MEET MISHELE OWNER OF INDY AND CLEO

Mishele Owner of Indy And Cleo

EST. April 2009

Located in Coto de Caza, California

The story of IndyAndCleo . . .

When I was a little girl, a handmade sock monkey was given to me as a gift. I fell in love. ❤

Many decades later, my beloved childhood friend sits, still smiling that sock monkey smile, and I am reminded of all the fun and delight we shared. 

Today my love continues. I have been inspired to follow my bliss, handcrafting my own lovable and quite huggable sock monkeys. Each sock monkey I create is truly a personal work of art, and colorful decorative stitching is part of my very own "signature sock monkey style". I enjoy creatively writing the mini bio for each monkey, which is included on the Adoption Certificate. Really now, who doesn’t love a sock monkey? Here's hoping they will provide a lifetime of hugs and happiness!

My husband John, is a Graphic Designer & Illustrator, with an avid interest in fine art, especially oils and watercolors. I have featured some of his art prints (my very personal favorites) here in the shop.

Visit his Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/LostCactusComicStrip and read his About page for details on the new book! Discover even more info at http://www.lostcactus.com ...this website is seriously outstanding!

By the way, the shop name (IndyAndCleo) is inspired by our love for two of the most loved dogs EVER! . . . Indiana Jones and Cleopatra. ❤ View and purchase their "pawsome" portraits here in the shop!

Indy ~ http://etsy.me/1U6cXkF Cleo ~ http://etsy.me/1sGcyyY

Of course, IndyAndCleo is filled with many delightful and charming handmade creations, therefore—

❝ All kinds of cool stuff... ❞ 

I hope to make you smile! 

Sock monkey hugs,

~ Mishele

Artist Profile: cserpentDesigns

Happy December everyone!

I first got a glimpse of Susan's work over on our Facebook page and was hooked.  I had to learn more about this artist and these beautiful pieces.  If you're near  San Diego county you can check out her pieces in person at the Fallbrook Art Center right now! (more on that below)

Without anymore delay, let me introduce to you Susan of cserpentDesigns 

Describe your shop:
At cserpentDesigns you'll find one of a kind jewelry designs handmade by me, Susan Estrada. In my designs I use precious and semi-precious gemstones, precious metals, artisan glass beads and any other sparkly, beautiful thing that would look beautiful in a design. 

How would you describe your style?
Until I asked my hubby I would have said my style was all over the map. He said my style was circular and loopy :) As he noticed I tend to use or create circles, swirls, loops and round objects in my designs. I'm just not into hard, straight edges! I really love making designs that feel organic and earthy but I certainly don't limit myself to that.

When did you learn to do what you do?
I started designing jewelry in 2003 (I think). A fellow soccer teammate talked me into going to a wire wrapping class when we had a 4 hour break between games at a soccer tournament. I had a blast in the class so I took more classes at bead stores and at one of our local community colleges. I've also learned quite a few things by reading books and through online tutorials. I still continue to learn (silver casting is next on my list) so I can continue to improve and expand my design knowledge.

What are your favorite pieces to make?
Earrings are very satisfying to make because I can finish them quickly. But from a design perspective my 2 favorites are wire wrap intensive bracelets with lots of dangles and metal forged designs of any kind. I love doing the wire wrap bracelets because I can combine so many different beads, colors and textures into a gorgeous and dangly design. I love metal work because I start with the basics of a piece of wire or sheet metal and through hammering, melting and soldering I created something unique and beautiful.

What inspires you?
I get inspired all over the place - at the mall, walking through my neighborhood, shopping in a store. I tend to get color ideas from the outside world and then I pull out beads and stones in those colors and let the beads inspire me. I am often amazed when the beads themselves talk to me! I really do get some design ideas from the beads themselves. Sometimes it can take them years to talk to me, but when they do the design is just perfect!

Where would you like your shop to be 5 years from now?
My next great adventure is selling through my own website. My Etsy (cserpent.etsy.com) and ArtFire (cserpent.artfire.com) shops work for me now - but I would love to be able to promote my own website at some point in the future. 

What does your work space look like?
I swings between a mess and a totally cleaned up space. When I'm in the throes of design I have wire, sheet metal, bead boxes and tools scattered all over my desk, the floor and any other nearby flat surface. Once I finish up one or several designs I can't stand the mess and have to put everything away so I can start new designs with a clean slate. 

What is your favorite thing to have for breakfast?

I rarely have this but I do splurge once in a while and have a cinnamon or chocolate roll with coffee. On a daily basis I really do enjoy my bran flakes sprinkled with raisins and strawberries (when they're in season) - and, of course, coffee!

How do you spend your time when you're not creating?
I am a software designer in the integrated circuit design industry where we design those microprocessors in your cell phones, DVRs and many other places. I also play soccer, hang with my hubby and dogs and play in my garden (though I do that less as I've started designing more jewelry).


Where else can we find your work (online an in person)? 
You can connect to all my sales sites from my website (www.cserpentDesigns.com). On my website I have links to my Etsy (cserpent.etsy.com) and ArtFire (cserpent.artfire.com) shops. I also have links to the jewelry for sale at Gili Anna's in La Jolla, California and at the Bead and Glass Boutique in Pitman, New Jersey

Are you doing any craft fairs this year?
I did several this year and right now I have designs available at the Fallbrook Art Center Art of the Holiday (www.fallbrookartcenter.org) show. I update my website (www.cserpentDesigns.com) regularly with information about new designs and upcoming events.

Where can we learn more about you? 
My website (www.cserpentDesigns.com) has links and information to every place I'm available online. You can also read my blog (cserpentDesigns.blogspot.com) to see what's going on in my jewelry life and personal life. I'll be updating it almost daily when I'm shopping for new gemstones and meeting new (and old) friends at the Tucson Gem Show in February!


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So that, ladies and Gentlemen, is the wonderful Susan. Make sure to visit her shop, tell your friends and your neighbors too. I might just have to gift myself a new pair of earrings this year.

September Finds

In my monthly quest to highlight CCCOE shops that you might not have noticed, I stumbled across some interesting jewelry finds.  

Bobbie pins in orange? Oooh...

Hot like Fire Bobbies by Ronies

And this is very hippie/bohemian.

2 in 1 Head Chain by Brielle Belle

What a great pale bracelet. I'm sure this would go with just about everything in your wardrobe.

4 Wrap Moonstone Bracelet by Plumdragon Products

I've seen the feather earrings, so why not a feathered anklet?

Bohemian Style Anklet by Lost Coast Arts

And these long, slender earrings are such a lovely shade of pink.

Pink Chalcedony Rose Gold Earrings by jewelryNgemstones

The geek in me loves the octopus in space.

Space Octopus Necklace by Little Smarty Pantz

Since my medium is fiber, I am awed by those that make things from metal.

Turquoise Mixed Metal Necklace by Copper Tree Art

Make sure to check out these shops. The links in the captions take you to the shops while the pics will link you directly to these items. Happy shopping.

This post was contributed by Liz from Zizi Rho Designs. Happy September. 

Peace

Lately, I have been experimenting with crocheting a peace sign. It hasn't gone terribly well. The patterns I found don't look quite right, and my tinkering hasn't yielded anything that looks like it should.

But my current obsession got me wondering. What have my fellow team members done with that stalwart of the '60s? It was a simple enough search.

First, I found a couple necklaces. Of course. The first is large and bold. The second small and subtle. For whatever your style happens to be.

I wish you Peace men's necklace by Vision Quest

Tiny Handmade Organic Peace Sign by Lulu La Rue

Then there was this ring. You can show your hippie pride right there on your sleeve, er, rather, hand.

Turquoise Peace Sign Ring by Priscilla's Jewelry

Another charm, but this one gives that flower child vibe.

Retro Soldiered Charm by My Charmed Treasures

And of course you need a messenger bag emblazoned with the peace sign to call out your peaceful leanings.

Peace is Beautiful Messenger Bag by art to wear diva

There were necklaces and a ring, so of course there should be bracelets as well.

Boho Chic Bangle by Lovepray

Aqua Peace Bracelet by lean dog pottery

Plus, I'm leaving out the earrings and some other cute finds. Be sure to type "Peace Sign" and "CCCOE Team" into the search box to see what I mean.  

I hope you're having a peaceful day.  

This post contributed by Liz of Zizi Rho Designs who was disappointed to not find any knit or crochet peace signs. All pictures link back to their page on Etsy. Be sure to check out these lovely shops.  

Don't Forget Mom: Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Mother's Day Gifts From California Crafters Etsy Club

Contributed by Melissa Kojima --- Artist in LA LA Land

Mom did so much for you, so show your love for her come May 13 th, 2012.  To get your started on ideas of what to get the woman you love the most, I've put together some handcrafted goodies from the talented California Crafters Club on Etsy.

Custom Keepsake Bracelet for Mom.

Handcrafted Mother's Day Necklace.

Vintage Photo of Mother & Child.

Stamped Mother's Day Spoon.

Funny Mother's Day Card.

Handcrafted Vintage Image Card.

Spring Trends for Handcrafted in California

Contributed by Melissa Kojima - Artist in LA LA Land

Green and butterflies and kids clothing are the spring trends for handcrafted in California.  Here's a few of the handcrafted offerings from our talented CCCOE members.

Leather Wristlet

Porcelain Mini Bowls

Chevron Necklace

Green Butterfly Ring

Green and Red Felt Butterfly Hair Clip

Green Kitchen Towel, Set of 2

Girls Peasant Blouse

Love Bliss Shirt, Long Sleeve

Girls Birthday Tutu

Don't these handcrafted items make you want to get up and enjoy SPRING!

Carnival & Mardi Gras Inspiring CCCOE Creations

Contributed by Melissa Kojima of Artist in LA LA Land Shop

February 17th - 21st is carnival and Mardi Gras, so I thought I'd showcase some of the fun items that CCCOE members have created that draw inspiration from this wild and fun time of the year.  There were many to chose from.  Of course, green, purple and yellow are the colors for this festivity so I found fun products in those colors.  Enjoy!

Carnival Gloves & Collar by ohmay

Night at the Fun Fair Photograph by sonja

Colorful circus cupcake flags by Shasta Creations

Mardi Gras Masks Photograph by Barbara Gordon

Mardi Gras Bustle by TiarasTutus

Green & Purple Chandelier Earrings by An Astrid Endeavor

Purple Superhero Mask by Ravenwood Masks

Pinwheel Cupcake Toppers by Earth Cookie Creations

Style Trend: The Birds!

One of the biggest (and most timely) trends for this spring is the bird motif. Birds are popping up on celebrities everywhere in fun, unexpected ways:

*Photos via Google Images*

Take a peek at these pretty bird themed pieces, all made by CCCOE members:

For more general bloggy girly-girl goodness, visit me at: PuppyLovePreschool "Land of Little, Lovely Delightfullish Things"