Montego Bay

Back from Jamaica and I did not make any jewelry today or open up the Etsy store as I promised to do.  I did absolutely nothing.  The weather here is cool which does nothing to aid my productivity.  Fall ideas should come rushing to me now, however I can't say any ideas are materializing.  I generally like to abide in the hues of nature to begin with, so not sure if anything drastically different will morph into existence anytime soon.  Be patient with me but remain vigilant as well because when the fire is lit you can count on something marvelous to be unveiled.  I like to allow things to come to me naturally.  No doubt, if I delve deep, I am sure I can come up with wonderful inspiration from my trip.  Hurricane Sandy  did not allow us to venture out as much as we had planned. But the people are wonderful and hospitable.  Everyone in Jamaica is on there hustle, everybody grinding.  Much can be learned from them.  They are willing to work and do what it takes to make a dollar.

Big Up Jamaica!

LiLi Leis

The bamboo carved flowers came about some time ago.  I get so excited about all my new pieces.  New pieces are always my favorite until the next new creation is born.  So today I am basking in the afterglow of this new LiLi necklace which reminds me of a Hawaiian Leis.  I usually use random beads in between the flowers for an eclectic look and I use up my left over beads this way.  This necklace however has a more cohesive color scheme accented with turquoise seed beads.  I liked it but wasn't in love with it until I went outside for the photo shoot.  I was preoccupied (talking on the phone) as it was placed on the mannequin.  The night before I decided to put the remaining flower on the back as the clasp but it did not function like a normal clasp it just looked cute to me.   So, I am about to take some photos of my work to upload on my online shop.  I slide the flower up as to sinch it so that it will hang on the display just right.  It dawned on me that I could knot the cord.   Made the first knot, and then another in an alternating staggered pattern on the opposite cord.  To my amazement the tiny knots were the answer to my prayers for a sliding clasp.  What's more, it shows the customer that they can simply knot the necklace wherever they desire, making the length totally custom.  I never know who will want what.  Some lady will love a necklace but it is too long, she wants a choker.  Another one will want it to hang down to her belly button. This new system works beautifully.  Imagine people with metal sensitivities.   I continue to amaze myself with the inventiveness and creation of useful applications. Yay!  Go me. 

Divas Au Natural

Meet the gang.  These girls morphed from my  artistic imagination but I suppose some where in the world they look like someone you know or maybe they look like you.  It's awesome paying gratitude to all the natural sistas out there who give us all the option of going back to our Roots, literally.  When I was in high school (I will not divulge dates), there was one teacher who wore a natural and lets just say it was not a popular choice.  We laughed at her and made jokes about her Fro.  I am sure she did not care and probably would have taken time to educate us had we had the ears to hear back then.  So many sistas have sported their twa's, plaits,  and cornrows, during times that didn't embrace the do.  My hats off to her for being courageous enough to show us we have options and to be fearlessly who we were meant to be.  Today It is popular  and fashionably chic to "go natural" as we put it.  There are natural hair journey blogs and video blogs.  You can find traveling hair care expos around the country.  Women  attend natural hair meet ups and join organizations.  It is becoming somewhat of a booming business.  Entrepreneurs are making natural products and entering the marketplace with innovative natural accessories.  I like where the movement is going.  It gives permission and encouragement to the next sista not to be addicted to the creamy crack.  Love your natural hair ladies.  Let it Do what it Do!

Thank You Asheville

Asheville was a Blast.  It is great to meet with people who share the same passions and purposes for bamboo that I do.  I learned about a few bamboo species sampled some bamboo tea and made some new friends.  The kids had a great time and the Asheville Arboretum is a beautiful must see destination.  The crowd was curious, hospitable and supportive. I hope to return for the 2013 Festival.

Back from Texas

Texas was fun.  Not as profitable as I had hoped.  One thing about doing shows and festivals is you never know unless you go.  I was able to see some old friends and make new acquaintances, not to mention business contacts.  I would do it again, but I am just crazy like that.  Someone snapped a shot of me doing my thang.  Didn't even know it until I googled the festival.  Good to get back to the Saturday Market here and back to the familiar grind.  Meeting new and interesting people all the while.  The market  here is bustling with new vendors and lots of jewelry vendors.  I could be dismayed but I offer a very unique product and refuse to disappoint my customers who seek me.  More inspiration and color to come for the hot summer of 2012.  This year is flying by.  Enjoy it Now! Yo

Austin Here I come

Going to Austin very soon.   I am a shoe in for the Reggae Festival which is a Birthday Celebration honoring Bob Marley.  It benefits the Capitol area food bank and has been growing larger every year.  It will be great to get back to the lone star state even if only for one weekend.  I hope to sell out, then I can go mix it up with the people.  Wish me luck. Yo
 

Coco Leaves

Fall is gone, so make way for fresh new leaves of spring.

These are not bamboo people.  The coconut shells I had laying around

have a new life.  The concave shape gives life and dimension to the leaves.

Coconut is durable, natural, and sustainable.  They polish to a brilliant shine and

they are light as a leaf.  Stay tuned for more colors and designs inspired by nature. Yo!

Happy New Year

Welcome 2012.  It is hard for me to believe that I have not posted any new articles yet.  I don't know that I have much to say, but I do want to remain consistent with my blog.  Sometimes I am at a loss for words and that is why many times I post lots of photos.  I will show you what I have been working on and let you know of some up coming events.  I made a decision to make 2012 Festival Year! First, I am soo excited about a festival which I plan to attend in July of 2012.  It is a bamboo festival in Asheville NC.  I plan to take a tour of the Biltmore Estate as well as set up at the Festival which takes place at the Arboretum.  In April every year Austin TX has a Bob Marley Festival and I was hoping to attend as a vendor there.  My uncles Reggae Band plays there every year and I have attended in the past.  Austin is Awesome and I am hoping to experience the Festival again.  In November Wilmington NC has an annual festival which is on black Friday.  Wilmington is familiar for me and I would love to participate.  There are more festivals on my list, however these three are the ones I am most looking forward to.