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!

BFF's And A Baby Niece

     Most girls have a BFF. Someone we can be completely ourselves with, and we know that they will love us anyway. For me, that crazy someone is Katelyn. We've been friends since we met on the second day of 3rd grade (precise, I know). That was 15 years ago! I've known her longer than anyone and even though we are now both married and live in different states, I can still say she is my best friend. We don't talk often, or see each other often, but every time we're we're together it's like no time has passed at all. That makes my heart sing!

We are slightly on the special side....

     We have a lot of memories together, and our families became close because of us. We both were home schooled (her family starting a year after us), which allowed us to spend a lot of time with one another. I always remember the time they were studying Egypt, and I got to help them mummify a chicken! Yeah, we home schoolers are awesome!
     She and her family moved to Oregon when we were still kids, and it was devastating to lose my best friend and sister. But we've managed to remain close through the years; I guess you could say we're "kindred spirits" (any Anne of Green Gables fans out there?).

     We had the privilege to be in each others weddings and I wouldn't have wanted anyone else as my maid of honor.

Photo by the wonderful Krystine Lewis. Aspen, Colorado.

     I've gone to visit her in Oregon and she's come to visit me, and we've both had the chance to meet up in sunny California on several occasions. She has a sister that lives here, which makes it the perfect halfway point for us both to see each other. Plus, who wouldn't want to spend some time in the sunshine?
    
     Fast forward a bit, and she now has an adorable baby girl; my little niece. And like every good aunt, I have every intention of spoiling that little girl. 

     I wasn't able to visit when baby Evelyn was born, but it happened to work out that I am here visiting family and she and her husband were making a trip to visit her husband's family (who also live in California). So I finally got to meet my adorable girl!

Spending some time with her Auntie, and not being still for the photographer.

Best friends, baby niece, and the nerdy husband. I mean...cool husband.

     We exchanged Christmas gifts (there may have been a lot for the baby), and I've gotta say, this lady knows me well. She gave me a beautiful wooden box that she wood burned a design in, a book about crocheting, and earrings that she thought would give me inspiration for my own jewelry designs.

     Funny side note, crocheting has always intrigued me as well as overwhelmed me, and I just ordered crochet hooks and some yarn to give it a try. And then she gave me a book about crocheting. Perfect coincidence!

     I'm so glad that I got to spend time with this wonderful family, and we will hopefully have a beach day later this week before they return home. I can't wait to use my new treasures, and perhaps make a baby gift with my new crochet skills (fingers crossed!).

     This little family is a treasure in my life and I look forward to watching them grow as a couple, and grow as a family. I love you all!

The Wonderful World of Etsy

    I am no Etsy newbie. If you've never visited their site, I suggest you do. There are so many creative, handmade items at your fingertips in this "Wonderful World of Geniusness". I have to admit, I have spent probably more hours browsing through pages and pages on Etsy than I have on Pinterest and my friends, that means I am on there a lot.

     When I first started out as an Etsy virgin, I had a big dream about becoming one of the big sellers I so frequently ooo-ed and aaa-ed over. But let's face it. I had no idea what I was doing (who says I know what I'm doing now?), or the drive to be a blip on anyone's radar. My first shop was Topsy Turvy Treasures. Cute, but I never loved it. Honestly, I don't even think I posted a single thing while I had this name.  So much for that crazy dream.
     My next try was The Clover and the Bee. The minute I thought of it, I felt inspired! For those of you who are married, it was that "This is the dress!" moment. I was excited and ready to begin coming up with a brand, a catchy slogan, page after page of beautiful items and yet...I never quite made it to that point. I posted a few things here and there, but never gave my shop the attention it deserved to be successful. I didn't do anything to advertise except tell my friends. I had more success creating custom orders for friends and family by word of mouth than I did online. Embarrassingly enough, at one point I had something listed on my shop and completely forgot about it and ended up giving it away as a baby shower gift. A few weeks letter I received a notification that it had sold and I had nothing to send to that poor women! Embarrassed, I refunded her, apologized profusely and made a vow that from there on out, I would put some time and effort in to what makes me the most happy; creating. After that little mishap with an item that didn't exist, I felt I needed a fresh start, a new identity, a new "brand".
      
     I began the search for a name that embodied the surroundings I loved and the easy lifestyle they represented. My mom, my girl friends and I went around and around for weeks trying to come up with the perfect name.

      After being hit with family troubles, we put the name search on hold. Fast forward a month and half, and I'm sitting at the computer once again jotting down possibilities, my online thesaurus pulling up words, and me, Facebook messaging my mom my suggestions in the other room (yes, pathetic but you've all done it!). Finally, I got frustrated and moved on to another task. A little while later she yells for me and blurts out "Forest and Sea!". 

     I was a little taken aback, mostly because of the simplicity. I had been trying for weeks to come up with something this good and I didn't have the brain power! I rushed back to the computer to see if the name was taken, and unfortunately, it was. I couldn't get the combination out of my head. I knew there had to be some way to make it work. I'm sure I looked like a crazy person as I typed it in not once, not twice, but three times with the hope that the webpage was glitching out, and my name could truly be mine.
     I stared blankly at the screen for a while, and for some reason, I couldn't get the word "creative" out of my head. I wasn't sure what the draw was to this one word. Nothing else had the right ring to it in my mind when combined with Forest and Sea. So I slowly typed it in the box on Etsy, and held my breath. And thus, Forest and Sea Creative was born. I've come to realize that as cliche as it is, creative embodies who I am. It's a word I've had many people use to describe me and what I do, and I've always brushed it off. But it's who I am. I hear it and it makes me smile because I've realized that, you know what? They were right! And it's okay to own that and be proud of that and hey, maybe even flaunt it a little.

     With a lot of hard work, I have managed to pull together a shop that is a still a work in progress, but is getting where I want it to be. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind; whipping up as many items as I can, taking photos in between the massive and uncommon rainstorms we've been experiencing in SoCal, and posting them to my new, shiny shop. I am proud of what I've accomplished so far, and I am still learning the ways of the online market (thank you Etsy seller handbook!), but I know I will get to where I want to be. My dream is to have a brick and mortar shop, but for now I am content with my tiny space in the cyber world. And while that dream may be way down the road, for now I can make the best, the absolute best out of what I have now.

     Now for some bragging. Here are two of my favorite, and also my most popular "word of mouth" items that are currently listed on my shop (https://www.etsy.com/shop/ForestandSeaCreative). Stop by to see what else I've got going on! I've unintentionally come up with a color scheme for the shop. Can you figure it out?

Light gray infinity scarf

      A friend of mine bought a scarf from me earlier this year. He loved it so much, he traded me a big screen t.v. for scarves for his whole family! Win-win situation there!

Wire wrapped bird nest necklace

     My bird nest jewelry has been my most popular item. I've done rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Last Christmas, a friend of mine bought matching rings and necklaces for her and her sisters. So sweet!

     I would love for you to check out the shop and if you have ideas for a custom order, I am always willing to hear suggestions! Thank you for joining me on this new stage in my life!
  

A Place To Be Me

Here you will find my place to be me. 

     I wouldn't say I am new to the blogging world, but I would say I am new to a more "structured" blogging world which is what I am hoping to be entering. My dream is that this blog will be a place to house my thoughts, my hopes, my dreams. A place to showcase my latest piece of jewelry or something new I read or maybe even a recipe. It might even be a place to share deep thoughts or fears. A journal if you will. My goal is to overcome this road block I have that my words, my story, my creations, aren't "good enough" to share. Basically, whatever may float my little boat on the sea of my life.

A brief history:

   This, is ME. The writer of this blog, and owner of the Forest and Sea Creative Etsy shop (link at the top of the page). My name is Tessa and I am 23 years old, filled to the brim with a desire to love life.
     
     I am temporarily-permanently living in California, where I was born, due to a loss in the family, and my mom and three siblings making the decision to move back here after 20 years to be close to her mom. This is my second home, and I chose to come along with them to help them get settled, and to be near family in this time of sadness. 

     In my move to California, I left behind my wonderful, handsome husband who strongly encouraged me to take this plunge. He has done nothing but support this crazy idea, and we have been apart for over a month and a half now, only seeing each other over Thanksgiving. I know to some, this may not seem like that long, but you have to realize, the longest we had ever been apart since meeting in July of 2010 was ten days! It's been an adjustment, but it has made the time we get to see each other, Skype, and talk on the phone that much more special.

     I recently (as in the past week) opened my new shop. Like blogging, I am not new to the world of Etsy. I have frequently admired, favorited, and shared the beautiful creations listed there and even opened my own shop a few years ago. The original shop was first called Topsy Turvy Treasures, then turned in to The Clover and The Bee, and finally my new shop which has been dubbed Forest and Sea Creative. Hopefully this one is here to stay!

     I am excited for this new journey; for the time to be able to sit and reflect on life and share with you what I am discovering. 

     Until next time,

           Tessa