A little mountain air to clear the brain.

It was like pulling teeth to get me out for a weekend getaway in our house in Las Vegas (NM that is).  It's in need of clean up and repair so we can get new tenants in and a two night camping style (no electricity or running water) weekend in the mountains with my two six year olds and a baby didn't sound like the ideal situation.  But I've been in need of a change in the monotony of work-sleep-eat.  So we went and roughed it out.  It was actually quite stimulating and rejuvenating.  I didn't have any real responsibilities aside from keeping the baby happy and making sure the boys didn't hurt themselves.   It's so fresh up there.   We built a fire and stayed cozy at night. We slept on the blow up mattress and the floor with layers of pads, rugs, and blankets.  We didn't take showers and we ate sparingly.  It was cloudy on the last morning and snowed a bit.  It was nice to not have electricity because the boys were forced to be creative without a moment of technological interruption.   I read the book that's taken me 7 months to get through to the halfway point and we cruised around and took pictures of everything! I miss that simple life in so many ways.  It was lovely weather. It was dark.  It was reminiscent of the beginning of our journey as a family.  It was stimulating of appreciation for all the luxuries that I have daily.  It was a real family affair. I'm glad I went.  

Peace and Love!

Merry Christmas 2013

It must be something in the air...I was a bit of a scrooge this holiday season and I have discovered a few others I know were in a similar boat.

My personal trouble was finding the inspiration to collect creative gifts,  decorate, cook, and have fun with our Elf On The Shelf.  All lot of it might have been a result of running low on cash which can be a total de-motivator.  :/

As a mother, I started to feel guilty for not creating the magical environment I would have liked to for my children.   But when I sit back and think about it I've got to ask myself 'Do you really think they care?'   It's always a magical season to them.  The fun stands alone! And its true...they had a blast!  Our elf was even entertaining without all the mischief (even though there was still a bit.)   

I think the consumerism in all of it is quite lame and I realize that if I am to avoid that aspect and still create a memorable Christmas I better start planning for next year now.  I'll get really creative!  I'll make some lists and brainstorm on it all year! I want to have have an internal calmneas about it next year and put away the scrooge to that can rear up its head when trying to keep up with the Jones' .  Not to mention I hope to avoid the crowds and rush of it all at the last minute.  I thought I was losing mind in the melee!  

I did get an awesome gift...a mannequin bust!  I hope to create a new look for my shop in the new year.  Yay!! No more selfies and if I don't have a model the show can still go on :)

I already feel better now that its all over.  I'm a litttle surprised by my relief since my house is still a disaster zone! Lol.  Tomorrow's gonna be just lovely!

Merry Christmas!  Peace and love of Christ to you!  XO

Not much of a blogger...just a wannabe.

As anyone can see I am not faithful to my blog posts.  Oh! how I wish to be a better blogger.   I am naturally very private but I do crave a more open and honest verbal expression. 

So, in an attempt to let the world in and my words out I will write about my most recent doings.

I had a beautiful baby girl 7 months ago who, in addition to my twin 6 year old boys, has consumed my attention.

I am truly enjoying being a new mother again and this time to a baby girl!  Life is not perfect as it brings burdens and which I would rather not focus on because there is always something wonderful to speak of. 

As I am a full time mother who works a full time job as an IT professional I have found it hard to maintain my Etsy shop.  I have continued to make art but I have not successfully gone on to the next steps of taking photos, writing descriptions, pricing items, and promoting online.  Yet I have still sold a few items happily to customers around the USA... Thank you!    Next step...find a model so that I can stop with the strange angle selfies!

I hope that one day I can focus all my professional efforts into my shop and hone it into something that reflects me and my style better.  I would love to start sewing again and selling clothes alongside my jewelry (which I would also like to refine).

I swear there is not enough time in one lifetime to touch all the things that I wish to accomplish.  You might say I'm overly driven and overly interested in everything!  I'm am slowly accepting times limitations and I'm trying to choose those things which I'd like to focus on most. 

So there you have it.  I'm a busy mama, technical professional, and hindered artist.  LOL! 

Until next time...LA PAZ DE CRISTO CON USTED!

Finally! More items listed!

Here is a quick peek at some of my newest listings.  you can find them featured at www.AfterWork.Etsy.com.

 PEACE!

Earth Toned Treasuries

I'm in an earthy mood!  I always love browns and tans and greens, and ambers...especially all together.  Here are two new Etsy treasury lists that I've created.  I think they are just beautiful!!

Behold the Earth on your Neck

In the Warmth of the Sun

Love and Peace! XO
~Marcelina~

Feminine Flares Treasury List

I love pants... in all shapes and sizes!  Here's a fun treasury list I created on Etsy from the unique items I found in different shops.  Click the picture to go to Etsy a follow the individual links there.

~Peace~
Marcelina

Jewelry Philosophy

My sister took me to pierce my ears for the first time when I was 4 years old.   I have faithfully worn earrings since.  I pierced my ears a second time in high school then a third time when I got married.  I also love rings and bracelets, both of which I used to wear a lot until I had my children.  Precious metals and semi-precious stones are eye catching to me.  But I'm not big into precious gems even though they are sparkly and beautiful!  Vintage and antique items are magnificently romantic to me because they are little windows into the past no matter whether they are made with fancy or cheap materials.    I never cared for costume jewelry until my grandmother-in-law helped me realize that Costume didn't mean cheap.  I now view jewelry as a 'fun' accessory.  Jewelry doesn't have to be serious.  Costume jewelry is just a lot of fun to wear, create, and play with.    It absolutely does not matter whether it is made out of plastic, glass, or natural stones.  I love art and I see jewelry as wearable art.  Adorning ones self is a past-time of mankind.  It's a history, a culture, an art.

The items below are examples of a few types of jewelry from different eras.  Click on the picture to go to the websites that I found the images.    Thanks for reading!
XO- Marcelina

Ancient Jewelry

Ethnic Jewelry

Antique Jewelry

Vintage Jewelry

Costume Jewelry

Fine Jewelry

Newest inspirations

Lately I had been making long necklaces that fit over the head simply because I lacked clasps..... then Downton Abbey came into my life.  I'm so inspired by their costumes! Now all I make are long, long, and longer necklaces!   I cannot get enough!

One necklace, in particular,  I made using cherry quartz and pretty little brass flower findings to accent the beads.  I usually do not use bead decorations but I got an idea in my head and decided to go with it.  It turned out beautiful!  It was vintage looking, extremely feminine yet subtle.

I will usually wear my newest items a few times before put them up for sale in my shop to get a good idea of how they feel.  This necklace?  I wore this twice before my good friends mother bought!  I'm happy that she liked it but I miss it already!  I wish I'd gotten a better picture before she took it.

Of course I can always make another but none of my items are ever the same so I'll just have to wait for the creative vision to strike again and go with it. :)

~Love, Peace, Joy, Truth~
Marcelina