in-law introduced me to Etsy around 2007. I did a vintage shop, a pet toy shop, and a woodworking shop with Chad. I saw jewelry sellers doing really well.  I started researching. I noticed that beaded jewelry was so popular that the competition was unbelievable. All really great stuff! No wonder it was so hard for me to sell my simple beaded jewelry! So I decided to go with wire wrapping thus birthing Distorted Earth in 2010. I ordered the supplies and just pretty much taught myself how to wrap with a few tips on the internet. I practiced a lot and I enjoy making rings the most so that is my focus. Chad, on the other hand enjoys making earrings. He is also great at coming up with new design ideas That inspire my own designs. My husband, Chad, also contributes one of a kind pieces and helps with new designs. He is very creative and has his own style.

I draw my inspiration from the bohemian style. I love earth tones and nature. I also get a lot of inspiration from my family too. My son calls the rings circles. So some of the designs were made to look like circles.

My advice to anyone just starting out in jewelry making would be to just be creative and make what you like. Also search online for great suppliers instead of going to the craft store. You will be amazed at the price difference! You get what you put in. Hard work pays off. learn all you can and experiment. You will find what works. Selling jewelry goes beyond making the the jewelry. I spend more time on the business aspect then I do on making jewelry.

My husband is also very talented in woodworking so we have a shop at www.CountryByTheBumpkins.etsy.com. There you will find beautiful wood keepsake boxes and other wood crafts. My mother-in-law makes crochet hats. You can find her at www.GnarlyNotions.etsy.com

Featured Shop of May 15th, 2012

It's been some time now since I have introduced you to a shop from Etsy.  This one is a photography studio, 9th Cycle Studios.

Meet Christine, owner/photographer of 9th Cycle Studios:

I am originally from Australia, but moved to the United States about 6 years ago. I married to a wonderful American man, and am slowly assimilating to the culture. By that, I mean I say "awesome" and "like" WAY too much. We have no children, but plan on getting a dog (or three) at some point.

I started photographing things very early on. I don't remember who gave me my first camera or when, but I do recall taking one to school as early as 4th grade. I couldn't wait to get that roll of film developed, and put those photos in my album. It was always very important that I capture every memory I could.

No one ever told me how to use a camera. I just experimented until I found a way I was comfortable with. I now incorporate the use Photoshop, and always enjoy finding new ways to enhance or change the original mood of the photo.

I primarily use a digital Panasonic FZ47. This is only a recent addition. Before this, I had to make do with a VERY cheap Canon point and shoot. I also have an old Holga camera. I love the effect these cameras have, and how unpredictable they are. I often wish that I could make this plastic toy camera my primary one, but it's not at all cost effective. (*Sigh*).

My subjects are all over the place. Usually, I'll take a long walk and just photograph random things. I can be inspired by angles of a building, shadows being cast, the time of day etc. Sometimes, I stage my photos to illustrate a certain concept. It all depends on my mood. Some people say that having a defining style is very important as an artist, but I don't entirely agree. I would like to be cohesive, to a point, but I also like to reflect the shifting moods I have as a human being. That's why some photos are bright, some are morbid, fun, sad and everything in between.

I joined Etsy in September 2011, and it's been a fun ride so far. I put a lot of work into networking and promotion, and find myself spending a lot of time on the site. So far, it seems like time well spent. And, it's a fun time. I meet many interesting and creative people, I get to make treasuries to promote other artists and I get the thrill of seeing people admire my work.

If I could offer any advice to people starting out in photography (or anything they're passionate about) it is to persevere. I was dejected for the longest time because I had low end equipment, not capable of all the flashy work I'd seen with other photographers. Now, however, I'm glad. It taught me to work with what I've got, and make the best of it. More importantly, have fun with it.

May's Featured Business

Many of you have and use their products in your jewelry designs and aren't even aware of it.  We see them in the craft aisle of Wal-Mart, Jo-Ann, and Michael's, but never know until you look at the back of the packaging who manufactures those beautiful and sparkly items we love so much.

I am super excited to introduce you to Cousin Corporation of America.

Their product line includes the Jewelry Basics® line, Snap In Style®, Crystazzi®, Trinkettes®, as well as various tools, cording, kits, and bead organizers.

"Providing quality, value and inspiration for the designer in you.

This simple statement is our mission and the vision that we live by every day. It is the force that drives our business so we can deliver on our promise. Since we began our company our focus has been to design, manufacture and provide quality jewelry making products at an exceptional value to customers who are inspired by the craft of jewelry making.

Company History

Cousin has been family-owned for over 40 years. It all began in 1970 as Enterprise Art, a retail craft store in Largo, Florida. With the success of the arts and crafts, floral and home decor products, a wholesale division was created and Cousin was born. The popularity of jewelry making inspired us to focus our efforts on the products for this exciting craft. Today we are a premier wholesaler of jewelry making supplies.

Product Development

Our experienced design team creates jewelry making components with a classic style and gives it a twist of the latest fashion and jewelry looks. Our multi-talented designers constantly research jewelry, fashion and accessory trends, staying in tune with the newest look and ahead of the latest trend. We create and update our collections to provide our customers the most up-to-date quality jewelry making products at an exceptional value.

Digital Media and Marketing

We support our products and promote our brand by being innovative. From our comprehensive catalog and interactive website, to our extensive social media campaigns, we are engaged with the jewelry making community. We are the market leader in this ever evolving craft.

Cousin Today

Our stability and solid reputation speak for our company and our culture. Our full-service approach allows us to create and develop products in-house, from initial concept to creative design to final packaging. Our team of talented professionals ensures quality products at a value and provides support and inspiration to our customers.

Environmental Responsibility

Cousin is committed to making our world a better place through recycling, conservation and sustainability. Our “Green Team” has improved our existing processes and continually implements new environmentally friendly improvements. For more information on our initiatives please visit our website, www.cousin.com."

The Cousin Corporation of America's website is full of wonderfully helpful technique tips and project ideas.

Cousin Corporation of America also hosts product giveaways on their Facebook page.  Be sure to check it out and enter.  Click here to go to their fan page.  You can view their catalog here and order directly from their website.  Cousin Corporation has a blog you can follow as well.  Click here to visit their Jewelry Design Blog.