In my spare time I moonlight as a nanny. 🙂 This is Sasha and she is 2. I have been taking care of her since she was born, so we have a bond. I want to eat her up in these pictures. I got her to “help” me put together the “Emma” necklace and then get really excited about putting them on and taking pictures in them both. She was soooo cute. I got most of these shots after she’d finished saying cheese, cocking her little hip and pulling up the corner of her dress. I got a taste of how hard it is to photograph little ones because she could NOT stand still. But it was well worth it for these vogue-worthy shots. What a little beauty in the making!

 

Hi again,

Yesterday I featured four of my favorite jewelry sellers on etsy, as I will continue to do. I’m finding it’s actually an awesome way to connect with other sellers – especially ones who know what they’re doing and have been at this a little longer than I have. Whenever I have featured someone I send them a quick convo to let them know I have and to introduce myself a little bit. 

I didn’t expect to hear from the creator of and behind Miss Ruby Sue, actually. I don’t know why! I was just talking to Sarah about this last night: how we build people up in our minds because of something they can do really well. When I saw that her things had been on t.v. (gasp!) and in magazines, I just figured a tiny feature on my piddly little blog wouldn’t phase her at all. Much to the contrary!

I got really kind responses from all of the ladies I featured yesterday, but Lori, of Miss Ruby Sue, was exceptionally nice and helpful. She sent me a link to her blog where I could find an interview she’d posted. I had asked each of them if they’d like to write or send me something about their work. Lori’s story and work ethic are really inspiring to me. I love meeting women who are raising families and finding time for art – not to mention being savvy businesswomen! I hope when I have a family I will be able to do this with as much grace as Lori. Thanks so much, Lori!!

I copied the interview and pasted below, but you can find the whole thing on Lori’s blog, “6wardsride” here. 

Happy reading!

 

 

If you see an offbeat botanical babe dressed in a hint of tulle, pom poms or feathers in her cool doo or around her neck, she might be wearing a creation ofhttp://www.missrubysue.etsy.com/, an independant vintage inspired accessory company founded by Lori Ward from Rexburg Idaho. – (might I add a very conservative and difficult place for such original creations to be born.)”Every woman “, says lori, “I don’t care how old she is or whatever her circumstances may be. She still loves little girly things. So many chics out there use the excuse- “I’m too old” or, “It doesn’t look good on me” There is a little girl inside each woman that loves Ballerina tu-tu’s, pom pom trim and flowers. I center my work and my heart around this theory.”http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21563793

FROM WHAT SOURCE DOES YOUR INSPIRATION AND GOOD KARMA ORIGINATE?

First I’d have to say the little girl inside of me: I used to be a disctructive kid and tear things up for fun. I don’t know why! It was just fun. So that’s why I enjoy ripping fabric into shredds for my rosettes. Color also inspires me-color from clothing, nature, and magazines. I decided to embrace the fact that I loved bright colors. Blacks and earth tones just don’t excite me. -I got pretty good at matching colors from doing scrapbooks since I was 12 years old. My two daughters, Rilee and Madison are good Karma catchers. I love to see them wear my work more than anything. It makes me feel like a cool mom. I know a hit from a dud from their replies. “OH MOMMY-IT’S SOOOOO CUTE-CAN I WEAR IT? ” verses,- “oh. that’s cute.”http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21363805I used to make them ballerina outfits made from odles of tulle and later made curtains out of fur and pom poms for their bedrooms. Exotic dancing girls in feathers from Vegas always got my attention! I guess I never outgrew those little girly things that made me so happy. You’ll notice most pieces always have a little bit of everything I love.

AREN’T YOU EMBARRASED TO WEAR THIS KIND OF STUFF AT YOUR AGE?

Who me? Are you kidding? I think they make me look hot and sexy! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21367364

ARE YOU AFRAID THAT PEOPLE WON’T LIKE YOUR WORK?

I focus on my own work, and not on others. I trust in myself and intuition and do what I want. Odds are, someone will like it!http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21309979

YOU LIVE IN A VERY CONSERVATIVE TOWN- WHAT DOES THAT DO TO YOUR BUSINESS?

That has been a challenge for me- that’s why I’m so in love with the internet- I can reach a worldwide audience and not just locals. My work is a little excentric for my town, but I have found people who do like that sort of look and will find me. I had a friend tell me “you’ll never sell that here- it’s too expensive and excentric” I just smiled becauseI know women want to feel and look beautfiul no matter what the ecomy is like.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21013313

DO YOU HAVE SUPPORT FROM YOUR FAMILY?

YES! My husband is amazed I am doing so well. I showed him I could make a goal and achieve it, even in retail. My children think it’s awesome that I can design and sell. They tend to look at me a little different now. Maybe I look at myself a little differently. I think I surprised myself!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY?

I believe in following your heart! Oh do I ever! You must believe in yourself. Don’t let anyone discourage you from accomplishing your dreams – you’re never too old. Not ever! And don’t forget to Pray,Pray,Pray

 

Thank you, Lori!

These first two pictures are from emunique’s shop on etsy. I have this ring in my favorites because it’s so cool. All of her stuff is so sumptuous and colorful. I want all of it! 

 

 

These fern earrings are from blissiful’s shop on etsy. I wasn’t going to post more than three shops, but I saw these and gasped in my head. I just couldn’t resist. They are incredible.

 

These next two really unique pieces are from sofiamasri’s shop on etsy. They are all handmade porcelain. I love her colors and patterns. 

  

The last seller today is missrubysue. Judging by her store, she’s doing really well. It looks like everything she has on there was featured on some famous venue. Way to go Missrubysue! I love her stuff, of course. She makes headpieces and other things, but I just love these bib necklaces. They are truly huge, but the proportions are great so they aren’t overpowering. It looks like she includes some vintage finds as well. So yummy!