Do What Makes Your Heart Sing

      I don't know about you fellow artists, creators, DIYers, but a lot of times when I'm creating, I do it with the purpose of pleasing others. I tend to lean towards things that I know are trendy right now and that a general audience might be drawn to. And, I don't think there's anything necessarily wrong with keeping your intended audience in mind, but only if  you plan on selling what you're making. 
      For me, I'm trying to switch gears in my brain. I'm trying to break free from the mindset of "following the crowd", and I want to make what makes me happy and inspired. Because chances are, if I like it and I am inspired, that someone, somewhere will also enjoy it! Obviously, this is how many people launch their own businesses and whatnot, but it's been something I've struggled with for a while. Create something I know will probably sell because it's trendy, or create something unique that may not be well received, but it brought me joy making. And the number one game changer for me has been to only make things that I would personally pick up in a store and say "hey! I need that!". A little taste of my own personal style you could say.

     I'm still a work in progress, but I find that when I do what makes my heart sing, my products are better received, and I'm happier because I don't feel like I've copied a million other people or that I'm trying to appeal to the masses. I've made something that is personal to me. 

     I would like to take you through a little bit of my creative process I guess you could say, and show you some of my newest listings that you can find here!

      I'm pretty sure that those who know me well, know that I love me some infinity scarves. When I first started making these scarves, I would knit one (with the intention of selling mind you), and before I knew it, I had finished it and was keeping it for myself. Yeah. This happens frequently. I personally own three or four of my own circle scarves now, and I have every intention of adding cream and black to my collection before it's too warm to wear them anymore! Hey, free advertising right? 
 
     My very first scarf was supposed to be part of a blanket. I had just started getting back in to knitting, and was making googly eyes at all the lovely knit and crocheted blankets I was seeing on Pinterest. I am an extreme DIY girl, and if I see something that I can't afford to buy, I will make it. Or at least...attempt to make it.

      This is what was supposed to be a blanket! I quickly realized, that it was going to take a lot of yarn to complete. So I knitted a rectangle, and then let it sit for weeks with every intention of finishing it. 
     One day, I was fed up with looking at this blue mass hanging from my knitting needles, so I finished it off and sat there staring at it. It suddenly occurred to me, that if I sewed the ends together, I would have myself a long coveted infinity scarf! And thus, the scarves were born. From there, I started posting about them on Facebook, and soon friends became interested (another great way to achieve free advertising!). One friend traded me a TV for scarves for his whole family! Uhm, win-win there!

You can view all the scarves I have available at etsy.com/shop/forestandseacreative. Also, check out my Scarf Happy post here!

     Imagine if I had finished that blanket. I never would have launched a "business" of my own if I hadn't started with that simple pile of blue yarn. They are what made me want to truly pursue becoming an Etsy seller. And hey, if nothing else, I have my own collection of glorious scarves just for me, haha!

     Jewelry has been an area I've struggled with the most. I know what I like. It should be that simple right? Wrong! This is where I have had the hardest time creating for me and not for the crowds. I recently made my first sale on Etsy, and that was a slight ego boost my friends! Especially since it was something that I wasn't sure how well it would be received. It was different, it was big, and was sparkly. And it was the first thing to sell! I cannot tell you how that has helped change my thinking about what I do. It just reassured me that creating with my own originality in mind is the best way to go.

My first sale on Etsy!

     Making this first sale gave me the motivation to continue doing what I love. It inspired me to create a second, similar piece.

I am obsessed with these harem style bracelets!

     I had this deer charm sitting around for so long. It's when I let go, and let the piece create itself in a way, that it all comes together in a magical way. I know it's not everyone's style, but I love it so much!

   A recent trip to Hobby Lobby, in search of a birthday gift, quickly turned in to a shopping-for-myself trip (anyone else do this?). I will admit, that I did not come home with a gift. I came home with supplies for myself. Yeah. Uh huh. It happened. But, just look at these darling feathers! Can you blame me?

I bought these purple/floral beads years ago and have never found the right project for them. It got to the point where I hated the sight of them because they had been around for so. long. Clearly, because they were waiting to complete these earrings! Sometimes I think the pieces just know what they're going to become one day.

I adore these white and pink speckled beads! They remind me off tiny eggs. And those turquoise glass beads? Love this combo!

      I know I'm doing something right, when I sit down to make something and there isn't the slightest hesitation in my mind. Everything flows together in a magical way, and the pieces are created effortlessly. I know I need to take a break and reevaluate what I'm doing if I've hit a creative roadblock. 

This gorgeous turquoise color is just speaking to me lately. And there are those speckled "egg" beads again!

     
     Sometimes when I'm out shopping for supplies, I see something and I instantly know what I'm going to do with it. That's how it was with these metal Indian head charms. And also, with these cute, geometric wooden beads.

I love the natural feel of wood. It's simple and beautiful. How about those speckled beads again though? Haha.

     These little treasures were another one of my birthday-gift-shopping-but-shopping-for-myself finds. Can we just talk about how cute these are for a minute? Please? They are so tiny, to minimalistic, so adorable! And the best thing, they came in a pack of about twenty, so there are endless possibilities here! Suggestions for the next project?

     My bird nest jewelry has been my "best seller" through friends and family. I've made rings, earrings, and necklaces. This was my first stab at a bracelet. And I am in love with the leather/wire combination! This was time consuming. Probably the most time I've spent on a single project. Mostly because it was a trial and error project I think. I've had the leather cord for quite a while, and every time I've attempted to make a bracelet or necklace out of it, I've hated the outcome. This one came together pretty effortlessly as far as design. It was simply the assembling that took some brain power, and creativity, and left me with sore fingers afterwards!

I love the contrast between the delicate wire, and the more masculine leather.

     I will say, my "Eternity" bracelets were definitely inspired by other sellers. I have longed for one for quite a while, and have tried making my own and just wasn't happy with it. Somehow, this happened. And I think it it absolutely darling! Ideally, I wanted a more delicate looking bracelet, but I'm quite happy with the results, and even made one just for myself which I wear on a daily basis.

     For now, I am content with what I am making. It's inspired by my heart and what makes me happy, and I want people to feel that when wearing my pieces. Each item is made with love! I am looking forward to branching out, and moving up, and getting the chance to work with more materials, and creating higher quality products. That won't be tomorrow, but I know it's coming and I am excited to see where this adventure leads me next!

What words would you use to describe my style? Please comment below or head over to the Forest and Sea Creative Facebook page and leave your words! And as always, if there is something you would like to see, I love suggestions!

Sisters Chasing The Light

     Today started out taking photos of my newest Etsy item. It quickly escalated in to laughs, funny photos, and a good time with my sister. The lighting was gorgeous today and it seemed to turn in to the theme for our impromptu photo shoot. Here are some photos from our day.

You can find this new bracelet here!

I don't know what it is about this big bush/tree, but I seriously love it.

Things started to take a turn for the crazy right about here.

Confused a bit...?

We become "one" with nature around here.

Did someone say "ethereal"?

Even the brother wanted to be involved!

     We decided to continue on with our "light" theme, and headed up to the Diamond Bar Center to take some pictures of the sun setting over the city.

It was finally warm enough to wear shorts again today!

Natural beauty I'm afraid.

The Honda checking out the view.

     

     It was a gorgeous, warm, sunshiney day. As cheesy as it is, sunshine on my shoulders, really does make me happy!

Scarf Happy

     So, I've been knitting up a storm over here and I wanted to share some of what's been going on. All of the scarves are listed on my Etsy Shop.

Warning: Excessive Knitting May Cause Brain Failure

Some great new colors!

 

Ribbed Scarf. Available in all the colors shown below!

Plain Scarf

A beautiful silver, gray. This scarf is so silky soft. It's to die for!

I will be making a black one for myself in the near future.

A beautiful soft, cream color. It goes with anything. Instant classic!

The newest color, just finished! Natural Brown.

Things got a little crazy over here....

They sure are soft and warm!

Happy knitting everyone!

Welcome 2015!

     Happy New Year to you all! 

I hope you had a fun and safe New Year's Eve, and rang in the New Year in style!

     As for me, I started the day with a migraine. Fun. But the day was redeemed by a visit with my favorite baby! 

My tablet does NOT take good evening pictures but I couldn't resist.

     My sister and I spent the evening in Huntington Beach with Katelyn and her family at her sister's home. It was a chilly evening and we all went to the beach to snap a few photos. Again, the quality is not so great, but I couldn't resist.

The only snow you'll see in this part of California.

     We went back to the house and played games, sat around the fire, decorated cookies, and of course passed the babe around. We left around eleven to beat the drunk drivers home, and made it just in time to watch the ball drop in NYC. It may not have been the most eventful night, but it was cozy and spent with friends and family.

     Looking back on my 2014, I'd say it was a pretty good year. Every year brings trials but it also brings joy. Here's a look back on some of the highlights from 2014:

     I have been blessed with my job at the daycare back home. I had fabulous hours and it gave me the freedom to use my creativity. Every year, the community center where I worked would host a Daddy-Daughter Dance around Valentine's day. I have helped with the design and decorations of these events for the past 3 years, but this past year I was given complete creative control and was able to channel my inner event planner to bring to life a beautiful winter wonderland. This time of year was always the highlight of my job, but I was so thrilled and honored that my boss wanted me in charge. It was definitely a high point for me!

     I also had the opportunity to grow my relationship with my dear friend, Annie this past year. My family has always been close with her's (they practically are part of our family), and she and her two sisters as well as my sister have always been friends. But this year, we really had the opportunity to become friends. We got to spend a lot of time together drinking coffee, shopping, going on long walks, and just talking. It's also allowed me to become closer to her two younger sisters as well, Becca and Beth.  
     I've come to truly appreciate them as friends and sisters, and I've loved that we've been able to reconnect after they returned from China. And, I can't wait to have a Starbucks date when I come home!

She might disagree, but I love this photo of us!

     This year has also given me time to spend with my family. Living together again has brought us closer (even though it's a little stressful at times) and it's going to make going home without them difficult. 

     We celebrated my mom's 50th birthday this year too and that was a fun, special time spent with our close friends in a beautiful, autumn backyard. It was a bittersweet event, as my Grandpa had just passed, and we were busy packing up their lives, and mine, in preparation for the California move.

Rockin' 50 like a pro.

Doesn't autumn just get you??

Orange Sicilian Cake (courtesy of me), and Texas Hot Chocolate Cake (courtesy of our hostess).

Check out my mom's DIY and life blog here.

     I was able to cross an item off of my bucket list this year; participate in a 5k! My good friend, Vonnie, and I participated in the Color Vibe in Grand Junction, Colorado. I met this girl at my daycare job, and she has a special place in my heart. She is one of the silliest and most caring people I have had the privilege to meet, and I am so happy to call her my friend! Let me tell you, even after we arrived late and missed the first part of the race, we still had blast, danced in the rainbow, and had a delicious lunch. It may not have been exactly what we were planning, but it was a lot of fun, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Sorry Von, I stole your photo!

  

     I was able to learn a little bit about our history in Glenwood Springs with my sweet friend, Lizzie. We have been close friends for years, but this year has been special because she and her family are preparing for a big move, so any time we've been able to spend together, I've tucked away in my heart. We had both been to the Hotel Colorado many times for different occasions, but we were intrigued by the history that went along with it. So this summer, we planned a lunch date and a ghost tour at the Hotel. You can read about our experience on Lizzie's blog.

     I should have done a better job of taking photos that day, but she has some good ones as well as a brief history of the Hotel. I will be so sad when she moves away, and I'm looking forward to at least one more coffee date before she leaves me.

     This year I visited California three times. One of these trips was because of my Grandpa passing away, and even though it was a sad time, I'm glad we could all be together, and that we had each other to lean on. It's been a difficult time, and hard living in a home where he no longer resides. But we can rest knowing that he isn't suffering any more. And we know that he wouldn't want us to cry and make a fuss. He would tell us to knock it off and move on. 
     My cousin made a wonderful memorial slideshow on YouTube for anyone who would like see a little of what Grandpa was like.

Me and Grandpa.

     My husband and I took another camping trip this summer. Each time is so special to me. It's such a great chance to bond and just get away from life for a while. You can read about our travels here.

     I went to 3 concerts this year (the most in a year I think), auditioned for my favorite musical, got a taste of being back in college again, threw knives in the woods, went to a Great Gatsby party, and read more than I have in years.

     I became an Instagram user, which has made me get back in to photography. A passion that I let slide over the past few years, and I am thankful I have the ability to get back in to it.

A photo I took for an Instagram contest. The dreamcatcher is available on Etsy!

    I also started my Etsy business, and made my very first sale, right before the end of the year!

My first item, SOLD!

     I am forever grateful for all my experiences this year. I always get a little sad and nostalgic as the year comes to an end, and may have had a few tears in my eyes as the countdown to midnight began. But I am looking forward to 2015 and all that it may bring. I am excited to see where blogging and Etsy take me and what new adventures are waiting. The new year has begun with my husband finding an apartment for us, and I am so proud of him for doing it all on his own. I can't wait to be home again, and to begin new memories in our new place, with spring just on the horizon. Happy New Year to you all and may all your wishes come true!